Off the beaten track.

This morning we said farewell to our camping neighbours as they broke camp to head home to Wanganui. They were a well organised group and had everything packed away with military precision. Unlike us they are still part of the country’s work force and were due back at work tomorrow. Until we meet again dear friend's.

Other than a walk into town for a spot of shopping it was a pretty quiet morning. After lunch Robin suggested a trip up Mount Dick which he had learnt about. As Pamela wasn’t feeling up to it all 5 of us piled into Robin’s 4X4 and set off. It transpired that Pamela remaining behind was a wise decision as the tail end of the trip up the mountain was on a pretty rugged dirt road which was quite bumpy and wouldn’t have been very good for her neck.

When early settlers discovered the Wairarapa this would have all been covered in bush.The gang at the Mt Dick lookout shelter, from the left Robin, Don, Derek, Dot and Jenny.Compass guide of the view from Mt Dick.

Once at the top the view was spectacular from Featherston 17km to the South to Masterton 18km to the North.To the East of Featherston was Lake Wairarapa 28km away. We were apparently on Sayers Trig 580m above sea level. 14km behind us was Mt Holdsworth at 1470m. The journey had certainly been worthwhile. There had been a sign with a map and information about the area but some moron had used it for target practice with a rifle and a shot gun and blown it to pieces.

Manuka bush where the very expensive Manuka Honey is derived.Foxgloves on Mt Dick. Hello down here.