Trip Report - Combined Clubs Weekend - 23rd - 24th March - Alexandra
Day 1
On saturday 23rd March at 8.30am approximately 44 vehicles met at the Roaring Meg power station in the Kawerau Gorge. The group travelled up the valley opposite the water pipe supplying water to the power station on a track with a good gravel surface. Approximately 3/4 of the way up the hill we turned right onto a rough track and proceeded north along the north west ridge of the Pisa Range.
Our lunch stop was at newly built by the land owner in the valley to the west of Mt Dottrel.
After lunch we kept following the track along the top of the range where we had some great views over the Tarras valley. Upon reaching the Waiorau Snow Farm buildings it was time for another short break. The group then travelled down the Snow Farm access road, zigzaging to the Cadrona Valley road.
The descent was a slow process due to the thick dust impeading safe visibility. At times several vehicles stopped due to the lack of visibility.
The trip for the day concluded at the Cadrona Valley Road. It was a very good trip but not very challenging.
Day 2
On sunday morning 24th of March approximately 55 trucks congregated in the car park at the large fruit sign in Cromwell. Around 9.30am the group then travelled to Bannockburn, crossing the bridge and turning hard left to travel towards Cornish Point. After turning right to head up the hill to the Cairnmuir Mountains our first stop was at the top of the big slip overlooking the Cromwell gorge.
We were given a very informative talk by the trip leaders father about the slip area and how it was dewatered and now continuously monitored for movement by a laser based system. We were informed the Clyde dam has been designed to last 800 years and that the concrete is still curing since it was first constructed. The cost over runs on the dam stopped other dams on the Clutha River from being built. The hill where the slip is located and surrounding hills will be monitored for the life of the dam.
After the talk concluded we left the slip site and travelled back towards the road heading towards the pylon track which links Bannockburn and Clyde. Navigating the tight turns, gates, steep ascents and descents proved to be difficult for some drivers which meant delays of up to 30 minutes. Thick dust again made visibility difficult and challenging for the drivers especially in the gullies with very steep drop offs. A truck full of dust was another downside to having a vehicle window down, the upside was the smell of the thyme that permeated the air with the warm temperatures.
Many thanks to the Central Otago Four Wheel Drive club for organising a great weekend and a very enjoyable social meal on the Saturday evening.
Glenn MacGregor - Monstalux
| 
