Trip Reports

Herbert Forest Bike Ride: Tracks were muddy in the forest, so another route was undertaken. Twelve people enjoyed the day but finished in the rain.

Benmore Easement Track: Seven people went on this walk. Start at D O C site then cross a creek and follow the orange markers up hill. Not enough time to reach the cairn at the top but great views of the lakes and surrounds.

Herbert Forest Working Bee: Lots of track clearing and step building achieved.

Kahikatea Lodge: Seven people braved the cold, A steep downhill start then on up to the hut which sleeps 6 and has an exceptional toilet door.

Otamatapaio Hut: Cancelled due to flooding.

 

Up and Coming Trips

Wainakarua to Kakanui: Walk along the coast.

Mt Sommers Weekend: Staying in huts. Date to be decided.

Mt Milne in the Kirkliston’s: Enjoy the views

Labour Wknd Bike Ride: Bike around the local area

 

Our speakers tonight were Julian and Lynette Hardy talking about their trip to Turkey, Croatia, Netherlands and the U.K.

The first part of their trip was from Istanbul where they joined a tour group. Visits were made to the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and other sites in Istanbul. The group also visited Gallipoli, Lone Pine, Canakkale, Troy, and Selsurk where they watched traditional carpet dyeing and weaving. They then visited many historical sites and also the springs at Pamuk Kale. They are beautiful blue pools formed in the white calcium carbonate landscape and are thought to be therapeutic.

There was a coastal walk called the Lycian Way that they enjoyed walking part of. Other places the couple visited were Kekova, a sunken city, Kanya where the whirling Dervishes originated, Cappadocia where they stayed in one of the caves and Eskisehir the “Venice of Turkey” then back to Istanbul.

A flight to Croatia was next where they boarded a cruise ship for 8 days. It stopped at many sites including the Blue Caves along the coast. They enjoyed the city of Split and the beautiful scenery. Next came Amsterdam and a cycle tour of the city. They visited many sites including the Red-Light district and Anne Frank’s house. Their son met them in Amsterdam, and they all travelled via the Euro Star train back to London. In the U K. they saw Windsor Castle, the Meridian line at Greenwich, the Regency canal and did a walk along the Dover coast to finish off their adventure.

Meeting closed at 8.45 pm followed by a cup of tea