Our little lot did the roughish coastal track to Islington Bay, seeing orchids en route- thanks to Imogen for pointing them out. Then a quick look at my favourite bach at the entrance to the bay – sadly looking as if it won’t be one of the ones restored, falling apart – old bits and pieces lying around the site – a bed, an old stove and even pots and pans.
Then to the summit for lunch where Neil and his crew were waiting for us. En route up the scenic boardwalk we saw and heard saddlebacks- magic. Then down to McKenzies bay and back to Rangi wharf via the coastal road, a bit of a slog but with great views over the coastline, the other islands and to the city. It’s great to see how the clematis has re -established itself and the broadleaves are doing so well since the pest eradication.
A hard day’s tramping!!
Our lucky day! It was Heritage week and a former colleague of mine was serving Devonshire teas in one of the baches. Neil and his crew were spotted sitting out the back on chairs indulging themselves – and the rest followed!
A spectacular day out – great views, great company and superb arranging of the weather – not to mention the Devonshire teas!
Rangitoto island – special place and our club’s role in it
Devonshire tea in one of the old baches is a step back in time. They were built in the 1920’s and 30’s and the three settlements had community facilities at the time too – the old swimming pool, the paths, community hall and tennis courts. The hall and swimming pool were built by prisoners from Mt Eden and the locals. The Americans built not only Yankee wharf but also helped with the building of the gun posts around the islands.
The signage is most interesting especially that at the summit about the mines. Apparently in 1940 a German boat the Orion laid 228 mines in the Hauraki gulf and a few days later the SS Niagara was sunk there – none of the 340 passengers drowned
By the end of the war everyone had left the summit. One soldier George Sands, referred to as the “forgotten soldier”, a Boer war veteran and bach owner, was posted to guard army property and did so for a further 5 years.
And, have you spotted on the summit track the seat donated by our club to commemorate our 25th anniversary?