2012-01-22 Waitakeres

Already we are off and covering our first kilometres in this New year, only 4 participants walked from the car park at Christian Road , Swanson up the very steep and muddy Filter Track crossing over Scenic Drive to the Waitakere Dam Track.We have been in this area several times in the past year but each trip has been different and the closure of the Tramline Track (because there is risk of the cliff by the dam slipping ), made us change our original planned route and we took the Fenceline track down to Auckland City track to complete a circuit. Unfortunately the overcast weather turned to rain and although this part of Fenceline is now largely wooden steps it was still muddy and slippery. Where we met with the Auckland track a new seat has been installed in front of a cleared area which gives a wonderful view of a large Kauri only about 10 metres away.We paused to admire this before turning right to follow the Anderson Track. I had been part way up this track on a previous trip so knew what was ahead, a crossing over the Waitakere River where we stopped for our lunch and then a steep climb up wooden steps and yet more steps until the track branches and either route takes you to Scenic Drive again. Our intended track entry point to return to the car eluded us and Peripatus Track did not appeal so we walked up the road in somewhat heavy rain and retraced our steps down Filter Track, even this route was hazardous going downhill and we were relieved to get back without mishap. Thanks Steve for stepping in to lead the trip (volunteer was it?) Writer Judith.

Photos...
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