Nov. 26, 2023, Pakiri Holiday Park to end Dome Forest, 31 km (km 515,1), 12:05 hrs
I wake up early with no condensation in the tent, feeling glad. I manage to leave at about 5:30; today will be a long day. First, there is a gravel road where I spot some sheep sleeping in the middle of it. The gravel road later transforms into a trail on farmland, going up steeply. Enjoying nice views of the coast, I see the beach and the Holiday Park in the distance.
I love this time before sunrise when everything seems to be still covered by a blanket of peace and quiet: no civil noises, no piercing array of colors.
Running sheep after I disturbed their sleep in the middle of the road.
One of the hundreds of fence climbs on the Te Araroa.
Walking up farmland with beautiful views back to the coast.
Last view to the beach wit the campground where we stayed last night.
I like the way the tree is grown.
Some more of the fence climbing...
After a while, the farmland turns into the Mt. Tamahunga track. The journey includes steep rainforest climbs, ups and downs, and muddy sections. At a junction, I take the wrong turn, realizing my mistake after a 2 km steep downhill climb with mud. There's no other option but to climb all the way up again.
Back on the right track, it requires a lot of energy to concentrate on the many steep and slippery parts. Exhausted, as the "exit" approaches, I wish for a kiosk or something to get a cool sweet drink. Turning a corner, I see a white box, initially thinking it's for poison against rodents. As I get closer, I find it's a big box full of cooled canned drinks, a gesture from a trail angel to help oneself and leave the empty can in another box provided. It's just what I needed.
One of many different climbs in the forest.
A view back to the forest range crossed so far.
No walk through New Zealand's rainforest without a lot of mud...
Trail Magic! So much appreciated!
Slightly strengthened after the drink, I continue on a paved road, then a gravel road, until another track that needs to be tackled.
Gravel road walking... with views...
Short break at the gravel road.
And then again: rainforest, steep ups and downs with no views. In between, a sad section of cut-down rainforest. It is amazing how different the whole climate is in that section.
The obligatory Kauri disease dieback cleaning procedure...
Cut down rainforest...
Hours pass, and when I finally reach the car park of that dome forest walk, it's been 12:15 hours of walking.
From there, I have to continue tomorrow, but there's no place to camp or any other accommodation. Attempting to get a taxi into the next town (Warkworth) proves unsuccessful, so we try hitchhiking. After about 30 minutes, a Māori couple stops and rearranges their car, filled with fishing gear and other items, to make space for our backpacks. They drop us close to the booked accommodation.
After a shower, we walk to Pizza Hut for pizza and fries to take away. I easily finish the extra-large version plus the fries before falling into a deep sleep.
Add comment
Comments