Sullivans Dam, Dunedin
16th September 2018
With temperatures expected to be in the 20’s, five people set off from Oamaru at 8am destined for a tramp up to Mount Cargill, north of Dunedin.
Jane joined us at Kakanui and Marian and Robbie at Herbert while Helen and Rodney met the group at the entrance to Sullivans Dam just off the Dunedin Northern Motorway.
After walking part way around the dam we entered the Cloud Forest of the Leith Track and climbed lots of boardwalk and steps to eventually come out of the bush and into the open under several transmission lines.
Re-entering the bush again we followed the Escarpment Track which was a lot rougher with fallen trees to climb over, muddy patches and rocks and tree roots to negotiate.
A break on a rocky outcrop of Pigeon Hill for morning tea gave us good views north and back down over the motorway.
The terrain became easier after crossing Cowan Road and walking up the A H Reed Track to the tower on Mount Cargill, our goal for the day where we enjoyed a lunch break in a sunny sheltered spot overlooking Dunedin City and surrounds. It was here that one member discovered that he had smashed his lunch box after slipping on a rock on the Escarpment Track. (Very fortunate with the placement of lunch box in pack as could have easily been some broken bones instead).
An easy stroll down Cowan Road took us to the obscure entrance of the Three Peaks Track which we followed down through some young trees and onto a road. Meanwhile some of the newer members had been learning map reading so were able to test their skills when we arrived at a fork.
Once on the right track we ended up at the entrance to the Cloud Forest of the Leith Track which we descended to Sullivans Dam and continued the circuit around to where we had commenced our walk in the morning.
Yes the temperature did reach the 20’s.
Thanks to Jane, Shirley, Marian, Helen, Rodney, Neville, Robbie, Julian, and Maurice for their company.
Phyllis
