laura - walking

Laura and I also got out for a few walks nearby Wellington.

We explored Pukarua Bay at the south end of the Kapiti coast. We mostly collected cool things in the sand.






We went to Lake Ferry on the south end of the North Island. It is a bit tucked away behind the rimataka mountains and the water a bit murky. Not as spectacular in the traditional sense, but remote and interesting.

It also had a view of the South Island mountains across the straight.
Nearby was the Pinnacles, although the trail was mostly washed out. We hiked about half way to the end of the passable trail.
Rivendell was shot on location in the Kaitoke Park about 30 minutes from our house. It takes a lot of imagination to see the connection between the film and this site, but it remains one of my favourite quick nature visits.
And like everything is better with your dearest friend beside you.

We also ventured out to Otaki Forks which is about 1.5 hours away on the north side of the Kapiti Coast. I found this part of the drive (the straight connection between the coast and the mountains) facinating. There are few straight roads here making it all the more striking.
The road narrows to a windy mostly gravel one. It is paved for a bit though to allow for a stream FORD!
Most of the area is regenerating scrub, but this little path hinted at what might await future generations.
We walked for a couple hours exploring the various paths.

The most exciting bit had to be the one person swing bridge.
Keep in mind that his is what we are walking on:
over this river

It was really cool to discover (and revisit) some of the nearish walks to our home. I still miss the Wilson River and the Tillamook forest, but it is so nice to have more walking near at hand than in previous years.