| Auckland Baptist Tramping Club |
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WHANGAREI WEEKEND King's Birthday 31 May - 2 Jun |
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Saturday (12 trampers) Mt Aubrey, a medium level walk with many steps taking in 360 degree views of Whangarei Harbour, Bream Head and Mt Manaia. Leaving at 11.30am, we broke for lunch on a south facing beach overlooking the Marine Reserve. Setting off again, the last fifteen minutes saw us walking along road, completing our walk at 2.00pm and then checking in to our Whangarei Top 10 Holiday Park's cosy cabins. Joining for the first time were Bekky and Jet, a couple of young local 'mountain goats' . At 3.45pm, seven of us embarked on the Hatea Walkway up to Whangarei Falls, with four completing the final loop which gives you a birds eye view of the falls, while three returned. Eileen joined us for this walk. Devotions was lead by Louisa after a scrumptious Japanese chicken curry and fresh fruit from our two Shirley chefs. This was an illustration on perseverance and from Mark 13:11 about not trying to be our own defence lawyer in any difficult situation where we find ourselves stuck or worrying about what to say. Sunday (13 trampers) Taraire Ridge Track in Pukenui Forest, rated by DOC as advanced, it took us 6 hours and 40 minutes. (9.20am - 3.50pm) We lost our two mountain goats but gained three, Christina, Eileen and Kim. We prepared for the ascent, few words spoken, the quiet preparation interrupted by creaking hips and clicking knees. Advanced more in years than in speed, launching the assault on Taraire Ridge following a prayer and supercilious glance at the misty heights. Mud, ten thousand tree roots and precipitous slopes caused barely a pause as the Baptist-train chugged raspingly to the heights, reaching the midpoint and 335m summit near theaptly named Nowhere Tree. As we paused to enjoy the regenerating Kauri and forest of Nikau, the thin first day of winter sun painted brief warmth on our faces before the cool breeze licked it off. As the kilometres grew towards the 8.9 total, so did the rest stops and navigational challenges, side paths and comfortable clearings tempting errant turns and not yet deserved naps. Following the beautiful Mangere Stream at the belly of the walk and climbing steeply at first, then gently, back to the farmers' dry stone walls that led to the carpark. A final prayer of thanks for the majesty of nature and that dinner was fully deserved - spaghetti bolognese with apple & berry crumble and custard. Devotions was led by Eileen. She gave a testimony about the difficulty of that day's tramp and how grateful she was for all the team support and help. Monday (10 trampers) A short drive to Waipu Cove to do the three hour coastal walkway with it's cliff edge pancake limestone rocks and stunning ocean views with Hen and Chicken Islands and Sail Rock to the East and Whangarei Heads to the North. One part required navigating carefully over large rocks, which resulted in one couple turning back while two couples decided to wait for the other four to return. An enjoyable trip with lots of variety and happy moments shared. |
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