2011-11-27 Sunday Waitakeres- Piha Road to LowerHuia Dam Road.
A good number today, all rearing to go on what is quite a long hard haul- only about 10 .5 km distance but some very steep bits up Huia Ridge, climbing to about 440 metres above sea level on reaching the Twin Peaks.
This is followed by a long drop down to the coast by Little Huia and definitely needs a bit of stamina but we were there to complete the trek not compete with other speedier participants.
The forest is beautiful many large kauri other natives and epiphytes ,of particular interest were several trees determined to survive and literally growing on top of some large rocky outcrops, their roots winding down to ground to secure anchorage and nutrients.
Wet weather had made the track boggy in some areas and care needed to be taken in our footing.
After Twin peaks we came upon the Tom Thumb kauri and rested on the root protecting wooden platform surrounding it , entertained by a bit of playful father /daughter aggression.
Tom Thumb is quite magnificent, has a very stocky trunk which is not particularly high before the wide spreading branching occurs. There are very few viewpoints along the track and the wind was chilly when we stopped so rests were short.From Tom Thumb to the coast is a very steep incline and we were glad that it was the end of our walk and we were not doing an uphill haul in the other direction.
On reaching the Dam Road and the awaiting van we unloaded and enjoyed a well earned rest while consuming our picnic dinner beside the river, this break from the more usual walk and departure for home was most enjoyable.
Writer Judith.
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