A weather “bomb” had threatened the weekend, but this bypassed Auckland and wreaked its havoc further south, leaving us with lovely late summer sunshine instead. 39 people came along to explore the Meadowbank area including the new track around Orakei Basin and Purewa Cemetery. We met at Paul and Ruth’s in Gerard Way, and set out along Remuera Rd and down Waiatarua Rd to cross a footbridge over the upper arm of Orakei Basin. From there we went around to the end of Meadowbank Rd, and dropped down to go along a new boardwalk and bridge connecting with the track going around the main part of the basin. We carried on past the water ski club and around the foreshore. A continual “high tide” in the basin is maintained using floodgates for water skiers to be able to practise and enjoy their sport. The track continued as a long boardwalk alongside the railway line, and a passenger train passed us on our way. A walk through open fields past the Meadowbank railway station brought up to Purewa Cemetery, which we walked through to come back onto St Johns Rd.

We returned to the start point at 4:30pm, and Paul and Ruth hosted afternoon tea for those who wished to stay. DISTANCE:  8.45km MAXIMUM SPEED:  7.6 km/h AVERAGE SPEED:  4.6km/h