Trotters Gorge-Pigeon Bush

7.9.14

Twelve of us met up at the car park on a fine spring morning all looking for a good day out. We were meant to go to Meyer but with them lambing a bit early, I had to change my plans so it was off to one of my local favourite hiking spots. We all headed off down to the Trotters Gorge Reserve car park. It was on with our day packs and off up the track pass the Otago University hut and with several creek crossings we were able to keep our feet dry. We followed Trotters creek till we came to Vickers Hut where we stopped for a break before the climb up the hill. It was then off up the hill following a 4WD track up to the ridge at about 400m just below trig L. We then turned west and followed a track along the tops with great views of the coast and the surrounding hills. After about 2 km we went off track and sidled around a hill to take a short cut, but it might have ended up as the long way around but we were soon on the 4WD track again. The track then turned to the north and we went past the spot there we usually drop down to chinaman cave. We soon dropped down to a small creek with a sign saying Christmas creek (I think the farmer has named it) and this was where we had lunch. After lunch it was a short climb up and over a hill and then we dropped down into Pigeon Bush. As we came down into Pigeon Bush the birds gave us a big welcome with their song and the Kowhai trees were just starting to flower. We then followed Pigeon creek down through the bush on a good track for a start, but as we got down to the creek further on the track came to an end and we had to find our way through the bush in a bit of a gorge for about a 1 km. We finally came across some animal tracks which were a bit muddy in places, but soon we were out in the open again. It was then down a track and soon we met up with Trotters creek again and back down pass the University hut to the cars. The whole trip took about 7 hours and with the weather being great all day and the great company it was a very enjoyable trip. There is so much hiking to do in this area.
Thanks to Noel, Dave, Bev, Linda, Jo, Maurice, Phyllis, Theresia, Marcel, John and Jane for a very enjoyable day. – Neville

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