It was pleasant walking conditions with overcast weather threatening a couple of showers. We parked at Tulsa Park and made our way along California Drive, through the reserve and onto the cycle path leading to Bridge St. From here we joined onto the newly re-opened track to Birchville Dam. The track had been closed while the Regional Council completed a new set of steps up beside the dam to the viewing platform. The dam itself was full and looked lovely. We opted for our group photo here.

From this point it was a bit of an uphill slog to the forestry road which although still climbs, it is a lot more gradual. Once up at the trig, it was lovely to see some vegetation had been trimmed back and we had a far better view of the Hutt River winding its way down to Petone. After a brief rest, we went down the track that goes beside the forestry road and comes out onto 3 Skulls Road. This track is a very pleasant mix of bush and trees. From there it was an almost flat walk back to the newly opened track leading down to Tulsa Park. In fact, it was so new, we were talking to a ranger working on it. I was very impressed with the new steps that had replaced the old stile.

From here most of us went on to Mitre 10 for a coffee and some lunch.

Lead Judith O’Leary

Walkers – Mark, Helen, Christine, Suzanne, Brenda, and Sharon