| Auckland Baptist Tramping Club |
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WAITAKERE WAMBLE Piha Valley Sat 20 Feb |
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A hot humid day with a good cloud cover until mid-afternoon was the setting for eighteen trampers in
a popular part of the Waitakere Ranges. We set off from the car park at the end of Glen Esk Road pain at about 9:30am along the Piha Valley Track. Most of us deviated up to the Piha Gorge entrance to see the difficulties associated with that route (ie. get very wet). After much perspiration ( the leader setting an early brisk pace) we had morning tea on the timbers of the Black Rock Dam. A brief spell on the Centennial Track and then up the steep start to Forbes Track. Some good views down the valley to the sea. A delightful lunch in the sun on the large grass clearing at McKenzie Junction. Refreshed, it was an easy stroll along the Maungaroa Ridge Track to the lookout. The direct track back to Glen Esk Road was closed because a bridge was missing, so we descended through the Nikau Grove walk to Garden Road. A quick walk past the lily ponds to the Piha Store for an icecream break while gallant Philip ran back to collect his car and then transport the other four drivers back to their cars. We all parked down on the lagoon - most climbed Lion Rock in bright sunshine for a magnificent view of the busy beach, followed by a cooling swim in the surf. A very pleasant finish to the day. |
