New Zealand is famous for its friendly people and tramps (we'd call it a hike). Gabe, Al, and I have done several enjoyable day tramps in the nearby Taranaki Mountain range. The boys headed out on a 2 hour adventure at Lucy's Gully which involved a grade 4 (out of a 4) climb. The trail winds it way thru the "goblin forest", a term used to describe the gnarled shape of the trees and dense undergrowth. They found it exhilarating but more difficult than expected. At several points on the upward climb towards the misty mountain peak, they were crawling on both hands and feet. The big surprise at the end was the 80 year old forest of Redwood trees (planted by an expat during the Depression). Boy, I was glad to have stayed home instead for a quick cat nap.
On last Sunday (Oct. 18, 2009), Al and I tramped around the historic Te Korua Pa (a grade 2). A "pa" refers to a Maori fortress which typically has a traditional worship house. This well preserved pa was occupied from 1000 AD to 1850 with many defensive ditches for protection from the invaders. There were many well worn tracks that led down to the "cura" or curve around Oakura River. Many long battles were waged at the Te Korua Historic Reserve against other Maori tribes and British colonists. One can easily imagine the fierce Maori warriors thrusting their spears at any foolish trespasser. Who would dare to venture into the well defended fortress?
Given the success of these recent adventure tramps, we will be spending more of our free time on the alluring mountain and coastal beach trails. We feel drawn to wander around the popular nature walkways that are so close to our front doorstep. The boys are already talking about a trip to the summit of Mount Taranaki over the Christmas holiday. This weekend, we will be on a getaway to explore the geothermal area in Rotorura, the New Zealand equivalent of "Yellowstone".
It has been only two and a half weeks since we left our home in the States. The hard part is missing our family and friends we left behind. However, we are adjusting to the Kiwi lifestyle, driving with no fear on the left side of the road, and enjoying the magnificent country of New Zealand.
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All that hiking sounds like a lot of exercise-- just what you guys like to do for fun. The scenery looks beautiful as well. A little wet maybe. Hows the weather? Cant wait to come visit
ReplyDeleteYep, it has been wet but it is sunny today. The weather has been warm (usually). I played in a ladies tennis club this am. We are planning a long soak in the hot mineral baths of Rotorua this Labor Day weekend.
ReplyDeleteWhat incredible adventures you all are having! I'll have to settle for doing them vicariously from rainy and chilly Iowa :) The pics are great!
ReplyDeleteSo are the locals charmed by your American accent?
ReplyDeleteYes, they think we have an accent. We've been told we must be from Canada or Britian (how do we sound British). Someone even guessed Australia for our accent. Learned about grog today. Am getting ready to run to the market for some grog (learned this one from the Austalian ladies). Hopefully, they will visit us in Oakura and we will see them later in Australia for a 2010 Pain conference on Gold Coast.
ReplyDeleteI did a tramp, too!! I tramped to the television to watch the recap of the Iowa WIN!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are adjusting so well.
Yes, that was a good tramp for the Hawkeyes! Hopefully you had a few good mates to watch the game and a grog or two.
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