Walks and parties

We have been busy over the last couple of weeks. First up there was a walk along a newly upgraded portion of the Johnsonville branch line. The track had been closed for a few weeks while they lowered the track in the tunnels and extended some platforms and crossing loops in preparation for the arrival of new trains. Prior to reopening the line people were given the rare opportunity to walk part of the line, including two tunnels.

Sam celebrated his 22nd birthday before heading back to Auckland
and our friend Jillybones from Brighton in England visited us.

Wainuiomata is a settlement over the hills from the Hutt Valley nestling between the Rimutaka and Orongorongo ranges. One of Wellington’s main water catchments is on the eastern side and there are some good walks in the area.

We did the Gums Loop and Tana Umaga tracks. (Tana is a local boy and famous rugby player and former All Black captain).
The water treatment facility and main catchment is off limits to casual walkers but we got a distant view of it.

This is the group that did the walk – thanks to Leon for the jiggery-pokery involved in merging two shots. Can you spot the join?