Monday Walkers
What is it about Mondays! Yet another dire weather forecast had the Monday Walkers rescheduling an out of town walk and scrambling for half day packs, rain jackets and the dreaded ponchos. Fortunately, we are becoming adept at fast substitutions and are spoiled for choice when it comes to local walking tracks.
Soon we were making our way around a 14km loop beginning along the northern bank of the Waikato River.
We climbed the steps to the residential area on the old radio station hill and followed the road down to Hipapatua Recreational Reserve.
Here we paused to admire the river gliding quickly but serenely by. Summer travellers in their camper vans were already filling the sites and no doubt enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
Over the road in the redwoods recent wet weather had brought a tree down across the track and the atmosphere was dark and still. We emerged into the sunlight and followed the concreted path to Huka Falls, reputedly the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand.
Despite not being a holiday, there were numerous visitors watching the mesmerising foaming turquoise water tumbling through the narrow canyon.
From here we looped back to town initially using the well-trodden track to Otumuheke Stream. Even from track height the river was so clear that its bed was clearly visible.
White lacy flowers of puawhananga hung by the path, their scent and colour attracting the attention of both our group and unfortunately a bee that gave one poor walker a sharp sting!
Our native clematis have the distinction of being dioecious, meaning they have their male and female flowers on different plants. One inquisitive explorer had sussed a lower track that had previously been blocked by yellow keep away tape.
All bravely followed and what a delight.
There were multiple signs warning of the danger of fast river currents but none warning of the freshness and surprises the path hid. There was a huge rock that looked like a missile of pumice that had been hurled down and split on impact. Pumice like rock striated with colours of pink and lilac had tumbled down from one loose bank.
Some areas were a little steep and slippery, with fallen foliage that needed to be carefully negotiated. In a damp section a cave-like rock face was covered in soft green mosses.
It was almost disappointing when this track ended, and we re-joined the pathway to Cherry Island and the Control Gates Bridge.
A timely reminder that behind every cloud is a silver lining. Next week, weather permitting, we will be walking a foothills track. To join us or for more information please email walkersmondaytaupo@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook at ‘Taupo Monday Walkers’.