Sunday stroll

What a glorious day today. Thirty degrees in the town of Zakopane  where we are based but a bit cooler up on the mountain.
The sun shone as we left our pension for a walk to Kalatowki Meadows  in the nearby town of Kuznice.
We caught a little local bus at the end of our street and headed away.We discovered this village was where the oldest and biggest chairlift operates from.It goes up to 1800 meters and takes three hours for the return trip.It costs 61 Z lot per person so we hope to take the trip before we leave as the views would be spectacular.We did not have enough money on us to buy tickets for today but the queues were daunting and patience would be required.
Today is a Sunday and the last day of their summer holidays so big day out for families.It does seem a very family orientated place with hordes of groups climbing the trails,picnicking and just enjoying themselves.We s were surprised at the numbers of walkers and the great variety of ages who were taking part.

The trail leads out of the township up a road of river stones for a long distance.Big stones are used to edge the route but a variety make up the road itself.My feet did not enjoy the walking here.
The concentration needed is intense,one slip and your ankle could be shot or worse scenarios of course.

We bought our tickets to enter the park a little way up the road and found we were old people who got a discount.
We climbed for about an hour up this rock passage,hoping from large rock to small and taking care not to lose sight of our blue route symbols.After yesterday's debacle we did not want a repeat.

The distance for today was eight hours walking but we modified our route as forgot our walking sticks and the going was rough.
It improved once we got to the meadows where a large chalet catered for skiers and tampers. There was a chairlift and a ski run lead down across the meadows.
Brad and I decided to climb up to the next hut on the way to Kopa Kondracka peak and enjoy the wild flowers and mountain scenes.It was pleasant up there with the mountains towering over us.We were only slightly tempted to continue!!!!
On our way back the heat intensified as the wind dropped so Kuznice was a welcome sight.
We walked back to the hotel rather than bus so we could see some of the local sights.There was a large Catholic retreat with lovely gardens dedicated to Pope John Paul 11.He was a local priest and honored for his life in the town.
We had been walking for five hours so time for a siesta and a cuppa.
Later we wandered down town and explored the shopping and ambience of the place.Reminded us of Queenstown but not so diverse a group of tourists.Local tourists rather that international ones but a big town with lots of music, and street stalls.Ice cream is very popular here too.Every corner has ice cream stalls.
Later we returned to our hotel for dinner.The Polish musicians were plain while we dined and bear skins hung on the walls amongst lots of memorabilia from family and cultural events.
We had veal and dumplings,beetroot salad and fruit salad so not suffering here.The food is fresh and wholesome.
Time for bed,another day walking tomorrow.

Zakopane and a challenge (or two)......

Today we were collected by our tour guide from our hotel in Krachow after breakfast ( what a repast that was) and driven through pretty rural  areas to the mountainous town of Zakopane.
The outskirts of the city are unsightly but once we left the trappings of Communism behind we enjoyed the distinctive pitched roofed houses designed to tip off the snow.Some beautiful examples of wooden homes,carved doors and impressive facades decorated by scenes carved into the wood.The churches were interesting too, mostly Catholic in this area but they have bulbous towers which look a little turk ish.
Zakopane is bigger than expected.The houses are mostly wooden, some in wood cabin designs but others have very distinctive features.Must get some photos to share.
About 30,000 people are resident here but it is like Queenstown and very busy summer and winter.Skiing is huge here and much building evident in the town.We are staying in a pension quite close to the National Park where we started walking after lunch.
Our map reading skills were terrible today.We got distracted by a man giving us the rest of his tickets to enter the park. You pay here to go into the parks.We ended up heading up a different valley to the one we should have and by the time we realised our mistake we decided it was too far to go back so we would soldier on.What a climb.We climbed up to a pass about 1370 meters so the muscles were protesting.
Once we got to the path I decided to climb to the top of the peak for the view.Well it was a challenge but I made it.I had to scramble up but worse coming down.I have climbed a peak in the Tatra Mts.Now I plan to rest on my laurals.
It was a long way down the mountain,tough tracks to negotiate and easy to fall.Total concentration needed.We met heaps of other walkers,families,couples,young and old they are an active nation and enjoy the outdoors.
Scenery was spectacular and the late afternoon colors a rich mix of blues and purples.Lots of plants in the lower valleys along with beech,spruce and pine trees.
It took us five hours to finish the walk so it was a relief to have a hot shower and a cup of tea before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant.
We had traditional dumplings,salads,cheese and ice cream with warmed cherries to complete the meal.Just lovely sitting outside listening to a local polish band performing indoors to a receptive crowd.
Time for bed.We do it all over again tomorrow.Goodnight readers.

Day one:Starting out

For the first time since my arrival the sun shines and promises a day in the sun.However my day will be spent travelling , firstly to Stanstead.I bus there,meet Brad at Goldens Green and then fly to Krachow.
It has been a lovely catch up with Lou.She took the day off yesterday and we walked a total of thirteen kilometers during the day so I am up to the challenge of conquering the Tatras! !!
We walked  Coco the dog up to Highgate Hill along a walking track developed from the old rail line for two hours.We had to wait until the rain stopped though,it was a dismal start to the day.I harvested a few  black berries along the walkway.Delicious.I love the taste of them.
Later we lunched in Stroud Green and later in the day met up with Claire,Liz Jenny and her friend for a meal at the local pub.
It was National Burger day so we sampled the local   vegetarian option which was delicious and went down well with a bottle of red.
Johnathon was not keen to join us but caught up later at home as he cooked up a late meal.It was a full on day.
Now I am packed and ready to go.Not sure if there will be any more posts as my app on the tablet is not responding and not sure if it will get activated.
Anyway all is well and time to go.Ka kite a no.

The adventure begins...

London dawns- wet,cool and dismal,not at all what I was hoping for but maybe tomorrow.
It was a good trip on flight NZ 289 and BA 168 Shanghai to London.I had a window seat on the Shanghai to London leg which allowed me to watch an ever changing skyscape from the comfort of my seat.No wings obscured my sight but closer to Europe the skies c lagged up and the views were limited by thick cloud.
I was met by my taxi man at the arrival hall.How cool.I think it is the first time with my name visible on arrival.
It took about an hour and  forty seven pounds to arrive at the new flat where Lou was waiting for me with hot soup and toast.That was a treat.
We had an inspection of the flat and a catch up before sleep claimed me.
Sadly the day dawns wet and windy so not a great start to my adventure.
Just finishing my breakfast and then I am lunching with Claire at Crouch end.It will be good to spend some time with her after her horrible encounter with the London taxi.

My Favourite Walk

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Walking on the Otago Peninsula

by Robyne Selbie

My favourite walk is on the Otago Peninsula which is the rural  hinterland for Dunedin city and host to a number of walks which lead to various  bays and headlands along the coast, or to vantage points overlooking the city.

My  route leads me to a little known walk which begins at Greenacres Street in the Macandrew Bay township. . The return trip  takes me about one hour thirty from my back door to the top road and back to Marion Street.

Signs  at the bottom of Greenacres Street point out the direction  to my destination via a walking track to Highcliff Road. The  walk  takes you from sea level to two hundred metres above sea level. From here there are marvelous views across the peninsula and down to the headlands  towards Taiaroa Heads, better known for the only mainland breeding albatross colony or back towards Dunedin city with views of Saddle.Hill.

Figure 2: The view back to Dunedin City

Setting off from my home in Macandrew Bay is the easy part. It is a short walk around the edge of Otago Harbour on a brilliant autumn morning, calm, with water lapping  alongside the walkway. Seagulls and sea life  accompany me on the early stages of my walk and the smell of the sea gives me a sense of well-being. How lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place.

Once I turn off the walkway and start the  hike up Greenacres Street I pass the local dairy and the school tennis court, houses and fields, easy walking  because the track levels out through the suburb and ascends gently towards the hills.

Once I pass the blue gums and blackberry grove the climb up Greenacres Street begins to demand more energy, the view becomes rural and the city seems far away.  Sheep graze beside the track in lush fields , the Highland cattle lumber across the paddock to investigate my presence  and sometimes a rabbit or hare will race into the pine plantation ahead. A local farmer  stops for a chat as he loads some feed into the hay-racks for the cattle. I am pleased to have a stop and catch my breath before the next phase.

Figure 3: Highland cattle waiting for breakfast

This  part of the walk is on a gravel track which leads up to the pine plantation and turns off to the left on a private road, from here you turn right on a pathway which leads up to the top road. This point is marked by a little wooden bench seat ,just the place for a rest and an apple before heading upwards  through the pine trees  which line the track and provide some shelter  from the wind and rain. Not today though as the sun shines and the breeze is gentle. This section is a little bit of wilderness and a real contrast from city living. Horses graze up here  and as you  leave the plantation you clamber over  a stile and cross into the final phase of the track alongside farm pastures and beautiful views back to the city.

Figure 4: I am joined by a dog enjoying his romp through the grass

The track narrows and steepens but the views get better and better as I climb out onto the final section of  the track.

Today I can hear the bellbirds and a tui singing amongst the trees  whilst in the distance the sound of the train heading away on a journey to the north can be heard on the still air. I am joined on  my ascent by a dog and its owner making the most of the open spaces.

Once I reach the top of the track I emerge onto  Highcliff Road. This leads to Camp Road and Larnach Castle, well known tourist attractions on the Peninsula. You walk past the delightful settlement of Pukehiki  with its historic library and church  also worth a stop. This is a nice diversion and well worth a look through the site before walking on to the road leading back to Macandrew Bay. Some days I turn back down the track but today I continue on along the round trip, a little longer but the day is beautiful and the scenery spectacular so I make the most of the day.

Figure 5: Lunchtime with a view towards Port Chalmers and back towards to Harbour Cone

Lunch is calling and I follow my usual trail past the turnoff to the castle and turn down Camp Road  overlooking Broad Bay.  Harbour Cone overlooks the harbour and protect some of the rare gecko lizards found on its slopes.

Camp Road is a narrow gravel road which leads back to Macandrew Bay. Not easy walking if there is a lot of holiday traffic but worth the efforts for the views of the Harbour and surrounding bays. There is another option to return home via the walking track from Larnach Castle to Broad Bay but today I do not have enough time so the road walk it is.

Once I arrive at Company Bay I walk back along the walkway to my starting point in the village.

Figure 6: The end of the road.

Figure 7: Macandrew Bay car park and starting point for the Greenacres walk

Northland Pilgrimage,November 2014

November 2014 was an amazing month.I was lucky enough to meet up with other Heritage Rose lovers from all around NZ in  the Bay Of Islands for a pilgrimage to Ohio Bay the site of the first mission station in NZ established in 1844.

We climbed down to Marsden Cross from the bus stop.We nearly had an upset as our bus slid off the side of the road and we had to clamber out on the lean.A bit scary but we got off safely.
The site of the cross is now a reserve and sadly only one of the roses remain due to some over zealous conservation volunteers who did not know anything about roses!
The walk down was lovely, steep going back but well worth the walk. The cross is magnification and there is a real sense of history here.The remains of the Maori pa loomed overhead of us,the missionaries were under their protection.I wonder how those gentle women from another world found this proximity reassuring as their men were often far away bring the christian word to the local Maori tribes.
Here the first roses were planted by missionary wives, amongst them we know Slaters Crimson was present and is grown in local gardens to the present day.We visited direct descendents of the missionary families and saw the family names replicated in roses growing today.

We stayed at the hotel next to the Treaty Grounds and we were given a tour of the grounds and the Treaty House itself.Later we went to Russell and the Pompellier House, home of the Catholic printing press.I met up with Clive Arlidge there,a real surprise as he had just dropped in to see how the morning tea was going as the local marae were catering for it.The roses were original varieties and beautifully cared for by volunteers.The boat trip over was a treat as well.
We travelled all over Northland and experienced wonderful hospitality at a variety of local members gardens under the stewardship of Olga who rallied her troops to make our trip enjoyable.
We visited the Kauri Museum and dined there before returning to Whangarei  that night.We saw the Hunterweisser town and spent a penny in the toilets there.
Too many experiences to recount in total but we ended our trip in Auckland with the re-opening of the Nancy Steen Garden  after a refurbishment.We had a lovely evening with local members and then we went to Ayrilies Garden on our final day for a good look at the magnificant garden and morning tea around the poolside.
The tour finished at the Auckland Botanic gardens rose garden.