Bell Track – G1

After a very early morning tea in the carpark seven of us set off in high spirits for a good day in the bush.  As we got close to the forest we were overtaken on the track by two people with seven very excited but well behaved dogs. 

Once on the Bell Track we headed for the caves which we inspected but did not enter. We then continued on to the giant kahikatea tree.  A short distance from this giant tree we encountered a large bog hole which took up the full width of the track.  As it was deemed unnegotiable the decision was made to turn back at this point.  We returned to the Nikau Loop track and completed the full circuit of this lovely area of tall forest.  We came across many interesting fungi on rotting trees and it was here that Alison discovered a rare and possibly unrecorded plant which was promptly named Alisonium in her honor.

Despite the forecast of bad weather we completed our tramp just before the rain arrived and we returned home dry. 

Many thanks to Dianne and Alison for a most enjoyable day out. 

Roger Mc