The day was sunny and clear in the 60 – 70 degree range. A perfect one for a nautical adventure, albeit a very brief one. The actual boat trip would be about a half hour to 45 minutes to get to Rangitoto. Went down to the docks early (or so I thought) to get the 10:30 sailing. The last boat back is 4pm so thought it wise to arrive early enough for a leisurely summit attempt. Well…OK, not really a summit at 850 feet…but still a bit of a hike uphill. So, arrived early for the 10:30am trip. As it happened…it was daylight savings time in New Zealand…spring forward. Oh. So actually arrived 15 minutes late for the sailing. As it happened…it was full anyway but did not know that at the time. 12:30 was the next one. OK. That just meant instead of a leisurely stroll it would be more of a fast march to get to the top and back in time if the coastal route visiting McKenzie bay was taken. Can do.
Boarded the vessel and sat in the rear middle deck with a sun cover. It would be a long day in the sun…so why start now? At the table met an Australian fellow named Paul and a couple of ladies from India named Nikita and Surya. They were nice and friendly in their late 20’s. Surya confided that she was a little nervous as she had never been hiking before. This seemed incredible to me. She said that it was not something they did much in India. Guess not. When we docked we set off at a brisk pace along the coastal track. Volcanic rock in large outcroppings lined the road. It was in fact a road as service vehicles did pass a couple of times. We would have to hurry to make it on time.
Nikita’s husband who was also Indian was playing cricket today. She was tired of sitting at home so convinced her friend Surya to join her. We all agreed our meeting was a product of good Karma and providence. Indeed, had we not been along to inspire them they would not have attempted the longer route. As for the boys, it would not have been nearly as fun without the girls along to temper the pace.
The island was full of lava outcroppings which looked fresh. The presence of trees growing among the rock said otherwise. We had opted for the longer coastal walk by McKenzie Bay. Many good views of the mainland were to had from the trail. Paul was a fast walker and consistently ahead with one or the other of the girls out front. At the more leisurely pace, conversation was good. We all had opportunities to exchange ideas about different religions and beliefs. Underlying the pace was the deadline. The ferry was leaving with or without us at 4:00 pm. The girls did well for the first few kilometers. We reached the bay and were able to determine that the times for the hikes listed on the tourist map acquired before leaving were somewhat forgiving. This took the pressure off a bit and allowed for the girls to take even more selfies. Bless their hearts.
Now came the ascent. A full 850 feet. The gradual trail led upward with the girls saying how taxing it was. I guess if it was something you had not done previously it might seem difficult. Think it was a little bit in their minds that it would be a tough climb. It was just the opposite for Paul and I who though of it as just a little walk in the park..so to speak. We continued up to the top at a brisk pace knowing the ladies would soon follow. As we neared the summit there were wooden steps and going was very easy so we just went up to the top to spend a little time enjoying the view. Paul was also a little nervous as he had an important meeting in the morning and could not afford to miss it by waiting for anyone.
About 15 minutes after we reached the top the ladies arrived somewhat out of breath yet triumphant for their accomplishment. Later on the boast Surya confided that at one point she felt she could not continue. She said that our positive attitude contributed to her being able to push through it. Nice of her to say that. The rest of the hike was downhill and fairly easy. We made it with ten minutes to spare. Girls taking selfies until the final boarding call. Bless their hearts. All in all a fun day to be sure. Little did I know it was soon to get fun-er.
Returned to the mainland and said fond farewells. Back at the hostel took a shower and headed to the roof top bar for a farewell to Auckland beverage. Walked in to the disco paradise night and who was there to greet me? None other that our good friend Ben the Driver! Awesome! He, in fact, had just been talking about me to his fellow drivers and showing them the video he took of the 7 meter cliff jump into the waterfall. He finished with his footage of me on the skateboard to lots of laughs. It was going to be an epic night.
They had come to be calling me “the legend”. Lived up to it that night and was actually asked to leave ten minutes before closing!
Wasn’t being loud or argumentative…just perhaps having too much fun. Said OK, no problem. Said the genuinely fond farewells and hit the rack for an early night and a flight to Australia tomorrow.
Adventures with Kevco 