Walking next to a raging ocean

Waipatiki circuit, Wednesday 2 August 2017
Local

The weather during the night before this tramp was cold and soggy. One or two trampers pulled out before dawn broke. The conditions were simply not up to their liking.

However, after the short drive to Waipatiki, the situation had improved to just cool and dampish. This was ideal for us hardcore, adventurous men and women. Two layers plus a waterproof coat and leggings were all that were required for a cosy walk.

The coastal track to Aropaoanui was a bit tricky, with three or four slips and washouts to overcome. But this just added to the exhilaration of walking alongside a raging ocean. At the Aropaoanui rivermouth, we headed inland to find the public road leading up the hill to the north end of Waipatiki Reserve.

Of interest to some club members, on this stretch of the tramp, was a revelation of bovine digestion inadequacies. Whole maize kernels, intact, sparkling yellow, sitting right in there with the cow’s poopy plops. Expect some award-winning photos at the next competition.

The uphill road slog was a little arduous. One or two logging trucks threatened to skittle us, but our self preservation instincts kept us alive.

The walk down through the reserve was magnificent. This is a pristine valley, dense with mature nikau palms and large, handsome kanuka – very different from the vegetation found in the Kawekas or Ruahines. There must be a micro climate at work here.

Our walking circuit was completed in reasonable time. We had a minor hiccup on the return trip. State Highway 2 was closed due to a bad traffic accident near the airport. We u-turned and took the back route to Napier, showing our respects to the club president with a blow on the horn as we passed his place.

Trampers: Tony Pluymers, Peter Slagter, Vic Bullock, Sue Marshall, Denise Payne, Simon Hill, Dorothy Sole, John Stairmand and reporter Bruce Hodgson