TRIP REPORTS: FEBRUARY 2021
7 February 2021 - Chelsea Estate Heritage Park & Kauri Point Centennial Park
Our first walk of the year and 29 eager people boarded the bus. We stopped at Colonial Road, and all headed down the Chelsea Estate Heritage path, passed the historic workers’ cottages to the ship’s grab sculpture. A lovely open area offering city and harbour views - great photo opportunities.
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The A group re-boarded the bus and travelled to the track opposite Bragato Place, in Kauri Point Centennial Park, that would take them down to Kendall Bay.
Down, down, down – many steps!
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There were several sets of steps to climb out of the bay but after that the gradient was more gentle. The vegetation we saw was typical of early regenerating native bush, successfully grown beneath a crop of pine and kanuka. The cliff walk back to Chelsea provided many glimpses of the harbour. We stopped on several occasions to admire the views because, whilst walking, our full attention needed to be on our feet as there were many, many tree roots across the track. |
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We exited the track onto the private road leading to the manager’s house. This road has many stands of large mature trees, and, surprise, surprise, we met the B group admiring a Morton Bay fig with huge sculptural buttress roots!
The B group had already walked to Chelsea Bay and undertaken a native bush walk along the northern side of Duck Creek. Cicada song accompanied them everywhere.
The B group had already walked to Chelsea Bay and undertaken a native bush walk along the northern side of Duck Creek. Cicada song accompanied them everywhere.
The A group didn’t have time for both of these additional walks, so opted to head to Chelsea Bay and as we crossed over to the track along one of the four ponds within Duck Creek, we found a good example of our “plant of the day” mingimingi. Walking along the edge of the pond, we also observed the barley mats and aerators that had been installed to assist with aeration and algae control. Shags are another common sight on the edges of the ponds.
Both groups rounded off the day by meeting up at the refinery grounds for lunch (Chelsea's pink beanbags proving very popular!).
A visit to Chelsea Bay café for drinks or sweet treats, and the opportunity to visit the interactive centre were both options.
For many this was their first Chelsea visit, some keen to return and
do the guided train refinery tours.
This was a great way to start our “walking” year.
A visit to Chelsea Bay café for drinks or sweet treats, and the opportunity to visit the interactive centre were both options.
For many this was their first Chelsea visit, some keen to return and
do the guided train refinery tours.
This was a great way to start our “walking” year.
Many thanks to Jan, Cheryl and Linda, today's leaders.
Text: Linda
Photos: Linda and Sue
Text: Linda
Photos: Linda and Sue