After a couple of easy days with very little exercise, my family were ready for some outdoor pursuits. Justine shared one of her favourite walks with us, the Maude Track to Mangakotukutuku Falls. One of the things I appreciate about my family is they encourage me to do what I can but are not disappointed when I can't keep up, one of them always drops back from the leading group to keep me company.
From the parking area at the end of the road we crossed open farmland with magnificent views back to the coast. I'd had enough by the time we reached the bushline but they found me a lovely shady place to sit under a tree while they carried on. I didn't have my camera but took a few shots with my phone.
They weren't quite so perky when they returned.
It's a bit embarrassing to admit I couldn't keep up with a three year old. Little Lexis tramped along with great determination, walked the whole way to the waterfall and back, 5.6kms.
I was really keen to get down to the creek that forms the boundary of my daughter's property. If you've been following me for a while you will know how I love a rocky creek. I don't know which I love most - the sound of water tumbling over rocks or the sight of it. I think I will have to settle for the sound because try as I might I just couldn't get right down to the water. My kids and grandkids all helped me but I would have distressed them if I'd crept any closer. I don't think they relished the idea of trying to get me back up that bank if I fell.
The little one was not impressed with being left with her mother and grandmother to keep me company. Mind you, she managed to fall over in the creek and was happy after that, despite the fact she was shivering with cold. That water comes from melting snow on the mountain.
My son-in-law has promised to cut steps into the bank to make the creek more accessible. I'll keep you posted.
