Saturday 31 October 2009

Leader:  Mary Cooper

Two for the price of one!  Our first Saturday tramp for the 2009/2010 summer saw a small group set off northwards for Orewa on a warm, sunny day.  Eaves Bush was a short, easy walk through beautiful native bush with glimpses of the sea.  Although pausing to read the many labels of various trees, e.g. kauri, kanuka, puriri, and detouring down a short loop we were easily out within 45 minutes.  Morning tea was at a sunny lookout area.  Much of the walk was across a well constructed boardwalk.  Many locals were also enjoying the luxury of this piece of paradise literally at their back door.

Next we drove further north to Moirs Hill with a short loo stop at Hatfields Beach – elongated by watching a tui in a tree, totally unperturbed by our proximity.  Upon arriving at the carpark, we discovered another bonus for going out with Mary, not just two tramps BUT coffee and dessert for afters!  We did, however, have to complete the tramp!  Mary was unrelenting about that.  Lunch was promised, at the waterfall, the elusive waterfall.  Well worth waiting for – dappled sunlight, picturesque bush setting and quite a wee drop over a high, rocky outcrop as we looked down.  This tramp was steeper and more demanding than our earlier warm up but spurred on by the thought of that coffee.  Amazing to think this track and scenic reserve is tucked under (almost) the main highway unnoticed by motorists speeding past.

Eventually we exited, and yes, the coffee cart, as promised, awaited us.  Coffee, smoothies, seats, chooks, super weather, good company, ah, it’s a tough act to follow.  Thanks Mary.

Christine Whibley