After climbing to the viewpoint over Whites beach, we moved on up towards the old Auckland university site – yet more amazing views from here – but not a place where it would have been particularly safe for sleep walkers staying there one would think…..
Across the narrow ridge up to Anawhata road and back down to Piha – looping up the Maungaroa Ridge track. It was very flattering that a lady en route described our medium “let’s have a nice walk- none of this heads down bums up” party” as looking “intrepid” That did however have the effect of putting a spring in our steps for a while!
We came back to the bus via McKenzies track- not doing the longer loop Roger had set for us. Well, it was a very hot day and our feeling of intrepidness had quite worn off by this stage.
Rudy found several places where he would like to camp and will perhaps be planning a club multiday trip in the area at some stage in the near future….
Rogers faster party (the HDBU one) was having chilled chocolate drinks in the Piha café by the time we got there. We also partook!
Thank you, Katy for leading us for a very enjoyable walk, and especial thanks to Karen for driving us safely to Piha – Karen’s first drive. Well done, Karen.
Hut to Headland The old Auckland university hut burnt down long ago and featured in the book Hut and Headland, which we have in the club library. A fascinating account of trips to the Waitakeres in the past and the long walk involved in even getting to the Waitakeres- visits by notables like Lucy Cranwell the botanist who has a track named after her. The site is marked by a plaque.