From Picton we headed on to Blenheim and a couple of weeks work at motels there. Then the day we finished there we flew over to Wellington to start work at motels in Porirua the next day. This was a contract for almost five weeks including all of April. We tended to be busy through the weeks and not so busy at weekends. We managed to get out for a few walks – albeit one at a time.
Wyn took the train up to Plimmerton for a walk along the Porirua Harbour edge. Plus she explored the walks around the (Porirua) city centre. I headed up for my excursions. Up the back there was a walkway system leading up to a top called Colonial Knob. On my second attempt I found a circuit which included a climb up through some nice bush to a great viewpoint. Before descending a steep road/track back down open farmland.
The climb up involved hundreds of steps which get more and steeper and higher as you climb. The first time up I stopped to check my pulse to make sure I wasn’t over-revving. The old heart and lungs are not quite as efficient as they used to be. The next time up my pride was spared by having to stop to take a phone call from Wyn who was checking up on something.
However on the way down that day, it was more than my pride that got dented. I was managing a bit of a jog down the road but on a steeper and rockier section managed a bit of a stumble which became a fall. It is horrible how fast the ground comes up to meet you. Mostly I was surprised to find myself flat on the road. I picked myself up and worked out that everything worked albeit with holes in a knee and an elbow and a couple of hands.
I was a bit embarrassed about the bleeding – I was fairly sure I looked worse than I felt. So I carried on down and worked out how to look less alarming. Wyn was a wonderful nurse – her battlefield outings with the Waitati Militia must have prepared her. Although I did give her a ring on my way back to warn her about my appearance. She did a great job patching me up. I was embarrassed about the falling part, but feeling lucky to have walked away with only superficial damage.
I was allowed out for another walk up the hill – so long as I promised to walk down the road. This was a couple of weeks later on a gorgeous autumn afternoon. I remembered to take a camera this time – a good reason for a couple of stops along the way.
Thank you for sharing your lovely pics. Sorry about your tumble down the hill
Thanks Gay. On both counts.
The walk up the hill brings back memories of when I used to work at Tawa College.
When I had a non contact teaching period before or after lunch I used to hightail it up to Colonial Knob. I agree with you description of the steepness.
The view of Colonial Knob from the classroom window afterwards kept me going during some of those tough teaching afternoons.
“I shall lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help” – that was my misinterpretation of the Psalm. They were sure as heck my inspiration too.
I use too walk from Durville st all the way via youth Camp pu the bush track what an awesome view 360 view cook straight, Porirua. Tawa all I can it worth the hike and still remember the view even saw QEII full steam ahead north she a fast ship, just never know what inspire you up there on clear day nothing but your own peace of mind priceless views,