Sunday 6th October 2024
Trampers: Viv, Ron, Brenda, Nathan, Josh, Jenny and Christine
On a overcast day in Masterton 7 trampers pile into 2 cars with a promise of finer weather to look forward to in the Linton/Palmy area. Our hopes were slightly dashed when we hit a torrential rain at Mount Bruce but we pough on the promise of those blue skies and a wonderful river walk.
Entering Defence Force Area with sign reading; “Defence Area - No admission except on business” we park our cars at the end of Bells Road with the hope the cars don't get towed away for tank training or even worse artillery training.
As we started the track with a sign with history of the Linton camp, which wandered through on a lime track winding along views of farming land with sheep and lambs on one side and the army base with trucks, shelters and firing ranges on another side, strong breeze but fine weather.
Rising very slightly into an incline until we reach views of the city and the Turitea Pa. We weave around a few corners to reach this historical Pa which was occupied in the 1700s -1800s. On the site of the Pa is a viewing platform to see the almighty Manawatu River.
Carrying on down the track is a Eel pool where you can view and feed the eels which brings a lot of families and people out, this is where the track became busier, as they too enjoyed the blue skies and no wind it disappeared.
Once we reached the Victoria Esplanade Gardens, we explored the gardens while also trying to find the Cafe and toilet stop. Sunnies come out as the sun comes out in force as we slip on our coffees and cold drinks.
Afterwards we took a group photo on the big beautiful chairs (these chairs were all around the gardens). As photos were taken we felt a few drops of rain. We made a quick exit to a big tree for shelter to put our coats on just in case !
While walking back through the small bush reserve in the park, the rain was growing heavy then BOOM! back into a spring torrential rain again, now the mad dash was on for some suitable shelter. Once suitable shelter was secured near the riverwalk to house all, we looked around and there were just smiles, laughter had by all as we watched the rain come through and how soak we had become aware when least then 10 minutes ago we were basking in the sunshine with our drinks.
As we waited for the rain to hopefully pass which it did we gingerly started our travels back to our cars. As we walk across a beautiful bridge which looks like a fallen Karaka tree from the sky. We wound our way back through the Pa, farmland and back to the Linton Army base we dry off in the basking sunshine and too our relief after our 14 km walk to find our cars in 1 piece.
Phew!!
