Mt Nimrod
13th January 2019
Leaving Oamaru early meant that we were on the track by 7.45am. Five of us met Lily and Dion at the Nimrod Reserve Campsite as they had opted to camp there Saturday night. Lily is completing the Silver Duke of Ed Award. The forecast for the day was for wind and rain later in the afternoon so we were well equipped. The track up through the bush was muddy after recent rain. Once through the bush and at the grassy clearing on top, we turned right onto the poled route which quickly led us up to the gate and then onto the Easement Track. The estimated time from the campsite to the end of the Easement Track was 3 hours and we reached the Conservation Area in 2.5 hours so we were making good time. We were still following a 4WD track on the conservation land and at one point, we got a glimpse of Aoraki. The 4WD track continued to sweep around to the north west. We had been on the go for about 5 hours and three of the party had opted to turn back to the Nimrod Reserve. We still had really good weather, no low cloud, very little wind and no sign of rain at this stage. Flynn, Dean, Maurice and I continued up the track in the west direction, which took us around the back and up to the top of Mt Nimrod. Maurice got there at 12.45, while we trailed soon after. There were great views from the top, Timaru Port, Mt Studholme to name a few. On the way back down, there was plenty of chatter, plus the masses of flowering Celmisia seemed to be highlighted. The rain started at 3.30 and we got back to the vehicle at 5pm. A great day out with a new member, Kirsty.
Thanks for your company. Lily and Dion, Flynn, Dean, Kirsty, Maurice and Bess.
