Fenian Track mid-morning excursion

                                     

 A gentle stroll on the Fenian track to Maloneys Bluff was met with some new windfall, just enough to start our adventure.
 Later we encountered the destruction area of trees from the extreme wind in April 2014, since been cleared off the track the remnants are stacked high, these will be devoured by fungus and turned to hummus to feed the forest.

Passing the side trail to the caves we continued over Cavern Creek bridge and Fenian Stream bridges, take next right side trail to Fenian workings.

 35 minutes along well marked trail to no evidence of any workings, too many trees down.

 Saw a lot of mushrooms and toadstools.

Return time for the day 4 hours approx.

Revisit Zig Zag Track

A mid morning excursion with our new friend, we three set out to explore the eastern side of the South Terrace of Karamea.

 We travel across the Karamea River bridge and turn left on Arapito Road, drive 1 kilometre to a car park and start the ascent to the beginning of the track.

 A gentle and graded walk up the face of the terrace toward the summit, zig zagging up a well defined trail passing recent windfall and views of the valley below.

 Since the climate has been so dry, no fungi are present. We continue up and around the many switch backs till we reach the top and find a junction. One way leads to the road on top of the terrace and the other to a lookout, this is our destination today.

This was a pleasant day to share.

Approximately 1 hour walk depending on fitness, and 1 hour return a good stroll to raise the heart beat and get a small work out, look forward to the next walk in the Kahurangi National Park, West Coast, South Island, New Zealand.

Visit the Big Rimu Tree ... Karamea

                            Day out in the nature to visit an old local of the forest, Big Rimu Tree.

 Giant example of a guardian in the Kahurangi National Park, surrounded by lush vegetation as far as the eye can see, 20 minutes easy walk along a well marked trail climbing at times over gentle rises to finally descend to end the trail and meet the tree.

 Birds are not to many, saw a few Fantails above our heads as they swooped down to catch insects on the wing.

A great day to spend time in the bush with friends.

Flora study experiment of Koru

Thanks to all for sharing the day excursion and work done by Department of Conservation for maintaining the tracks.

This trail is 9 km from the village of Karamea on the Umere Road, following the Karamea River.

2015 long dry

Hard to believe Karamea has had no substantial rain for a month, long dry days, temperatures ranging 26 degrees C to 32.5 degrees C.

 We are so looking for rain to fall despite the long weekend for the travelers in town, drinking water is more important at this stage of the year.

 I am sure we will receive some soon, the sandflies are at an all time high signaling the onset of precipitation.

 When ever I drive to the start of the Heaphy Track the roads are lined with brown grass and low waters in creeks that are normally flowing well, stock are frequenting troughs more regular and bird life is less, quiet sunset chorus... not much to say I would think.

 Anyway life goes on.

 Tramping on the Heaphy has slowed down a lot, as school has returned and festivals have started, a slower time for businesses in Karamea is expected, it will get busier after mid February as past years have shown, heres hoping.

 I have several small day walks planned for the future and one major trek in winter, this will be my time off annual leave, a chance to unwind and plan the next stage of my working year.

 So for a final note to January, good suntan and busy transport season so far and may it continue.