Saturday February 26 marked the start of the 2011 Goldfields Cavalcade when 4 riding, 4 walking and 1 heavy wagontrails gathered at various points of departure to begin their journey overland to Oamaru. Riders and walkers from throughout New Zealand and overseas will travel through country usually inaccessible to the public, following trails blazed by 19th century gold miners.
A new option for riders is the Speights Pack Horse Trail starting from Clifton Downs near Omarama. Not for the faint hearted or daily shower dependent, this trail will be ‘unsupported’ with pack horses carrying all gear, food, drink and accommodation.
The public face of the Cavalcade is Lowburn resident Terry Davis who has taken over the reins as Cavalcade Co-coordinator following Roberta Laraman’s retirement. This year’s event will provide valuable experience in preparation for the 2012 Cavalcade to Cromwell as part of the celebrations planned for the 150th Anniversary of Gold Discovery by Hartley and Reilly in the Cromwell Gorge.
Joining the start of the Swanndri Omarama trail at Ribbonwood Station, were Cromwell residents Margaret and Cecil Sell, John and Anne Cook, Jo Wakelin, Lynne Warden, Wendy Taylor, Jean Gibson, Bill Sutherland and past trail boss, Edgar Parcell. Their week long ride will take them from the mountains to the sea, through the Waitaki lakes and waterways.
The Cavalcade experience ends with all trails converging to parade through the Main Street of Oamaru at 12 noon on Saturday March 5, followed by the traditional Hoedown that evening.
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