Washpen Falls 17th May
This was one of our most participated outings for some time it was from my point of view great to see so many interested in this one day outing with 14 keen trampers. So it was to be, we all meet up in Timaru at 8 am Sunday morning then headed out through Geraldine and on through the scenic route to Windwhistle on the north side of the Rakaia Gorge on a nice Autumn morning we were soon to turn off to Washpen Lodge where our eagerly awaited day tramp was to begin. The owner of the lodge gave us all a short briefing of the area we were about to enter, as this track was on private land with the track up keep solely resting on the land owner, the track ran through an ancient volcanic gorge with an abundant amount of native bird life in the midst. After leaving the forested area we come out onto open tussock grass land where there was an abundance of celmisias and Spaniards amongst the native grass coupled with great views over the Canterbury plains and back towards the Rakaia Gorge, lake Coleridge and the Alps beyond we then proceeded on and down to the highlight of the tramp the Washpen Falls then it was camera’s out with snaps a plenty then the decision was made to cut back onto the immediate tops for our lunch and more of the great scenery we had earlier, on completion of our well-deserved bite we again headed down the valley passed the falls and onto a lake and large shelter where functions are held. It was at this time that Christine and Judy decided to have a row around this tempting but small lake I think it was an endeavour to wind down after an excellent day on the hill. We were soon to head off out to the car park after a great day with good company and head off back to Timaru. Once again it was great to see so many interested in this tramp which I hope will rub off on more of our clubs upcoming events. A special thanks to Dave for his organising this club tramp.
Barry Robinson.