Monday Walkers

Last Monday’s walk differed from our most recent ones. Instead of getting wet from above we got very wet from below. Our day began with a drive to the end of Clements Mill Rd and the start of the Hinemaiaia Track. This is a windy metal road and the windfall bordering, and in some cases actually on the road, provided evidence of our blustery spring. On the walking track areas of giant uprooted beech trees surrounded by stands of regenerating pole beech provided testament of the wild cyclonic weather of the 1980s. We admired the clear waters of the Hinemaiaia Stream before crossing the narrow wire bridge over its waters en route to the Cascades. We had been forewarned about the inevitability of wet feet so at the next unbridged crossing when some managed to balance on a moss covered slippery log and avoid a dip in the cold stream there was much jubilation. Satisfaction was short lived as our leader guided us through umpteen stream crossings and soon everyone’s boots were squelching and our feet had almost adjusted to the water temperature. The noise of the water increased as we climbed up along the bank and we were soon able to view the cascade from above. The white frothing water tumbling down into the smooth confines of carved out rock was not only noisy but beautiful. The group then scrambled down to the cascade base to admire the waterfall from below. We followed a different route back, still getting wet feet but managing to avoid a small patch of quicksand and find a small cave complete with an old campfire. Groves of crown ferns provided ground cover and colonies of tapuwae kotuku, so named because its fronds are like the footprint of the white heron, were seen in drier areas of the bush. Tiny purple pouched fungi and a delicate hanging orchid which was flowering were lucky seasonal finds. This track has several short steep climbs and descents and is unmarked so a little scouting was required to find the safest route. Next week we are partying and our organised walks will recommence in January 2021. For information email walkersmondaytaupo@gmail.com and follow us on Facebook on Taupo¯ Monday Walkers.