CLUB REPORTS
Wednesday Walkers
Last week, we paid one of our regular visits to the Taupō Botanical Gardens (Waipahihi Botanical Reserve).
This was perfect for a bright sunny morning, as we were for the most part under shade- and what shade! These gardens are always amazing, no matter what time of year they are visited.
There are many people who live in Taupō and have never paid them a visit, this is a shame as they are missing out on a wonderful experience.
Perhaps the greatest delight is the way the sun filters through to highlight certain branches and fronds.
We moved through the gardens for nearly two hours and never went down the same track twice, a testament to the scale of what has been achieved.
It is on a hillside and therefore does provide a reasonable workout as well as aesthetic delights.
One area that is always stunning is on the left near the entrance where the ground is taken up by native trees and ferns.
The atmosphere is almost primaeval and just magic. Sixty years ago, all this was just another field, like the ones all around the town; what a legacy the volunteers who created this reserve have left us.
It is not only a present wonder but also a vision of the way much of New Zealand looked a thousand years ago.
A brilliant walk on a brilliant day. Wednesday Walker Contacts: ph 073773065; email wednesdaywalkers@myyahoo.com.
Monday Walkers
We had hoped to begin this report with “Well, we finally made it,” or something pithy like Sir Edmund Hillary’s “We knocked the b… off,”, but alas it was not to be.
The forecast light, late afternoon showers made a premature appearance and meant hasty adjustments and the addition of waterproof clothing before we set off.
The entrance to the track we planned to take is well hidden and screened by bush.
The track is almost immediately and steadily up. Along the route, we were scolded by kā kā , screeched at by koekoeā and swooped over by kererū . Perched above the bush line on the first rocky outcrop, there were views across Lake Taupō and Tū rangi township. Unfortunately, there were also views of a cloud-veiled summit. We had planned to continue through the head-high scrub to a further outcrop with wonderful views of Lake Rotopounamu and the mountains of Tongariro National Park and follow an alternate route down Mount Tihia. Reluctantly the group decided to leave summiting for a clear day and descend on our original route. Mt Tihia has become a nemesis to our group, as previous plans to climb to the summit have been thwarted by circumstance and weather but rest assured, we will be back!
A careful watch must be kept for track markers as again windfall hides some of the defined route. Next week, we have an entre´ e of a gentle walk around a lake before a dessert of another, but less taxing climb. If you would like to join us on a Monday, or for more information, please email walkersmondaytaupo@gmail.com.
Taupō Tuesday Ladies’ Golf
February 13 was sunny with a slight breeze. The conditions were perfect for the 32 ladies who turned out to compete for the first nett round and player of the month, and the results were impressive. The winner and player of the month was Judy Daniell with a nett 65, followed closely by Lynne Bowden and Sharon Wiggins, both on nett 67.
Michelle Wedekind achieved a nett 68. Suzi Blank, Marie Clayton, Anna Brabyn, and Carol Taylor all finished on nett 69 and Liz Campbell scored 70.
Tū rangi Golf
It was a lovely morning for a par round on February 13.
Cathie Braun led the field on +4 followed by Robyn Chamberlain on +3, and Alistair Baldwin had a +3 on a countback from Ian Millward. Kevin Giles had +1 on a countback from Lance Patterson, and Gail Rihia was all square on a countback from Richard Vlaar. A pairs combined nett will be the competition for February 27.
Taupō Golf Vet Women
20 women played in the Stableford competition on the Tauhara course on February 15.
The weather was great, but it might have been too hot for some as not so many were out there on the day. Again, there were some really good scores.
In first place with 42 was Carolyn Taylor, and in second with 39 was Carmel Hopkins on countback from Gail Searl in third.
In fourth place with 38 was Beryl Hopkins on countback from Viv Nyssen in fifth.
The nearest the pin silver winner on hole 6 was Carmel Hopkins, again, she won the Liquorland voucher this week.
The bronze one winner on hole 16 was Michele Wedekind for the Baku/Vine voucher.
Colleen Wade sunk the longest putt on the 18 for the Tremains Real Estate voucher.
Thank you to all our sponsors for their generous support.
The raffle was won by Val Stone and Gail Searl.