Camping

Camping

Saturday 11 Janurary

This-morning Robin, Mama, Papa and I went to go camping at Trounson Kauri Park. When we got there we pitched our tent and set up our stuff. Then Robin and I went exploring in the bush. We got lost so Mama went in to get us. Once she was with us we did the Loop Track. We felt Lilliputian / small / tiny / miniscule compared to the forest elders/giants. When we got back to the campsite Papa was sleeping and Mama read part of our book for us. Then we got dinner ready. It was pasta. We were hanging around the campsite for a while until we had Creamed Rice for dessert. Then we went into the bush to look for kiwi. We saw a possum which are pests and a single possum could kill a single rata tree in 2-3 years. Then on the way back I ran ahead and a couple were watching a kiwi. I asked them if there was a kiwi and they said yes. We were watching it and suddenly Robin moved to me and the Kiwi ran to my feet and then to Robins feet. Then we went to bed.

Sunday 12 Janurary

Today morning we woke up, had breakfast and set off. We arrived at Waipoua Forest and went to see 4 kauri trees. First we saw Yakas Kauri. The walk was long and tiring. Then we saw the 4 Sisters. They are from 1 seed and the tree trunk was split in 4. Next we saw Te Matua Ngahere. It is the oldest and largest / widest Kauri tree. Last we saw Tane Mahuta. It is the 2nd oldest and tallest Kauri Tree. Then we went and saw the Kotu Boulders and Kupe's Stone at Pakanae Marae (Kupe had lived here in the Hokianga and planted kumara before his trip back to Hawaiiki). Later on we went swimming at Opononi Beach. Last that day before returning to the campsite we saw a waterfall in theWaiotemarama Gorge. Back at the campsite we had Spagetti for dinner before returning in to the forest where we saw another possum, 3 weta, eel and another kiwi.

Monday 13 Janurary

This-morning we had breakfast and packed up our tent. Thenn we left around 12pm. On the way home we went into the  Kauri Museum in Matakohe. It was intersting. I learn't that Tane Mahuta is hollow on the inside. We went inside the old church and school house. One of the rules for teachers was you were not allowed to marry.