The author's true, exciting and serendipitous journey through the wilds of Papua New Guinea, the Himalayas, around the planet and into the heart of life guaranteed to change the way you see the world.
My thanks to George and Pauline for the beautiful photos from a walk we all agreed was a highlight of this year’s walking. It’s a long drive to Cape Reinga from whence this walk began and it was blustery and cool at the beginning. But before the day was out I’d had a couple of dips in the sea and waded in a creek to keep cool. The landscape is extraordinarily varied and there is a sense of being away from it all in this, the very north of the country. I trust you enjoy the photos of which I’ve only chosen to show a few. The complete album can be found here: https://picasaweb.google.com/109798694876493156288/CapeMariaVanDiemenWalk
Cape Reinga. The meeting of two oceans.
Ready to begin: our destination is behind us in the distance.
For your information
Near beginning: Te Werahi below
Flax readying to bloom
Two Johns by the steep early cliffs
Relentless seas.
Alma, John and Tom on the long stretch of Te Werahi. It’s warming up!
The climb up from Te Werahi
Flax Snails
Dunes down to the beach below Cape Maria van Diemen
Stunning landscape. Looking out to Motuopao Island
Skyscape
Windswept formations.
A dip at midday.
Cape Maria Van Diemen Lighthouse
It is a working lighthouse.
Motuopao. Where the lighthouse and lighthouse keeper used to be. Note treacherous currents.
Creek arriving at the sea. We followed it up.
Down the dune: It’s a sudden stop at the end.
George coming safely down the steep dune.
Two steps up and one step back.
Some of the crew enjoying ice cream at Te Kao. A just reward for a long day.
“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”
“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”
Heather Slocumb, Apex Reviews
“The author’s experiments and experiences working with nature simply amaze. . . .Beyond the Search isa treasure trove for those who enjoy planting and reaping as it seems nature intended, with respect for each animal and insect as belonging on the planet and therefore deserving of honour.”
As I indicated in my previous post I get back to the Wairakau Stream track and Lane Cove whenever possible. I did so again today and saw Shining Cuckoos for the first time. I have heard them on more than one occasion on this walk but today for the first time three birds came within two metres of me when I stopped to rest in low regrowth scrub. They were more vividly coloured than I expected with emerald green backs.
Tomtits are regularly seen on this walk and today was no exception.
Tomtit
Eastern Rosella
Today’s walk followed several days of heavy rain. the creeks were high and after following a small group of rosellas on the side of Duke’s Nose I surprised two bathing in a swollen creek. This migrant from Australia has naturalized and is such a beautifully coloured bird. Who wouldn’t like them?
“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”
“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”
Heather Slocumb, Apex Reviews
“The author’s experiments and experiences working with nature simply amaze. . . . Beyond the Search is a treasure trove for those who enjoy planting and reaping as it seems nature intended, with respect for each animal and insect as belonging on the planet and therefore deserving of honour.”
The Wairakau Stream track leading to Lane Cove is one I do every possible Sunday in the summer. A couple Sundays back I guided friends from Kerikeri on a new loop I’ve recently discovered thanks to a chance visit with Anita in the Kaeo Library. Thank you Anita, should you happen upon this post. And my thanks to Dennis for the photos of our day together and for joining me for the warmest swim one could imagine in November.
Canyon. Part of the diversity that makes this such a great walk.
The first lookout after the long climb to start the walk,
Totara North from the above lookout.
Towards Taratara from the lookout.
Duke’s Nose
High above the canopy.
Looking south towards Whangaroa Harbour entrance
Lunch stop at the stream.
Another stream crossing.
Beautiful tree.
Looking down towards Lane Cove, yachts and DOC hut.
“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”
“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”
Heather Slocumb, Apex Reviews
“The author’s experiments and experiences working with nature simply amaze. . . . Beyond the Search is a treasure trove for those who enjoy planting and reaping as it seems nature intended, with respect for each animal and insect as belonging on the planet and therefore deserving of honour.”
Theresa Sjoquist on Suite 101
About the Site:
The author's true, exciting and serendipitous journey through the wilds of Papua New Guinea, the Himalayas, around the planet and into the heart of life guaranteed to change the way you see the world.
