CLUB REPORTS
Monday Walkers
There is nothing quite like a bracing Taupō morning to raise spirits and heighten the senses — and that is what the Monday Walkers experienced.
The wind stayed away, and puffs of steam rose unhurriedly upwards as they walked past the hotwater stream and along the Great Lake Pathway, aka the “Lion’s Walk”.
Blue skies contrasted with the mountain peaks, iced white with snow, and skirted by low-lying cloud. Water birds showed their anticipation and appreciation of a sunny day by jostling for prime position on branches overhanging the water.
The walking group were not the only people out to enjoy exercise and the view — cyclists, pram pushers, runners, and amblers along with their canine companions all goodhumouredly shared the pathway. Information about the significance and history of some of the bays is recorded on lakeside plaques.
This track is an easy, wide, safe walk with opportunities to sit in quiet bays, watch the boats and can be accessed and departed at many points. The boardwalks are a near-new, attractive renovation. Members dwindled as our walk lengthened, but some energised walkers continued from the intended turning point at Five Mile Bay, only retracing their steps after reaching the very end of the concreted track.
By the time they returned they had walked more than 14km, a cold breeze was rippling the water and lunch was calling.
● If you like the sound of Monday Walkers, email walkersmondaytaupo@gmail.com or check them out on Facebook.
Wednesday Walkers
Wednesday Walkers have experienced all weather over the past few weeks — but battled on regardless. On August 18 it was a good old-fashioned rainy day, but around the start time of 1pm there was only a light, misty downpour so those who had dared to turn up set off. A cunning plan ensured if the rain picked up, the group could always find shelter in the town centre.
The group headed along by the marina and then the lakefront. There were bright yellow rivulets all over the ground, pollen blown in from the forests surrounding Taupō . On dry days it is a fine powder that coats every exposed surface, but when it rains the pollen gathers beside any obstruction to the flow of the rain water. Turning up Rifle Range Rd put the group into the wind and battling their umbrellas with mixed results.
At this point it was decided to shorten the proposed route and instead cut down Duncan and then Scannel Sts. Crossing Tongariro North Domain there were still traces of where the skating rink had been only a few weeks ago.
Last Wednesday the group took in just about the best circular stroll in Taupō , beginning from the Hub on Wairakei Drive, going over the SH1 bridge over the Waikato and following eastern riverbank and back over the Huka Falls Bridge. The recent rain, combined with the snow melt on Mount Ruapehu, have all combined to raise the lake and river level and provide the hydro power system with plenty of energy at a time when it is needed most. The walkers felt it was wonderful to look down at the river at the two crossings. From the SH1 bridge the deep water was so clear that the river bed was laid out with every nook and cranny open to view.
At the Huka Falls crossing it was exciting for the group for the raging flow to be so close to the underside of the bridge.
The highway bridge looked as though it could do with a clean-up and a coat of paint, although one of the group assured walkers it is lichen, rather than rust, which is discolouring the metalwork. The paths through the bush were not too muddy and there were no steep climbs when taken clockwise from the top, so a wonderful walk for the group.
● To find out more about the group phone 377 3065.