(page 3)

You Take the High Road

The Okura Walkway, 3

Stillwater to Dacre Cottage and return

Just a litle further along the track and there's a clematis which has just finished flowering

photo by miranda woodward

The track has opened up considerably and now borders neighbouring farmland.

Up ahead we can see the Weiti River through a gnarly old pohutukawa.

and soon enough the track begins to head downwards towards the beach again through a group of tanekaha (Phyllocladus trochomanoides).

photo by miranda woodward

Steps and steps and steps.

We emerge at what must be close to dead low water

and for a bit more variety, head across to the river itself where the boats are moored

Miranda spots a shag which appears to be damaged in some way and unable to head off with its usual speed. It glares balefully - yeah yeah yeah, anthropomorphism, I know - at her.

Across the way is the wharf

and just along the way a little a comfortable looking fisherman.

We reach a small sub-estuary which looks a bit muddier than we are ready for, so we head back towards the path proper.

That's actually wet sand to Miranda's right but will be covered at high tide. Mangroves line the creek proper.

Back to the path, past the invasive weed collection and through the muddy patches and there is the van.

There's a cold beer in the fridge, which I have deserved, and then back to Orewa for dinner on the waterfront while we enjoy the passing parade

photo by miranda woodward

photo by miranda woodward

photo by miranda woodward

and home after that. Thanks for joining us.