First up a nice flat walk up Lake Wainamu track that was partly in the lower reaches of the Waiti stream that borders the massive sand dunes west of Wainamu Lake. A rather stunning area as most would know with these dunes being the best part of a kilometre in from the beach and coastline.
Lake Wainamu was formed during the last 6500 years when the Wainamu Stream Valley was dammed by huge dunes of ironsand that was slowly blown inland by the prevailing winds. The existing dunes are still moving slowly into
the lake but dune stabilisation programmes along the coast have largely stopped the supply of more sand.
A lone port-a-loo along the way provided and excellent photo opportunity with us all lining up to 'take our turn' At the easternmost side of the lake the fun began as we edged our way along an unofficial track of sorts at the start of the Wainamu Stream bash.A short way along this 'track' it was a case of now you see him now you don't as the leader found the ledge giving way beneath him as he relived his youthfull skydiving days by freefalling about 5 metres over rock and mud. Apart from a knock to his pride as the rather bedraggled figure clambered back up this fall resulted in ripped shorts, liberal cuts and bruises and a rather sore backside ! At this point in time the group split into two with the faster lot forging ahead under Helen Orchard’s leadership and the slower remaining with thebattered 'Bumper'.
A lot of criss-crossing the stream followed as we negotiated our way upstream. Some time later both groups temporarily merged again as we took a not so obvious 'track' past the waterfall. We split again as we were now not too far from where the stream intersects the Wainamu Bush track. Lunch for the slower group was a short stand-up affair as we ate in the rain prior to climbing up the track to eventually intersect with Smythe Ridge and Houghton tracks. Nearly all downhill on Houghton track but very wet and slippery necessitating a steady as you go approach.
During the last couple of years the former ARC has created a rather nice track along the southern side of the lake. This used to be private land, covered in gorse in parts and a highly unauthorised way back. Now there is a couple of sturdy bridges, steps and a well formed track that provides a nice alternative way back to the road.
Over the sandhills for the last leg of the journey A rather wet and windy quick change at the bus before heading home in failing light.
An adventure not without its casualties as, apart from the leader, Pam Burdett took a bit of a knock on her shoulder after a rather slippery fall. I know some during the stream section thought, what the hell have I let myself in for today, but we all got there and agreed it was an interesting tramp with a difference that may perhaps need to be done next time in more
conducive weather conditions.