, but we didn't set off until 9 as we had lots to sort out. Amongst this was boiling water to drink and to make soup for lunch (2 pans in all) as well as waiting for it to cool down. We also had to tidy up from the previous evening and make sure we were equipped with tramping essentials. We only have one waterproof day bag which is a bit unfortunate as we have to carry one massive heavy bag and another tiny one, so the weight is a bit uneven.
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| Tom posing at the start of the Matamatahawakeke track. |
The track began at the other side of the campsite across the road from this one and very soon we came to a river crossing. This was rather difficult as the river was quite swollen, but Tom managed by rearranging large stones to make us a path. We were glad to have got across and returned to full pace, when we hit another river crossing - and then 8 more. Thankfully we were heading uphill so each crossing got easier as the rivers got thinner.
It was a 3hr round trip, with a 20 min stop for lunch at the summit where we were lucky to get some great views with a break in the clouds - although we could see some rain approaching. For lunch we had tomato soup, banana and scroggin (raisins, cashews, chocolate pieces) which I loved. All in all it was a lovely walk and we must have ascended at least 200m.
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| View from the walk summit. |
The last time we had a shower was the morning of 06/09 so we thought we'd better make use of the running water and shower here before we leave. At least here in the North Island the temperature is quite mild so you weren't cold before the water hit you; I'm not looking forward to cold showers in the South Island. My head kept getting numb - like external brain freeze, and my feet got very cold, but we survived. I'm so glad I got my hair cut short!
After that experience we wrapped up warm and went to the beach a few minutes walk from the campsite (at least it would have been had we not ended up climbing fences and gates to reach a path). It was spectacular - possibly my best part so far. The sand streched out for over a mile and there was not another person in sight. Mountians enveloped us from all sides apart from about a radian that went straight out to sea. The clouds had gathered and gotten quite low so that we couldn't see as far out to sea as usual which gave the place a certain spooky atmosphere as the mist clung to the surrounding hills and dunes. Apparently there are kiwi there, but we didn't see any. We did see several beach birds which Tom videod that moved very quickly and comically over the sand. There were also some interesting shells, including what looked like a bright red cockle. I kept a large angular one for a souvenir. We walked nearly the whole extent of the beach (the very end was cut off by a river) there and back. When we started to head back the rain came on and we saw a few other people also on the beach. We were pretty wet by the time we got back to the camper and spent a while in there drying off. The rain had stopped when we reemerged to do the dishes in a nearby sink and we sat outside and made noodles for tea, with a Tiger beer each. As we sat there waiting for the water to boil under the boot I noticed two brightly-coloured birds up high in a tree. On closer inspection with the binoculars they looked like parrots - red heads, yellow bellies and blue/green backs. We couldn't see their faces well enough to be sure though. We were also pestered by small sparrow-like birds who were hoping to get some dropped food, and the tui were singing at us all the while.
After tea we got back into the camper in plenty of time before dusk (5:30pm ish) to avoid the mosquito problem of yesterday, which was successful. We then made plans for the next few days.
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| Tea at the campervan. |
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