tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79073715431367613632024-03-13T20:16:20.141-07:00Hitting the TracksGavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-71285138845212742022012-05-14T21:37:00.000-07:002012-05-14T21:37:51.409-07:00Routeburn Track<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Routeburn Track run in the Routeburn Classic, 1340 ascent 1400 descent
A cold morning greeted us on the start line at The Divide side of the Routeburn Track. The rain from the evening before had stopped and as the sun started to rise we were presented with crystal clear conditions.
The run started 500m from the trail head on the main road, giving the field a chance to spread out. Straight away the track was very rocky and started to climb through some classic South Island Beech. After a steady climb the track emerged at Howden Hut and then became more gradual heading to McKenzie Hut. This part of the track is spectacular passing Earland Falls with the Hollyford River and Darran Mountains in full view on the left.
From McKenzie Hut the track climbed steeply finally emerging from the tree tops and into alpine terrain as the track zig zagged towards Harris Saddle a glance to the right gave stunning views down to the deep green coloured Lake McKenzie and surrounding peaks. The final push to Harris Shelter was a little easier on the legs and after a short climb we reached the shelter and the highest point of the track at 1277m. The scenery at Harris Lake was incredible, with the lake silhouetting the peaks above.
The descent from the lake was initially extremely technical becoming easier after reaching the Falls Hut and the upper basin of the Routeburn River. Back into the trees the track followed the river all the way to the finish, crossing numerous swing bridges and through some lovely red beech trees.
Finish time for the 32k was: Gavin 3 hours 34 and Sinead 4 hours 23.Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-33352509653985804792012-04-18T01:42:00.000-07:002012-04-18T01:42:33.462-07:00The Tongariro Crossing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RfXcDURUCpfm_gQFvuBSh2IZwur3q5rK-98hKlmPki4doSfIAqJTHyoZSwfqpA0bmUYFKdv3cmEdRLGubSPv1fwLWNxRm0xvnYE1QfE0sSF16KzUyJTZtV36e-zQwIW7vtSIIM1LVvkF/s1600/P4091143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RfXcDURUCpfm_gQFvuBSh2IZwur3q5rK-98hKlmPki4doSfIAqJTHyoZSwfqpA0bmUYFKdv3cmEdRLGubSPv1fwLWNxRm0xvnYE1QfE0sSF16KzUyJTZtV36e-zQwIW7vtSIIM1LVvkF/s200/P4091143.JPG" /></a></div><br />
A fantastic run over New Zealand’s most popular one day hike. It is easy to see why when you are presented with clear blue skies and views that stretch as far away as Mt Taranaki.<br />
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We started the run at the Mangatepopo carpark, the first 30 minutes of running where across a mixture of coarse volcanic rock and well kept boardwalks. After Sulphur Springs the track climbed steadily on the lower slopes of Mt Ngauruhoe before emerging in the South Crater and a scene that resembled something from Mars. From here Mt Ngauruhoe towers high above; sadly we didn’t have time to attempt the summit. <br />
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After crossing the crater it is a short sharp climb to the highest point of the track and to some sublime views. The emerald and blue lakes shimmer below, Mt Ngauruhoe dominates to the South, Lake Taupo is in the distance to the north, the Kaimanawa Ranges to the East and we were able to make out Mt Taranaki to the west. A scree slope drops away past the Emerald Lakes and into the Central Crater before rising to the aptly named Blue Lake.<br />
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From here the climbing is over and the descent begins. After winding around the side of Mt Tongariro the track Zigzags to the Ketetahi Hut and then gently winds down into the tree line with the final few kilometres alongside a stream and through some very tranquil bush.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoW9Cas0m6cjeK0uQDzUYAmr0Bu5l4PPA6n2itpl4tqwTQPxC4V54pCxMBG6N9g3VIKbwoEb9Y3qY4TFBGq4IhhjYKcDJem8ARxvr8skv8_CN1Ahzu5s0D3gDHU_AYCk444ee4DvQ8ORum/s1600/P4091150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoW9Cas0m6cjeK0uQDzUYAmr0Bu5l4PPA6n2itpl4tqwTQPxC4V54pCxMBG6N9g3VIKbwoEb9Y3qY4TFBGq4IhhjYKcDJem8ARxvr8skv8_CN1Ahzu5s0D3gDHU_AYCk444ee4DvQ8ORum/s200/P4091150.JPG" /></a></div>Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-44959287186989071582012-04-18T01:37:00.000-07:002012-04-18T01:37:30.689-07:00Waipakihi Hut Trek, Kaimanawa Ranges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPmmG0Gw40ftTZM1W_1SWLAZwbpvVE-KH5YK-fZ81jyoOGCnmyWuJi2K4EYHPqvrVA3IlZtmv0X3U8r0Ni_3UZl4AF8Y38ygDWPtR0v4s_8jvRLar9oduSloyjsUocv9m9bKewCgthsIO/s1600/P4071078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPmmG0Gw40ftTZM1W_1SWLAZwbpvVE-KH5YK-fZ81jyoOGCnmyWuJi2K4EYHPqvrVA3IlZtmv0X3U8r0Ni_3UZl4AF8Y38ygDWPtR0v4s_8jvRLar9oduSloyjsUocv9m9bKewCgthsIO/s200/P4071078.JPG" /></a></div><br />
A fantastic couple of days spent in some of the most spectacular scenery in the North Island. A two-day loop in the Kaimanawa Ranges, which was thankfully bathed in sunshine and had little wind.<br />
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We entered the hike from a small carpark at the Umukarikari end of the track. It was a pretty steady climb through some fern clad bush for just over an hour before we emerged out of the trees at around 1000 metres. The views didn’t disappoint with Lake Taupo to our left and Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe on the right. The track then continued to climb along the Umukarikari Ridge heading east and peaking on Sharp Cone at 1500 metres. It was then a gradual descent along the ridge high above the Waipakihi River and the sprawling Kaimanawa Ranges on our right. After four hours walking we descended steeply back into the bush with the Waipakihi Hut in the distance below. A good 45 minutes later we crossed the Waipakihi River and camped for the night.<br />
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We had a early start the following day and after some porridge started down the Waipakihi River. For the first 15 minutes we bush bashed along the banks before realizing the quickest and most direct route was in the river itself. Five hours later after countless crossings and soaking wet feet we hit the Waipakihi Campsite and climbed the track to Urchin at 1300 metres. The climb was incredibly steep but thankfully short and after 45 minutes we again cleared the tree line and were once again towering over the Waipakihi River. The track then rose to give superb views of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, this time we were walking straight at them. Once we took in the views from Urchin summit the long descent to the Urchin carpark began. Sadly when we reached the road we had to finish the loop by walking an additional 5 kilometers to the Umukarikari car park.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjAmeHh073UVwO8PY3OVu_lGf1LX9djSShF3dAR3iuZa4gz53VMe1ZWYfPl2CoN4b9fK1E6QHvWCmTQKtufEjPOqT39FmR4FRqM3awGRsyNODH8Sw6_Wnt2df92c5DU_8AfJVfedAS2aF/s1600/P4071089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjAmeHh073UVwO8PY3OVu_lGf1LX9djSShF3dAR3iuZa4gz53VMe1ZWYfPl2CoN4b9fK1E6QHvWCmTQKtufEjPOqT39FmR4FRqM3awGRsyNODH8Sw6_Wnt2df92c5DU_8AfJVfedAS2aF/s200/P4071089.JPG" /></a></div>Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-11503960976892947982012-03-28T02:05:00.001-07:002012-04-18T01:27:41.985-07:00Lake Okataina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVM1THQ6BfQSRgZ5PkKSuVRE5ItoRBxiVyto0kz_PshDbHqMyOTbDJeecmmVc4ssrn7vzQtGi6lK0ITrG-MhGt2GCzxt0gYoQyXlaSD0S6VRIAVOcL184q7wLzFIKzFq-geDg1zX1dwgg/s1600/IMG_0358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVM1THQ6BfQSRgZ5PkKSuVRE5ItoRBxiVyto0kz_PshDbHqMyOTbDJeecmmVc4ssrn7vzQtGi6lK0ITrG-MhGt2GCzxt0gYoQyXlaSD0S6VRIAVOcL184q7wLzFIKzFq-geDg1zX1dwgg/s200/IMG_0358.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A nice easy run along the banks of one of Rotorua's lesser known lakes Okaitana. I ran the Eastern track which is somewhat easier than the Western route. The first half hour was very similar to a lot of the terrain in the Rotorua region, plenty of lush kiwi bush and a undulating track. The views to the lake were impressive with a sense that not many people venture down to Okataina. I took the short diversion to Te Koute bay for a close up view of the foreshore. After about 45 minutes I reached the end of the lake where the track cuts inland and climbs before dropping down to Humphries Bay on Lake Tarawera. Sadly that was all I had time for as I retraced my steps back to the car.Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-79774004579091868132012-02-01T01:12:00.000-08:002012-02-02T12:50:11.415-08:00Cape Brett WalkwayDay One. 1275m ascent, 1254 descent<br />
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Our first summer hike in NZ, we were looking forward to the extra daylight hours and not having to wrap up after arriving at our destination. The hike starts at the stunning white sand beach of Oke Bay, Rawhiti. We were quickly climbing, to probably the highest point on the track. Most of the track was in bush but every now and then we got glimpses of the Bay of Islands below, Urupukapuka and Roberton Islands the most visible. After the initial climb the track continued along the spine of the peninsula also affording us views of the infamous Whangamumu Bay and Poor Knights Islands in the distance.<br />
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After a solid four hours walking we reached the turn off to Deep Water Cove, a lovely secluded beach and where I managed to get stung by a bee. After a quick dip we headed back to the fork in the track and headed for the lighthouse. This section of the track was spectacular. After yet another steep climb we finally caught a glimpse of the end of the peninsula with sheer cliffs plunging into the glistening waters below. The final stretch to the hut was very narrow with a steep drop into the sea to our right. The cliff-top scenery was certainly some of the best I have seen in New Zealand. One final climb and the Hole in the Rock came into view along with the original lighthouse. Our lodging for the evening was tucked into a huge grassy expanse that went all the way to the sea. The hut was one of the Lighthouse keepers old houses. <br />
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The other benefit of summer hiking became evident as we took a dip in the sea to refresh ourselves.<br />
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Day Two: 1109 ascent, 1135 descent<br />
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The only negative about this hike would be the fact that on day two we had to retrace our steps. Given how demanding the hike is this is a daunting prospect fist thing in the morning. Our return journey was somewhat quicker as we didn't venture down to Deep Water Cove.Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-43397294277434466952011-06-19T14:02:00.001-07:002011-06-19T14:02:51.169-07:00The T42My second off road marathon of the year, the T42 was a race that I was looking forward to. The course was over the 42nd Traverse in the central North Island and is a very popular mountain biking route. It had been a destination that I have been meaning to tick off for some time.<br />
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The day dawned cold and very wet, thankfully the last drops of rain fell on the start line and the remainder of the day was in warm sunshine. The course consisted of more downhill than uphill, something that I had never experienced in my previous off road marathons. The terrain was predominantly 4 x 4 track some shingle and some clay based with a short section at the start through unmarked farmland. We were also treated to a 3k single-track section leading to the final climb and the finish at Owhango Domain. <br />
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The beauty of the run for me was the shear isolation, the sound of a couple of wild pigs reinforcing this. The majority of the race is spent under the forest canopy so the views are few and far between. But some dense NZ bush does make up for that, along with the real community feel at the finish in Owhango. <br />
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I felt strong throughout and picked up a couple of places on the main climb, mid way through and on the final climb into the finish. Spending more time running downhill did take it out of my thighs and if I were to compete again I would focus on this in my training. That said I finished in third place in a time of 3 hours 37 minutes.Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-67610148900232943162011-04-28T02:27:00.001-07:002011-04-28T02:27:51.342-07:00Taranaki Falls<b>T</b><b>aranaki Falls and the Mangatepopo Track: 1 hour 50 running time</b><br />
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Starting behind The Chateau the lower Taranaki Falls track is kept to a high standard due no doubt to the large number of walkers. The track in its entirety is a two hour loop. After 15 minutes running I turned up the Mangatepopo Track part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit. I ran out and back on this track through some brilliant tussock and shrub alpine scenery. On a good day the views up to Mt Ngarahoe and Tongariro would be superb. Back on the Taranaki Falls the track followed up the Taranaki River to the small Taranaki Falls. The track then wound through a lava field and returned to The Chateau.Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-2181794462567043112011-04-28T02:24:00.000-07:002012-02-01T00:35:53.337-08:00Mt Taranaki<b><br />
Mt Taranaki</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90IA0P-kh1D2605ohP6Sv94cKciYMORwpEWKPGkWFvz6ET4wmLmgT4PASuLoGWJQJtEENvuAX4ptueoUYi2ILmabMNMUJJAcRqCBtJKivW7wfYiuv7h9nbuuLb9iI2yZNGngKrdkfHajD/s1600/P4202494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90IA0P-kh1D2605ohP6Sv94cKciYMORwpEWKPGkWFvz6ET4wmLmgT4PASuLoGWJQJtEENvuAX4ptueoUYi2ILmabMNMUJJAcRqCBtJKivW7wfYiuv7h9nbuuLb9iI2yZNGngKrdkfHajD/s200/P4202494.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Day One 5 hours 30 walking: After following Pembroke Road, one of the main access routes for Mt Taranaki we parked at The Mountain House about 850m. The first section of the Around the Mountain circuit was a bit of a killer as it involved a steep 45 minute grind up to The Plateau (the carpark for the local ski field) via the road. The first section of trail took us through the ski field and on a steady climb on some technical terrain to Tahurangi Lodge and our highest point of 1400m. Sadly the conditions deteriorated and our visibility was down to around 100m. Past the lodge and the track became a little easier. The final descent of the day into Holy Hut gave tremendous views over the Ahukawakawa Swamp. <br />
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Day two, 7 hours walking: The second day barely dawned; a thick layer of cloud had enveloped the mountain. That with the horrendous weather report forced us to take on the Pouakai Circuit instead of completing the AMC. From the Hut and across the Ahukawakawa Swamp the views from the previous day were a distant memory. On the other side of the swamp the track rose sharply through a series of stairs, something that would become the theme of the day. After around an hour and a half we reached Pouakai Hut and some foul weather. We then went through what would probably have been some great alpine surroundings and climbed up over 2200 pieces of wood to Henrys Peak at 1300m. The remainder of the day was spent descending through tree roots and across un-bridged streams to Mt Taranaki’s main information centre at 890 metres. Our last hour and a bit was spent walking up the aptly named Puffer track to the warmth of Maketawa Hut.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08vNyG7ccPH1pyQIi-8Pz65QDS-h4p5V8b2QhPv7bc4kKGdV6BP55jEIqO4E16Y8t6AzK-7p2mrMFsIgJlArHM1MwPUBOdPLyLLSE_-oYk3Ga-iOuKA9PIln8Z461JFOBuMOMsmnuW97u/s1600/P4222536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08vNyG7ccPH1pyQIi-8Pz65QDS-h4p5V8b2QhPv7bc4kKGdV6BP55jEIqO4E16Y8t6AzK-7p2mrMFsIgJlArHM1MwPUBOdPLyLLSE_-oYk3Ga-iOuKA9PIln8Z461JFOBuMOMsmnuW97u/s200/P4222536.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Day three, 2 hours 15 walking: More bad weather greeted us in the morning, vindicating our decision to cut the weekend short. The final walk back to the Mountain House was short but contained more steep climbs in and out of numerous dry riverbeds.Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-63033609926328876622011-04-28T02:03:00.000-07:002011-04-28T02:03:38.199-07:00Kepler Track<b>Kepler Track </b><br />
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Day One: A nice easy start from the DOC office in Te Anau along the banks of Lake Te Anau to the official start of the track at a set of control gates on the Waiau River. This section passed through a wildlife sanctuary home to the rare Takahe and other native birds found on the track. Past the control gates the track hugged the banks of Lake Te Anau through to Brod Bay. From here we rose quickly for a good solid two hours through some great Beech Forest and past a series of limestone cliffs. After emerging from the treeline it was a further 45 minutes through to Mt Luxmore Hut. The views of the Southern Fiord of Lake Te Anau, back to the town and over to Lake Manapouri were stunning.<br />
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Day two: We woke to a crystal clear morning looking out over some low hanging cloud that blanketed the Southern Fiord below. Another good solid climb of about 400 metres in altitude gain and we reached the summit of Mt Luxmore and the highest point of the track 1472m. Below the Southern Fiord kept opening up and the track back to the Hut and beyond across a never ending ridge was clearly visible. Stunning weather followed us over the Alpine section of the track with views deep into Southern Fiordland. After completing the alpine section of the walk, a thigh crunching decent through thick beech forest had us at our campsite back in the bush outside the Iris Burn hut.<br />
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Day three: More good weather for a sedate walk meandering along the banks of the Iris Burn. The day passed through more beech forest and crossed numerous streams before we had our first glimpse of Lake Manapouri. From here it was a short stroll along the banks to the Moturau Hut, which had stunning views of the Lake. So good in fact we went for a dip!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGzoPw2xPEGvpePkoNMU1mQG1JQKzkDICxRuAvzbG3zDMvkZ5ynSRzMOieEuzs-Ho8GUzVlM5O4lNcqQmpdjMNuZuZZyphVzLrMvcZQqq67VyzV73Uo026vuDyyUG4pKcOeJlAUYk66W4/s1600/P4092471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGzoPw2xPEGvpePkoNMU1mQG1JQKzkDICxRuAvzbG3zDMvkZ5ynSRzMOieEuzs-Ho8GUzVlM5O4lNcqQmpdjMNuZuZZyphVzLrMvcZQqq67VyzV73Uo026vuDyyUG4pKcOeJlAUYk66W4/s200/P4092471.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Day Four: We woke early and pushed the pace back to the control gates. After leaving Lake Manapouri we followed the Waiau River back to the beginning of the track and onto Te Anau and our parked car.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp4zWa-FSlsZM725YGHvMggnVU6dskwPk_IYLsFn5wZ_VZRGLGLRXgRwI8ZR5Lr6bYeaiP3N-gBbDRwOQfHqpuxhYHhV9ThkX6axicUnGc2pUq-jH2Bbr_ADDeZYFmoKDCNP521x222c9/s1600/P4092488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp4zWa-FSlsZM725YGHvMggnVU6dskwPk_IYLsFn5wZ_VZRGLGLRXgRwI8ZR5Lr6bYeaiP3N-gBbDRwOQfHqpuxhYHhV9ThkX6axicUnGc2pUq-jH2Bbr_ADDeZYFmoKDCNP521x222c9/s200/P4092488.JPG" /></a></div>Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-26690715496561950132011-03-29T01:00:00.000-07:002011-04-28T02:29:23.505-07:00The Dual3 hour 50 minutes, 7th place, 1103m altitude gain<br />
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Wet and windy conditions for The Dual. Novel to catch a ferry to the start line at Home Bay. A steep climb started the race before crossing through farmland at the southern end of Motutapu Island. A nice descent at the 8k mark lead to the causeway where we crossed over to Rangitoto Island. Some nice packed trails enabled me to pick up the speed before easing off and climbing to the summit of Rangitoto. Stretched the legs back down to sea level then hit a very technical 4k section along the edge of the island. Back to the causeway across to Motutapu and headed straight up and in the direction of the Northern tip. A series of three solid climbs which were tough into the wind, the terrain now more farmland and 4 x 4 tracks. Back behind the finish line at the 32k mark a solid climb to the 36k mark then back down to sea level. The final four k headed to the highest point on Motutapu island including a never ending series of ups and downs. The finish line was at the end of a short and sharp downhill.Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-16120719319581983522011-03-08T19:22:00.000-08:002011-03-08T19:22:03.070-08:00Opua WalkwayGreat little adventure behind Paihia. Five minute run along school road brings you to the start of the Opua Bush Walk. The track from here is well formed and gradually climbs for a good 15 minutes before emerging from the bush to give fantastic views down to Paihia, the Treaty Grounds, Russell and even over to Opua. A well formed but less manicured track then extends through to Oromahoe Road and the main road into Paihia itself. Lovely bush on an undulating track with occasional views over to Opua.Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-23632560812321236862011-01-12T15:18:00.000-08:002011-01-12T15:18:07.612-08:00Cooks Cove Walkway, Tolaga Bay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpjcXiKxCa6TLcR7F1D0qPameNBLekOlKYX2_rFiJP4K9xXE1RIcNLb7j62ZaAQ-Sz2iL7e0xvrHMD4KLkVLYREJ7pXPEvAMHBJ6d1mZxyEB5NzK8PKdnySvUqBC5SC0mlbpbs0bzciTz/s1600/P1012264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpjcXiKxCa6TLcR7F1D0qPameNBLekOlKYX2_rFiJP4K9xXE1RIcNLb7j62ZaAQ-Sz2iL7e0xvrHMD4KLkVLYREJ7pXPEvAMHBJ6d1mZxyEB5NzK8PKdnySvUqBC5SC0mlbpbs0bzciTz/s200/P1012264.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfE-sPTLWV42Wq7zo68RHPbX7WmTRPO3ibx2MuoYWvROrob6Uh9FUKlm29y37zCQqAJg5JwZ2wtVqnK-ipw3iItlLhSDZ4Du_ZR4ujSdqhoI2qmrl6q1piKU2YqRkN3h-sdfn6fdxtfFf/s1600/P1012273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfE-sPTLWV42Wq7zo68RHPbX7WmTRPO3ibx2MuoYWvROrob6Uh9FUKlm29y37zCQqAJg5JwZ2wtVqnK-ipw3iItlLhSDZ4Du_ZR4ujSdqhoI2qmrl6q1piKU2YqRkN3h-sdfn6fdxtfFf/s200/P1012273.JPG" /></a></div><br />
A short run of around an hour through some coastal bush, farmland and beach scenery. The track climbs steeply from the carpark through farmland before reaching a viewpoint looking down on Tolaga Bay and Cooks Cove. Next is a great section through bush on a well-formed track eventually emerging on the beach next to the so-called hole in the rock. A short run north leads to Cooks Cove and south to a monument for Captain Cook marking his landing in the Cove. We then retraced our steps back to the carpark along the same track.Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-30501822349715899272011-01-12T15:15:00.000-08:002011-01-12T15:15:26.045-08:00Ruapane Track, Waikaremoana-674m Altitude Gain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy00PmolpaJQ9VFOlH-L69e55xCEO8Htq5yxCrBgj6SEuGRWekULwW4tALju0IrQ7QYj39ly3wBrg166EziLdA7ECchmXBxs48h5VpZRlELEgjTyC0SmL9TI_i5x-k5bWHoEMFRPyqgw7A/s1600/PC302237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy00PmolpaJQ9VFOlH-L69e55xCEO8Htq5yxCrBgj6SEuGRWekULwW4tALju0IrQ7QYj39ly3wBrg166EziLdA7ECchmXBxs48h5VpZRlELEgjTyC0SmL9TI_i5x-k5bWHoEMFRPyqgw7A/s200/PC302237.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD61KizX85wnSymtN6nsCmcts0Cgs7gqEtLrcHgK7JJmnhwCzoWWXNCLvYKsK_d_4OpUShPgB4XCv2zT7PkVQZa3lpLHr_rvgi9AqJfRdGkm846MLs-iW_3ytjhHBdGPZ1R5pLV2mRvBx/s1600/PC302245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD61KizX85wnSymtN6nsCmcts0Cgs7gqEtLrcHgK7JJmnhwCzoWWXNCLvYKsK_d_4OpUShPgB4XCv2zT7PkVQZa3lpLHr_rvgi9AqJfRdGkm846MLs-iW_3ytjhHBdGPZ1R5pLV2mRvBx/s200/PC302245.JPG" /></a></div>Stunning run on the Ruapane Track, plenty of wetlands and a visit to the crystal clear waters of Lake Waikareiti. The track climbs steeply from the Aniwaniwa visitors center on a well formed track to emerge at Lake Waikareiti. Then skirting the eastern bank of the lake before veering down into the bush and past the first of seven wetlands. Beautiful running, with stunning single track all the way. On reaching Lake Ruapane the track descended and returned to the visitors center with occasional views of Lake Waikaremoana and the Hawkes Bay.Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-90440045697588080642011-01-12T15:10:00.000-08:002011-01-12T15:10:23.524-08:00Lake Waikaremoana-Hopuruahine to Tapuaenui Campground<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6OT7zQvM5b22KhsqBGVdcr2fSDh_6SIQWjFibd6QQVtHCW7Dxco-4vb56VVINRrSI9L28RB-AwtZKPr6amdaJiUTOVcm5ICZuKYrNotCP1cABhiLPUAnP415bh1rdszIYSPTgYMSJZa0/s1600/PC292230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6OT7zQvM5b22KhsqBGVdcr2fSDh_6SIQWjFibd6QQVtHCW7Dxco-4vb56VVINRrSI9L28RB-AwtZKPr6amdaJiUTOVcm5ICZuKYrNotCP1cABhiLPUAnP415bh1rdszIYSPTgYMSJZa0/s200/PC292230.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8xSbdA8Kk4BxymaDupxEAM6_qJWt4VrurtmQcbuDmoiwzW9IxWVw3DNe7ofqspAmYKDcj5nsx-kgIQSvxCtE75-TTorzd6aG5D_SFOXyCv2GUz-UPx3WLdAqVyC5zbuDH6azdN4giAuT/s1600/PC292228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8xSbdA8Kk4BxymaDupxEAM6_qJWt4VrurtmQcbuDmoiwzW9IxWVw3DNe7ofqspAmYKDcj5nsx-kgIQSvxCtE75-TTorzd6aG5D_SFOXyCv2GUz-UPx3WLdAqVyC5zbuDH6azdN4giAuT/s200/PC292228.JPG" /></a></div>A flat run from Hopuruahine landing through to Tapuaenui campground. Nice start crossing the Hopuruahine river via the Hopuruahine suspension bridge then through some head high grass and Toi Toi and emerging lakeside. Then a series of undulations and stream crossings before reaching Whanganui Hut. The track then hugged the lake, with plenty of crystal clear water and tiny bays. On reaching the campground we re-traced our steps back to the car.Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-69406073900226544562011-01-11T19:50:00.000-08:002011-01-11T19:50:53.850-08:00Panekire Bluff, Lake Waikaremoana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb4OcpTglU7jj1wqun45gNnr-D39Zasl1Hl3sUrFZoxpHwSxRR57poMCxG0FWfz8PL7e-brZ-vab58LUDLofF84Xtw0vpziwxv_moMe7godi0TJLUHGBkgXSVWWs3dKpa6kSo90-U0lVK/s1600/PC282207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb4OcpTglU7jj1wqun45gNnr-D39Zasl1Hl3sUrFZoxpHwSxRR57poMCxG0FWfz8PL7e-brZ-vab58LUDLofF84Xtw0vpziwxv_moMe7godi0TJLUHGBkgXSVWWs3dKpa6kSo90-U0lVK/s200/PC282207.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mNzcGuRHXkUQ4lgn_IzDmf_G0sF2vUfPaVg2EWaPvWJJVVtZjfQQkKj6rDBLd6s0gkDJkEyghPS5QNtZ-TMzDNaUasVTxBmQoHdFxAfE45coEBivUbYpzU9rXcjAZsJzaDYpT-rqf-YT/s1600/PC292218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mNzcGuRHXkUQ4lgn_IzDmf_G0sF2vUfPaVg2EWaPvWJJVVtZjfQQkKj6rDBLd6s0gkDJkEyghPS5QNtZ-TMzDNaUasVTxBmQoHdFxAfE45coEBivUbYpzU9rXcjAZsJzaDYpT-rqf-YT/s200/PC292218.JPG" /></a></div>Lake Waikaremoana, 3 hours 22 running time, 1025 altitude gain.<br />
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Starting from the Onepoto end of the Great Walk the climb begins immediately through some classic NZ bush. The track hugs the cliff all the way to Panekire Bluff giving the occasional view to the lake below. We reached the Bluff viewpoint in under and hour and were rewarded with stunning views. The next section undulated to Panekire Hut, providing the occasional view of the Hawkes Bay and also of the inlets that the remainder of the Waikaremoana track hugs. The return journey retracing our steps took 45 minutes less.Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-81489351617119838502011-01-11T19:00:00.000-08:002011-01-11T19:00:58.734-08:00Redwoods Rotorua<link href="file://localhost/Users/gavin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link> <link href="file://localhost/Users/gavin/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_themedata.xml" rel="themeData"></link> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Redwoods Forest, 4 hours running time, 1274m altitude gain.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">34K run through Redwoods Forest, a good mix of single track and forestry roads. The track wound up behind the visitors center through actual Redwoods on single track giving views over Rotorua and the lake (shame it was bucketing with rain). Then headed along forestry road in the direction of the Blue Lake, the final stretch before we hit the lake was a stunning trail, we then headed along the northern bank of the Green Lake. The final stretch back to the start was a tad monotonous but did finish with a great section of single trail intertwined with the extensive Mt Bike trails.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38NCcGxg-O8NHGychoKnG8zp4h2aOd0WSZcgX-6Q_c8q4NUw4QOFel_-1MP2bo0Avdg7U9AcPWG_UVAzeJmHo1zCI_3ibCMC16xmfbgS5hWokNpJprEorWHe8Yo4A6to98GjAt0f1LwbB/s1600/PC272191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38NCcGxg-O8NHGychoKnG8zp4h2aOd0WSZcgX-6Q_c8q4NUw4QOFel_-1MP2bo0Avdg7U9AcPWG_UVAzeJmHo1zCI_3ibCMC16xmfbgS5hWokNpJprEorWHe8Yo4A6to98GjAt0f1LwbB/s320/PC272191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIDqW-ohfeo-Hwu04Rcpo2-HJR2_VbnlOmXhkSr4ffZYb4N4n_vdd1c1NqM5q-w8nSF1_w8Rjz1uP40KaP4b-GtSBjxvM3Uy9AoFehCCxJNAydlvnwfeC9M6O4_lX8cBbJVb77sbeCCc5/s1600/PC272193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIDqW-ohfeo-Hwu04Rcpo2-HJR2_VbnlOmXhkSr4ffZYb4N4n_vdd1c1NqM5q-w8nSF1_w8Rjz1uP40KaP4b-GtSBjxvM3Uy9AoFehCCxJNAydlvnwfeC9M6O4_lX8cBbJVb77sbeCCc5/s320/PC272193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-18977928937070395682010-09-22T20:41:00.000-07:002010-09-22T20:41:38.009-07:00Abel Tasman Classic Sept 2010<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I had been looking forward to this run for some time and my training had been coming along nicely. Sadly come Thursday evening prior to the event a storm the size of Australia decided to hit the country. Thankfully the Abel Tasman region missed the worst of it and the boats were able to ferry all 250 runners to the start line. This break in the weather didn’t exclude us from some pretty miserable temperatures, wind and rain waiting for the start gun. Once underway though the sun broke through the clouds and those with jackets and thermals on must have overheated.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEvplG26J1lX4CkIh1O5Sh7zFLEQxgYwVaL-SkSvXXbTg4kNiYyzDnvyY_63VoHaTZrkkRxKoZsQrk_lbtKZG0-b3U-kZsFkoLsErWU-HR9GZzMn1MpCOP5KRvB76wnYRjUaO0xVoHlYF/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEvplG26J1lX4CkIh1O5Sh7zFLEQxgYwVaL-SkSvXXbTg4kNiYyzDnvyY_63VoHaTZrkkRxKoZsQrk_lbtKZG0-b3U-kZsFkoLsErWU-HR9GZzMn1MpCOP5KRvB76wnYRjUaO0xVoHlYF/s320/004.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL74huxm_5c3Jo7xZBD0hwJdHx5OcsPbYqLNGMHNEYWoWyNRTK3zvn5CClTkfFK23UTYv2CyDgAcgCMvIohXf-jPEmUqpABeCfniQoVV2W_Uha2I6pxRtoH4llz21-E2YRWdGlT8KIMh0/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL74huxm_5c3Jo7xZBD0hwJdHx5OcsPbYqLNGMHNEYWoWyNRTK3zvn5CClTkfFK23UTYv2CyDgAcgCMvIohXf-jPEmUqpABeCfniQoVV2W_Uha2I6pxRtoH4llz21-E2YRWdGlT8KIMh0/s320/005.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The course itself didn’t disappoint the views, bays, golden sand beaches all lived up to the hype that goes into making Abel Tasman New Zealand’s most popular walk. I found the first half to be a challenge and sadly set off too fast which came back to bite me in the last 5k. The climb early in the race to Tonga Saddle followed by a tough beach section at Onetahuti took it out of the legs as did the following short sharp climbs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The most scenic parts of the race for me were emerging out on Torrent Bay, one of the most spectacular beaches I have seen anywhere and the crossing of the Falls River bridge a typical kiwi hiking suspension bridge. They certainly made up for the pain of the last 2k and the real psychological battle I had with myself over this period. Next time I will take more food with me and start at a slower pace.</span>Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-8479252416381664012010-09-11T22:39:00.000-07:002010-09-11T22:51:34.399-07:00Shakespear Reserve<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The last race in the Auckland <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Xterra</span> series and sadly the worst of the three I have completed. Nice part of Auckland at the very tip of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Whangaparoa</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Peninsula</span> however a very limited course. A good <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">forty</span> five minutes running along the low tide line, something that I find becomes pretty tedious after about ten minutes. The remainder of the course was on farm land and some small bush trail finishing with a short burst along the beach. It took me 1:40 placing eleventh. To make my afternoon even worse my asthma inhaler died on me making me severely short of breath. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The old man ventured up with me though and completed the short course in about 1:30. Always a good buzz watching him cross the finish line.</span>Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-47359409720320798092010-07-27T14:31:00.000-07:002010-07-27T14:35:49.300-07:00Woodhill Xterra<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">25-July-2010- Our second race of the Xterra series. Start line was about 500 metres from the crashing surf at Muriwai. Brilliant course which undulated the whole 23 kilometres. Run on a mix of forestry roads and some amazing single track. Real feeling of isolation in parts as the sand on the forest floor makes everything very quiet. One longish climb after about 4K then a short sharp descent then some rolling terrain. I finished the course in 1 hour 50 and Sinead in 2 hours 10.</span>Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-24873581146717635172010-07-15T02:18:00.000-07:002010-07-15T02:27:00.532-07:00Tough Guy<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> of July 2010-Bucketing down with rain adding to the huge amount of mud that we were soon to be covered in. Two laps of a six kilometre course undulating but with lots of running opportunites. Some great ditch jumps, knee deep mud sections, hands and knees under barbed wire, horse show jumps and a 50 metre wade through waist deep water to complete a lap. Took a while to get the blood flowing in the legs after the mud sections. 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> overall man 1 hour 1 minute. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sinead</span> took out the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">women's</span> section.</span>Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-55869409107825361982010-06-15T02:44:00.000-07:002010-06-15T02:51:42.903-07:00Karangahake Gorge<span style="font-size:85%;">11 June 2010- Nice short run through a section of the Karangahake River that I normally rubber neck en-route to Tauranga. Starting point was in the middle of the gorge. Nice little detour to start with up the Waitawheta River on the old tram track used by the miners back in the day. Plenty of mining ruins and shafts dotted along the track. Great swing bridge after a kilometer crossing the river. I then aborted an attempt to run back down the far bank as I didn't have a torch to navigate the tunnel just past the bridge. Re-traced my steps to the Karangahake River and followed the track in the direction of Waihi. Nice trail up close to the river and rapids turned around at the old railway bridge.</span>Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-58898269724903188002010-06-15T02:27:00.000-07:002010-06-15T02:43:03.848-07:00Waitangi to Haruru Falls<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">14 June 2010 Nice return trip from Waitangi to Haruru Falls. The track wound around the back of the Waitangi Golf course through some classic kiwi bush, ferns and t-tree galore. Signs also indicated Kiwis where in the area; I am dubious about that claim. Next stretch headed down to the Waitangi River, the highlight being a crossing of the river and then a section above the mangroves on an elevated boardwalk. Undulating track that was 100% runnable making a change from the clambering we have been doing of late. Short stop at the falls which had a decent flow due to the rain fall of late, before re-tracing my steps.</span>Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-79297165616536755162010-06-15T02:17:00.000-07:002010-06-15T02:27:14.507-07:00Cornwallis Loop<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">13 June 2010- First experimental run in the Waitaks. Plotted out the course thanks to the Waitaks map I obtained earlier in the week. Parked in Cornwallis off Huia road. Very wet trails with lots of surface water. Steady climb up the Panto track with views down to Langholm. After thirty minutes we turned down the Parau track which descended very steeply to the Kakamatua Stream then climbed steeply before undulating to join the Kakamatua track. This section did prove to be a bit of a scramble. The Kakamatua rose to give views down to the Huia Dam along a small ridge. Final section along the Farley track was a great bit of single trail.</span>Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-71692257024023977502010-06-10T01:48:00.000-07:002010-06-10T02:13:12.226-07:00Mt Pirongia<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">7<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> June 2010- <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Torential</span> rain <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">greeted</span> our departure from the car. Bit of shelter through some dense bush early on. Nice <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">runnable</span> track with a gradual climb for a good 45 minutes. Next stretch to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ruapane</span> Trig at 759 metres was a bit more exposed resulting in a good drenching. More chain rope and ladders assisting the climb. After ploughing ahead in the now knee deep puddles we turned back just after the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tirohanga</span> Summit at 840 metres. Slow descent to start with before we hit the runnable section of the track further down both of us hitting top speed. Nice wash in a river next to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">carpark</span> to complete a wet morning.</span>Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7907371543136761363.post-75819759462521042532010-06-10T01:33:00.000-07:002010-06-10T01:48:46.438-07:00Mount Karioi<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">June 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> 2010- Nice drive past Raglan's surf breaks to yet another DOC <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">carpark</span> with theft warnings. Straight into it following the fence line through bush and across farm land climbing around 200 metres in 30 minutes. Spectacular views up the coast once we stopped to catch our breath. The track then got technical making running challenging a bit of abseiling with metal ropes and ladders thrown in for fun. Final push to the summit was along a ridge line giving views down to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kawhia</span> and over to Mt <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pirongia</span>. A brief stop at the top for a bumper bar extremely strong gusts of wind meant we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> linger. Fantastic final stretch to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">carpark</span> a real chance to stretch the legs.</span>Gavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048179765613504583noreply@blogger.com0