tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339318952024-03-05T10:55:14.676-05:00Love In A TentCamping is even better when you do it with the one you love!Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.comBlogger279125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-39475810683922185422014-07-15T10:33:00.003-04:002014-07-15T10:34:12.097-04:00Radio interview and guest blog post - Your Life, Unlimited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sex-Tent-Couples-Getting-Naughty/dp/0899974325/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355840527&sr=1-1&keywords=Michelle+Waitzman" target="_blank"><img alt="Sex in a Tent" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriqrpclu_MizOpB39sxyYSnUnd349OGxsNYhN8tF-f8YbLtgkMUadUzsqb_ELxUDdTkY8E0iMHeChQEnqHqnLjL3R7dR-j622xnKcjW7SMXmvWs2U5Jrdo-BTuNMa1dcuBy0mWA/s1600/cover_small.JPG" height="200" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
It is always wonderful to hear that someone has just 'discovered' <i>Sex in a Tent</i> and found it inspiring and fun. I was recently contacted by Stephanie Staples, a professional public speaker, coach and radio host. She interviewed me live on her radio show <i>Your Life, Unlimited</i> which aims to educate and inspire people to live healthier, stronger, happier lives.<br />
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I had a great time talking to Stephanie - and trying to keep the conversation family-friendly since her show airs on Sunday mornings! <br />
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If you'd like to hear the interview and/or read the guest post I wrote for her blog, follow<a href="http://yourlifeunlimited.ca/sex-in-a-tent/" target="_blank"> this link</a>.<br />
<br />Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-91456245271392788922013-06-09T17:24:00.000-04:002013-06-09T17:24:12.861-04:00Giving camping gear a Kickstart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpskHAcbKmEzYYQ__y9JyrDOTcV7wfPr94ZN2IigSsyEmcq5NwKtfXXkJKX8veuwuPIn-kSKt9fGHJQpw-DmfO2vvRPY3YlqO8Y_xh4QZ9yED6VCaEjucbPhTOVyg0B101gUCkkQ/s1600/windcatcher.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpskHAcbKmEzYYQ__y9JyrDOTcV7wfPr94ZN2IigSsyEmcq5NwKtfXXkJKX8veuwuPIn-kSKt9fGHJQpw-DmfO2vvRPY3YlqO8Y_xh4QZ9yED6VCaEjucbPhTOVyg0B101gUCkkQ/s320/windcatcher.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: Windcatcher on Kickstarter</span> </div>
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A little while ago, I received an email from the makers of the Windcatcher inflatable mattress, asking me to feature the product here on my blog. If you've had a browse through the blog, you'll see that I do talk about products here and there. Whatever has caught my eye, or something new in my own gear collection. I made a decision early on not to commercialize my blog, so I don't promote products in exchange for money, nor do I ask around for free gear to review.<br />
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Having said all that, these guys told me they are using Kickstarter to fund their new mattress design, and I went to the listing to check it out. I couldn't decide whether this is a groundreaking design or not - since I have never seen or tried one in person. It looks a wee bit bulky for backpacking, so I guess it's a matter of whether paddlers or car campers would find it more convenient to not carry a pump around to blow up their thicker mattresses. I'd like to try it for myself, just to see if it's as easy as they say. Clearly they have a lot of people convinced, as they have already raised over $125,000 and exceeded their funding goal. You can check out the listing here if you want to get in on it: <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1484284472/windcatcher-inflates-in-seconds-with-no-power-or-p" target="_blank">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1484284472/windcatcher-inflates-in-seconds-with-no-power-or-p </a>or go to their website <a href="http://www.windcatchergear.com/" target="_blank">http://www.windcatchergear.com/</a>.<br />
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Then I got curious. What other kinds of innovative camping products are getting the Kickstarter treatment? The answer turned out to be fewer than I expected. Although an awful lot of people seem to be trying to get strangers to fund their through-hike of the Appalachian Trail (and sure-to-be-riveting documentary about their walk). Seriously folks, I'm not going to pay you to take 5 months off and go hiking. Save up for it yourself!<br />
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I did find a couple of actual gear projects. The first is a camping hammock called KAMMOK. I'm not sure that it looks significantly different in design from other camping hammoks on the market, but they far surpassed their fundraising goals. Initially trying to raise $15,000 in 2011, they eventually racked up more than $200,000. You can now find their products on <a href="http://www.kammok.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kammok.com/.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjco1ECs3szXzLuNM0lS9So6axkohT0agKfUNubX63fkL_Ueec1XnfGoqNsDY1ORRi8Aq0otx5H-5Vz69p4srt4MfTGf-jBUUmOUULYCDz9dN4EDnOpF-f8gVulCBaLr_kg_nJeHA/s1600/kammok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjco1ECs3szXzLuNM0lS9So6axkohT0agKfUNubX63fkL_Ueec1XnfGoqNsDY1ORRi8Aq0otx5H-5Vz69p4srt4MfTGf-jBUUmOUULYCDz9dN4EDnOpF-f8gVulCBaLr_kg_nJeHA/s320/kammok.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: Kammok <span style="font-size: x-small;">on Kickstarter</span></span></div>
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The last product I found was the SnowXu - a folding snowshoe design. This seems like a reasonably good idea if you're going on a multiday trip that will involve snowshoeing only some of the time. Again, I haven't seen the product in person or tried it, so I can't vouch for it - but in theory I can see a purpose for it. So could a lot of other people. They surpassed their $7,000 goal by over $1,400. Their fundraising on Kickstarter is wrapped up, but you can find info on their products on <a href="http://www.snowxu.com/" target="_blank">http://www.snowxu.com/</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpqmVtDMMvMxMoZBiCCe9L_tM_WQjnmSDP9JumSxkXkSt4YE7J0y2OKmUyQRjDO3Lp6XjY3ZDMjnm_ic7PVG87JUdlCVgqa0Ge86Bn9EETNWU_0nI_s3n95k6_wtoTXcPJEtmyg/s1600/snowxu_snowshoes-01-90f844a227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpqmVtDMMvMxMoZBiCCe9L_tM_WQjnmSDP9JumSxkXkSt4YE7J0y2OKmUyQRjDO3Lp6XjY3ZDMjnm_ic7PVG87JUdlCVgqa0Ge86Bn9EETNWU_0nI_s3n95k6_wtoTXcPJEtmyg/s320/snowxu_snowshoes-01-90f844a227.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: snowxu.com</span></div>
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Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-11801074069795632372013-03-23T10:00:00.004-04:002013-03-23T10:00:47.963-04:00Lovely Links<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHc8D6chKd736TzbdVc2Yr8NFlUWMBOBRtBKwQrirZ7Z6CpH7e3j-WIDi7gY1kxd9oxKUlTCLYJEKz_c2novZsgurNG955vD3BGU2NwabmuKLYI2cQRMdKJoXSBg5gYVEj20NAPA/s1600/links.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHc8D6chKd736TzbdVc2Yr8NFlUWMBOBRtBKwQrirZ7Z6CpH7e3j-WIDi7gY1kxd9oxKUlTCLYJEKz_c2novZsgurNG955vD3BGU2NwabmuKLYI2cQRMdKJoXSBg5gYVEj20NAPA/s320/links.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK, the arrow points the wrong way. Links are actually on the right >>></td></tr>
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I've taken a long overdue look at the links on this blog, and done away with the ones that are no longer active while adding a couple of new sites worth browsing. So once you're done exploring the wonderful posts here at Love in a Tent, have a glace down the right hand side of your screen for some other good outdoorsy reading, sharing and shopping.<br />
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But remember to eventually turn off your computer and go outside!Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-45857453595013128142013-03-17T17:47:00.001-04:002013-03-20T17:58:34.230-04:00Retro camping fan?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfZP6jZVkV_nQc_clj0eTIv6llqCKYmmj0xrgWY7Oxo5_9vrQt7_1uI_R1lPJc1s9aLiUETio2jjOkAxVnEIBCsVC4mN2ymIRusEVlJDIsHqKxk8UWriIqSxbFpB6VFpWs48zQA/s1600/notecard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfZP6jZVkV_nQc_clj0eTIv6llqCKYmmj0xrgWY7Oxo5_9vrQt7_1uI_R1lPJc1s9aLiUETio2jjOkAxVnEIBCsVC4mN2ymIRusEVlJDIsHqKxk8UWriIqSxbFpB6VFpWs48zQA/s320/notecard.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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I recently got an email from the folks at <a href="http://onthemountain.org/" target="_blank">On The Mountain</a>, who wanted to show me their collection of 70s camping and hiking photos available as greeting cards. I don't know what it is about the 70s, but everyone in pictures from that era just seems to be having such a good time!<br />
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It was an era before Gore-Tex and hydration bladders - when you were happy plunging your water bottle into the nearest stream and you didn't check the UV index before you left home. But those external frame backpacks don't make me nostalgic - they look uncomfortable.<br />
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They have both summer and winter scenes, reproduced from pictures taken in America's national forests. Not only are these fun, but part of the proceeds goes to support charities that protect these forests for future generations. <br />
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Other items on the website include camping pillows and forest-inspired notebooks.<br />
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So if you're the sort of retro-loving person who still writes notes on actual cards (we're a dying breed these days) have a look. It will remind you of the days when your camping trip pictures were a mystery to be discovered about a week after you got back from your trip and had them developed at some shack in the mall parking lot. Remeber that? No? Well, that's what people used to do in the 70s kids! Unless you had a Polaroid...<br />
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<br />Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-78187463392697480712013-03-09T09:17:00.000-05:002013-03-09T09:18:45.722-05:00Tent designs that make a statement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS73r6i2MxQ6o536g5AEPCuiXVqfYAa-kP1bEOEDu4ModnNzj2q50uBS_56tkLDXCoRzn2JvHkGkp8Ldeuk1iKXQNWhslGBXjNpkHjk4z_ut3_u5tZ-Qrr-ixKxP_Atzm6H9sMQ/s1600/getaroom-003_02_screen_e54b204021f8498853d90286ae5ad5d2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS73r6i2MxQ6o536g5AEPCuiXVqfYAa-kP1bEOEDu4ModnNzj2q50uBS_56tkLDXCoRzn2JvHkGkp8Ldeuk1iKXQNWhslGBXjNpkHjk4z_ut3_u5tZ-Qrr-ixKxP_Atzm6H9sMQ/s320/getaroom-003_02_screen_e54b204021f8498853d90286ae5ad5d2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Get a room!</i></span></div>
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I recently discovered the website for <a href="http://www.fieldcandy.com/" target="_blank">Field Candy</a>, a company more concerned with the outside of the tent than the weight or functionaltiy - but if you're looking to make a statement when you camp this may be for you.<br />
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The tent pictured above is called "get a room". Perfect for those couples putting Sex in a Tent to use, and wanting to give fair warning to anyone in the vicinity!<br />
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But these tents aren't just for lovers, they're also for book lovers, animal lovers, circus lovers and many more. One of my favourites is this quilt inspired version:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuKp-tyOv_TeXAyu9gD2CUoFfx7jg6xYCmLlIX7t0naqVQ_zCewIp68DC3EOlVihPjaBz2Wpiar9KsELA_QQEjk9oPMJ832HElvlSXEkEGwj8EGrf6ux4csYShDZnsmsbcuT-7A/s1600/snugasabug0002_cedf8ba251b1432c5cf618937922063d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuKp-tyOv_TeXAyu9gD2CUoFfx7jg6xYCmLlIX7t0naqVQ_zCewIp68DC3EOlVihPjaBz2Wpiar9KsELA_QQEjk9oPMJ832HElvlSXEkEGwj8EGrf6ux4csYShDZnsmsbcuT-7A/s320/snugasabug0002_cedf8ba251b1432c5cf618937922063d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Prices range from just over $600 to around $760 and they seem to have only one model available - a 2 person tent. Total weight is 16.3 pounds, so this is just for car camping!<br />
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You can check out their other creative designs on their website <a href="http://www.fieldcandy.com/categories" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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<br />Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-89630039577318881232013-02-10T09:44:00.003-05:002013-02-10T09:44:58.380-05:00No such thing as bad publicity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0wNwT2Zpm4w6O_npP5vBfk6L-q-CK-5tHrZAW5qxzQiQZxroikey2G2a_PvpkGF_tMhXQNiL_zADJ3QCIWLM2jRujdqgf1LAM0UcIg_7TSgofoZD_8tS-kKi38sziU4E3sO46g/s1600/cover_final.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0wNwT2Zpm4w6O_npP5vBfk6L-q-CK-5tHrZAW5qxzQiQZxroikey2G2a_PvpkGF_tMhXQNiL_zADJ3QCIWLM2jRujdqgf1LAM0UcIg_7TSgofoZD_8tS-kKi38sziU4E3sO46g/s320/cover_final.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/?country=US" target="_blank">The Huffington Post</a> is one of those online neighbourhoods where it's very fashionable to be spotted. So when I was told that <i>Sex in a Tent</i> had been featured in a post there, I was feeling very smug indeed.<br />
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The fact that it's on a list of "18 Sex Books with Unusual Covers" works for me. After all, Valentine's Day is just around the corner and nothing says "I love you" like a sex book with an unusual cover.<br />
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Read the post <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rebecca-joines-schinsky/18-sex-books-with-unusual_b_2632079.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003#slide=2071066" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Have fun celebrating with your loved one, in whatever way you choose! (Even if it involves sock moneys.) If you don't yet have your copy of Sex in a Tent - they're ready for shipping at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sex-Tent-Couples-Getting-Naughty/dp/0899974325/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355840527&sr=1-1&keywords=Michelle+Waitzman" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a> or <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sex-in-a-tent-michelle-waitzman/1103855390?ean=9780899974323" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>!Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-78447583710875677842012-12-19T09:35:00.000-05:002012-12-19T09:35:00.423-05:00Hiking stilettos?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCa2oF5q5FqxBQ6Vmn8pk1sEUSAXqMqWsVg1v3YkHHXJPUVl1rBlai-2N9zh427eLvTPjs8hGhhG1Va1FXJwo3sSsjRlLUC9ueRXbetF6r1p2PMjm0oPJgm7KUYw3mHBS0TKnOA/s1600/greyantxteva-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCa2oF5q5FqxBQ6Vmn8pk1sEUSAXqMqWsVg1v3YkHHXJPUVl1rBlai-2N9zh427eLvTPjs8hGhhG1Va1FXJwo3sSsjRlLUC9ueRXbetF6r1p2PMjm0oPJgm7KUYw3mHBS0TKnOA/s320/greyantxteva-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And in other (not so new) news... you've gotta be kidding me!<br />
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Teva stilettos? Was someone trying to make a statement or some kind, because I can't imagine what that might be. How about "hiking clothes have gone so mainstream that we can sell something that's actually unusable when actually hiking"?<br />
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And for the same $330 I could buy a mighty fine pair of hiking boots AND a decent pair of stilettos for city wear.<br />
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Read the full story on <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-fashion/teva-stilettos-fashion-over-function-photos.html" target="_blank">Treehugger.com</a>. OK, there's not much more to the story, but there are more photos to giggle at.Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-27525682238738512242012-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:002012-12-19T07:00:15.880-05:00Last minute Christmas ShoppingDon't panic if your shopping isn't done yet. Get your outdoorsy friends a cool, fun gift without forking out major bucks on gear.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32prc9a_Hev9eU7IiaThyphenhypheniVV4P-hB5SUg8roZvQ3FaGBNmSRhUIEXTCrCwE8pNjvdK4qnAGtI_XtufN2wzF_QDju5wqr8WWID0pZukN2nXLMi9XGYOsu3wL5iy2nNlIgfaU9R_Q/s1600/cover_small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32prc9a_Hev9eU7IiaThyphenhypheniVV4P-hB5SUg8roZvQ3FaGBNmSRhUIEXTCrCwE8pNjvdK4qnAGtI_XtufN2wzF_QDju5wqr8WWID0pZukN2nXLMi9XGYOsu3wL5iy2nNlIgfaU9R_Q/s320/cover_small.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sex-Tent-Couples-Getting-Naughty/dp/0899974325/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355840527&sr=1-1&keywords=Michelle+Waitzman" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Sex-Tent-Couples-Getting-Naughty/dp/0899974325/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355840527&sr=1-1&keywords=Michelle+Waitzman</a><br />
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The best $10 gift your friends and loved ones will get this year! (Way better than socks)Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-38886398812515624922012-12-18T09:13:00.000-05:002012-12-18T09:13:12.456-05:00Trail running with a purpose - read about Mal Law's amazing journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdRBZAZ_A51Lvqu7bS59dFA6WpxJLlv7a-bLVGhCITtuA7UQPvHc0vss1dJ1F4e3AisViVjTe3fXqnkpq3ycfoqSV6oRyDG15_MsF77m8Rclw95IGxXJjzW64twgC-gL4slRIzg/s1600/1stepbeyond_cvr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdRBZAZ_A51Lvqu7bS59dFA6WpxJLlv7a-bLVGhCITtuA7UQPvHc0vss1dJ1F4e3AisViVjTe3fXqnkpq3ycfoqSV6oRyDG15_MsF77m8Rclw95IGxXJjzW64twgC-gL4slRIzg/s320/1stepbeyond_cvr.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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If you've been reading this blog for a while, you will have seen my <a href="http://loveinatent.blogspot.ca/2009/07/7-great-walks-in-7-days.html" target="_blank">posts</a> about Mal Law and his incredible "7 in 7" trail running fundraisers for <a href="http://www.leukaemia.org.nz/" style="color: maroon; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ</a>.<br />
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Well Mal has put together a book documenting his idea for raising money as a tribute to the brother he lost to cancer, his training for a gruelling challenge of running New Zealand's seven Great Walks in seven consecutive days, and the event itself.<br />
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If you're unfamiliar with the Great Walks, most of them are normally hiked over 4 or 5 days, so running each one in a day (and doing this seven days in a row while travelling all over the country) is a phenominal accomplishment! My knees ache just thinking about it. <br />
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Mal is still running like crazy these days. If you're into trail running, check out his <a href="http://runningwildnz.com/" target="_blank">Running Wild</a> website for inspiration! (Or maybe cautionary tales?) You can also put in <a href="http://runningwildnz.us1.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=d1b95b99a25ba44e67b36ff6f&id=b53f90504a" target="_blank">advance orders</a> for his book <i>One Step Beyond</i> via the website. It's available from March 1, 2013. <br />
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It's not available on Amazon yet, but hopefully Penguin will get it there soon!<br />
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<br />Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-72780339104024257782012-12-18T08:57:00.001-05:002012-12-18T09:15:45.380-05:00Hike naked in NZ - it's getting more popular!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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According to NZ Wilderness magazine, the back country of New Zealand is attracting quite a few naked hikers these days. Perhaps it's something to do with the largely secluded and unpopulated forests, or maybe Kiwis are just fans of letting it all hang out.<br />
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They recently published <a href="http://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/view/page/articles/read/cheeky-tramper-bares-all/" target="_blank">this article</a> about the trend. I have to say though, I think it's a little unfair to comment on the size of a man's 'pack' in writing. <br />
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Nudity is not illegal in New Zealand (as I've noted in earlier posts you can go to clothing optional <a href="http://loveinatent.blogspot.ca/2007/12/go-camping-in-nude-zealand.html" target="_blank">campgrounds</a> or take it all of at the <a href="http://loveinatent.blogspot.ca/2008/09/45km-of-nude-beach.html" target="_blank">beach</a> as long as you aren't doing anything inappropriate). <br />
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Personally, I can't get on board with the naked hiking movement. The truth is, I'm far too clumsy for that. I would be completely covered in scratches and bruises in places I really don't want them. Not to mention the bug bites! But if you're off the beaten path and want to experience nature without barriers, then stripping off would certainly get you in touch with a simpler time. <br />
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Of course New Zealand isn't alone in the naked hiking world. Germany has had at least one 'clothing optional' trail since 2009. <a href="http://www.thelocal.de/national/20090923-22117.html" target="_blank">http://www.thelocal.de/national/20090923-22117.html</a><br />
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If you decide that naked hiking is for you, check out the local laws first. Then find a nice, quiet trail and bring plenty of sunscreen!Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-33907412937948987772012-09-17T19:23:00.002-04:002012-09-17T19:30:10.139-04:00Jasper National Park - Cavell Meadows/Path of the Glacier<br />
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We had been planning to do the Cavell Meadows trail, a very popular (arrive early if you want a parking spot) 8.3 km trail in Jasper National Park, not far from the town of Jasper. To reach the trailhead you must go up the narrow, winding Mount Edith Cavell Rd, which is a bit of an adventure in itself.<br />
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The track is normally open from mid-June to mid-October, but for some reason the top area was still closed when we arrived in mid-July. I guess the thaw came late this year. That was a disappointment, but we still were able to do the first section of the track, and loop back around to our car on something called the Path of the Glacier track.<br />
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The trailhead is at a pretty high elevation, so expect the temperatures to be a few degrees cooler than in town. On the bright side, the cooler climate means fewer bugs. <br />
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Although we weren't able to hike to the meadows at the top
of the climb, we still saw our share of wildflowers on the small
section we were able to hike. <br />
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We also had a pretty good view of three different glaciers, two hanging glaciers and one that ended in a small lake. The glacier in the photo above is called Angel glacier.<br />
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Right around the spot where the track closure began we saw a hoary marmot hanging out on a rock. The marmot was in practically the same spot as one photographed in the hiking guide we had with us, which had me wondering whether he (or she, I couldn't tell) was a professional. You know, paid to sit out on a rock during set hours so the tourists can have an authentic wildlife encounter. Then I wondered if they took shifts, because most of us can't tell one marmot from the next. Anyway, he (or she) seemed completely unperturbed by the people walking around and taking pictures.<br />
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The accessible bit of the trail ended at the terminal moraine of a glacier, and despite the mid-summer weather there was still some snow on the ground.<br />
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We backtracked down the hill and rejoined the Path of the Glacier track, a tourist-friendly easy walk that takes you right to the shores of a small lake that acts as the glacial terminus. The lake is full of little icebergs.<br />
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While it was frustrating to be faced with a closed track and a shorter than expected hike, I can understand the need to keep a steep, wet path closed due to the damage that hundreds of pairs of boots per day can inflict in those conditions. Perhaps one day I'll make it back and get to see the meadow.Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-33713387359895648632012-09-09T13:50:00.002-04:002012-09-09T13:50:56.480-04:00Jasper National Park - Suphur Skyline Trail<br />
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The Sulphur Skyline walk was our first hike in the Rockies. It's located at the northern end of Jasper National Park at the end of Miette Hot Springs Rd, so it's quite far from the town of Jasper. The nearest campground, Pocahontas, was swarming with so many mosquitoes that it was impossible to sit outside at all. Perhaps we just came at a bad time, but I cannot recommend staying there.<br />
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One of the nicest things about the walk is that the trailhead is right at the parking lot for the Miette Hot Springs pools, so you can go for a soak after you're done hiking. Just remember to pack your swimming stuff and bring some cash for entry fees. There's also a cafe on site with nice salads, sandwiches, soups and ice cream.<br />
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The walk takes you up to a ridgetop and returns the way it came. The total distance is around 9.5 km. It begins with a steady climb up an easy wooded track. Bring your bug spray if you're walking during bug season, as it was pretty thick with mosquitoes on the bottom half.<br />
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We were there mid-July, during the peak of wildflower season. This meant we were treated to lots of colourful blooms along the track.<br />
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As we approached the treeline there were several big horn sheep hanging around. They are often mistaken for mountain goats, but the only goats in this area are white.<br />
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Above the treeline the track becomes steep and loose, covered in scree. It was a tough slog under the hot sun. The summit is worth the slog though, giving you views in every direction.<br />
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At the top, the golden-mantled ground squirrels seemed keen to share the hikers' lunches. We relaxed for a while before making our way back down. This was a moderately challenging walk, but no real skills are required. The scree presents the only tricky section. If you're planning a trip to the springs, or will be passing through the area on your way to or from the town of Jasper, it's a worthwhile half day hike.Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-46906566673158070862012-09-05T09:25:00.001-04:002012-12-20T12:38:05.785-05:00Welcome to Canada - Bienvenue au Canada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For those who have followed this blog over the past several years, things are about to change! After seven amazing years exploring the stunning New Zealand trails, I have returned to my home country of Canada. From now on, I'll be recounting my adventures in the Great White North rather than the Land of the Long White Cloud.<br />
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We began our new life in Canada in style, with a 7 week road trip which included lots of camping and hiking in the Rockies and in Ontario. While we weren't equipped for backpacking, we did lots of day hikes and I will try to upload photos and descriptions over the next little while.<br />
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So stay tuned, and thanks for dropping by!Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-23423286061126352832012-04-13T22:10:00.003-04:002012-04-13T22:15:53.240-04:00Weird Sleeping Bags<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPPlPzf4GusF2eiqlxUKy6OfYV1ctWadyDdDkRrK8U0DES2uZhtoG72ftfBOEw9f9O7JOXWz7RG5AqWZS7t_XjjnY_EHzc3CjavZazYK7TVX4soZNhPi8m54CfgA4LJNJsie8aw/s1600/a97103_g071_2-bear-bag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 374px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPPlPzf4GusF2eiqlxUKy6OfYV1ctWadyDdDkRrK8U0DES2uZhtoG72ftfBOEw9f9O7JOXWz7RG5AqWZS7t_XjjnY_EHzc3CjavZazYK7TVX4soZNhPi8m54CfgA4LJNJsie8aw/s400/a97103_g071_2-bear-bag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731074285322235538" border="0" /></a>I happened across this link and just had to share - although I wouldn't recommend using any of these sleeping bags for actual camping.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oddee.com/item_97103.aspx">http://www.oddee.com/item_97103.aspx</a><br /><br />The cocoon is kind of a cool idea, but looks like a real pain to get in and out, and you'd have to sleep curled up in a ball or something. Probably better to stick with a hammock tent!<br /><br />Enjoy!Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-77390792670857540592012-02-10T20:21:00.004-05:002012-02-10T20:25:34.489-05:00Spelling counts!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uQT9zQCouJj-WRQ9ypZgiJEk31Y44pjzTbotWsLw66XhpCaZwJX6RK2WLJm6bzj5Pr1fztvqwke4bijlhH2Zf2xKbOYOpTmlLKWy94gotIGVeQkukIsoWAguWGdR5C7w-Nu6Yw/s1600/Smith+Creek+Feb-04-12+%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uQT9zQCouJj-WRQ9ypZgiJEk31Y44pjzTbotWsLw66XhpCaZwJX6RK2WLJm6bzj5Pr1fztvqwke4bijlhH2Zf2xKbOYOpTmlLKWy94gotIGVeQkukIsoWAguWGdR5C7w-Nu6Yw/s400/Smith+Creek+Feb-04-12+%25281%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707682539542823010" border="0" /></a><br />We went for a short tramp last weekend in the Tararuas from Kaitoke to Smith Creek Shelter. I was a little annoyed at the rude grafitti in the shelter, but delighted to see that another tramper had felt the irresistable need to correct the spelling and grammar of the rude grafitti!<br /><br />It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who gets annoyed by missing apostrophes!Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-88554722448954225812012-01-14T19:59:00.006-05:002012-01-14T20:19:31.091-05:00Book Review: Te ARAROA: A walking guide to New Zealand’s long trail<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jMGWM9JwXgJn7NbRght2KQIB4ojMT1dzEQFU0xScyCRC2PTOtSXwUH4edthE4K9Fji8hDo-dOcRmTHF2O8guPWiWO-T8V2coLzGZmx3q_9FPBOwIUCrIH3iVbj8UhZ6nMXZryA/s1600/Bluff+%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jMGWM9JwXgJn7NbRght2KQIB4ojMT1dzEQFU0xScyCRC2PTOtSXwUH4edthE4K9Fji8hDo-dOcRmTHF2O8guPWiWO-T8V2coLzGZmx3q_9FPBOwIUCrIH3iVbj8UhZ6nMXZryA/s320/Bluff+%25281%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697657900464276210" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >The iconic signpost marking Te Araroa's southern end at Bluff</span><br /></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-NZ</w:LidThemeOther> 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{mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Long hiking trails capture the imagination of many, but few of us ever manage to make the commitment (physically, mentally and financially) to complete a route like the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail or the Haute Route through the Pyrenees. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These trails are the gold standard for long distance hikers, and now New Zealand has finally joined that elite club.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Te Araroa</span> is a route that allows hikers to literally walk the whole of New Zealand, from the lighthouse of Cape Reinga at the northern tip, to the iconic signpost of Bluff in the far south. It’s a 3,000km journey through a huge variety of landscapes and conditions, and clearly not for the faint of heart.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The route has been a long time in the making, but was finally “officially” opened a few weeks ago. To coincide with this, a guide book has been published as a companion to the trail. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Random House was nice enough to send me a copy of the book, so this is actually a two-fold review; first a book review and second a review of the trail itself.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">About the Book:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoSs3g81cJ7P9f2OKfW1q2mWozU0tTd6r9TVzvzXlvSBu5l8E_S41leam3G1djp-cywXLhf2-TcgAB6aQvuffek4p85mBAL_cbaJxiOJ-N85ZPfJnm_k71AcfTI_NocsizA5qcg/s1600/Te+Araroa+cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoSs3g81cJ7P9f2OKfW1q2mWozU0tTd6r9TVzvzXlvSBu5l8E_S41leam3G1djp-cywXLhf2-TcgAB6aQvuffek4p85mBAL_cbaJxiOJ-N85ZPfJnm_k71AcfTI_NocsizA5qcg/s320/Te+Araroa+cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697658631729307426" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic;">Te Araroa</span> was written by Geoff Chapple, who has played a huge role in the struggle to make the trail a reality. Geoff likely knows more about this trail than anyone else on the planet, so who better to create the guide! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The book is not something you would use while actually hiking Te Araroa – but more likely as inspiration, background and planning material. The maps in the book give you a good idea of the route and topography of each section, but are not detailed enough to use for navigation. The book is also heavy and glossy, and as all through-hikers know, every ounce counts!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The book begins with a bit of background on hiking and trails in New Zealand, before outlining the long history of the creation of a national trail. It also provides general advice about tramping in New Zealand, about how long a through-hike is likely to take (120-160 days), and about the best times to plan a long section or through-hike. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">There is also a good summary of the trail’s shortcomings, such as sections which are not quite complete and where a detour is necessary, as well as trailheads on the opposite banks of large rivers where crossing directly is not advised. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The rest of the book takes readers through the route region by region and section by section. This is especially useful for section hikers or even day hikers as each section includes notes on distance, difficulty, campsites and/or huts, and start and end points. Directions to the nearest road end or town are often included. Each seciton also refers to map numbers. These are maps available to download from the <a href="http://www.teararoa.org.nz/">Te Araroa Trust (TAT) website</a>. It would have been helpful to also include Land Information New Zealand topographic map numbers, as many Kiwis already have these and could use them instead of downloading and printing the TAT maps. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Each section includes a 3D map showing the route as well as any roads it crosses or approaches. Lots of colour photos help readers to get a look at the terrain and scenery in different parts of the country. Descriptions of the route give readers an idea of where they need to go, what to look out for, and what the terrain will be like. Historical and cultural information rounds things out and gives readers more context about the trail and New Zealand in general.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As with any guide book, it can never be accurate for long. Trails change, accommodation providers come and go, and information is only reliable for a short time. But the book acknowledges this and encourages readers to check the TAT website for updates before setting out.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Overall, Geoff Chapple’s book is an excellent first resource for anyone planning to walk New Zealand’s long trail, Te Araroa. If you’re a dedicated through-hiker, it will get you inspired and starting to plan your timing and logistics. If you’re a section hiker or tourist, it will help you to find walks that suit your skills and the kinds of landscapes you’re hoping to experience.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And for anyone who has walked the trail, it’s a great, colourful souvenir.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">While widely available in New Zealand, the book does not appear to be stocked by Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble according to their websites (although Chapple’s 2003 book also titled Te Araroa is available, so don’t be confused.) <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To purchase from outside NZ, ask your local retailer or buy online (there will be international shipping charges) from <a href="http://www.fishpond.co.nz/">www.fishpond.co.nz</a> or <a href="http://www.mightyape.co.nz/">www.mightyape.co.nz</a>. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">About the Trail:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Like so many outdoors enthusiasts in New Zealand, I have been waiting and hoping that Te Araroa would one day be a reality. Seeing the the trail officially opened made my heart sing. But Te Araroa is unique among long trails in many ways – and while some will love these differences, others may be disappointed. Let me be clear that I have not walked Te Araroa (except a few short sections) so don’t rely on my review as a planning tool. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The first potential issue people will point out is that the trial is not completely in wilderness. It passes through towns and cities as it goes. This makes resupplying and using a “bounce box” easier, as you don’t have to leave the trail to find supermarkets, outdoors suppliers, post offices or whatever else you need. But this does mean that it’s less of a total escape from civilization than something like the Appalachian Trail. I personally feel there’s too much roadside walking included in the route, especially on the North Island. But this may decrease as more connecting trails are completed over time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Also, it’s not a hike all of the way through. The official route includes a paddling section along the Wanganui River. This may not appeal to everyone, and adds the complication of renting a canoe and arranging for it to be dropped off and picked up. Some through-hikers, however, might enjoy the variety this provides. Others may deviate from the planned route and find a way to cover the distance on foot.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Accommodation options are a bit spotty along the full route. In many cases, New Zealand’s excellent back country hut system provides plenty of shelter. In some areas, however, there are no huts and it will be necessary to pitch a tent or tarp. Then of course there are the towns and cities, where you may need to find private accommodation for the night. If the trail gains enough popularity, I suspect locals will start offering cheap places to pitch a tent, or bunkhouses on their farms or something.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Huts are quite plentiful along the South Island portion of the trail, so through-hikers may be able to stop carrying a tent (but always carry some emergency shelter) after completing the North Island.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The trail mostly follows marked tracks so moderately skilled and fit trampers should be able to complete the trail. There are a few sections labelled as “routes” meaning that there may not be markings along the way and map and compass navigation skills are likely needed. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Te Araroa is an amazing accomplishment and mostly due to the efforts of tireless volunteers who believed they could make it happen. New Zealand has some of the most diverse, beautiful and breath taking wilderness in the world, and to be able to see the entire country on foot is a privilege many of us would love to experience. While I don’t see a 3000km through-hike in my future, I do hope to chip away at it bit by bit as time allows.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">For detailed information about Te Araroa, including maps, trail notes, advice and much more, visit <a href="http://www.teararoa.org.nz/">www.teararoa.org.nz</a>. </p>Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-79888665038950357222011-12-26T22:45:00.006-05:002011-12-26T23:13:52.115-05:00Comets, Sunrise and Disappointment<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCFD1zGKZkeF9hu7Po8CMYn31SHYRZt9r_x0oTQclPWrXDKtcayxZy_zqZAJhXYUY0yRpvQqXFc3XrfTL1C2pgzVAj5lSQo_eIAu0SSk5pOy7oOBjun3zhRL1A-DBd7-uYZAqOg/s1600/24+December+2011+%25288%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCFD1zGKZkeF9hu7Po8CMYn31SHYRZt9r_x0oTQclPWrXDKtcayxZy_zqZAJhXYUY0yRpvQqXFc3XrfTL1C2pgzVAj5lSQo_eIAu0SSk5pOy7oOBjun3zhRL1A-DBd7-uYZAqOg/s320/24+December+2011+%25288%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690655676103428754" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Mt Kaukau lookout, 24 December 2011</span><br /></div><br />An amazing thing happened recently in our humble solar system. A comet passed closer to the sun than it should have, and survived to come around the other side! For those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, it was significant in that it emerged with an impressively long and visible tail which could be seen in the southern skies without a telescope. The comet's unofficial name is Lovejoy (after the guy in Australia who spotted it first), and who couldn't use a little more love and joy these days?<br /><br />G and I decided that something so rare and impressive was worth getting out of bed for - even if it meant being up well before the crack of dawn. We implemented our Lovejoy strategy. For the best viewing opportunity, we would get up at 4am, drive to the base of Mt Kaukau (about a 5 minute drive from our house) and hike up to the summit to see and hopefully photograph the comet.<br /><br />It all started well. At 4am we crawled out of bed and looked out of our front door to the east. There, almost vertical in the sky, was a pale streak of light - Lovejoy! We quickly dressed and headed out for the hills.<br /><br />Since Mt Kaukau is our local hill, we're pretty familiar with the route up, and had no trouble with our pre-dawn wander using our headlamps.<br /><br />What we hadn't quite counted on was how long before the actual sunrise the sky would begin to get light. By the time we hit the ridgeline, at 4:45, the sky was getting pale and the comet's tail was nowhere to be seen!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnsJhyphenhyphenUUBhW2DUFU9AjJ5ZYzHTruEo4mij07gJn6CdkhMHybSZHRpVybbQDlT138Sx8CduV3ze5YazlNuXB-h7n98awVi2sA_fSLf3O2UHAeoNtOYvcVkxjLNg4c-6SlXdLJ8mw/s1600/24+December+2011+%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnsJhyphenhyphenUUBhW2DUFU9AjJ5ZYzHTruEo4mij07gJn6CdkhMHybSZHRpVybbQDlT138Sx8CduV3ze5YazlNuXB-h7n98awVi2sA_fSLf3O2UHAeoNtOYvcVkxjLNg4c-6SlXdLJ8mw/s320/24+December+2011+%25282%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690654492986056194" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >The pre-dawn light at around 4:45am</span><br /></div><br />It was disappointing, but we'd already done the worst of the climbing and since we'd packed a thermos of tea and some snacks, we kept going until we reached the summit at around 5:15. Sitting at the lookout, we were able to enjoy the morning mists over Wellington and the Makara windfarm.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKbH_Wl9P2Ji7RnPSWxLHbAUvwynKqlabXohbYyV-TZF5PIKLqwQsUTpSVC1nDVCWkEGeo7QMQNUDVkV8HevqABdjXnpDvUBSIvCCB-K9KzfFZOOdmxlOHmanbdJVaBcNh_VWXQ/s1600/24+December+2011+%252811%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKbH_Wl9P2Ji7RnPSWxLHbAUvwynKqlabXohbYyV-TZF5PIKLqwQsUTpSVC1nDVCWkEGeo7QMQNUDVkV8HevqABdjXnpDvUBSIvCCB-K9KzfFZOOdmxlOHmanbdJVaBcNh_VWXQ/s320/24+December+2011+%252811%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690654495755441586" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Makara wind farm, and the South Island seen beyond</span><br /></div><br />Finally, at around 5:45, the sun poked out from behind the Rimutaka mountains across the harbour. After taking some photos, we packed up and headed back home for a nap.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_kgEWOjOhSVGTj2iCxl_FH8m5l_fUcI5Kv7dMwapJua5Olhmr1XCCpCSuy3wUxfd9pMeubJshuu5j1QpjyowYUS0ZbW5LcavZhGOEpbrBRXt0wgFg0_GPpCE4PCpLUBduySDIg/s1600/24+December+2011+%252830%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_kgEWOjOhSVGTj2iCxl_FH8m5l_fUcI5Kv7dMwapJua5Olhmr1XCCpCSuy3wUxfd9pMeubJshuu5j1QpjyowYUS0ZbW5LcavZhGOEpbrBRXt0wgFg0_GPpCE4PCpLUBduySDIg/s320/24+December+2011+%252830%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690654499864575442" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Sunrise over the Rimutakas seen across Wellington Harbour</span><br /></div><br />Not ones to give up easily, we got up even earlier the next morning - at around 3:20am. Rather than repeat our excursion, we headed for a small nature reserve just a block from our house, where there's a hill just high enough to let us see over the houses.<br /><br />While Lovejoy was visible again, it was a bit more faint than the previous day and our attempts to take a photo were once again fruitless.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD27i1H6e1w3kYRcIlwYUGP68Usb0hW-GDJ-qZyeYusgufWRYzzU_ZR7xGWb6cJ4ujFuOZyTA1KkEx7li_zBhtvghtLIdWm7-Q9x2Ku7N3GFhki6kT1dup8VpXA9gNn5qYD9hL8w/s1600/25-December-2011+%25284%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD27i1H6e1w3kYRcIlwYUGP68Usb0hW-GDJ-qZyeYusgufWRYzzU_ZR7xGWb6cJ4ujFuOZyTA1KkEx7li_zBhtvghtLIdWm7-Q9x2Ku7N3GFhki6kT1dup8VpXA9gNn5qYD9hL8w/s320/25-December-2011+%25284%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690654490324636610" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >See the comet? No, me neither. I swear it was really there!</span><br /></div><br />One of these days I need to really work on my photography skills and figure out how to do those super-long exposures. Anyway, I wouldn't want to leave you all too disappointed after all of this reading, so here is a gorgeous photo of comet Lovejoy taken by the fine folks at NASA.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVAzR3_xG4DhX-19ppKwk-XKNrxR3HQbCptAhlvOOae2V1FwMvjN3q_sRJl7QUurRZqNh4clWiNujLkYZ9QaAjVBV4HPmSOCtKAKxUMJqmeHuqVvOXDeUgi7zrNKNUOu2-c546w/s1600/898672-comet-lovejoy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVAzR3_xG4DhX-19ppKwk-XKNrxR3HQbCptAhlvOOae2V1FwMvjN3q_sRJl7QUurRZqNh4clWiNujLkYZ9QaAjVBV4HPmSOCtKAKxUMJqmeHuqVvOXDeUgi7zrNKNUOu2-c546w/s320/898672-comet-lovejoy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690654489424923810" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks NASA (show offs!)</span></span><br /></div>Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-91678997669893647242011-09-23T17:44:00.004-04:002011-09-23T17:50:42.676-04:00Sex in a Tent - Very Funny Review!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwN_9FAHf0UIA8GWCoM_AW9BDJqi6LbiJcSFyR7zJpzK5PNStkt5UfFpMr-ZIf0bc8XYINy_i4mxMkvKR6pzqbYY-NtmteyPfvFTgsLn4EXRKOEzKH00C6tFM5U7639I2qADBtlA/s1600/cover_small.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwN_9FAHf0UIA8GWCoM_AW9BDJqi6LbiJcSFyR7zJpzK5PNStkt5UfFpMr-ZIf0bc8XYINy_i4mxMkvKR6pzqbYY-NtmteyPfvFTgsLn4EXRKOEzKH00C6tFM5U7639I2qADBtlA/s320/cover_small.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655675770807972770" border="0" /></a><br />The guys over at Camping Gear TV have reviewed Sex in a Tent. It's definitely R18, so don't watch in front of the kiddies! These guys reminded me of a Wayne's World skit, or maybe even Great White North (for those who remember SCTV).<br /><br />Anyway, it's pretty entertaining, and apparently the drawing of me at the back of the book looks like Jennifer Grey (pre-nose job) - which I'm taking as a pretty good compliment!<br /><br />Sit back and enjoy :)<br /><a href="http://campinggeartv.com/2011/09/sex-in-a-tent-a-book-review-for-adults-only-episode-238/">http://campinggeartv.com/2011/09/sex-in-a-tent-a-book-review-for-adults-only-episode-238/</a>Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-86298186003564750292011-08-06T19:42:00.005-04:002011-08-06T20:08:37.336-04:00Cross-Island Walk - Rarotonga, Cook Islands<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdTWW1feoYfwfRtA2BAZ0u18S40XPhRjsfPuvrjVrFvjHVRUdZ1sjv_MNLSpx0Cbg4MB9m2bK4EmjIGVLpnE96MzULW1zqZfb1MxT_4SWQDbfckEidjGo0rpghqUJXRwmHwB4pw/s1600/2011+July+-+Rarotonga+058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdTWW1feoYfwfRtA2BAZ0u18S40XPhRjsfPuvrjVrFvjHVRUdZ1sjv_MNLSpx0Cbg4MB9m2bK4EmjIGVLpnE96MzULW1zqZfb1MxT_4SWQDbfckEidjGo0rpghqUJXRwmHwB4pw/s320/2011+July+-+Rarotonga+058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637898065019760866" border="0" /></a><br />Rarotonga is a small island in the South Pacific nation of the Cook Islands. It's a popular spot for a beach holiday or a destination wedding, especially for Australians and Kiwis. But for those who can tear themselves away from the sandy shores for a few hours, the island does offer some decent hiking opportunities in its volcanic inland mountains.<br /><br />The longest and most popular hike is the Cross-Island Walk or "The Needle" (which is the common name for the rock outcrop at the track's highest point.) The full walk takes about 4 hours.<br /><br />We took on the walk from the town of Avarua to the island's south coast, using Rarotonga's circular bus route to take us close to the trail head. We had to walk inland a couple of kilometres from the main road, but it's an easy walk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IgqeMdjnhfJtLMnw22uflVzQEQejQ5hGQY9AHR6kJnjlWiM0zGkLF4-D22B4v0t1udA58TGlcHfrlAEiTAIuRrG_btRqFdY_xBqvm_O4FvTvGlMiPUIwTyTsfEOdZLME5JdKBg/s1600/2011+July+-+Rarotonga+051.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IgqeMdjnhfJtLMnw22uflVzQEQejQ5hGQY9AHR6kJnjlWiM0zGkLF4-D22B4v0t1udA58TGlcHfrlAEiTAIuRrG_btRqFdY_xBqvm_O4FvTvGlMiPUIwTyTsfEOdZLME5JdKBg/s320/2011+July+-+Rarotonga+051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637898069277830594" border="0" /></a><br />The track itself begins with a walk through a village, where taro, banana and other crops are grown. A power generating station marks the end of the village and the beginning of the "wilderness" portion of the walk. This is also where things begin to head seriously uphill!<br /><br />The climb up the ridge is quite steep and in wet weather can be very slippery. We found the track relatively easy to follow, as long as you remember that you should be heading uphill at all times.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqy-S-BU6INL1IGJNGEXEVslrythdHXb8uw2BkbHinowt58MuTNh3uM2pdFOuXeLWg7Lq9UsuOBDQqkQDcBFFFNzGqSfEX8f534MEsfW0tECt72Aoz2ZEtxGKt3vD5AOLrVWiBYA/s1600/2011+July+-+Rarotonga+055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqy-S-BU6INL1IGJNGEXEVslrythdHXb8uw2BkbHinowt58MuTNh3uM2pdFOuXeLWg7Lq9UsuOBDQqkQDcBFFFNzGqSfEX8f534MEsfW0tECt72Aoz2ZEtxGKt3vD5AOLrVWiBYA/s320/2011+July+-+Rarotonga+055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637898078363620050" border="0" /></a><br />At the top of the ridge you'll hit a junction. To the right is a short walk up to The Needle, which is worth a look for the views. There is a higher viewing point on the far side of The Needle, but it's tricky to get to so we didn't bother with it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHi2jWkKfL5UXXllBFzk3p60NUD5mlU3gWRLn1lIr-oVd1sGVr3z-iW87dNyNbc615gDshhyphenhyphenzhnxl43AjGAp12uqVeqRbados3e7bdzheOcuknRYx3XijCkeJ71ca-cCJ7oid7Q/s1600/2011+July+-+Rarotonga+053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHi2jWkKfL5UXXllBFzk3p60NUD5mlU3gWRLn1lIr-oVd1sGVr3z-iW87dNyNbc615gDshhyphenhyphenzhnxl43AjGAp12uqVeqRbados3e7bdzheOcuknRYx3XijCkeJ71ca-cCJ7oid7Q/s320/2011+July+-+Rarotonga+053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637898073199217618" border="0" /></a>Soon after the junction (taking the left track) you'll start to head downhill. Again this is quite steep and can be slippery in places. A couple of ropes have been put in to help hikers, but they aren't really all that helpful.<br /><br />Once you get past the steep part of the descent, you begin to criss-cross Papua Stream. There are a number of crossings, but for the most part these can be accomplished without getting your feet wet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvU4ATd87M5XlQaU0zTijhW0byYPdXNXqF-AK82Ej1Gkiua_TcY8PUf6IY8hm3coV7hlH1HLjGn-41h2-qF6A1wxvWcRZhDphIePo3f4jtU-9q0JPnNLwiSg_Fxgp0n2xzRvRwOw/s1600/2011+July+-+Rarotonga+063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvU4ATd87M5XlQaU0zTijhW0byYPdXNXqF-AK82Ej1Gkiua_TcY8PUf6IY8hm3coV7hlH1HLjGn-41h2-qF6A1wxvWcRZhDphIePo3f4jtU-9q0JPnNLwiSg_Fxgp0n2xzRvRwOw/s320/2011+July+-+Rarotonga+063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637898082725459042" border="0" /></a><br />The track ends at a waterfall and swimming hole called Wigmore's Waterfall. It's scenic enough, but tends to attract lots of mosquitoes so if you're going to linger, bring repellant.<br /><br />From the falls, a paved road leads you back to the main road (and bus route). Just as you reach the main road, you'll pass what remains of the failed Sheraton resort that was built many years ago but never completed.<br /><br />The road will leave you in the village of Vaimaanga, where you can stop at the local supermarket for a well-deserved ice cream cone.<br /><br />If you're the sort of person who can't lie on the beach every day, this hike will add a bit of variety to your visit to Rarotonga. I don't think it's worth visiting the island just for the walking (there are several other shorter tracks that you can use to walk into the mountains, but must retrace your steps back again) but if you are going for the sun and sand, why not take a day to explore the lush, tropicals foliage and steep peaks.<br /><br />I highly recommend doing this in the winter (June-August), as scorching summer temperatures and frequent rainfall are likely to make the walk much less pleasant. If you aren't so confident in your hiking skills, you can take a guided hike with a colourful local named Pa. He walks the track three times per week in bare feet!Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-41230295507349153942011-04-25T19:46:00.004-04:002011-04-25T20:10:07.369-04:00Coastal Wairarapa<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbcdDQhRrzEdX-kSPx24nIKzxgEIYbAyLxPfbiZ9DwWlJuchRJzhEc1JZ3U_3FbTXNd6YdXR1JZUkRlcXf6rTgtB2e11z6135yWDW8FbZc7PW19oIal4pEiAhRlUQ-Jm-wLsUIg/s1600/Wairarapa-Apr-11+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbcdDQhRrzEdX-kSPx24nIKzxgEIYbAyLxPfbiZ9DwWlJuchRJzhEc1JZ3U_3FbTXNd6YdXR1JZUkRlcXf6rTgtB2e11z6135yWDW8FbZc7PW19oIal4pEiAhRlUQ-Jm-wLsUIg/s320/Wairarapa-Apr-11+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599676498196014274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Castlepoint Lighthouse seen from beach</span><br /></span></div><br />The Wairarapa is a region to the east of the Rimutaka and Tararua mountains. Normally when we head out that way, we go into the Tararuas for some great tramping. But over Easter weekend we decided to keep heading east, all the way to the Pacific coast!<br /><br />We went for a couple of walks out at Castlepoint, which is about an hour east of the town of Masterton. The beach is popular in summer, but there were quite a few people around enjoying the long weekend and an unusually warm day. There were even a few surfers in the water, later replaced by a few kayakers.<br /><br />The walk up to the lighthouse is pretty trivial. It's a concrete path, and then some steps. But the rocky area surrounding the lighthouse is fun to explore. The rocky cliffs tower over the pounding surf, making for a dramatic view.<br /><br />The other main walk in the area takes you up above Deliverance Cove, a sheltered beach where the peace was disturbed by some kids on dirt bikes and ATVs. That was unfortunate, because apart from the noise it's a lovely spot.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBh3mtb0umKDtAu1u3gSmmhL-QUwev8nVwwCkEGj6WnlpkpFMYAw1YmJir6QZVMCqHH3J_AJkw9PSr4ELXuklB5phokAuwgEW1q_lDjaNiuuo-WCqASCeOUASl6n-KCHYjfBZNw/s1600/Wairarapa-Apr-11+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBh3mtb0umKDtAu1u3gSmmhL-QUwev8nVwwCkEGj6WnlpkpFMYAw1YmJir6QZVMCqHH3J_AJkw9PSr4ELXuklB5phokAuwgEW1q_lDjaNiuuo-WCqASCeOUASl6n-KCHYjfBZNw/s320/Wairarapa-Apr-11+008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599676508278595442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Deliverance Cove</span></span><br /></div><br />The walk follows a ride behind the cove, then climbs a steep hill to the edge of the cliff overlooking the ocean. It towers above the lighthouse and is narrow enough to worry anyone with vertigo.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEqYtoiq9c8GbPbMzoZ1sYOrVfSLUjhvryaDQCcVoxA8YwaaRD9h8i8TVnXUBgswcMzdImBO1mrlNEexZ3gwaBTFZii-Q3bbU17Z2NG1QQo2BQBByJIzuWc8J2fqntnFq0uuo6A/s1600/Wairarapa-Apr-11+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEqYtoiq9c8GbPbMzoZ1sYOrVfSLUjhvryaDQCcVoxA8YwaaRD9h8i8TVnXUBgswcMzdImBO1mrlNEexZ3gwaBTFZii-Q3bbU17Z2NG1QQo2BQBByJIzuWc8J2fqntnFq0uuo6A/s320/Wairarapa-Apr-11+010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599676503069519714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">View from the ridge to the lighthouse</span></span><br /></div><br />We were planning to do another walk the next day, called the Honeycomb Rock walk. It's a four hour return walk, which reveals some unusual rock erosion (hence the name) and a shipwreck. But we decided to be leisurely about our long weekend and instead headed to Martinborough for a day of wine tasting. Hey, even hikers enjoy an indulgent day now and then!<br /><br />Sunday we headed back towards the coast, this time right around the southeast corner of the South Island to a spot called White Rock. We went for a trail ride with some local farmers, which was a real treat. My first ride in around 7 years, and G's first ride in about 25 years!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISrrW1Yix57Igpud2TCVQ56aatFD0_ZdDqY3qCmk0v4Pt0NF4Sgm3ORpn0o3NTN4PwIYdKF2CCBaDYwd1D67eUpjhv2SO_RtxOrvZ7R10fKKWi7m0lclTY1ljxxtW3MOYeqZOyQ/s1600/Wairarapa-Apr-11+019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISrrW1Yix57Igpud2TCVQ56aatFD0_ZdDqY3qCmk0v4Pt0NF4Sgm3ORpn0o3NTN4PwIYdKF2CCBaDYwd1D67eUpjhv2SO_RtxOrvZ7R10fKKWi7m0lclTY1ljxxtW3MOYeqZOyQ/s320/Wairarapa-Apr-11+019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599676515493893410" border="0" /></a><br />After that we headed down to the coast itself, and checked out the eponymous White Rock. The sand is black, which makes the limestone boulder seem all the more out of place. It's a deserted and rugged coastal area, at the end of a gravel road. In New Zealand, if you're willing to take a drive an hour or two out of your way you are almost always rewarded with a beautiful coastal scene all to yourselves. (One other car did show up at White Rock as we left, but it was Easter weekend after all!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe91Cewu0KKk6chriQ_PyVG_WbUgPYb9oULwNzdSIR5SluFWlE2_mmqUiwxUaBxNIRA8O9AYXanBESibBJPsuCcUwqpV6GqA-KGIOsXMhmseIEByLvTMHVE1_Fr2MsazXbJKJpw/s1600/Wairarapa-Apr-11+026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe91Cewu0KKk6chriQ_PyVG_WbUgPYb9oULwNzdSIR5SluFWlE2_mmqUiwxUaBxNIRA8O9AYXanBESibBJPsuCcUwqpV6GqA-KGIOsXMhmseIEByLvTMHVE1_Fr2MsazXbJKJpw/s320/Wairarapa-Apr-11+026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599676520068752882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">White Rock</span></span><br /></div><br />So we didn't exactly go for "hard adventure" over our little break, but we did see some remote corners of New Zealand that were definitely worth a peek. And we did come home with a couple of very nice bottles of Martinborough wine!Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-86955010787824807642011-03-19T21:18:00.004-04:002011-03-19T21:35:46.248-04:00Book Review: Little Princes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiminJl2UliesFHcf-sPmDGY2ErOkzhvKg3uevaj6f3kPJGL6rNzRPavNIDj57ZeJ4YD3k09RuVraGmdGbu_qEaFXg96jkyWzbVPb9oZYPCx1WFgkbAixc_5LThPX08xO07VI_PrQ/s1600/little+princes.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiminJl2UliesFHcf-sPmDGY2ErOkzhvKg3uevaj6f3kPJGL6rNzRPavNIDj57ZeJ4YD3k09RuVraGmdGbu_qEaFXg96jkyWzbVPb9oZYPCx1WFgkbAixc_5LThPX08xO07VI_PrQ/s320/little+princes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585969185571379442" border="0" /></a><br />Normally I limit my reviews on this blog to books, movies or products directly related to outdoor recreation or outdoor adventures. I have made an exception for <a href="http://www.harpercollins.ca/books/Little-Princes-Conor-Grennan/?isbn=9780061930058">Little Princes</a>, a memoir by Conor Grennan.<br /><br />The book slipped into my review list because it is about Nepal, a country so much a part of the hiking and climbing collective consciousness that I can't imagine the outdoors enthusiast who hasn't either visited the country, or put it on their bucket list. (Unfortunately I am still in the latter category.)<br /><br />When Conor Grennan arrived in Nepal he volunteered at an orphanage thinking it would make his trip around the world sound less self-indulgent. In the end it became a life-changing experience.<br /><br />This book is inspirational in many ways. When most visitors walk the streets of Kathmandu and see the poverty of the local children, the vast majority think "what a shame" and carry on with their lives. Conor Grennan learned about what was happening to children in Nepal, thought "what a shame" and then thought "I'm going to fix this!"<br /><br />His efforts to protect trafficked children and reunite them with their families is a testament to what a few determined people can do if they set their minds to it. He had no training for this, no background in international charities, fundraising, politics, or any of the skills that you would think necessary for such an undertaking. His success is simply a story of willpower overcoming self-doubt. He set up a children's home, trekked through isolated valleys into remote villages to locate families, and stood up to powerful traffickers on behalf of those who could not.<br /><br />So the next time readers of this book see something and think "what a shame", perhaps some of them will also think "I'm going to fix this!" because if Conor Grennan could do it - why not the rest of us!<br /><br />Thanks Conor, for opening my eyes to the power of just getting on with it!<br /><br />Little Princes:<span style="font-size:100%;"> One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal is not just a memoir - it is also a fundraiser for the charity Conor Grennan created to support this work. So buying this book is one small thing you can do to help. Or you can cut straight to the chase and visit the website for his charity <a href="http://www.nextgenerationnepal.org/">Next Generation Nepal</a>, and make a donation there.<br /></span>Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-69716425616883936272011-02-01T21:33:00.002-05:002011-02-01T21:38:49.073-05:00Romantic Trail Desserts for Valentine's DayLaurie Ann March is the author of <span style="font-style: italic;">A Fork in the Trail</span> and the upcoming <span style="font-style: italic;">Another Fork in the Trail </span>- a couple of dehydrator-friendly camping cookbooks if you're in search of more recipes for your outdoor adventures.<br /><br />She recently wrote an article for Seattle Backpackers Magazine about romantic dining for campers, and included one of the recipes I wrote for <span style="font-style: italic;">Sex in a Tent</span>, called Sex in a Pan.<br /><br /><p style="padding-left: 30px; font-weight: bold;">Sex in a Pan</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">Serves 2 (or course, you could multiply it if you're into threesomes or whatever!)<br /></p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>There are many recipes for Sex in a Pan, but this one is perfectly suited to camping and so satisfying it truly deserves its name. </em></p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">Ingredients:<br />8 chocolate chip cookies, crushed or broken into small pieces<br />2 oz Kahlua<br />1/2 package instant chocolate pudding<br />Water as required for instant pudding (see package directions)<br />12 marshmallows, toasted (but bring a few extra, in case some go “missing”)<br />1/2 cup chocolate chips</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">Instructions:<br />If you have a clean frying pan, you can make this in it, otherwise bring along a disposable pie plate or use a rectangular Tupperware container. Crumble the chocolate chip cookies and spread them in the bottom of the pan. Drizzle the Kahlua over the cookie bits, and mix together to moisten. Press the moist cookie crust into the bottom of the pan. Make the chocolate pudding according to the package directions, then pour it evenly over the cookie crust. Use the back of a spoon to spread it out if it doesn’t pour well. Toast the marshmallows and space them evenly over the top of the pudding. (If you can’t toast the marshmallows, they can be added as is or you can substitute marshmallow from a jar.) Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Now grab your spoons and dig in!</p><br />I was happy to have it included, but it's bittersweet for me because here in New Zealand they don't seem to sell instant pudding mixes - so although I came up with this recipe I can't actually make it on any of my own camping trips!<br /><br />Here's a <a href="http://seattlebackpackersmagazine.com/2011/01/31/romancing-the-trail/">link to the article</a>.Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-41211789244502880792011-01-05T16:04:00.011-05:002011-01-05T18:05:44.723-05:00Great Walk - The Heaphy Track<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xvTi1rUcngc35uS9uTWbuqNB-R3BlhFU4C0JyNYqIwyyv6sEz1Rs0Sv7xyyTjW7QR_uhTjEY2Ne0D-_7aUk5alD7-LURYhegonsTHJyl-3kivFGHqttqtDtt1KJ3lKjNoVV8iA/s1600/Heaphy+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xvTi1rUcngc35uS9uTWbuqNB-R3BlhFU4C0JyNYqIwyyv6sEz1Rs0Sv7xyyTjW7QR_uhTjEY2Ne0D-_7aUk5alD7-LURYhegonsTHJyl-3kivFGHqttqtDtt1KJ3lKjNoVV8iA/s320/Heaphy+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558831388214774722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">At the trail head</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>Christmas break seems to be the only time we get out for a longer than a weekend tramp these days. So this year we decided to tackle the longest of New Zealand's "Great Walks" - the Heaphy Track.<br /><br />The track is 78.4 km long and can be walked in anything from 4-6 days. (I suppose you could do it in less, but only if you're going super-lightweight.) It's located in Kahurangi National Park, which occupies the north-west corner of the South Island. The track starts (or ends, as you can do it in either direction) around 30 km from Collingwood in Golden Bay, and ends close to Karamea on the West Coast.<br /><br />We did a 5 day trip, mainly because that was the easiest way to arrange transportation to and from the trailhead. There is no way to do a car shuttle for the Heaphy, as the two ends of the trail are close to 500 km apart by road. So most trampers use some kind of commercial transport, and the most reasonable cost comes from taking a pre-scheduled service like we did. However, you can make arrangements for private transport if you have a specific schedule to keep - and if money is no object you can even get transported to the trail head by helicopter!<br /><br />You can either stay in huts along the way, or camp at designated campsites (which are generally next to the huts.) We decided to camp as usually the huts are very busy over Christmas, and camping sounded a bit more peaceful. Unfortunately this meant that poor G was carrying our tent the whole way. All I had was the ground sheet. (I'm a bit spoiled!)<br /><br />Two days before we started our tramp, there was a huge storm which hit the park - the worst in 150 years by some accounts. This caused major flooding and slips along the track, and washed away a couple of bridges. However, the water receded quickly and we were able to go ahead with our walk as planned.<br /><br />The first day was where we encountered most of the new slips - around 10 of them. They were all crossable, but full of that thick, heavy mud that clings to your boots and makes that "schlorp" noise each time you take a step. It also made our boots super heavy as it clung to them in thick layers until we could find a stream to wash them off. This slowed our progress considerably, so instead of walking 5 hours on the first day (after a 4 hour drive to the trail head) we ended up walking almost 6.5 hours. Although the track was uphill all day, the grade is so gentle that you barely notice it. The track was originally explored as a possible road, so there is nothing tricky to negotiate - apart from the slips which I'm sure will be cleared up by DoC, after all this is a Great Walk.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbl8jenfqj33P3d2zigVLj9adhLmMIKacr0AyTDqTWx9hTjZYbRlCQONQOJ_Dxepq6gmZ6iG1HBWFipnWEQ_u-cD37GAWCcF0ir83j1j64Qo6DGZXE_JvwS35mCaOhrU_Eoz1D2w/s1600/Heaphy+004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbl8jenfqj33P3d2zigVLj9adhLmMIKacr0AyTDqTWx9hTjZYbRlCQONQOJ_Dxepq6gmZ6iG1HBWFipnWEQ_u-cD37GAWCcF0ir83j1j64Qo6DGZXE_JvwS35mCaOhrU_Eoz1D2w/s320/Heaphy+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558831394633048706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">One of the new slips</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span>At the first hut (Perry Saddle Hut) we met the ranger, Mike. The rangers on the track have their own little huts they can stay in, and a certain range that they are supposed to look after. There were about half a dozen other campers, plus a full hut. Mike had found a brewing kit up at the rangers hut and had made a batch of beer up there, which he shared with the campers later that evening. While I'm not a beer drinker, it's certainly an unusual treat to get in the middle of the wilderness! The hut was located close to a river, where a few people decided to go have a wash. It must have been very cold, because we heard the kind of screams usually associated with horror movies!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UyweixmMiMTopRHToDZpIckWnBhgn0FOpYqgbyUVkQhurv1s-HkAU07TfaIP0p866-VZX_NQyEcAFrRdo7qH-poKnQhaosJwF9cfu4RW9w7Fo2XWRw9Zqg3LOez-Sa-TbthPUA/s1600/Heaphy+011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UyweixmMiMTopRHToDZpIckWnBhgn0FOpYqgbyUVkQhurv1s-HkAU07TfaIP0p866-VZX_NQyEcAFrRdo7qH-poKnQhaosJwF9cfu4RW9w7Fo2XWRw9Zqg3LOez-Sa-TbthPUA/s320/Heaphy+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558831404024698674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">View from the campground at Perry Saddle</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>We also saw our first weka (a native, flightless bird) of the trip that first night, and they would appear at pretty much every campsite along the way, looking for a bit of free grub. One of the huts even had a sign on the door saying "Please shut the door when you leave, and please ensure the weka is not shut inside!"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjsZu4BApxS4qVuap3qdoXOFfbs61vWqS3XxevMZ8CCWK0umojfB0OzAUQ7qEjbCSTOqUV5E-OgzFkuOIQBdYSUpuaC3ZUBTYbTCH35Y6vkIkEOd9TvqtFYPdfyBHGbTZs2S1Vw/s1600/Heaphy+016.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjsZu4BApxS4qVuap3qdoXOFfbs61vWqS3XxevMZ8CCWK0umojfB0OzAUQ7qEjbCSTOqUV5E-OgzFkuOIQBdYSUpuaC3ZUBTYbTCH35Y6vkIkEOd9TvqtFYPdfyBHGbTZs2S1Vw/s320/Heaphy+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558831409598215842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The wekas along the track are not shy!</span></span><br /></div><br />The next day we moved out of the forest and onto the downs, which were mainly covered in red tussock.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65qDJKa5ViD1GssVJwrXZ0qWIIGGZ4eMKPIRQuxLJlEju3-jixPhhpr4M_ZOD8f8Fg64KhVGjRujunc0HsUIhAT1_FQO9EZ2oNKFwroX-BdDVybdD0OGO0JWNNvL1cu3kY1i4jQ/s1600/Heaphy+017.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65qDJKa5ViD1GssVJwrXZ0qWIIGGZ4eMKPIRQuxLJlEju3-jixPhhpr4M_ZOD8f8Fg64KhVGjRujunc0HsUIhAT1_FQO9EZ2oNKFwroX-BdDVybdD0OGO0JWNNvL1cu3kY1i4jQ/s320/Heaphy+017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558833397261902674" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Tufts of red tussock</span></span><br /></div><br />We encountered a pole where trampers leave their old boots, and a few other interesting items of footwear. When we passed by there was a pink stiletto and an inline skate tied to the pole.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoH8bjY7Z61p5xSVnaKmLVQu223WSyQ46jvZmoCrkK0JZjOGFTb4ADOXynMDXZ744s7_-dKCNl6VstRbKlehsDCQWtSSo41xZUzHfXoMzVhGIm2wWrn6STd-iLPJQKX-FbF5W5bw/s1600/Heaphy+015.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoH8bjY7Z61p5xSVnaKmLVQu223WSyQ46jvZmoCrkK0JZjOGFTb4ADOXynMDXZ744s7_-dKCNl6VstRbKlehsDCQWtSSo41xZUzHfXoMzVhGIm2wWrn6STd-iLPJQKX-FbF5W5bw/s320/Heaphy+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558831406041959746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The boot pole</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>The next hut (Gouland Downs) was only a couple of hours down the track, and so we stopped for a short break there but carried on across the downs to Saxon Hut. This was a short day, just 3.5 hours of walking with no real hills to speak of. The track was well formed and graded the whole way. We had one slip to contend with at the beginning of the day, which was the only one we had to detour around rather than going across it.<br /><br />Saxon Hut was in a lovely clearing, and the tent sites were on wooden platforms. They were nice and level, but hard and no matter how many tie-down spots they provide they never seem to be where you need them! Our spot was nice and sheltered on three sides though, which made for a pleasant night.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOZ9TMis7C_V3liyt4X_vtrbLckvJggvvtcUC2AUjuMS3hZrv6777BbVyVSJoQ6B5ZxU4vVXp8IEtLA5yUpynfF1mnTO6iefELae7ZOZCDkrQoNp7XBFVD4k-QKj2HxilQDq1ig/s1600/Heaphy+021.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOZ9TMis7C_V3liyt4X_vtrbLckvJggvvtcUC2AUjuMS3hZrv6777BbVyVSJoQ6B5ZxU4vVXp8IEtLA5yUpynfF1mnTO6iefELae7ZOZCDkrQoNp7XBFVD4k-QKj2HxilQDq1ig/s320/Heaphy+021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558833406867901090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Tent platform</span></span><br /></div><br />The following day took us to James Mackay Hut, just three more hours down the track. We crossed a flat section that apparently can be impassable after heavy rain, but the storm of several days before had drained completely and the track was surprisingly dry.<br /><br />Some small rivers had swing bridges, but could also just be forded if the water was low. We chose to use the bridges, because the novelty of having dry feet on a tramp in New Zealand was too much to pass up! The rivers were quite calm though, and could easily have been crossed. Most were dark with tannins, giving them a dramatic look.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XYJPk9_5qwW228rMRi7JuGpcwWNuliOA429tE8qXaeF5i_xSziYZmb3S7RkJWLd5eTK5ptQcuwm1XFvRJMc9FGx1HFG7wfD3S3uENb5yoMZoI3UyslzoY1CKiMg2yrcUSYgn-w/s1600/Heaphy+025.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XYJPk9_5qwW228rMRi7JuGpcwWNuliOA429tE8qXaeF5i_xSziYZmb3S7RkJWLd5eTK5ptQcuwm1XFvRJMc9FGx1HFG7wfD3S3uENb5yoMZoI3UyslzoY1CKiMg2yrcUSYgn-w/s320/Heaphy+025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558833411795110210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A tannin stained river</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0xEA-N303ooTIGuoCiL3KaLM796ockD4OMy0Um9Q7_yBLm8-0RBNGCbolnDHgMqasQ-q-zNdd-Tgy8yG3EnGcbcAe41LQJzGtBdSxMMeLxLDfJa9pWFRrZnV7qvCeJGgPZ-Eig/s1600/Heaphy+018.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0xEA-N303ooTIGuoCiL3KaLM796ockD4OMy0Um9Q7_yBLm8-0RBNGCbolnDHgMqasQ-q-zNdd-Tgy8yG3EnGcbcAe41LQJzGtBdSxMMeLxLDfJa9pWFRrZnV7qvCeJGgPZ-Eig/s320/Heaphy+018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558833398750018722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mini swingbridge over a stream</span></span><br /></div><br />We reached James Mackay Hut and found a tent platform slightly apart from the other ones for added privacy. However, it turned out to be the windiest spot and we had a bit of a challenge putting the tent up. We had the spot to ourselves until about 7pm, when a mother and daughter showed up and pitched beside us. They would have been nice, quiet neighbours except that the mother snored like a lumberjack all night! Not that it mattered, since it was New Year's Eve and several of the other campers were up celebrating noisily into the night. Thankfully we had ear plugs, as we didn't feel like partying with our longest day coming up.<br /><br />Our fourth day we had to cover 20.5 km of track, around half of which was the descent back to sea level. However, the descent was as gentle as our climb on day 1 - so we hardly noticed it. Once we left the tops behind, the forest thickened and began to look more typical of the West Coast with mossy tree trunks, large ferns and tree ferns. We made our way down to Lewis Hut, which sits above the Lewis River. Apparently the hut had flooded quite badly the night of the storm, despite being around 5 metres above the normal level of the river! There were tons of sandflies around the hut, so after a quick toilet stop (I forgot to mention earlier that all of the toilets along the track are stocked with toilet paper - luxury!) we decided to continue on for a while and find a lunch spot on the track.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSkpc_H5GZVUIau0TDYyQvRCnJC8BXEB1vUSquShTRFzd-s09MSh3GcWo0qBkgjqC5Y8m8OCWfvDwXlPedlB8pZ-A0c_phfx6NQsw26JXGcwiz_K5n0yYcl_9L6oPO_W0EgdzHQ/s1600/Heaphy+029.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSkpc_H5GZVUIau0TDYyQvRCnJC8BXEB1vUSquShTRFzd-s09MSh3GcWo0qBkgjqC5Y8m8OCWfvDwXlPedlB8pZ-A0c_phfx6NQsw26JXGcwiz_K5n0yYcl_9L6oPO_W0EgdzHQ/s320/Heaphy+029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558833416802790898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Emerging from the forest at the coast</span></span><br /><br /></div>The track followed the Heaphy River all of the way out to the coast, through lush forest full of ferns and Nikau palms - New Zealand's native palm tree.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuD_uj0MdYYUOmRNo4y3NjXYdZk-YS9DbNphzDEl8ED0QRHP4EsFbMUYsY4b2Up6US3PuCWyEHU8RyBHP7UHP6AcGYK40ek5PEzTeMDNa6ykWu08rFJdkz414uFUKYwnj8nxJm-g/s1600/Heaphy+047.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuD_uj0MdYYUOmRNo4y3NjXYdZk-YS9DbNphzDEl8ED0QRHP4EsFbMUYsY4b2Up6US3PuCWyEHU8RyBHP7UHP6AcGYK40ek5PEzTeMDNa6ykWu08rFJdkz414uFUKYwnj8nxJm-g/s320/Heaphy+047.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558835703701623842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Nikau palm trees</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span> It was easy and pleasant walking, but still a long day. Heaphy Hut is place within view of the river mouth, as it meets the Tasman Sea. It's a very picturesque spot, with crashing waves and dramatic cliffs.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBj2YXQh43sKzrY1wNWJEkGcYS-iwc26x9Ra8C_QxKmR-wAGdxaGjWuj1ocG20MWCIPR5l0JIYun1ac6Xr1SaacAZXjz2vhDJQ_K5D0rZCP-8gWMbzwANSwJw414M-Dx8TnXYHkw/s1600/Heaphy+043.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBj2YXQh43sKzrY1wNWJEkGcYS-iwc26x9Ra8C_QxKmR-wAGdxaGjWuj1ocG20MWCIPR5l0JIYun1ac6Xr1SaacAZXjz2vhDJQ_K5D0rZCP-8gWMbzwANSwJw414M-Dx8TnXYHkw/s320/Heaphy+043.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558835699763092098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The dramatic rivermouth</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>The hut has a very manicured lawn, and a fairly large camping area off to one side. The camping area even has its own shelter, so you can cook under cover if it rains without using the hut facilities. The drawback of the location is an abundance of sandflies. The minute you stood still they would swarm around looking for a nice bit of exposed skin to bite. They had been present all along the track at each campsite, but here they were much more intense.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmwFFFFJhdHyLp6_NE_HyLWPmyx-iB88fM5jrvVTL1MkNXjqgXxN__1w3rxXyLgX11LDt5xnVNGPDOaSTi46W0iVfvw-qDdDM2Y9O0GJN2KhOlTnMYo78cEcedJKv5Y8fwsoL1A/s1600/Heaphy+034.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmwFFFFJhdHyLp6_NE_HyLWPmyx-iB88fM5jrvVTL1MkNXjqgXxN__1w3rxXyLgX11LDt5xnVNGPDOaSTi46W0iVfvw-qDdDM2Y9O0GJN2KhOlTnMYo78cEcedJKv5Y8fwsoL1A/s320/Heaphy+034.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558841595647060978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Heaphy Hut with its manicured lawn</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>Once we got our tent up, we went for a walk to escape the flies. We went down to the riverside, where a few people were going in to get a bit clean (I wouldn't go so far as to call it swimming - it was too cold for that) and we rounded the corner to the seashore and walked along the beach for a bit. It was out of the way of the flies, but the tide was coming in, and we didn't want to get cornered and have to scramble our way back to the campsite. So it was back to the bugs, and try to make dinner without becoming dinner!<br /><br />We went back down to the beach later, but the wind must have dropped because the flies were now down there too. So there was nothing to do but escape into the tent and play cards for a while before turning in.<br /><br />We got a pretty early start on our final day, not wanting to be late for our 1:30pm pick up. There is one spot along the coastal portion of the track which can be impassable when the tide is in and the seas are rough, and we were set to reach it right around high tide. The last leg of the track follows the coast straight south, mainly staying just off the beach at the edge of the forest. There are nikau palms everywhere! Even when you're not on the beach, much of the track is sandy and soft, which is a bit annoying to walk on.<br /><br />There was a shelter and camping area around half way down, which was the least pleasant place I could imagine for camping. The ground was all uneven and covered in scrubby tall grasses, the sandflies were terrible and the outhouse was really close to where you would camp. Definitely for emergencies only!<br /><br />We reached the spot where the track crosses the beach, and although we were right at high tide there was plenty of room as the seas were calm. We got there faster than expected, and slowed our pace so we wouldn't get to the trail head too early and have to wait around swatting flies for hours.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7o4SLE-l2115vDq3y76eq66hz4N6qGFbbugHxTV1ilSHR8fN-PqiNTcWmWF0Ay9fscO4bBmGaBSff8zzfKt4YjxesgOCexgNPC8eVyaO7SAZQmxaN8ONeK1D0jGy5lfMwcf9Hg/s1600/Heaphy+049.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7o4SLE-l2115vDq3y76eq66hz4N6qGFbbugHxTV1ilSHR8fN-PqiNTcWmWF0Ay9fscO4bBmGaBSff8zzfKt4YjxesgOCexgNPC8eVyaO7SAZQmxaN8ONeK1D0jGy5lfMwcf9Hg/s320/Heaphy+049.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558835704313699666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Crossing a small stream along the coast</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>Even taking our time, we were ahead of schedule and looked for some little rest stops where the flies weren't bad. Was another campground (much nicer than the earlier one) with picnic tables and fireplaces but still too many bugs to stay for long.<br /><br />You cross a small saddle just before the end of the track, and on the top there is a little lookout area, which was thankfully bug free. We hung out there for a while chatting with other hikers, most of whom were on day walks. We also chatted with a German girl who was taking the same transportation as us, and also trying not to arrive too early.<br /><br />When we reached the end, the bus was there early anyway so we needn't have worried.<br /><br />The Heaphy Track (without the slips) is a very straightforward walk, and would be a good track for someone with limited experience or skills on more difficult terrain. It is long though, so you do need to be capable of walking up to 20 km in a day, carrying your gear and food. (On a six day version, the longest walk would be 17.5 km.) Both huts and campsites need to be booked in advance, and as this is a Great Walk the fees are higher than normal. Camping costs $12 per person per night. Huts cost something like $32 per person per night.<br /><br />This winter, the track is scheduled to open to mountain bikers for the first time. This is a trial, with the track open for cycling in the winter season, and tramping in the summer. DoC will then assess whether the bikes are doing too much damage to the track. I'm sure it will have a noticeable effect on the surfaces, especially since the track is likely to be muddy over the winter, so bikes will create deep ruts. But we'll have to wait and see what happens with that.Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-41487948226503468372010-12-18T20:58:00.003-05:002010-12-18T21:12:53.913-05:00A Practical Corporate Gift? Wow!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkNvrtoYGhyjZ2SYXVmlxm1CpuBO2_5OOzWN3cszw0wWWzqCGwiuKjGYqBuaI5LwIPsm6qQSyw6bpyUAtO_pSZD7zMwphyDdJ6Y0-pHyqSLmTTLk0bYifPeimxgatU8y7E07FwA/s1600/Radio+002.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZb1-aoobArbLlSUjlHrTmZ6VnK8G0nRq1piYFHW1s8tplH70KpQI3tUk06LdvwKq-4lwLbxgfiIhFWXdKSwYr1ro9GBorvvrcLRydJ-cbtgine8PXMYrG1g2oEanWPzeUFj0Eg/s1600/Radio+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZb1-aoobArbLlSUjlHrTmZ6VnK8G0nRq1piYFHW1s8tplH70KpQI3tUk06LdvwKq-4lwLbxgfiIhFWXdKSwYr1ro9GBorvvrcLRydJ-cbtgine8PXMYrG1g2oEanWPzeUFj0Eg/s320/Radio+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552207328874764850" border="0" /></a>I don't get a lot of corporate Christmas gifts at my day job, but I've seen enough of them to know that the best ones are usually edible/drinkable gifts, and the rest tend to be crappy knicknacks that you either throw away or leave on a shelf for a few years and then...throw away.<br /><br />However, one of the two gifts I got this year was so practical I just had to share (even though it's slightly off topic for this blog, but not entirely.) Our printing company gave me this wind-up radio and flashlight!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkNvrtoYGhyjZ2SYXVmlxm1CpuBO2_5OOzWN3cszw0wWWzqCGwiuKjGYqBuaI5LwIPsm6qQSyw6bpyUAtO_pSZD7zMwphyDdJ6Y0-pHyqSLmTTLk0bYifPeimxgatU8y7E07FwA/s1600/Radio+002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkNvrtoYGhyjZ2SYXVmlxm1CpuBO2_5OOzWN3cszw0wWWzqCGwiuKjGYqBuaI5LwIPsm6qQSyw6bpyUAtO_pSZD7zMwphyDdJ6Y0-pHyqSLmTTLk0bYifPeimxgatU8y7E07FwA/s320/Radio+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552207333164560946" border="0" /></a><br />Now as you may know, Wellington is situated on a few fault lines (as is most of New Zealand) and we really do need to be prepared for an earthquake at any time. So a flashligh and radio that will work when the power is out is a great idea. Not only that, but it comes with an adaptor cord so that you can use it to power other electronic devices too!<br /><br />It's going straight into our emergency kit, along with a larger flashlight, extra batteries, non-perishable food (at least 3 days' worth) and our first aid kit. We also have two large (20 litre I think) jugs full of drinking water. Many people keep candles and matches in their emergency kit, which is fine unless the emergency is an earthquake. Aftershocks mean that candles can easily get knocked over and start a fire, so avoid open flames after an earthquake.<br /><br />What we're missing, and just out of laziness of getting this together, is a "grab bag" in case we have to leave the house quickly. This should have warm and waterproof clothing, comfy shoes for walking, a few changes of underwear, hand sanitiser, flashlights, sleeping bags, and probably our tent.<br /><br />With the major earthquake Christchurch experienced a few months ago, disaster supplies have made a bit of a comeback in New Zealand. But anyone, anywhere can lose electricity and water for a few days - so really all households should have supplies on hand.<br /><br />US College blog Zen College life recently did their own version of what should be in an emergency kit - so you can read their list <a href="http://www.zencollegelife.com/The-10-Things-You-Must-Have-in-An-Emergency-Kit/">here</a>.Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33931895.post-38911991176365213742010-12-04T16:45:00.006-05:002010-12-04T17:14:24.550-05:00Mal Does it Again!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGILBCSo-8fprsKp-naUWrraBI1H8YG8bWdBooRmLPdLSNjmNccFZoflxxD4v8SHrmqMSCOjwspAiAIXLCZElfMQS64PlnfnZKw3XCReEpjxEln7DD1JnvDyXBK4dIC5a1pT7Yw/s1600/Rees-Dart.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGILBCSo-8fprsKp-naUWrraBI1H8YG8bWdBooRmLPdLSNjmNccFZoflxxD4v8SHrmqMSCOjwspAiAIXLCZElfMQS64PlnfnZKw3XCReEpjxEln7DD1JnvDyXBK4dIC5a1pT7Yw/s320/Rees-Dart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546951768961126802" border="0" /></a><br />I'm pleased to report that totally insane trail runner Malcolm Law has just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">completed</span> his second "7 in 7" series of runs, raising money for the Blood & Leukaemia Foundation.<br /><br />Last year Mal ran 7 of New <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Zealand's</span> "Great Walks" in 7 consecutive days. This year he did 7 more marathon runs on amazing South Island tracks - this time a little closer together so he could focus more on running and fundraising and less on getting from one track to the next.<br /><br />This year's tracks in the run series were:<br />1. Twin Lakes Marathon<br />2. Young-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wilkin</span> Circuit<br />3. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Motatapu</span> Gold<br />4. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Wakatipu</span> Wonderland<br />5. Rees-Dart Circuit<br />6. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Greenstone</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mavora</span> Walkway<br />7. Kepler Challenge<br /><br />If you're not familiar with these routes (and therefore tired just looking at that list) bear in mind that most of these were longer than a marathon, with the Rees-Dart clocking in at a whopping 67km! Only the Kepler Challenge finale was a repeat from last year.<br /><br />I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit that I haven't walked ANY of these tracks. Actually, I have done the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Greenstone</span> in combination with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Routeburn</span> Track, so that counts for half or something.<br /><br />While the runs have been a great success, Mal is still $6,000 shy of his ambitious $150,000 fundraising goal. If you want to help out, you can donate on his <a href="http://7in7.org.nz/">website</a>.<br /><br />Just before the runs began this year, Mal held an auction in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Wanaka</span> hosted by Kiwi sports celebrity Marc Ellis. The auction raised over $10,000, and I'm happy to say that I played some small (very small I imagine) part in that by donating a copy of Sex in a Tent. Here's a pic of Mal and Marc auctioning it off!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hXf9t37te5hJmq2oAnKgydU6o0B9UEAPzx7ZfqvktWC8hGJnOA__5x7rqxVBBlb6rA77cAn1smk2aDmAkjqAM1Jy3P9h4MfChz7zYxfhlvkQ7KDX9VcnNtuwRomxAjiB7hxUYQ/s1600/7in7-auction.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hXf9t37te5hJmq2oAnKgydU6o0B9UEAPzx7ZfqvktWC8hGJnOA__5x7rqxVBBlb6rA77cAn1smk2aDmAkjqAM1Jy3P9h4MfChz7zYxfhlvkQ7KDX9VcnNtuwRomxAjiB7hxUYQ/s320/7in7-auction.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546951774379020146" border="0" /></a><br />I guess Mal is having a good rest right about now. Congrats and well done!Maple Kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01132790743405212481noreply@blogger.com1