Trip report by Sharon Osman
Trip dated: Friday 3 Sunday 5 December1999
Wow, What
an amazing weekend!
On Saturday morning we ascended the valley from the site of Wairongomai
township that early this century had boasted a population of approx. 2000. We
had a leisurely morning following the Piako county tramline and examining abandoned
mining equipment, marveling how miners managed to get the heavy equipment to
the sites.
Late morning and it was time for some exertion! We had reached the foot of Butlers
incline! The 400m 25° incline looked very daunting. It was a matter of head
down, and slowly inching your way up without losing your balance! I am positive
it was at least a 45° angle because, it was steep!! A few minutes of wonderful
flat ground and we reached the gentle sounding May queen incline. Although shorter,
the May queen was no less demanding and lunch at the top was a welcome respite.
We camped just past Hardies Hovel in a clearing, the domain of one very hungry
and determined opossum. He appeared in the afternoon, wandering around our campsite
hunting for food retreating only as Jeff advanced menacingly. He returned as
soon as we were tucked up in bed crashing around the billies and eating all
he could find - he enjoys green peas!
Sunday morning saw us heading down the pack track, a very scenic track with
many mine shafts, waterfalls, and brilliant views out over the Waikato plains,
arriving back at the bus by mid morning. A trip I highly recommend. Special
thanks to Trevor Burgess for introducing the club to this area.
Sharon Osman