Training Log Archive: Zed

Back in Belair with a very happy Callum. Up the valley, back via Nookoo spur.

At Bounce with V while the boys jumped. Crowded today and had to take turns.

Short run around Hot water springs little township including some stairs . Sad to leave this lovely place.

Leith sad to leave the large inflatable mat. Then we drove back to Auckland , said goodbye to the Happy Campervan and flew home.

C • Happy Campervan 4

Slow jog along the coastal trail from Wahai Beach to the next bay and back. Strep and slippery in parts.

Many tall trees close to the beach in the next bay - a type I hadn't seen before.

Next stop was Hot water beach. The hot water spot was easy to find from the clouds of steam and the tightly grouped small crowd. The water was so hot some pools were vacated as they were too hot to even put your foot in. We scored a good spot when a family vacated theirs to have lunch, which we defended against the incoming tide for a while before admitting defeat.

Then on to the spectacular Cathedral Cove as the sun was setting.
Stayed at a very nice new villa/ cabin at Hot water springs holiday park - a really lovely location and campsite.

Last Raglan run. Out along the road south to the nature reserve. Followed the ridge until I came to the path that led down the dune to the sea. If I'd had more time I could've run back this way but I didn't so returned the way I came . Packed up, had another chat about hiking with the friendly hotel manager, then headed off to Bridal Veil falls. Spectacular and worth visiting.

Next stop was The Shire's Rest cafe for lunch then the tour of Hobbiton movie set. This was great although Leith was a bit disappointed he had to share the experience with so many others.

Now at Wahai Beach ready for a one day viewing of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Jog around Raglan. Legs a bit stiff.

Oiling my joints.

Decided to stay another day at Raglan motel as poor Leith still quite sick and I didn't have the heart to move him again. He stayed lying down for the entire day apart from a short walk around town in the evening.

After John returned from surfing at the famous Manu break ( sharing it with about 40 others) I went off to walk up Mt Karioi, the local mountain which dominates the skyline.
I eventually found the start at the eastern ( easier route) where I had a steady climb through farmland before reaching the forest. Sunlight through green forest leaves must be my favourite light so I enjoyed this afternoon walk immensely . Climb up took an hour. Views from the top ( helicopter landing pad) were amazing. Rolling green hills, distant hazy mountains and blue sea. I could even here the surf as the lines of waves rolled gently in. Took photos for 2 y kiwi girls at the top ( who celebrated their climb from the west by doing handstands- I was quite envious that I couldn't do same) .

Then a steady walk trot back down through the leafy forest, listening to the birds. Saw 10 people in total - unlike the rest of Raglan which was quite busy.

I miss Callum a lot ( and B and T!) otherwise I would love to stay and explore the many other parks and hikes of the North island.

C • Callum and bear 4

Silica falls loop, also from Whakapapa village. Some many great trails around here. Had the trail to myself.

Then most of the day was taken up driving back to Raglan. Leith still quite sick, poor chap.

Took the foot option from the ski field near Whakapapa walking the track while the others took the ski lift up to 'New Zealand's highest cafe, up the sides of Mt Ruapehu. This was pleasant in the crisp cool air and soup and offer at the top were delicis. Poor Leith though was feeling really bad by this time and just wanted to sleep, so after we all rode the ski lift down we stayed at the lovely Whakapapa holiday park so he could spend the afternoon amd evening dozing in the van.

First night sleeping in the van and it was freezing as the quilt didn't seem to stretch far enough.

Late afternoon venture out from Whakapapa village to the lovely Taranagi Falls. This was stunning and had beech forest, rushing streams, open mountain heath and sunset views of Mt Ngauruhoe . There were few others about. I think I enjoyed this more than the Tongariro crossing.