Refreshing autumnal morning when 8 of us set off from the carpark at entrance to Akatarawa Forest Park - end of Karapoti Road (off Akatarawa Road).  Barely 5mins walk along the track we have to cross a small stream.  Coming into winter there was slightly more water in the stream from when I last walked this track in summer.  Even at only slightly over our ankles at the deepest point we ALL got our boots and socks wet while trying to dodge the flowing water. Within 10mins walking on we all had forgotten about our wet socks; feet feeling snug in new environment.

The track is wide and straight forward with no deviations to contend with only annoyance being the sizeable potholes that have been caused by four-wheel quad-bikes that use this area to explore particularly at weekends.   We only had one group of 6 bikes pass us.  

One hour into our journey a sign directs walkers onto McGhie’s Bridge where a locked gate prevents other than foot traffic from proceeding further.

We stopped on McGhie’s Bridge for morning tea/early lunch before heading back along same route we’d just travelled.  Remembering I got my socks wet when we first crossed the stream I just went straight through the water not even trying to avoid getting my boots wet.  I used my tramping stick to keep me steady on the uneven slippery stones.  Regretfully one of our members who was not using a tramping pole slipped and fell as she endeavoured to dodge the deepest parts of the stream.

Lesson for us all to remember is that it’s better to get our boots wet than run the risk of slipping and having a fall and getting soaked all over; particularly relevant if you happen to be wearing hearing aids or even glasses.

Tramping Poles/s are a useful part of safety gear for uneven surfaces, uneven terrain and when crossing streams or rivers.

Leaders – Mark & Helen

Walkers – Nicky, Prue, Anna, Kathy, Sheila, and Kirsten