What a lovely Easter. After dragging Mike from the pub on Thursday after work (he was with my work colleagues - hahahahah), we ate Indian takeaways and went to bed so full.
Friday was bliss. I stayed in bed reading until midday! I was in heaven!
But Saturday we were up and about, getting ready for our tramp. We left late, but it didn't really matter. We had a leisurely lunch in Greytown and by the time we got to the Waiohine road end it was 1.55pm before we started the tramp.
 |
| Waiohine swing bridge - one of many - but the biggest! |
The day was overcast, but warm. Shorts and t shirt weather. I had never been into Totara Flats from the Waiohine gorge end. The signs to the road end were a bit less than over abundant. Lucky Mike knew the old name for the place.
But, the tramp itself was great. Gnarly track - definitely not easy. The topography was easy enough - no big steep hills or anything. But roots and rocks everywhere. So the terrain was a little harder.
 |
| Through the bush |
Toby carried more than he has before. He had his clothes, his tent (the one person one) and his sleeping bag and a bit of food. And 2 litres of water. He had the new day pack from Josh, and it seemed a bit uncomfortable for him. We might need to look into that more.
 |
| Another bridge |
 |
| On the way! |
We got to the grassy flat area of Totara Flats around 6pm and found the perfect campsite in the first big stand of manuka on the side of the river.
 |
| Stats from our tramp |
 |
| Lots of stopping on the way there |
 |
| Our route on the map |
 |
| Best camp site ever! |
Mike had to use the camping stove to light the campfire. The wood was just a little damp. There had probably been a light shower of rain through the day before we got there.
Toby cooked up lots of bacon on a stick over the fire. And Mike used the Jetboil to cook our back country dinner. Honey soy chicken. Not too bad!
 |
| Cooking bacon! |
I was ready for bed at 8.30pm but the boys stayed up a bit later, playing with the fire. They spent a lot of time ensuring it was out before they went to bed. I reckon Toby was asleep in minutes!
 |
| Morning after! |
Next morning was stunning. Mike and I enjoyed the morning. The gassy flats were perfect for his morning coffee.
 |
| Mike enjoying his morning coffee |
We eventually packed up the tents and headed back. We didn't get away until 10.45am! Lazy morning. But we hooned back in comparison to our walk in.
 |
| Heading back |
 |
| Through the bush |
 |
| Scrambling up |
 |
| Great views |
 |
| He's like the little mermaid |
 |
| Almost back |
Back at the car by 2pm. And we found Andrew there after his amazing tramp from Ohau end to here. Woot! See his blog about it here
We had dinner at Sally and Andrew's place after we dropped Andrew off and headed home for a good clean. Hahahah. Toby stayed at home and we caught up with the wider family and ate the yummiest lamb.
Next morning Mike and I met up with Lesley and Wally for brunch. We went to Joe's Garage and I introduced Wally to the best iced coffee in Wellington. Consistently good.
 |
| Iced coffee goodness with Wally at Joe's Garage |
We also tried one of their cold brewed coffees. That was surprisingly good.
 |
| Good stuff! |
Back home via the supermarket. Well, Mike dropped me at Ange's house. And I saw Sapphire on Ange's bed and couldn't resist a photo. So cute!
 |
| Sapphire is camouflaged |
Back home and off to see Batman v Superman in 3D with Toby. It was a little long and not overly great. And this is coming from a Batman fan. Toby liked it.
Back home to do the ironing and get that sorted for the week ahead. And fell into bed and watched some documentary on Iceland with Mike. Wonderful.
Have a brilliant (short) week!
Love,
Angela
No comments:
Post a Comment