Upper Kakanui River – Jan 2012
However, after brief 5am rain, the blue started to appear from the west. That was enough for six of us to pack our bags, though not all had seen the unexpected white layer on the Kakanuis.
Before boots were donned at the car parking spot right above the river, the cameras were clicking and the adrenilan rising, as the views down into the gorge and surrounds were nothing but spectacular.
After a very steep 20min descent to the river down a “strictly” quad-bike track, we were quickly acclimatised to the cooler day with the first of many river crossings. In spite of an earlier recce, there remained the challenge of picking the easiest side of the river for travel and the appropriate place to cross as the nature of this gorge demands it.
This was not a trip where getting from point A to point B was relevant. Rather, take your time and enjoy the amazing surroundings, and that we did. The cameras just kept on clicking, in what I was told was perfect light. The river right through this area is frequently confined to narrow channels of highly polished solid rock, the grain and contours of which is stunning. The depth of water at these places was also mind boggling, remembering that this is after all, the higher reaches of the Kakanui
river.
It was warm and sunny in the gorge, but about midday the clouds built and the cold wind found it’s way right down to where we were.
On the recce, a few days before, there was a heavily populated sea-gull colony about two km up river from our start point. However, on this occasion, although there were a few seagulls in the air,
the entire colony was vacated. I wonder why. Had our presence in this amazingly secluded spot just five days before been too much for them, or is it simply the end of their breeding season.
What with watery sun and cool wind, the dreams of having a swim before tackling the steep climb back to the vehicles shivered out of our minds. Our timing (by chance) was perfect, as rain was clearly imminent as we arrived back at our vehicles.
This was a first time trip for the club and one to be treasured in future, always in the summer and requiring fine weather.
Enjoyed by Jane Green, Jackie Gumb, Noel Pullan, John Hore, Mark Smillie, and Bill Bews.
Thanks must go to Paul Ruddenklau for allowing access to this beautiful part of North Otago .
Kakanui River Gorge January 2012
