The quickest way to Leon Kinvig hut, in the headwaters of the Pohangina, is to climb up and over the Ngamoko Range. We struck almost perfect weather when we visited the hut a couple of weekends ago. This is typical of much of the beech-dominated forest in the middle reaches of the Pohangina headwaters — old, gnarled trees, too many of which are dead or dying (for still uncertain but probably complex reasons); a dense, low understorey of various grasses and assorted shrubs; a sense of age and time and an uncertain future. When we left to climb back out in the early morning, mist still lingered and everything was saturated.
[7 January 2013, Panasonic Lumix GH1, 14–45 mm at14 mm, ISO 200, 1/250 at f11]
All content © 2013 Pete McGregor
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8 comments:
Kia ora Pete,
This mingles with the often ethereal feel of the Ruahine forest so well. I wonder sometimes if we are getting the best they have to offer and feel sometimes a tinge of regret for those whom come after. I suppose people have been writing and saying that for generations. Your photos of the Ruahine always invoke strong reactions and feeings inside me. Kia ora e hoa.
Robb
This looks beautiful, but very tough going. Are there any clear pathways?
It sounds tough to approach, but it certainly looks like this hut would be a wonderful refuge. It's beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Kia ora Robb. It's something of a truism to say what we're used to is what we think of as normal, but I'm not sure whether that's a comfort or a bane. I'm used to the Pohangina bush looking like this and take delight in it. Would I enjoy it as much if I'd walked there before it began to degrade? Honestly, I don't know, but I hope it's not too shattered by the time my young friends get to enjoy it.
RR, the track's in good condition, but "good" is a relative term. Ruahine tracks can become overgrown, but generally they're recut before they become useless, and it's rare to encounter one that doesn't offer a signifcantly easier passage than bush-bashing.
Barbara, a reasonable degree of fitness, some tolerance for discomfort, and a modicum of luck go a long way towards making the walk enjoyable :^)
I could get lost here and be happy. -Maureen
I too could get lost here and be happy. There is a sense of peacefulness here Pete that instantly makes me feel a little lighter.
I am so glad I found your blog is full of spectacular images of New Zealand I am a fan of your country I think is one of the best place in the world where you can live.
Amazing Photos
Greetings from Barcelona :-)
Maureen, I know what you mean. It can get pretty uncomfortable in wet weather, though ;^)
Leonie, I'm glad that feeling came through. The more I go back there, the more it feels like home.
Gracias, Pere. Nueva Zelanda es un lugar hermoso, y tengo la suerte de vivir aquí. Tus fotos son hermosas, también :^)
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