Used Car

I Bought a used car today. Cars incredibly cheep here compared to the States. 1989 White Mazda hatchback, no radio, hubcaps, or power steering. Its a 4 speed so no worries about me driving too fast. On the highway i generally go about 5 under the speed limit just so i dont kill the car. Unfortuanatly pictures will have to wait; i do have internet at my current woof but comp too slow to upload pic.

Cape Reinga Hike recap

SEEN ABOVE is the the view i had after i got off the bus. I hiked and over the point seen in pic and across the beach that followed where i spent my first night among the sand dunes.

Simply stunning 3 day hike around the cape. Certainly a trip highlight. Cloudy first day with a few showers. I knew i would need to have a substantial shelter if i wanted to remain comfortable among the wiping winds of the Tasman Sea. As you see, there were no trees for hammock so i sought shelter in the dunes SEEN BELOW . That night i ate the pippies and green lip muscles i collected at low tide earlier that day BELOW.



It was extremely gratifying to have a warm and cozy night sleep in my self made tarp dune shelter. The next morning i woke to sunshine. I snapped a few pics and was back on the trail north to the lighthouse.

It was a beautiful sunny second day. Over points and across beaches, it truly felt like i was in dream. After a few hours hike i made it to the Cape Reinga PICTURED BELOW lighthouse where i observed the violent currents of the Tasman Sea and Pacific collide.



Following the lighthouse, I was back to the trail. The next 1.5 hours were demanding but were rewarded by the remarkable view of the site from above. I arrived at site just before dark thank goodness.

(PICTURED BELOW are the sweaty pic of me in route to site and the stunning view from the trail of my second night destination.)




Upon arrival at second night campsite, which was quite nice, i noticed the lack of hammock trees only a small grouping PICTURED BELOW (i carry a hammock and tarp, no tent) It worked out well making for another warm and comfortable night sleep.




I met a french couple that second night with whom I shared dinner with. Very nice and i may end up going on a hike with damien in a month or so when im in the Gisborne region. I decided to cut my trip 5km short and get a ride from them back to Kaitaia. So it is with wet boots and dirty clothes that i bring you this report immediately off the Reinga trail. Great times. Now back to Pete's for the night, then i head south.

Other Pics from the trip...

Prehike Pictures

into the woods of the north

(pictured above)Typical chainsaw work...

(Pictured above is the finished duck pen. A great deal of time went into this pen, drainage, digging, fencing, hammering. A fun project. Then there is the clipping of the wings and butchering of the drakes.)

Tomorrow I begin my hike up the north coast around Cape Reinga. I take a hand fishing line with hopes of actually catching something. I have low expectations as but it will be fun nonetheless. I spend my next 4 nights in my hammock.

As for the weather, it rains about 5-10 times a day, never for more than 10 minutes at a time. Mornings can be cool at times but it always warms up (60s-70s).

I would have done this hike about 3 weeks ago but i hurt my back. I have been fully recovered for a while now but needed to work for the family that gave me the time off to rest my back.

I will shorten my woofs from this point forward so i can maximize my time here.