Tramping in The Puketi Forest in The Far North (Bay Of Islands)

Every year I do a tramp through the Puketi Forest in The Far North along the Waipapa river track.
Its one of my favorite places in the world.
This year I took Silas along for the trip and his first tramp.
We had a great trip with perfect weather through huge Kauri Tree groves and wading in the river for 5 hours. The track is in reasonably good condition although most of it is officially closed. Unfortunately the river can come up very quickly and its easy to get trapped so check the weather if you planning a trip. We saw several gin traps on the track which was a bit of a worry bud glad to see a couple of dead cats and only 2 stoats in the poison traps.
As with previous years the possums are very noisy and cheeky down at camp creek, but hearing the Kiwi calls made up for it.

Waipu Highland Games

Bunch of Bloody Tossers!!

Every New Years day for over 100 years the community of Scottish descendents in Waipu have held their annual Highland Games. Apparently its one of the biggest outside of Scotland and includes Hammer throwing through to Kaber tossing.

Sailing Northland's East Coast

Peter (on left) His Son Sam (my oldest and best mate) and his girlfriend Kate at Cape Brett



















































As Most People who read this blog know, I'm crazy mad about sailing. So just after new year when my I was asked to come on a cruising trip from Whangarei to The Bay of Islands there was only ever going to be one answer.
With Northland notoriously great weather we set off with a 15 knot south easterly wind and spent the night in Bland bay.
We also managed to hook 5 bonitos (only keeping one) and a sting ray which meant we had to cut the line. It was quite disappointing as I was looking forward to a nice feed of Kahawai.
All went according to plan except for our missing Mooring in Opua.

Nick's Going Away Party

My cousin Nick is off to the Army so we a bunch of people turned out to see him off. Unfortunatly I wasn't allowed to drink because of my Anti-biotics. Who would have thought you could get 13 people in a spa that size!

Sam Sky Diving

My best mate Sam after his mum threw him out of a plane for Christmas, ahhh so much love in that family.

Where Milk Comes From

For those of you who don't know...... thats where it cames from :)
A friend of mine Phil Milking his cows in Okaihau (Wahau Valley)
IA week later I took his son Silas Tramping in Puketi

Mitre Flats Tararua Range

Another great Trip into the Tararuas. Unfrotunatly it was wet and horrible and not all that fun the first day.
The following weekend we attempted a southern crossing but turned back after reaching Mt Hecktor in 100km/ph+ southerly winds with verry little visability. (hence no photos)

Hopefully I'll have another go early this year.