Virtual Walking

There is an eerie calm over our neighbourhood today.  It is obvious that there are people staying at home, but everything is so quiet.  No road traffic noise.  No vehicles coming and going.  No machinery working.  No planes flying overhead.  Not even any over-loud radios playing.  All I have heard is an occasional dog barking and a tui (or it may be a bellbird) chortling in the nearby reserve.

Full lock-down comes into place at 11.59pm tonight (Wednesday).  We are allowed to leave our homes for walks as long as we remain local and maintain distance from anyone we may meet.  I don’t find walking around streets particularly inspiring, so usually drive to wherever I wish to walk.  I think for this period of isolation I will simply remain at home.

I can walk around the house, inside and out, and potter about the garden.  There is space in the living room for dancing and jumping up and down, so plenty of opportunities to get some exercise.  I am truly thankful that I have this space surrounding our home that we can move around in.  Son will be our designated shopper, going to the supermarket for fresh supplies as needed (probably weekly). 

There are many beautiful walks around New Zealand, some short and easy and others long and difficult.  I thought maybe looking at some over the next few weeks could create a “virtual walking” experience.  It would certainly help me to remember that life will once again return to normal and I can once again get out and about and do more of these walks.

Today I thought we could climb Mt Maunganui, or The Mount as it is often referred to.  Known as Mauao in Maori, this extinct volcanic cone rises 232 metres high (761 feet) from the ocean at its base.  The ocean beach here is famous for surfing, and it is located close to the city of Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty.

This walk will be a composite of different ascensions taken over the last twenty years.  There are several paths on The Mount, but some no longer exist as there have been several landslides on the mountain in recent years.

Mt Maunganui viewed from Leisure Island

Start of the trek up, from the Ocean Beach side

This is one of the pathways that no longer exists

Steps on the Waikorire Track

Looking back down on the ocean side

Almost to the summit

Trig station at the summit of Mt Maunganui

The view back down over the town of Mt Maunganui

Heading back down on the other side

The path down this side is very steep in places

Sheep graze on this side of the mountain

Almost back to sea level - this time on the side of Pilot Harbour

I hope you enjoyed the walk J

Stay safe and well,

Margaret.


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