Trip Reports - Xmas run Macraes - Nenthorn - December 2021
CHRISTMAS TRIP 19th December 2021
We were so lucky with the weather, after a week of rain, several trucks left the South Hill Foodworld, at 9am sharp, following Jennifer to the Dunback Domain. Several others were camped there and most joined us on a run through Macraes, Nenthorn and onto Bucklands Crossing. 13 trucks in all. Meanwhile we left Chris and Les, Chris, Barbara and Noel and other helpers back at the Domain to prepare and serve a scrumptious Xmas lunch.
Step 1, turn left into Macraes Road then take next right! Whoops……no, that’s left, no exit to the right.
Step 2, going left, Jennifer was able to give a few snippets of information re the Old Stage Coach Inn, where the horses where changed over in the old goldmines days. No longer there but we could imagine.
Step 3, climb higher into sheep farming area, very green after so much rain. Obviously windy territory from the shape of the leaning trees, and on past Macraes Oceania Gold Mine.
Step 4, turn into Nenthorn Road, Russ giving a reminder of our turning rules of waiting, ensuring the person behind sees where to turn, until all trucks are on the correct road. Tail end Charlie, mGreg, did a great job of communicating with leader Russ throughout the trip.
Step 5, turn left into Ramrock Road and continue to the site of the former Nenthorn township. On the way Russ gave interesting snippets of why ‘Butter and Egg’ Road was named, what was originally at Nenthorn and what was there now. We had the opportunity of walking through swampy ground to see the only building left standing, albeit in a poor state.
Step 5, onto Taieri Peak Road, with views of Puketapu Hill in Palmerston, onto Stoneburn Road where some animal lovers helped a poor ewe that was captured by a fence and sent her on her way. I’m sure the Farmer would have appreciated their help. Thanks Graeme and Eric. It was then onto Bucklands Crossing. Was it morning tea or lunch at 11.30am?
Step 6, following the gravel Road to State Highway 1 just South of Waikouaiti, and by-passing Palmerston, through the back roads to the Domain.
Obviously it was morning tea at Bucklands Crossing because on arriving back at the Domain, an amazing buffet lunch was ready and waiting. Thank you again cooks and helpers.
Another great run through areas new to us with some amazing views.
Thank you Russ for organizing and to Greg for trailing behind in the dust.
Ron and Julie in the Prado.
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