#73 of 100 trips for 100 years - Grahams Bush 23 July 2023

 

It had to happen - the weather gods have been so good to us with the #100 trips and waking up to rain had to happen.  There has been the odd trip with some rain threatening but nothing like the rain forecast for today's trip  - the only surprise was that it had taken to trip #73 for it to happen.  Originally trip #73 was going to Maungatua but with a 600m climb into the open tops on a day with rain overnight and steady rain in the morning, increasing to heavy in the afternoon meant today was not the day for Maungatua so onto Plan B.   Grahams Bush from Sawyers Bay is always a good backup plan on a wet day as it is sheltered and in the bush all the way.  Starting at the end of Hall Road in Sawyers Bay, the Grahams Bush track follows a paper road until the reserve.

Once off the paper road and onto the track, it is a steady climb along a well benched track.  There are a few muddy patches but nothing that couldn't be avoided.  The track initially climbs gently through native bush with the large gnarly, papery bark of the fushia tree often overhanging the track.  Once past the first crossing of Thompson's Creek which, despite the persistent rain, is an easy step across, the track gradient starts to increase.  We stopped at the large Rimu that guards the trail long enough to marvel at it's size and give it a hug before continuing on.  After the second creek crossing the track turns sharply to the right.  It was here that we stopped for a quick snack and drink break before tackling the increasing slope for the final push to climb 160m to Mt Cargill Road. 

Unsurprisingly we emerged onto the road from the bush into the mist and made the decision that there was no point in going any higher.  Thankfully it was only misty and the rain had so far stayed away.  We stopped for a brief rest before turning our thoughts to descending back the way we had come.  As often happens, the return journey down the track seemed to go quickly.  There are a number of large punga along the track with their large fronds protecting the track from the worst of the weather and we had the compulsory 'hug' a Rimu stop before reaching Hall Road in Sawyers Bay again.  The weather hadn't improved at all during our walk but at least it hadn't gotten any worse (which it did later in the afternoon).  A good walk 2.5 hour walk over 8.2km and gaining 300m in height.