Nervousness in case I missed the shuttle to the start of the Tongariro Crossing had me checking the clock every hour on the hour. I gratefully leapt out of my little bunk bed at 5.45 a.m, hurrying into my hiking gear, knowing my adventure was starting. This was the day the 19 km Tongariro Crossing was to be conquered again.
Just because “the driver” had been a student at Pakuranga College about fifty five years ago, didn’t mean that the land layout, which led to Half Moon Bay, where the Waiheke ferry sailed from, had remained the same.. After quite a few “it’s just over this hill” followed by “oh no. It has all changed. That road wasn’t there” we screamed into the marina about 7 minutes before the ferry sailed. The navigator wasn’t any better trying to use the GPS) Not a wonderful start to, what turned out to be a very enjoyable three days on Waiheke Island. (“The Driver” is a great travel companion. Very keen on checking out all nooks, crannies and possible roads available – or not available.)
It is dark. It is 4.30 a.m. The alarm has just gone off. Tom (my 12 yr old grandson) and I are being picked up in Hamilton, by the Road Cat shuttle at 5.20 a.m. to catch the plane to Queenstown from Auckland. The start of our very exciting four day freedom hiking trip of the Routeburn Track.
Checking in was seamless but for some bizarre reason I believed our packs had to be bubble wrapped so for many precious minutes the night before Tom and I had wrapped and sellotaped our big packs, only to be looked at by a very bemused check in person, asking why we had done that!!!!
Six days spent in this engaging city, approximately four hours drive from Hamilton, was definitely worthwhile. We had decided to spend the time between Christmas and New Year exploring all the nooks and crannies.Some we had visited before and were enjoyable because of the memories that were stirred but others completely new.
The Napier Museum, on Tennyson St, holds the tragic story of the Napier earthquake, where over 150 of the population lost their lives. Survivors shared their stories of helping the injured and pulling the dead from the rubble. The shock and despair which permeated the whole city was there for all to see. It took over two years to rebuild the city.
One of the walks I love doing after work, is the almost 4 km walk around Lake Rotoroa, a lake in the centre of the city. It is a completely flat walk but the everchanging scenery makes it a pleasure to enjoy after a busy working day. Easily accessed, it is about a three to four minute drive from the CBD.
A well constructed concrete and metalled path, which meanders around the shore line, makes up most of the walk, which can also take scooters, and wheelchairs. Yachting, canoeing and kayaking are common sports seen on the lake. Innes Common to the East and West of the lake is a multisport ground, which includes lacrosse and hockey.
After an emotionally challenging time, selling my home of 45 years, an island escape, which included lots of swimming and sunbathing seemed a great idea. Tickets were booked and I arrived at Hideaway resort, on the Coral coast of Viti Levu Fiji. Hideaway resort is a one and half hour transfer from the airport which gives you time to enjoy the passing countryside.Thatched roof fruit stalls on the side of the road, with a bountiful supply of watermelon, pineapple and mangoes. The beautiful African Tulip trees with their vibrant orange blossoms, Unruly grassy paddocks,with creeping weeds fighting for their right to be there and the odd lazy cow, chewing its cud, as it stands in the shade of whatever is available, passing the hot afternoon away.
I know you will be delighted to know that the two nights I spent in Rome I slept under the gaze of the Blessed Virgin Mary so no sinning those nights whether I wanted to or not.
Thank God I am fit..Absolutely loving it all but by night time after managing a suitcase and backpack onto trains, planes and anywhere else you need to take them, all the time smiling and inside thinking ” what the hell!” The red wine is very welcome.
Last Sunday morning, after spending the previous night at “Four Flat Whites in Italy” I leapt (yeah right!) out of bed at 6 a.m. I was off hiking but needed to vacuum first as the real estate agent was due out later in the afternoon. Racing out the door at 8 a.m., I picked my two hiking buddies up and off to the Waikato River Trail, which runs alongside the Waikato River.
On a miserable, wet but warm summer Sunday, I threw my hiking boots and poles into the car and went to walk Pukemokemoke bush track. The walk itself is only about 20 minutes but really grunty. While it is well marked and easy to follow, it just keeps climbing steadily. The weather cleared as I arrived and the Tui and cicadas sang a I puffed and panted my way to the top. A mixture of Kauri, Ponga, Totara, Kanuka, Kawakawa and Matai trees are found on the track.
Advertised as an hour walk I managed it with not too much trouble in thirty minutes but must admit, didn’t stop and appreciate the views too much as I have done it many times before. It is a ramble through a lovely wildlife reserve- positioned around a very small man made lake. Oak trees edge some parts of the track.