 |
We met at Tapapakanga Regional Park car park, near the Homestead after 9am. After introductions, we
headed off on the Coastal track which took us to the beach, and to a stream crossing deep enough for
most of us to get wet feet. We soon climbed up to the track a few metres above the beach level, but
with plenty of sea and coastal views. We looked out on fog concealing the view of the distant Coromandel
Peninsula. The undulating track travelled through bush mostly, and we encountered a slip which was tricky
to manoeuvre, especially as part of it gave way before all 15 of us had tramped over it. At the furthest
end of the park we reached the campsite, and enjoyed a morning tea break on the beach in very warm sunshine!
From here it was a steep climb directly up to the Trig, where we enjoyed panoramic views of the coast
and sun glimmering on the sea to the east, but then views of thriving farmland to the west.
We
took the farm track and mountain bike track, descending towards the carpark, with a road over a ford,
before reaching the grassy track leading back to the cars.
|
|
|
|
|
|
We drove north through Clevedon, and 9km northwards beyond to Duder Regional Park, (40min) where
we gathered around the picnic tables for lunch in the sunshine. We walked on the road on the southern
side of the park and climbed the more gentle ascent past the Stock yards, and reached the ridge with
a wide view of the islands in the gulf. We paused here and Ruth shared devotions about changing seasons,
like those we have in Auckland with weather changes several times a day. She related this to the changing
seasons in our lives, and how Psalms encourage us to put our hope in God.
From this point we turned
back toward the Trig, where we enjoyed more extensive views, (and some took many more photos!) then followed
the descending track over the final part of the ridge and which took us back to the car park. Everyone
was appreciative of the wonderful winter weather and the chance to see both these parks in the best possible
conditions.
|
|
|
