Sunday, 5 January 2014

Morepork and other friends

waikanae river

Last week, we went for a mini-hike walk northwards along Terrace Road (see the green route on the map above). This week, it was the south’s turn to put up with us along Ngatiawa Road (red route on the map), tracking the Waikanae River.

Our first port of all was Mike’s place on the opposite side of Kents Road, bordering the river. Brynn is friends with Mike’s daughters Poppy and Katherine, with all their farmyard chickens and ducks and other livestock.

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Free-range organic are we, says Mr Rooster. Poppy (dark blue shirt) and Katherine (the younger) show Brynn around the chicken range.

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Part of Mike’s approximately two dozen flock of sheep grazing near their house. The pines in the background border the river.

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Hello Mor-Pork. Quite at home in his large pig-pen.

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In the paddock adjoining Morepork’s quarters…

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And a small flock of Alpacas rest in the shade.

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After seeing all Mike’s gardens and animals, it was off down Kents Road towards the one-way bridge over the Waikanae River.

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At this time of the year, the volume of water coming past is not all that great. I’ll check again in the middle of winter for comparison.

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This upper reach of the Waikanae River is along Ngatiawa Road East in the direction behind Jeanette.

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Uphill along Ngatiawa Road we go…

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Growing in the wild along the roadside…

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Time-out for a bit of joking, too…

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Off the road and onto the Kapakapanui hiking trail. It goes across private property, with clear markers as to where you may go, with easy access across fences where needed.

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We finally reach the river. Time-out on a suitable rock in the shade. The day was pleasantly warm, until late afternoon. Brynn eyed the water for a while…

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Come Dad, let’s take a look across the other side – the hiking track continues up there…

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