Spring in the air and spring in our step

Holyoake’s Clearing Shelter – Saturday 25 September 2021

Saturday was as near to a purr-fect tramping day as it’s possible to get, or so I reckon. It was warm as opposed to hot and sheltered rather than blustery. Also there were beautiful views out to sea and eleven club members enjoying each other’s company. We’d have been happy to take visitors. None had phoned in on this occasion.

We met at Richmond Badminton Hall at 8am in order to facilitate the plan of driving the Marahau carpark then leaving there on foot by 9am. That achieved we headed along the Abel Tasman Coast Track the short distance to the left turn, up onto the Inland Track. While the track is continuously upward, no one appeared to find the gradient too onerous. The tree cover was sparse in places which enabled clear views back across the beautiful bay, towards Nelson. We arrived at Holyoake’s Shelter at 12.15pm. As it was fine and sunny, we all sat outside to eat. The return journey retraced our footsteps and had us arriving back at the cars at 4.30pm.

What surprised us today was how few cars there were in the Marahau carpark compared to previous non-Covid times. There were few trampers where we were. In fact we didn’t meet any other humans on the inland part of the track. To the joy and delight of those paying attention we met a plump wood pigeon, admired his or her fine plumage and distinguished manner then carried on with our journey.

The club members on this successful Holyoake’s Shelter trip were Alison (leader and scribe), Anne, Anthea, Brian, Helen, Julian, Justine, Kerry, Liz, Maria and Rob.