Erik and I were sans enfants today, so we explored part of the Waikato River Trail.
We unloaded the bikes at the Pokaiwhenua carpark. The trail follows the river a little way here, and then about 5 kms next to the road.
The head wind was brutal, and very tiring. I got ear ache from the wind. There are rock formations that kept me interested, but I was relieved to go down the hill to Little Waipa Reserve.
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| Just before Little Waipa Reserve (5.5 km ride) |
Out of the wind, the trail was magnificent. Winding along next to the Waikato river, we found a picnic table for our lunch.
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| Erik riding up the hill I walked up |
Great views along the river, and the trail has gentle ups and downs.
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| Hunter's maimai |
The paddocks were filled with yellow dandelions, and lots of dry grass. I really liked the lichen on the fence posts.
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| This was the toughest up hill, but great on the way back! |
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| This wild flower grew along the trail. I don't know what it is called. |
There was plenty of shade, and lots of texture for inspiration.
Made it to the swing bridge at Arapuni. 11.5 km from where we started. Now we go back.
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| 152 meters long |
Plenty of pongas creating flower patterns in the green palette. Lots of green.
The Huihuitaha wetlands are fun to ride. The broadwalks sweep amongst the flax and raupo (bullrush).
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| Huihuitaha Wetlands |
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| Huihuitaha Wetlands |
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| Huihuitaha Wetlands |
There were dragonflies keeping me company on the ride. We shared a chocolate croissant at another picnic table on the way back to Pokaiwhenua. My legs were getting tired, at least we had a tail wind.
There was a rowing regatta on Lake Karapiro. Several teams were out practising.
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| Waikato River from Pokaiwhenua |
Took us 3 and 1/2 hours to go from Pokaiwhenua carpark, Arapuni, and return. All up 23kms. Next time I would probably park the car at Little Waipa reserve, and bike / walk from there.
