A quick call from Colin saw us heading through to Cromwell to meet the rest of the team as arranged at the Big Fruit in Cromwell.
Colin was going to head on through to pick up the key and meet us back there. It was a morning with dense low fog and turning from State Highway 6 to Cromwell was a little disconcerting as it was not possible to see if any traffic was coming. The situation was similar as we made our way to the BP Service Station.
By the time Colin had returned with the key Leroy and Sarah, Axle and Luce, and Nick had joined us and our convoy of 5 vehicles headed off confident the heavy fog would lift and we would be able to appreciate the fantastic views we have been told about.
Off the main road and through the locked gate we immediately started into a gentle climb that afforded us broken views through the mist but as this cleared we were not to be disappointed with what we saw. We had clear views along Lake Dunstan to Clyde and Alexandra. Viewing Cairnmuir Slip from up here puts a different perspective on it. The track is an easy gradual climb with a good surface and apart from the encroaching briars is an easy drive with few gates to open.
Lunch stop for us was at the telecom communications ‘rock’, aptly named Leaning Rock as it does lean. It was so mild as we spread out on the grass and drank in the views.
When we managed to drag ourselves away from here to continue on the rock formations stretched the imagination. We had clear views of Mt Aspiring and further along the track looked up the Clutha River towards Wanaka.
The track passed through Bendigo Conservation Area before dropping down on to Thompson’s Track. A quick stop at “Come In Time” Stamper Battery and then it was out to the main highway where trucks were ‘washed’ in the river. Debrief for us was at Northburn Station Winery as this also served for Colin to be able to drop off the key.
A great trip and although this is a trip that has been led several times this was the first time through here for us. It was a great day and the weather was very kind to us.
Thanks Colin for leading the trip.
Report by Noeline
click here for pics of the Leaning Rock trip.