As we start up toward the top of the falls a phrase from the track notes comes back: "pick our way up the track". Sure enough, within seconds of mounting the stout looking staircase at the bottom, we abandon it for a rocky goat track. This is probably the roughest section of the whole track, without support rail or steps, and with occasional glimpses of the stream getting further and further below. It is tougher than anything I encountered on the Lower Kauri Track with it's designation, "For experienced trampers only"..
Miranda heads on up, and captures a rare shot of a wood nymph.
photo by miranda woodward
I am also just starting to become aware that the top of the falls is only the beginning of the climb. There are falls over falls over falls over falls. Horrible word. I reach a spot where the next step is about 700mm in height. I can see the bottom of the falls clearly. I am just not agile enough to make this step, and there is nothing to grab to pull myself up onto the next step. Miranda, behind, draws my attention to a side track a metre or two behind which I had missed, which is in fact the main track, and I retrace my steps gratefully.
When it does reach another exposed section, the track is thankfully enclosed by a stout, railed, boardwalk.
The actual bridge across the top of the falls is humped. My first instinct is to get across as fast as possible, and not look down, but looking up is just as awesome. As far as I can see there are more falls. I stop for a picture, and Miranda captures the moment. (She has long ago given up trying to take flattering photos of me, ever since I snapped her eating noodles on the Heaphy.)
photo by miranda woodward
The next shots are Miranda's. While my ability to stop where I did for a photo was to be commended, it would have been even more so had I enough presence of mind to get the exposure and focus correct.
photo by miranda woodward
She even grabs a couple looking down to the bottom.
This area just here is a favoured picnic spot.
photo by miranda woodward
What can I say.....?
Up above, the steps continue. The track is perfectly safe, but I have some kind of built in altitude meter which sends alarm signals if the altitude changes too quickly. I take a couple of deep breaths and make my way up one step at a time.
This whole area is hard rock, and it will give you some idea of the force of the water coming through here at times that it has worn such a pool.
Ahead are steps and more steps.
falls and more falls
photo by miranda woodward
We continue alongside the stream
I continue to be fascinated by the tenacity of some plants that enables them to cling to such a precarious existence.
We're almost at the top. Miranda spots an interesting subject.
We have had to keep Alice on a short lead as the energy in all the water has her really excited and she grabs any opportunity to attempt to leap in, or head off the path for an explore.
Just up ahead, there is another stream crossing, followed by a few metres of rocky, and somewhat slippery, climb and then, beneath my startled eyes, and as far as I can see, the track is transformed.
