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.
The Hakarimata walkway is a one way track but can be walked as a return trip to summit from either end. It can be accessed both from Ngarawahia and Huntly with the Ngarawahia track being a little more challenging. It is all stepped and I understand there are 1349 steps!!!! Haven’t tried that side yet. Huntly side can be accessed from Parker Road, and although this too is stepped, it has some flat sections as well which are very pleasant. Allows the heart and breathing rate to slow down.
Saturday saw six of us tramping into the Oamaru DOC hut. This site is adjacent to Poronui Station off the Napier – Taupo Road. Beautiful Weather. Four hour walk in.
Hiking food never gets any more enjoyable!! However sitting outside in the dusk, overlooking a most beautiful stream, is a wonderful reward for the hard work.
I am trying to imagine rain, cold, wind, miserable as I sit here on the banks of Lake Geneva in the sun, planning on a swim to cool me down. As there is a slight breeze there are colourful yatchs skidding across the top of the water ducks paddling lazily boat rocking gently at their moorings and people of all ages, in all stages of undress enjoying this beautiful spot.
It is 5 p.m. on a beautiful warm Wednesday afternoon. My verbs and adjectives have been wrestled with so have slipped down to a little bar which overlooks the ocean for a café latte and to gaze at the beautiful people. To be very honest, they are no different looking than a group of New Zealanders – some slim, some a little curvy but all seem to have slipped into the Italian way of life, regardless of when they arrived as tourists. Walking slowly along the Umberto Costa, eating gelatos and seemingly enjoying their time in Sicily.
Two weeks ago today I was heading for the airport leaving NZ for six weeks and wondering what was ahead of me! It has been so much fun, but has also included hard work and the ocasional “what on earth am I doing here”. but I wouldn’t change any of it.Amalfi couldn’t be more different to Roccaseca. Very much like the Mount on speed.
This is the train ticket which people get when they travel from airport to the train terminal in Rome! Why was I so worried? Also bought myticket by self service for Roccasecca. When you are on a roll you just need to keep going.
Had first glass of Prosecca and a most beautiful latte for lunch. I have arrived.
Wish you were all here too.