Walking --- Hiking ---- Tramping

This was a mild winter week in Auckland.  We had some clouds but mostly mild days.  We still carry our space heater (Maeve) with us into every room but have not had the bone-chilling days of last week.
These first pictures are from a walk I did to Cockle Bay Beach.

Then On Saturday we took a hike along Howick Beach to Mellons Bay.

I call this a hike because we navigated along the beach and rocky cliffs.

As you can see Saturday was a bit cloudier.  The cliffs were a bit tricky to navigate around.  David was loving the low tide to be able to do this and I, of course was wondering about our sanity.

Then Sunday we went on our first tramp with the Howick Tramping Club.  We went to Shakespeare Regional Park which again had green rolling hills with nearby sheep, some bush walks, and a Lookout used in WW II.  We were typical first timers.  We pull up to the car park to meet our fellow trampers.  I am dressed in layers: long underwear under my hiking pants, merino wool layer 1, Loki layer 2, and my rain jacket on my top half.  Our fellow trampers are mostly in shorts with 1 layer on top.  I'm very aware of my different look but quickly get into the car we will be transported in.  While in transport to our destination I nonchalantly remove my long underwear. (David is not sure what to make of this) When we get to Shakespeare Park I share with everyone the cool features of the Loki shirt --- arms that extend into mittens, a neck cover that pops over your head and then of course the fitted hood.  Everyone was very impressed as we joked about how prepared I was!!  This is a great group of people.

David and fellow hikers climbing the hill.  Of course I am on top shooting the pix -----Hmmmmmmm

The Bush walk

Lamb Chop

View from the Top

Even in the midst of a tramp there is tea time!  This is at the top of the lookout.

And this is a waterfall we came upon while tramping in the bush.  It was a beautiful, warm winter day.  As one experienced tramper suggested, I should just wear one layer and add to it ----- much easier than my approach.  I had enough extra top layers for a small village in my back pack by the end of the day.  We culminated the day at a cafe for flat whites and my chai latte.  A successful first tramp.

Then David and I were treated to Carol's homemade spaghetti and meatballs for dinner ----- The perfect meal!!  Carol even made tirimisu (sp). It was delicious!!

I will end with a picture of me swinging with the Tamaki Estuary in my background.  It was a great week.