Today being Sunday in New Zealand, there was no real work pressure so we decided to do a longer walk (hike). We set off up the hill towards the Centre of New Zealand, and from the top of the ridge we had some great views up the Maitai Valley, which was where we were going.
From the top we headed down into Branford Park and then walked up the Maitai River. Water levels are low at the moment so there are signs warning against swimming due to bacteria in the water, but some of these pools certainly looked inviting.
We walked upstream, past the golf course, and when we thought we were at the end, we found that we were at the Maitai Valley Campground and the parking lot for the Dun Mountain Trail and a series of other trails for hiking and mountain biking. The prospect of a coffee at the golf course was enough of a lure to prevent Marlene from suggesting that we hike a little further, but when we got to the club house we found that they only offered bar service and that did not include coffee.
So we rejoined the trail and found a shady clearing to eat our snacks. While munching away we saw two couples come out of a side valley carrying plastic bags full of field mushrooms, so of course after eating we had to investigate. We found a few mushrooms big enough to eat and quite a few more that still had some growing to do, so we might have to revisit this spot after Tuesday's rain, in hopes of a more bountiful crop.
Since we had missed the mother lode of mushrooms, all that remained was to head for home. Along the way we passed this trap, which was likely for rats or stoats. New Zealand has a huge problem with imported pests including opossums, rats, stoats and weasels which eat the eggs of the native birds, significantly reducing their quantities. It is therefore not unusual to see traps and poisoned bait in the woods to catch those pesky varmits.
Tonight we tried a somewhat unique dining experience. We ordered fish and chips at the Milton Street Fish Shop and had it delivered to a table on the deck at the Sprig and Fern pub next door. Quite a civilized idea really, letting both operations do what they do best, while attracting more customers to both of them. The Sprig and Fern has no TVs, no pool tables and no slot machines (pokies in New Zealand parlance), preferring to encourage conversation.
We sat with a retired couple from Glasgow, a young man from Stoufville, Ontario, and a young woman from Minneapolis. Not exactly hanging out with the locals, but good food, a half pint and some adult conversation made the experience worthwhile.
All in all a busy day with 24,000 steps, making it a record day for 2013, and I doubt that we will be staying up too late tonight.
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