22 November 2009

Leader: Liz Foy

On a drizzling wet day five hopefuls met at Papatoetoe, including newcomer Don who promptly announced he did not have his raincoat and would an umbrella do? Absolutely not says our charming leader Liz, who suggested he go home, pick up his coat and be back within 10 minutes – all of which newcomer Don performed without a murmur. Liz had secretly been hoping that nobody would turn up as she had lots to do! All set now, we drove off, noting the deterioration of the weather as we neared North Piha. In fact the low clouds formed a white-out which remained so for most of the day.

Despite rain, mist, and little prospect of views we set off walking around 10am heading for the hills in the form of White Track where blue-flowered lily plants were to be found aplenty. After morning tea break at the top of the hill, we set off along the 4-wheel track among the ti-tree, nikau palms and kawakawas, eventually tramping down into Rose Track, a mainly concrete drive-way. Not long after, we veered right to Whites Beach and at last we viewed the sea as we approached black sanded Whites Beach.

Liz then led us uphill to view Fishermans Rock where the track narrowed somewhat, became steep in places and overgrown. From time to time newcomer Don shouted “sh..” as he encountered a challenge or two on the narrow track, but with Liz’s encouraging words of “slippery underfoot”, “take your time” , we all made it to our elusive destination. Heaps of Rengarenga lilies were to be found as we tramped. We had lunch under the shelter of the pohutukawa tree around noon watching The Rock and a few gulls but, not surprisingly, no fishermen. As Don’s right knee was aching he preferred to stand, but Liz soon offered him a plastic bag upon which he sat. Low clouds obstructed views.

Back we trudged to Whites Beach where, lo and behold, a lone sunlover was seen frolicking in the waves, seemingly unaware of our presence as he strutted up the beach. I suppose with no other views to be seen, any view is better than none …. A sign had said “Strong currents, large waves, submerged rocks. This beach is not patrolled by lifeguards” - which no doubt suited our nudist. We backtracked quietly to Rose Track and then right into Laird Thomson Track along to the first lookout point where all eyes focused on the sunlover enjoying the waves in the far distance. Up to the next lookout point we checked out the Piha-designer stone seat but no views could we see – either of nature or unclothed man.

Returning along Laird Thomson Track we eventually reached black sanded North Piha beach. As we wandered along the beach we met walkers with dogs, walkers without dogs, caves on the left hillside and a North Piha surf lifesaving jeep patrolling the beach. Doug noted the distance between the two flags of only 40metres did not allow for much swimming that day.

Back in the carpark at 2pm newcomer Don decided to head home with Cheryl whereas Liz, Doug and I discovered The Piha Café, opened for business five days earlier. This new seaside café with an environmental edge offered gourmet burgers, all day kai plus a variety of coffees, juices and other beverages. Thanks Liz, it was a lovely way to end an enjoyable tramp.

Mary Cooper