05 February, 2018

Gone Bush 2018

 More adventures. Exploring the forest and finding the waterfall.  Needed the rope, as the escarpment was slippery, steep, and there were blackberries and gorse.
 All the trusty steeds waiting patiently.

 Super hot day, so cooling off in the waterfall is a perfect plan.

 Anneke managed to get her toe bitten by an eel.
 Quinn needed to warm up, as the water was refreshingly civilised.

 There are heaps of blackberries, and picking them is part of camping.

04 February, 2018

Gone Bush 2018

Tent City - Jack, Dannielle, Alan and Caroline

Tent City - Quinn, Tighe, Melissa, Ruth, Erik, Oscar, Anneke

The Shelter
Getting water for washing and the toilet
 Two boys got distracted, and decided to divert the stream, and enlarge the swimming hole.




 Roasting marshmellows around the fire, until the packet got thrown on the fire!

Gone Bush 2018 - Exploring Pureroa Forest

 The fence is really useful at the Shelter.
 Ventured up to the Natural bridge on Okauaka road. The road was a bit rough, and the car was made of afraidium.
 The Kidney ferns looks spectacular, the rain has made the forest damp.
 Managed to find the Natural Bridge.  Took a few false turns, but worked it out in the end.  Have to go right, to get over the top first, then go down the hill towards Blue Duck river, then left towards the stream.



 Once the urchins had explored the underground, we ventured down to Blue Duck river.
 Jack, Quinn, and Tighe went swimming.  It was refreshing.

 This is a relaxing part of Pureroa Forest. The swimming hole is a good size, and the current not too strong.




 There is a monument to Don Verity at Piropiro Flats. The old apple tree keeps it company, and I remember the cakes we brought to camp for "The Don".

 One of the joys living at camp, is that there is no water.  The urchins have to get the water from the stream. They had races on the quads, Anneke and Alan got the most water, in the quickest time.

Needed the water to do the dishes.

03 February, 2018

Gone Bush 2018

 The car is all loaded up, ready for another adventure in Pureroa Forest.
 Stopped at Hatupatu's rock, and talked about the bird woman.  Maybe she was a Velocoraptor.
 Stopped off at the start of the Timber Trail, as Oscar and Erik were going to cycle to Piropiro Flats.
 We will meet them at camp.  This will be the first long ride for Oscar.
 We had our own adventures.  The car died at Waimiha.  A nice farmer phoned ahead to John and Jane's, who managed to get hold of Alan and Glenn.  (no cell phone coverage in Pureroa Forest). We transferred all the camping gear to their vehicles, left the car in the care of the AA to sort out.
 While waiting for Oscar and Erik, the urchins cracked open macadamia nuts, with a rock. Just like their Nana had shown them.
 The first ones got squashed, but they got better at knowing Just How Hard to hit the nut shell with the rock.