Karikari and Muriwai
Yesterday
A blissful 11km paddle down the channel with only the swell to keep me alert. Mostly glassy with a light slop as the breeze disturbed the surface occasionally. The outgoing tide helped me along and my only concern was whether I'd have somewhere to land between Paratutae island and the mainland or have to go around the island and land in the next bay. It turned out perfectly with a black sand beach at low and high tide but some nasty prickly rocks if you arrived mid tide. I'd arrived at low tide.
A view out to the heads
Surprisingly there were numerous fresh footprints and one beachcomber roaming. The walk around to the road end at Whatipu only took 10 minutes or so then it was up and over the Gibbons Muir track to Pararaha. Clear sunny skies, no wind and a wide well maintained track with stunning views is worth a wander if you're ever in this vicinity.
From Pararaha I took the coastal route round to Karekare where I met Gareth and his son's who pointed me to a wonderful Auckland maintained campsite just up the road.
I am now in gram saving mode after a couple of days walking and have shed a few things that are not necessary.
I stopped at 3ish so had sun to dry the tent and get some mud/sand off the boat which will hopefully drop a few grams. No need for the tent as there is a shelter with loads of room here and no one else. I'll start with a dry tent yay!
Today
A walk up the road to the Ridgeline then another gorgeous track down past Kitakita falls
Disappearing over a significant drop
This track brought me out at Piha where I shouted myself a slice of pizza and juice. Many tracks in the Waitakeres are closed due to the Kauri dieback concerns and the track from above Piha to Bethels beach was one with a question mark for me.
As I wandered round the coastal Rd to start Whites track Piha beach came into view with small dumpy waves and looking calm out the back! There was even a rip 1/2 way along with little wave action that would make my exit easier still. All I have ever heard about this place was rescues, people getting swept off rocks and the famous surf so paddling wasn't on the radar at all. I called it and set the boat up, paddled out and it took quite a while before I felt comfortable and no threats appeared. The coast is spectacular and it was a treat being able to paddle to Muriwai.
