Friday, Mar 15th, Mount Taranaki, New Zealand

Greetings!

Still looking for good big surf along the North Island coast, we drove up the officially-designated "Surf Coast" this morning.  We scoped out some breaks on the way up from Whanganui to Opunake.  Two looked possible, as the locals announced, proclaiming "Surf Beach" on makeshift signposts.  Ah yes, if only the swell was larger, and we had more time.  But we did have time for one perfect brunch at the Sugar Juice Cafe in Opunake.  We shared something called "The Dump"  (see ingredients on this photo)

We were headed for Mount Taranacki, and the Mountain Lodge, and a walk on the Patea Trail.  The hike takes you up the eastern slope of a volcano on which the eruptions 400 years ago destroyed an old rimu forest, allowing the ubiquitous kamahi to grow and intertwine around the dead trees.  For a full description of the value of kamaki, read about the work of the Tanes TreeTrust.

Called the "Goblin Forest", it was then over-powered by tropical nikau, titoki, puriri, and pukatea, .  Green everywhere, every size, shape, and hue.

We made it through about three-quarters of the hike, and then walked back down the paved road to the Lodge.  We know our limit, and the forest had us beat this time. 

To see the rest of the photos taken today, click on: Friday, Mar 15th, Mount Taranacki, New Zealand.