In New Zealand, New Year's Day and the day after are holidays. So we took advantage and went camping at Whatipu. Which is just an hour & 45 min. away from Takapuna. Of course we had trouble following the scanty directions. We pulled over and got directions from a sweet Hindu man that ran a store. He gave great directions to Whatipu and to his temple nearby. Miriam countered with a pass along card and a short discussion about living prophets. We were lucky to run into him. We stopped at the Arataki Visitor Center where we learned about this impressive Regional Park. We saw the giant pou (totem pole). The Maoris tried to be anatomically correct, but got a little carried away on some of their carvings. The one we didn't take a pictures of had anatomy as large as his legs. We took the very windy, narrow, metal (gravel) road to the lodge and campground. Our borrowed tent came with the wrong tent poles so it was a bit lacking. Miriam, as usual, made her bed with a clean bedsheet. We tramped around the caves, beaches, and Gibson treck. Found the wonderful beaches that Bob could not resist. The stars were incredible tonight, and the mozzies(mosquitoes) got a full meal. We were only disturbed by the activity of search and rescue looking for a tramper that didn't return.
The next morning we were up bright and early on the track of the Omanawanua. Bob would like to take issue of the way Kiwis construct their tramps. They seem to think it is important to go straight up and to go to the top of every peak along the way. A simple switch back and skirting the peak would be just as impressive. (These are steep, volcanic peaks) We made it to the top"s" and felt that it was worth the effort. There were supposed to be two waterfalls (according to the book Laura gave us) but it must have been too dry already. We did come across wild boar tracks in the soft mud. Our tramp total time was 3 hours. The book said it would take 4 so we did it in good time. In 2005 12 sperms whales beached themselves at Whatapu. They all died. A theory is that the lead whale was sick and the rest just followed. Their remains were buried on the beach. Their jaw bones were donated to the local Maori tribe for their carvings. They average about at least one whale beaching a year. Back to our little apt. We were only gone about 24 hours total. When you come to visit us we will definitely take you there. This blog was created by both of us. Please go to the pictures. Now it is "hi ho, hi ho, it's back to work we go", holiday is over.
The next morning we were up bright and early on the track of the Omanawanua. Bob would like to take issue of the way Kiwis construct their tramps. They seem to think it is important to go straight up and to go to the top of every peak along the way. A simple switch back and skirting the peak would be just as impressive. (These are steep, volcanic peaks) We made it to the top"s" and felt that it was worth the effort. There were supposed to be two waterfalls (according to the book Laura gave us) but it must have been too dry already. We did come across wild boar tracks in the soft mud. Our tramp total time was 3 hours. The book said it would take 4 so we did it in good time. In 2005 12 sperms whales beached themselves at Whatapu. They all died. A theory is that the lead whale was sick and the rest just followed. Their remains were buried on the beach. Their jaw bones were donated to the local Maori tribe for their carvings. They average about at least one whale beaching a year. Back to our little apt. We were only gone about 24 hours total. When you come to visit us we will definitely take you there. This blog was created by both of us. Please go to the pictures. Now it is "hi ho, hi ho, it's back to work we go", holiday is over.
1 comment:
you seem to be picking up a few new words that we are not familiar with...this is very strange to hear from you! :) Sounds like a fun trip.
rach
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