Lee stood in for injured Kay – we missed you -  but took the 'tail end Charlie' job while Jill Bishop stepped up as a new leader getting a 'route check'.  Jill had added a large 'L' plate to her outfit for clarity.  She was great and when we reassembled for farewells, all 21 were present, thank you leaders. We were impressed at your finding the Craw homestead without signposts.

North Piha was as described in the handout, with wonderful views everywhere, often at significant heights above sea level. We took the Laird Thompson up to Te Waha Pt, then the Rose Track to Whites Beach past Rose Cottage which was linked to Edmund Hillary through his wife (nee Rose). We climbed out of Whites Beach to reach that remarkable narrow headland with views to each side including Keyhole Rock.  We walked along the excitingly narrow ridge behind it, traversed the 'bowl' behind Whites, then up and up some more onto the welcome flatness of Anawhata Rd. By road and farm climb we reached Craw Campground (and farmhouse) for lunch under a shelter thoughtfully provided. We returned to Les Waygood via a renovated White Track, down many, many, easy steps, united in thankfulness that we were not ascending them.

Sue M

To view the photos from Joanie and Kim, click here