Cape Brett Walkway - Labour Weekend
October 2007
 

After travelling to Auckland from the Maraetotara Valley and catching up with family (namely Kath & Claire) we set off on Friday morning for our rendezvous at a small bay in the middle of nowhere.  After catching up with the rest of the group, some of whom we had met before, it was time to load the boat with our packs.  Two trips were required to get the entire group out to Cape Brett.  Most of the packs were of a manageable size but one, (silly bugger and I wonder who, must have thought he was going on an expedition to Mt Everest)  Never mind all the comforts of home were included.

 Cape Brett offered a house which housed all of us with ease.  Facilities were adequate, with plenty of bunks and mattresses.  One of the group must have had more than food in her pack i.e. Wine as she managed to fall off the top bunk.  After some special treatment from the resident masseur and some different potions being rubbed into various parts of the body for bruising she was ok to walk out.

Cape Brett Lighthouse has not long been painted and was looking great and well maintained.  It provided the backdrop for the group’s photo shoot.


Saturday was a free day to spend time relaxing.  For some this was a walk to the turnoff to Deepwater Cove or thereabouts.  Others had some success with fishing and others just enjoyed the windy but beautiful day and the number of scenic views available including all the boats with tourists wanting to view the Hole-in-the-rock.

Sunday, was the big day for some of us.  About half of the group had another boat trip which enabled them to sit back and relax with lattes and flat whites in Russell.  While this was happening some of us were labouring along on our feet.

The last group finished the walk in 7 hours.  A very good walk in respect of the degree of difficulty and was a great workout for the body as there were some good hill sections with the downs being as bad as the ups (and it didn’t kill anyone).   That’s a plus.  The weather was fine so we got to enjoy some great scenery and extensive views of a rugged coastline and the many islands that go towards making The Bay of Islands.  Another one conquered!!!

Thanks for the opportunity for allowing Monica and I to join your group for this tramp. Scribe: John Jordan

 

Another take on same trip…
 
Ride In - 5.30 a.m. early start to the day.  Picked up a passenger (Steve) and headed North.  Nice day, so brother John took a scenic route via Kawakawa toilets.  27km of gravel, windy roads with lots and lots of trees etc.  Not sure what the scenic was, as just a rough route.  We arrived at the boat area at 11 a.m.  The boat was late, but all good.  It took 2 trips to get all 21 of us in, plus gear.  We were on the second trip in, all got our feet wet getting on the boat and some of us, a little wetter on the trip over from the boat spray.  But other than that ride out was good.  Getting off was a little tricky, as no landing as such.  But we all made it.  Gear and all.  The Captain, Peter, was very good at manoeuvring the boat.


Ride Out - What a good two days we had.  A bit windy but no rain.  The smoke detector got a work out both mornings, thanks to the bacon cookers.  All the gear was taken down to the landing area, then 12 of the group set off for the walk out, leaving 9 behind to catch the boat.  Hut all tidied like a new pin.  There were two extras on the boat to help load the gear on and also us.  All went quite smoothly even though there was a small chop in the sea.  Little bit rougher on the trip back, but no one sick or injured.  Boat unloaded, and all packed away into the cars, then we headed to Russell for lunch.  Very nice it was to.  Had a wee look around then back to pick up the trampers.  They got out about 1 hr earlier than they thought, and all looked good after 7 hrs of walking.  Then off to “The Farm” backpackers for a hot shower, lovely tea and entertaining evening.  A big THANK YOU to the organisers, I had a great weekend.    Scribe: Kath Beare


 

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