Conditions on the Heaphy Track were perfect, not rainy and we stayed in a tent so not crowded. The track would make a good introduction to NZ bush for a visitor, as each day is different. Day one is an uphill climb through beech forest, day two across the tussock high up, day three downhill through podocarps to the Heaphy River, and day four along the gorgeous West Coast beach with nikau palms alongside. Such vibrant colours, and infinite layers of depth to everything from tiny to huge plants and whole ecosystems growing on the large trees. The West Coast sandflies also make their appearance - the noise of a swarm of them trying to get into the tent sounded like rain. A robin sang a whole aria and came right up close on day three.
I was a little dissatisfied with my fitness level, having been pretty sedentary the last few months. The Heaphy is my first step at getting back into shape, and there are plenty of excuses to go outside and get exercise here in Nelson. A couple more goals for the summer are to climb Mt Taranaki again and walk the Wangapeka Track, which at eight days over rougher ground than the Heaphy looks to be a real challenge.
I went to a barbeque last night - my contribution was adding parsley, mint and vegetables to all the meat on the barbeque (though then it ended up cooked in meat juice, so I settled for a delicious salad meal, but other people ate it) - and ended up wandering up the street where I found a rimu to climb. And yes I gave it a hug.
There's a drumkit at the house and I've got my guitars, keyboard and banjo here, so all set up. There's a bass player vacancy.
Oh and I got accepted for the Nelson School of Music's contemporary music course next year if I choose to do it. I am keen to lift my game up a bit so I can be on a par with Fran, Mike, Nigel et al. If I can get a student allowance again I'll be pretty sorted.
Got to find a job etc next, and get that %&^*ing website up & running...
Posted by fiffdimension at November 13, 2005 03:53 PM | TrackBack