weather dependent

When planning any excursion in the nature, outdoors is to be respected as is the weather.

Long range forecasts are handy, knowing your environment and studying topography maps gives an idea of terrain especially of flood prone sections of track.
Watching weather patterns and listening to local radio station updates can make a difference to getting it semi right. As we all know weather can change quickly and result in difficult decisions, my advice is if you are in a hut and there is no threat to life, stay where you are and wait it out, New Zealand rivers come up and go down just as fast.

 Example. In Karamea these past 24 hours a change of high water to flood proportions to now receding waters and low lying debris, has taught us to be observant and follow our instincts to prepare for a long wait.

Surrounded by water, depth unknown, a lone Pukeko finds high ground beside a Cabbage tree(Australis Cordyline) and is joined by a colleague for comfort, both regain strength as water rises.

There is still water lying around low points in the area, access is restored, some roads are open, rivers are dropping.

Be aware 

Prepare

Spare gear

When packing clothes for outdoor walking trips, use a pack liner and separate dry bags to keep belongings, food and sleeping bags moisture free. A happy adventure is well planned and results in good times and great stories, if possible walk with a friend or group, safety in numbers.

daily walks to increase endurance

When any walking is planned and enabled, it requires endurance, strength, and readiness.

 Today I walk to Karamea River and Estuary with the family, a gentle amble is the pace of the day, with photo ops a must.
 A wander first on paved path to where it crosses a sealed road, an unsealed road is the main route until we meet the estuary beach, sand and river rocks, many stunning pieces of driftwood washed, over decades, revealing works of art.

 Oyster Catches and Seagulls wait for the first push of the tide, fresh feed for the masses, another rich ecosystem of shellfish, crabs, small fish, eels, to balance the fish stocks of the area.

 Karamea Estuary was a major shipping port for the West Coast, trading in timber, flax and gold.
 1929 Murchison Earthquake changed the course of the river and silted the Harbour.
There are remaining wharf poles to show the setup of the port, a replica carriage on rails and information boards explains the operations of this enhanced walkway experience.

 The path resumes following the orange markers, laid out by KEEP ( Karamea Estuary Enhancement Project ), to a seat overlooking the water and sand dunes bordering the Tasman Sea.

 A boardwalk bridge navigates the wetlands to a crushed lime path back to Wharf Road.

eureka

A fantastic day at the beach, a gentle wander over Kohaihai Saddle toward Scotts Beach and our destination for the day.
 A side trail down to the sand and a stroll along the white sands, not many sandflies present yet, a gentle breeze to keep them at bay.
 Planning another trip back to spend time camping nearby, so we may fish and relax the whole day away from the multitudes of little suburbia, Karamea.

 I am currently planning a small break in the Wangapeka Valley this weekend, back to basics, some art planned and take in the scenery one breath at a time.

A new directive

It has been approximately one year since my last entry, well since our last decent walk in the Kahurangi National Park, at the top of the west coast of the South Island.

 Today is a planned day walk to Scotts Beach, explore and enjoy an outing in mid week, less transport and fine weather to embark on a little adventure.

 Taking our time to prepare, means no waste of energy and our thoughts are not clouded.

 Packed lunch and drinks to satisfy any hunger urge, slow drive of about 15 minutes to the start of the Heaphy Track, Kohaihai River and beyond.

 See you soon

Day walks

   Fenian Track walk to Adams Flat and Slab Hut... 5 hours return.

 An overcast morning, packed our lunch and set off around 10 30 am to the Fenian track, a few kilometres from Karamea township.

 A well graded walk through Ponga, Beech and regenerating forest, a gentle climb to Maloneys Bluff high above the Oparara River, then a small descent to the Cavern Creek Bridge where I saw a fresh water eel, captured on video.

 We continued for a further one hour till we reached Adams Flat, and old gold workings area, here a replica slab hut stands the ages of time ... built 1999 by DOC workers.

 You need good repellant if you wish to stay any length of time ... over night a mosquito net is essential if you wish to sleep, a small fireplace and a single bed is present to enhance the experience.

 The trail to Adams Flat is a slippery one made of strips of wood laid into the path, the rest of the trail from the Fenian carpark is well maintained gravel track well defined and easy to follow.

 Side tracks off to gold workings area and Oparara Valley Tracks are worth the explore if time allows and even another track to the Fenian caves ( a torch head lamp is handy), making this area a full day excursion or a combination including the Oparara Basin.

Slab Hut

Any weather is good for this area, glow worms are also present as a bonus.

Thought bubbles in abundance

As we approach the last few days of January, I can reflect on the busy times, transport to and fro the Heaphy Track, Kohaihai Shelter to Karamea Aerodrome and accommodation businesses, meeting and greeting fellow adventurers, hearing and telling tales.

 Envious to take time out to explore the many facets of mainland New Zealand, accounts of wild back country trails, hot pools in remote destinations, observing Kiwi and other rare bird life, capturing Blue Ducks on film, and taking a breath upon an awesome view, experiences abound ... step out of your comfort zone.

  Planning our next excursion in Winter, when time will allow further exploration of Nelson, Golden Bay and Collingwood, catch up with friends and chill for a while, back to Auckland for a brief visit, and tour the Northland highlights.

 Dreams are free

New Year to enjoy the nature

January 1st opens the door to a new year of adventure, may we all have a good time exploring our planet ... on foot.

 Plan well to have fun ... see you all soon in Karamea ... our best kept secret