The first day trips of the year have been well supported – 15 on Dora’s Takapuna to Long Bay trip and, on 15th January a huge 33 for Ian Bumper’s trip to Muriwai.

For the Muriwai trip we had it all – the gannet colony, the beach walk, an interesting walk through Houghtons bush and magnificent views from the Pulpit rock.

The Tararua trip was also successful and there will be more information on this in the March.

This was a great weekend trip in the Coromandel- it never disappoints and this trip was no exception. Our group was as follows: Helen (leader) Paul, Jane, Karen, Iti and me.

After coffee in Thames we set off up the Karaka track at the back of the township. It was an old pack track with some nice views over the area and some not so nice muddy bits where vehicles had been.

We reached the hut in drizzle – a great pity as it has some amazing views from its eyrie on top of a ridge. Ian sent a photo taken on his recent visit and this reinforced what we had in fact missed. Helen declared on seeing the photo that she is going back! “I want to sit on that lovely deck at the end of the day, sipping a vermouth!”   As one would, Helen- we will bring the Vermouth!. We did get a few breaks in the cloud and fleeting glimpses down to Whitianga, just enough to make us realise what we could have seen on a clear day.

The hut was fully booked – which means ten people had paid their $15 to DoC on line- and a few others had booked camping spots. Ian had told us it was a “like it or hate it hut” Helen and some others loved it and it certainly had views- however I am at a loss to understand why DoC commissioned an architect instead of using its own purpose made designs. This resulted in one or two odd things – like one central ladder  only going up to the five top bunks ……..However it was different and certainly on a good spot.

After a convivial evening – we rose early and went back down the lovely Wainora track which has some lovely trees, especially the large kauri – and, most especially the Cookson kauri which Helen said was like a cathedral in the bush – the best she had seen. It was a beauty. The views on the descent of Table Mountain and Kaitarakihi were superb.

Then it was a drive from the Kaueranga valley to Thames for coffee and the drive home. Thanks, Ian for organising this little gem of a trip.

Sunday 20 October 2011 brought beautiful sunny weather and this combined with a tramp to two quite different but not far apart areas resulted in a very good turnout of 27 trampers.

Our chariot driver for the day, one Campbell Elliot esq. arrived a little late for the scheduled 9.00am start, however,the Auckland Marathon/Half Marathon was also on that day and although these started in Devonport at 6.10am and 7.00am respectively there was still the resulting residue of slower runners and the traffic congestion to contend with.

Campbell confidently told me that he knew the way to our first destination, then in conjunction with his riding up front 'partner in crime' John Hoy, promptly proceeded to give us a very scenic round-a-bout route that eventually resulted in a summons for me to move up front and guide us to the correct starting point.

Matuku Reserve is a Royal Forest and Bird Society forest and wetland sanctuary,which at 120 hectares is the second largest one they own. The larger part of the reserve is native forest. The canopy is dense with species that provide flowers or fruit for the abundant tui and kereru. Believe it or not in all more than 250 species of native plants have been recorded in this forest.

First up a walk down Snows Lane from Jonkers Road to a viewing stand that overlooks a very picturesque view towards Bethells/Te Henga. Then downhill and off onto a side track that took us past a toppled tree house, across a small stream, up a ladder, then around to the junction with a short track stretching out into the swamplands. Most took the time to check this out and upon their return were prepped for the later chicken encounter with a taped rendition of Ray Stevens 'In the Mood' chicken song. Despite being advised that the words were very easy to learn most stood around looking a bit bemused by this irregular interruption to quality tramping time. However, I make no apologies for this as I have always thought that having a bit of fun along the way is an essential element of a successful tramp.

The route then went through more dense bush and up to the cliff face and under a small waterfall without getting wet. Climbing past this the track went up and around the top of the cliff and to another viewing stand that looked south eastward up the Waitakere Valley. Uphill then and along to the 'chicken' turnoff. Some of those who came last year wisely continued on to the designated lunch spot whilst the majority were subjected to another rendition of the 'In the Mood' chicken song as they viewed the size 30 plus hens ,These 'birds' must have heard us coming as they were crowing and clucking away as we walked up the access track.

A short corner cutting track took us through to a nice sunny grassy area with a king-sized  BBQ table for those that wanted to use this. A very nice comfortable mid tramp place to relax in while we had lunch. After lunch back up through the bush and retracing our steps to the top of Snows Lane and the club bus.

A short drive around the corner to the end of Horseman Road where the group then split into two with the 'Magnificent Seven' ably led by Roger fast disappearing on the longer of the two suggested routes in Goldie Bush. The remaining twenty then strolled in as far as the Mokoroa Stream, across the imposing new swing bridge and down to the edge of the stream were we spent 10 minutes or so enjoying the very pleasant surroundings.

Trish and Brian decided on going up the western side of the bridge through to Constable Road and back while the remaining eighteen retraced their steps to the end of Horseman Road.  The 'Magnificent Seven' surfaced soon after having been up the stream to check out the waterfall closely followed by Trish and Brian.

Campbell excelled himself on the return journey and had us safely back to The Strand via the direct route in no time at all. And look Campbell, another successful 'Bumper' tramp with no road bash !

When we most likely do this one again near the end of next year I expect everyone to be 'word perfect' with the 'Matuku theme chicken song”In the Mood' so we can have a rousing input from every tramper present.

Take notice. You have been warned! 

PS Re the marathon some couldn’t get to Takapuna at all due to road closures and diversions – and these closures going on much longer than advertised- Devonport was in virtual lock down. So,  Campbell did OK! Photo is from last year’s trip.

http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/what-we-do/reserves/matuku-reserve
Situated in the hills behind Bethell’s beach, this forest and wetland sanctuary is Forest & Bird’s second-largest reserve occupying a total of 120 hectares. The larger part of the reserve is native forest which is best described as coastally influenced lowland broadleaf forest, with emergent tanekaha and kauri on ridges. Dense with fruiting & flowering species such as puriri, karaka, nikau, rewarewa, kowhai, pigeonwood and mahoe, the forest is a good food source for the thriving tui & kereru populations. In all, over 250 plant species have been recorded in the forest, from perching lilies and orchids to a luxuriant carpet of ferns & sedges that covers the forest floor.

At the base of these slopes is the reserve’s 20 hectare wetland, part of the wider Te Henga Wetland, the largest relatively unmodified freshwater marshland in the Auckland region. An un-signposted 60 metre boardwalk allows informed members to experience the dense wetland vegetation and perhaps see some of its birdlife such as fernbird, pukeko, black swan, and mallard.

Having acquired the reserve in 1979, the Waitakere Branch is now beginning to see how well the forest is responding to several years of pest control, with a surge in the number of tomtits, fantails, tui and kereru. Most surprising however has been the boom in the insect population, with large invertebrates such as cave weta thriving in these parts. Indeed, in recent years several major entomological discoveries have been made in this reserve, making Matuku a rewarding scientific field for entomologists.

Only a select few enjoyed this lovely tramp- the others probably still recovering from a late night of watching rugby! It was also an earlier start than usual. There was the usual banter on the bus. It was noted that our intrepid leader, Osama Bin Elliot of the Chux headgear, had entered his emergency number in the book as 111……….. John was worried that, if we all sat on the same side of the bus we might become unbalanced, probably some of us already were.

Campbell organised perfect weather and a neat couple of trips for the day. Up the Vinings track to the Mangatangi trig – the perfect place for lunch. Then on to Mangatangi dam area through lovely bush, Helen pointed out that this was a place where kauri and beech grew together – as they did, magnificently.

Our longer group got out reasonably early so we carried on to the dam, and, as last time, were intrigued by the signs which caused some mirth and even funnier speculation. “KEEP OFF DAM FACE” We kept a keen lookout for further signs like, “KEEP OFF THE DAM GATE” or even “KEEP OFF THE DAM DAM” – but didn’t find any! We did however find a cottage with interesting interpretive material, all about the building of the dam which also is apparently stocked with fish. The cottage has a lovely sunny balcony to sit on – albeit briefly before we headed back down to the gate where Campbell picked us up.

Thanks, Campbell for organising a great day out.

An absolutely stunning morning, not a breath of wind, nor cloud in the sky!  Didn't Helen do well with her weather request, especially for July!  We head on our way to Mahurangi West.  Glorious views across the harbour greet us as we reach the heights of Mahurangi West Road and absolutely magnificent views across to Mahurangi East as we decent into Sullivan's Bay.   Thankfully parts of the road are still gravel, so will keep the masses away so it retains its beauty.

We start our trek up the steepish track to Tungutu Point, on mass, as one big group.   Really great chatting to others that are usually in different groups.  An amazing view from the top, and also baby and mother lambs spread around the paddock happily grazing in the sunshine.  Past the big Pohutukawa tree towards the road, and along the road for 1km (Helen, Bumper would be proud of you squeezing a street bash into the tramp), to hook into the Mita Bay Loop Track, and then onto the track proper, and descending steadily into Mita Bay.  Along the beach, then sharply back up to Tungutu Point.  Wending our way carefully back down the muddy track to Sullivan's Bay, along the beach then up onto the Cudlip Point Loop Track with more heavily pregnant ewes and mother and baby lambs sheltering.  A quick visit to the point, back to the track, then we head down more slippery slopes, across the estuary and stopped for an interesting lunch at Te Muri Beach, checking out the Historic Urupa (cemetery) and watching two bright yellow bellied Dotterels foraging until the 2 motorised paraglider kites buzzed past.

No rest for the wicked, and along Te Muri Beach past the most enormous Pohutukawa, then into the mud!  Here we were thinking that as we're away from the Waitak's, so no mud today!  Oh, how wrong we were!  Rain, and cattle churning the paddocks up a treat, requiring our best balancing skills bouncing between the grass mounds for fear of sinking into the stagnant, ordoriferous slush.  Finally we reach the fence and jump over to head down to the mud flats.  The mud flat providing us with much hilarity, sinking up nearly to the top of our gaiters.  A squawk from Gail as her shoe was sucked into the sludge, lifting her foot out to reveal one extremely muddy sock!! 

Mud flats passed, we reach the old cottage, at this point the group splits up to 3, some tackling the muddy paddock again and the bulk of us taking advantage of the very low tide opting to walk back around to the bus.  Taking in the fascinating geology of the area, with almost amphitheatre-contoured cliff faces and trying to dodge the frequent scattering of brown starfish and watching all the sea birds. 

Once we round the corner beside Pudding Island, the clouds were looking moodily heavy, and the sea incredibly flat, dark green, almost ominous.  We had plenty of time, so decide to go for a wander around the island and found a rock pool with a colony of fascinating fluorescent orange star fish.

Another gorgeous day out in the boots.  Thank you to Helen for organising the day, especially the early arrival back to Takapuna!  Quite a novel treat!

14 participants (including yours truly, non-member) Sunday 7 th Aug 2011 to the Wires Track off Maratoto Road in the Coromandel. Leader Ian Morris.

Half-dozen high-speed types did the upper loop (all 4-wheel drive trail) before following the other eight down the Wires track. The Wires gets its name from the necessity for the 1860's (or there-about) route of the telegraph wires across the Coromandel range and down the coast to Gisborne, to avoid the lines being wrecked by the native population in the Waikato, still in the throes of the Maori wars.


Waterfall is just (10 minutes) off the track, better observed BEFORE or AFTER (but definitely not DURING) a hail-storm.

PS It wasn’t all a four wheel drive track with the speedy types – but the initial part of the day was with deep rutted muddy tracks with the odd rocky bit. In the rocky sections we could identify bits of 4WDs which had come unstuck – wing mirrors, mud flaps and so on. Some of the holes were so deep there may well have been a complete Land rover down there! Eventually we did come onto the Wires  track through the pleasant bush tracks. The very heavy and large hail lasted on tracks for some time. After this walk we went on to see the Maratoto summit – driving along the road and leaving John to take photos of a house where his family had lived in the past. The day was completed by a pie stop in Paeroa (or should it be Pie a roa??)Trish

An absolutely stunning morning, crisp, barely a breath of wind, nor a cloud in the sky, 21 keen trampers turned up.  Perhaps the numbers indicative of the lack of liquid sunshine for a change?!!!
 
We arrive at Puketutu Road to drop off the first party, then back onto the motorway over the Bombays, to be greeted by Waikato pea soup fog!  Onto SH2, into Irish and McMillian Roads, just as well for Garry's GPS or we may have missed the turning, due to the white abyss!   Rather on the chilly side under the thick blanket of fog, our party of 11 start the accent up towards the trig at Mt William.    In the grove of trees beside the start of the track, most of us clicking away taking photos, fascinated by the dewy spider webs glistening. 

About 3/4 of the way up the hill we meet up with the other party, and a bit of planking took place.  Right up with the modern crazes!

We continued up to the trig and what a magnificent view, well northwards anyway!  Anything south of the Bombay's was completely immersed!!!!  With the odd island popping through.  Back down the track to the bus, a quick nosh of lunch and the other party arrives having enjoyed the view up high for their lunch.  Much hilarity as we donned plastic bags over our boots and rubber bands around our ankles keeping the bus clean, for our move around to Duder Regional Park.

Duder as always, was extremely picturesque on the headland and not blowing a gale this time!!!  Thank you to Garry for organising a most enjoyable day out, without the copious amounts of mud if we had been in the Waitak's!

A bit hard to believe this title you might think, however, read on. We were white/ brown water tramping up the Wainamu stream, on a number of routes, seeing waterfalls we had never seen before, getting “lost” -we did it all. Now, is that extreme tramping or what?

We started off with a certain amount of toilet humour inspired by the new Portaloo near the sand-dunes at Wainamu. See the photo of the organised queue waiting for the little room, and, of Eileen, bravely posing to show what a little gem the comfort room is…………. Note that the sun did shine for a few minutes at the start of the tramp………………..

This was a stream bash that officially wasn’t a stream bash, quote, “this is not a stream bash in the true sense of the word” Really? A Clayton’s stream bash maybe?

We started off as one group, but progress was slow so eight of us branched off with Helen to make our  own way to eventually meet up with the Wainamu bush track. We clambered round rocks, sloshed through water, retraced our steps a couple of times and, eventually got to a huge waterfall of Niagara proportions. No one whooping over in a barrel though so couldn’t have been Niagara……..After a wet lunch we retraced our steps again, (I was instructed to say that we loved it so much we did it again.) Then we met up with the slower party who hadn’t yet had lunch, and looked very cold and miserable. Up the left of the said waterfall on a scrambly sort of track then in the stream again. Our group, now minus a few, including Peter, who decided that the slow party was perhaps the safer option, bashed up the stream a bit more then up to Wainamu bush track. We got back to the bus at 3.30 and waited an hour for the other lot.

An extreme tramp? Well, it was extremely wet, extremely muddy and, Helen said, to include “extremely confusing”.

A challenge definitely. Alan’s young daughter Lydia said she really enjoyed it. She had skipped through mud not daunted by anything all day. Well done, Lydia.

Seventeen brave souls turned up on a wet and windy decidedly winters dayto head out to Bethells on the wild west coast to venture off track up the Wainamu Stream.
First up a nice flat walk up Lake Wainamu track that was partly in the lower reaches of the Waiti stream that borders the massive sand dunes west of Wainamu Lake. A rather stunning area as most would know with these dunes being the best part of a kilometre in from the beach and coastline.
Lake Wainamu was formed during the last 6500 years when the Wainamu Stream Valley was dammed by huge dunes of ironsand that was slowly blown inland by the prevailing winds. The existing dunes are still moving slowly into
the lake but dune stabilisation programmes along the coast have largely stopped the supply of more sand.
A lone port-a-loo along the way provided and excellent photo opportunity with us all lining up to 'take our turn' At the easternmost side of the lake the fun began as we edged our way along an unofficial track of sorts at the start of the Wainamu Stream bash.A short way along this 'track' it was a case of now you see him now you don't as the leader found the ledge giving way beneath him as he relived his youthfull skydiving days by freefalling about 5 metres over rock and mud. Apart from a knock to his pride as the rather bedraggled figure clambered back up this fall resulted in ripped shorts, liberal cuts and bruises and a rather sore backside ! At this point in time the group split into two with the faster lot forging ahead under Helen Orchard’s leadership and the slower remaining with thebattered 'Bumper'.
A lot of criss-crossing the stream followed as we negotiated our way upstream. Some time later both groups temporarily merged again as we took a not so obvious 'track' past the waterfall. We split again as we were now not too far from where the stream intersects the Wainamu Bush track. Lunch for the slower group was a short stand-up affair as we ate in the rain prior to climbing up the track to eventually intersect with Smythe Ridge and Houghton tracks. Nearly all downhill on Houghton track but very wet and  slippery necessitating a steady as you go approach.
During the last couple of years the former ARC has created a rather nice track along the southern side of the lake. This used to be private land, covered in gorse in parts and a highly unauthorised way back. Now there is a couple of sturdy bridges, steps and a well formed track that provides a nice alternative way back to the road.
Over the sandhills for the last leg of the journey A rather wet and windy quick change at the bus before heading home in failing light.
An adventure not without its casualties as, apart from the leader, Pam Burdett took a bit of a knock on her shoulder after a rather slippery fall. I know some during the stream section thought, what the hell have I let myself in for today, but we all got there and agreed it was an interesting tramp with a difference that may perhaps need to be done next time in more
conducive weather conditions.

Day 1. Dropped off by the shuttle at Lewis Pass, the chilly wind forced a quick change into our gear and an even quicker lunch and then we’re off down the track at a brisk pace to warm up. Down to the Maruia, across the swing bridge, up past Cannibal Hut and in 3½ hours we arrive at Ada Pass Hut. We’re delighted to see the four Christchurch occupants have the fire going and water heating on the stove. Now that’s service.

That night as the Christchurch four work their way through their bladder of wine we learn they intend lugging the inflatable boat they’d dumped unceremoniously on the deck up to the largest tarn in the area for a bit of a paddle. Hmm ...  A dare from long ago apparently.

Day 2. The next morning is overcast but the forecast rain still hasn’t come. Has it fizzled out or just been caught in traffic? We reconsider the original plan to go over 3 Tarn Pass into the Matakitaki, decide against it and head off at 9 am just as the last of the quartet exits his sleeping bag. No paddling before morning tea then …

As we follow the track down the Ada valley through bush and tussock clearings the clouds descend and the rain arrives. Around the corner to open flats and we confirm our decision to only go as far as Christopher Hut today, leaving a long day tomorrow with hopefully better weather. A group of nine Otago University Tramping Club students trickle in during the afternoon then two late arrivals, meaning the 20 bunk hut is overflowing. One out camping, two on the veranda and two a kilometre back up the track to the basic cullers’ hut and we’re surprisingly comfortable. Just 3 hours today.

Day 3. We’re away across the flats by 7.45am (goodbye St James Walkway), across the Ada river, and down to the corner in a little over an hour and into the long haul up the Waiau valley. Drizzle, low clouds, rain, rainbows, incessant flats, trudge trudge, lunch in a patch of beech during a bit of a lull, wasps, trudge and trudge again. After 24 hours of rain the Waiau is up and we link up and take the two required crossings carefully. At 1.45pm we reach Caroline Creek Biv, but one look inside and we all agree to continue on. Bush sidles, slippery lichen covered rocks and rough scree slopes slow progress as the track negotiates steeper terrain. Is the rain clearing? Lost count of how many times we’ve thought that today. Finally we arrive at Waiau Forks and see an orange triangle and our camp sites across what is normally a shin deep stream but now a raging torrent. We search upstream, find a safer spot, link up and we’re safely across. The campsites are great, the rain stops long enough to pitch our tents but returns for dinner. A long day - 8 hours, 27 km.

Day 4. This is more like it – no rain! We’re away by 8am, cross the other branch of the Waiau, sidle through scrub past waterfalls into tussock and start up to Waiau pass. The 550 m climb is well marked but steep, with several sections climbing over bare rock, and we’re treated to great views back down the Waiau and across to Thompson Pass. A final easy scree slope and we reach the top at 10.30. There’s no snow or ice, so why am I carrying this ice axe? We linger for photos, then start down the long scree slopes to the valley floor for a break and early lunch amongst the tussock and Spaniards. The track leads us down to Lake Constance and the stiff climb above it to skirt bluffs – where’s that inflatable when you need it? The views over Lake Constance and to the surrounding peaks are majestic and we make the most of an unplanned break. More sidling through tussock, another scree slope descent, across a boulder field and onto the moraine wall for our first views of Blue Lake. Wow! It’s everything we expected, and more. Simply gorgeous. We saunter down the track and arrive at Blue Lake Hut at 2 pm.

Leisurely strolls around the lake take up the rest of the afternoon (did I really take that many photos!?) and at 8pm we huddle around another group’s mountain radio to hear the forecast. Fine with light winds for the next few days. At last! Smiles all round and we resolve to spend a leisurely morning here and head down to West Sabine Hut tomorrow afternoon.

Day 5. We wake to snow on the ground, 2.9°C in the hut and strong winds driving sleety snow. Hmm. Not put off, I don all my storm gear and head up the ridge as planned for a look at Moss Pass. It’s icy and slippery with patches of snow and gale force winds buffeting me about. I get to the top of the ridge where I can see into the valley and the scree slopes leading up to the pass, and call it quits. Back at the hut the others had been down to the lake and were ready to move on so we head out at 11.10 am, the Israelis with the mountain radio bidding us farewell from their sleeping bags.

Once in the trees and out of the wind we soon warm up and steadily shed our layers. The weather also improves and we’re at West Sabine Hut in three hours. There’s time for washing of bodies and clothes and conversation with our hut companions. A group of 3 have food for 2 others who have cancelled and we agree to pack some of it back down to Sabine Hut for them tomorrow. Less than a kilo each we’re assured. Yeah right!

Day 6. We wake to fine weather and take the track downstream through mature beech forest to reach Sabine Hut in 4½ hours. Our food drop is intact and the goodies are devoured, as the sandflies do their best to devour us.

Day 7. It’s a perfect day as we head off at 8.10 and make steady progress up the unrelenting slope of Cascade Track, climbing 900 metres to the bushline in two hours. We take a break in the tussock and savour the stunning views of Lake Rotoroa, the Sabine Valley and across to Mt Misery and the Mahanga Range. Off again over Mt Cedric, along and up the ridge, around the valley at the head of Cedric Stream and its picturesque tarn, and over the scree slope into the spectacular Angelus basin. We have lunch overlooking Hinapouri Tarn then continue down through the boulder fields, scree slopes and tussock to the beautiful setting of Angelus Hut. On a cloudless, warm day with plenty of time to laze on the deck overlooking the lake and tarn, this is as good as it gets. A 4½ hour day.

Day 8. Another perfect day and we’re away at 8.20 am heading for Sunset Saddle and down into Hopeless Creek. We wind our way through tussock around the tarns and climb up through the boulders and scree following cairns and a ground trail to reach the pass in a little over an hour. There we down packs and head up 2075 metre Angelus Peak, following the cairned trail. On the top there’s a stiff breeze and glorious views down to Lake Angelus and to the surrounding peaks and ranges.

Back down to Sunset Saddle and over the edge, following cairns. This is beautiful country – wild, majestic, barren, moonlike and a real surprise. We negotiate the scree, boulders and bluffs in the upper valley with its frozen waterfalls and iced over tarns. A falcon reveals its presence. Down past the first large tarn at the base of a massive scree slope with its eerie cracking ice reverberating in the silence. Further down the ridge and to a picture perfect lunch spot above the second large tarn. More frozen waterfalls, scree and boulders then a 300m descent down loose scree to the valley floor and treeline. 15 minutes later we arrive at Hopeless Hut and another surprise. Originally built by the Alpine Club as a base for climbing Mt Hopeless and recently refurbished by DOC, this 6 bunker is full of character, warm and inviting. After some discussion we cancel our plan to camp down at the Travers with the sand-flies and claim our bunks. The rest of the day is spent enjoying the last of the sun at the river and reading the hut literature. 5½ hours.

Day 9. Our last day and anticipating an 8 hour tramp we’re away at 7.40 at a brisk pace down a very good and easy track through the forest. In an hour 10 minutes we come to a bridge over the Hopeless and are momentarily confused. The track description we have indicates 2 unbridged crossings of the Hopeless and 2½ hours down to the Travers. We realise we’ve reached the Travers and that the info we have is, well, hopeless. Great, one hour less.

Off again and cranking out the kilometres down the picturesque Travers, a detour over a slip, and a welcome refuelling stop on a log in the sun on the flats. On down the river, over the bridge and through the bush and flats to Lakehead Hut. The last leg now, onto the Lakehead Track, a break for lunch, a last encounter with wasps, and the solid pace sees us reach Kerr Bay at 2 pm. Up to the lodge and our tramp is over. Within an hour we’ve showered and are comparing notes with the multi-trip party.

This was a great tramp in superb country. It was challenging but not overly onerous, and one that most trampers could handle. Our huge thanks to Roger for the planning and impeccable organisation. We were: Dennis Brown, Garry Brooks, Alan Spencer.

 Thanks Dennis for the report and Garry for the photos.