one year later... plans afoot

Well seems time flies when we are busy, after the last post of March 2015 things slowed down.
Our busy season finished a little after April, and plans were hatched to have a holiday, one month, August 2015.
 Leaving Karamea our quiet haven, we enter the realm of Nelson and Golden Bay to explore.

 Spent time in Takaka and thought of walking some of the Heaphy Track, this was not to be as snow fall hindered our start.
 An alternative plan was hatched. Abel Tasman Track was a better option for a few days of tramping.

 Day one from Marahau the start of the trail was a rainy day and got heavier as we soldiered on toward Anchorage Hut for our first night.
 Roughly 3 hours slow climb from tidal flats of reeds across a boardwalk, many improvements made since the last time I walked this track. Mostly regenerating forest scrub and well defined track is easy to follow.
Anchorage Hut is recently been rebuilt, with 4 spacious bunk rooms with toilet facilities close and undercover. Large common room and kitchen area, must bring own cooking stove and gas as well as pots.

 Day two, has a tidal crossing if you time this well save an hour or so depending on walking speed. if not, a climb back up the ridge you descended the previous day, good views of Torrent Bay and along the coast back to Marahau.
 Follow the sign posts carefully as there are a few side trips to the beaches along the way. When you approach Torrent Bay you will see the large orange triangles on poles crossing the estuary, the tidal crossing mentioned earlier.
 Today we are heading for Bark Bay about 5 hours walking with breaks to enjoy the landscape and coastal views, much of the time walking in the forest with glimpses of the coastline and reclusive hideaways.
 Back Bay Hut is set back from the sea, with a rustic style hut with potbelly stove and a good supply of wood out the back in a shed with an axe, take care when chopping, there is a ranger station close but not always manned.

                                  View of Bark Bay as we climb the headland toward Tonga Bay.


 Day three, an early start as this is the longest day and the most ground to cover as we head to Awaroa Hut. Follow the track and read the signs carefully, a bit of track maintenance is expected as this is a popular walking track for day walkers and trampers.
 Many encounters with bird life including a Morepork in the middle of the day, unusual.

 Continue until you reach Awaroa Lodge sign indicated to take the right hand track down, but we opted to trek on to the Awaroa Inlet and prepare for the tidal walk to our destination, Awaroa Hut.
 A coastal style hut, outlook of the tidal crossing of the Awaroa Inlet toward Totaranui. We are not doing this crossing for this trip.

 Day four, an early start to reach the pick up point for our boat trip from the beach at you guess, Awaroa Beach, surprise it is deserted but beautiful, especially at sunrise.

 This was a great trail to share and the new improvements make the journey a little easier and memorable. The weather in August for us was wet to start, every day that followed improved so when we water taxied back the sea was perfectly calm.

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.

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

Living near the Kahurangi

Waking to a clear morning, vision of Mt Stormy and the hum of a west coast country town.
 Lush surrounding of rain forest, dairy farms, rivers and streams leaving to the sea, estuary walks of an evening and early mornings.

 Fishing for Kahawai, Snapper, sharks of many sizes, wild west coast experience with good sea conditions is highly successful for a talented angler with time on their hands.

 If flying is your scene, Karamea Helicopter  Charters will get you to great fishing spots high up in the Kahurangi National Park, our small aerodrome is host to Golden Bay Air, to and fro Takaka, Nelson and Wellington. Sealed runway and small arrivals area include toilets and telephone.

 Spend a few days to unwind after the Heaphy, Wangapeka, Leslie Karamea Tracks, recover, rest and re fuel for the next adventure is wise advice even if I say so myself. Stopping for a break to observe the world as it catches up... time out.

 As the light fades of another sunset, observing the migration to pub and resort to quench the thirst of an active day living near the Kahurangi

For a short day walk, try Zigzag Track on the east side of the South Terrace, Karamea.

 A steady climb toward the old cemetery, no markings of any plots exist, just an airy silence.

Take your time and explore the history of this area, information board at start of trail next to Arapito Road.

Equipment required, a drink and a snack to restore energy for the return trip back.

Good views of the Karamea River and toward the start of the Heaphy Track.

Fenian and Oparara Valley Tracks ... Day walk 

  Arrive at Fenian car park, walk to comment book shelter 2 minutes from start of track, a gentle ascent to Maloney Bluff high above the Oparara River, descend to Fenian Caves signage ( a side track of 1 hour to Miners cave and Tunnel cave exiting near Cavern Creek caves, track rejoins main trail other side of Cavern Creek bridge).

 We continued toward Oparara Valley Track junction, choose to walk to Sunshine Flat shelter 2 hours 5.5 km.

 A gentle amble downhill and up, all water crossings bridged, and wildlife friendly as we are visited by Robins, heard Kea and wild water fowl as we stroll near the rivers. The trail stretched out undulating its way toward the Oparara Basin, a beautiful day for a walk in the Kahurangi area, towering Beech, Rimu trees dwarf us surrounded by regenerating native forest, the trail was completed 2008 and opened by Professor David Bellamy.

 Sunshine Flat shelter shows the progress of track building, a Rimu round describes a timeline of some 650 years highlights of history, toilets and a water tank for washing hands, also a place to camp ( take a mosquito net as biting insects prevail ).

 Return walk is much faster, mostly down zigzag all weather trails back to junction and Fenian car park. 

 A great day walk of 5 - 6 hours, take your time and camera, water is essential as is a snack to keep energy levels high. Enjoy.

Kahurangi calls us ... our return

  Planned a 4 day walk on the Heaphy Track a week or so after our last stroll.

 Day one ... leaving Kohaihai River behind and heading to Scott's beach and beyond to Katipo Creek Shelter for a morning break, wind at our back and packs a little heavy we push forward 4 hours to reach Heaphy Hut for lunch and time to share our life force with the local sand fly population.
 Continue on to Lewis Hut for our first night, amble alongside the Heaphy River for 2 hours or so to reach Heaphy bridge, 149 m long an engineering feat of excellence, wide enough for mountain bikes to negotiate and support 10 walkers at one time.
 Arrival at Lewis by 2 pm, down packs and boots off. Time to relax and reflect upon the travelling of the day, a visit by a local helicopter shakes the hut alive, assist in the unloading of coal to fuel the huts fire place... thanks Wayne.

Day two ... earlyish rise to tackle the ascent to James Mackay Hut, a gradual climb through many forest terrains, leaf litter of beech trees to rocky outcrops, track is narrow at places and water scored, due for track reforming in the coming months. 
Department of Conservation is repairing sections along the trail and replacing Huts to retain a Great Walk status to compare to others of the South Island. 
 Arrival at Mackay is quite a relief for us as we struggled with the weight on our backs, a time to rethink the load we carry, have a cup of tea then organise our sleeping area, its now time for dinner, talk with some other trampers and DOC staff. Sleep.

 Day three ... My pack is heavier as I carry all food to lighten my companions pack, we travel much better this time downhill toward Lewis hut for breakfast of Nasi Goreng, a freeze dried meal. Pack up again and continue to Heaphy Hut for our last night, early arrival about 11 am we clean ourselves and our clothes, hang to dry on this sunny day, hampered by sand flies we retreat indoors to rest and consume more of our payload to lighten our exit to the park the following day. 
 A short walk to the beach and photo ops to capture the moment and reflect on the past few days, body is feeling good and spirits are high. We retire for the night and rest well.

 Day four ... On the track again, we lead the way along the best section of the Heaphy, the coast is wild with constant drizzle rain on this day, the sea on our shoulder and haste in our step, continue to the Kohaihai car park where we meet other walkers following us to this destination. 
 Karamea is a short 16 kilometres away ... home.

                 Finished one adventure and will start another ... good tramping

  Early start to a brilliant Friday morning,  first step then many others,  barefoot.

17 Km of coastal subtropical paradise,  part of the 82 KM traverse,  featuring stunning limestone formations,  Nikau Palm trees,  rugged west coast beaches ,  3 to 5 hours undulating trail to the first Hut of 32 bunks,  solar led lighting,  gas hobs,  wood fire heater and indoor plumbing.  Heaphy.  Luxury.

 Next day we wandered up to Lewis Hut to see the new bridge,  amazing single span over the Heaphy River to 2 minute walk to the hut. ( next tramp this is our first stop  ) 2 hours. 
 Had lunch and returned to Heaphy Hut for a rest.

 Next morning in search of Kiwi,  heading home to Karamea on the well worn path of the Heaphy Track,  Kahurangi National Park NZ,  an adventure for all.

Stunning meals were prepared and consumed ,  a few luxuries on this trip,  a shakedown to tramping cuisine, lighter packs are the answer ... freeze dried meals are light weight and recharge the body,  as is home made muesli bars,  and dried fruit. 

 Three in our party as we ascended the Kohaihai Saddle to descend onto Scotts Beach,  onto white sandy beaches and locate the track by orange triangles,  a few swing bridges and wet crossings, to reach Heaphy Hut 2012  real New Zealand great walk. 

The terrain changes day by day. Easy to Moderate.

Heaphy can also be mountain biked from May 1st until September 30th 

 Summer is hot, winter is cooler and less sandflies

Next week we ascend to James Mackay Hut,  over looking the coast and river mouth.

Halloween is upon this sleepy hamlet, 

rain dabbles on the roof, 

wait for a clearing day to venture, 

wearing our waterproofs.

 Thinking of starting a tramping group in the top end of the coast, 

perfect venue ... Kahurangi National Park.

 Any thoughts how I can go about this ?

  friends interested to join the walks, greatly received.

 Dust off your boots, shake out your packs

Beard Foot Tramping Club

Karamea

Just an Idea?

 weekend excursion.

    We are so looking forward to a weekend away to walk the Heaphy Track, a Great Walk in the Kahurangi National Park.

 Novice trampers need equipment, some new, other items used, well worn boots for comfort, good raincoat, first aid kit, warm sleeping bag and a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, dried fruit, nuts and chocolate and whatever else you desire to carry.

  Day one to complete 17 km journey to the Heaphy Hut, our home for two nights. 
Where we may explore surroundings, fish for dinner, swim if we feel the urge or just be ... unwind before a busy season and experience the outdoors.

 Training the body and mind to live in nature, listen and feel the environment, seek shelter, forage and gather, survival experience. lessons to be learnt.

 3 weeks to train ...

The first post for 2013,

 Karamea Connections... movement of the people... in the Karamea area, pick up from the Heaphy Track at the Kohaihai Shelter.
 Rongo Backpackers is doing well with most nights full, reservations for double rooms are essential, dorms are available, to avoid disappointment book ahead.
 Karamea Farm Baches are busy as normal for this time of year, family groups enjoy the summer times fishing and basking in the sun.
 Permaculture farm is growing fast, with PDC course planned for May, vegetables in abundance to feed the masses staying and working for the LivinginPeace Project.

 So much has happened in the past 6 months... will continue to blog next month, when time allows...

 Peace and Love