Trip Report - December 2013

Christmas Walk and Picnic - Kawakawa Bay
08 December


The sun shone for our final walk for 2013 and our Christmas picnic at the lovely beach reserve at Kawakawa Bay.   To earn our lunch there was a three hour walk around the coast scrambling over rocks and ducking under the magestic flowering pohutukawa trees that grace these parts, then the startling  discovery that the tide had beaten us and we couldn't get around one of the bluffs.  So it was a minor cliff-climbing challenge for all, very grateful for ancient tree roots to grab onto and thankful that none of the loose rocks we dislodged actually hit anyone.  From here it was a sedate walk along the road where we were fascinated to find colonies of native bees going about their business in the clay bank at the roadside, riddled with tiny holes.    We didn't spot any weka but noted the signs proclaiming that this was weka country and dogs must be kept on a leash.  
We arrived back at the beach reserve hungry and ready for the lovely picnic organised by Derek and Gail.  Festive strawberries, cream, chocolates and amazingly decorated Christmas cake rounded off the meal and it was great to relax on the grass and chat before our bus trip back to the city.  Another bonus was to have the company of some of our older members who are not able to do the walks any longer but are still great club supporters and friends.  
Thanks to Praemi and John for leading, and Derek and Gail for the picnic!

Weka country

Stunning pohutukawa blooming on cue for Christmas

Top of the cliff always feels good!