tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18506947726937710962024-03-13T23:14:46.896+13:00Andrew's Walking (& Running)<a href="http://andrewwalking.blogspot.com/search/label/Ultramarathon">Ultramarathoner</a>, <a href="http://andrewwalking.blogspot.com/search/label/Centurion">Centurion</a> (<a href="http://andrewwalking.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-nz-walk-records-and-centurion-nz_03.html">NZ C16</a>), competitive walker, and runner.Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.comBlogger352125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-48942485158831758222016-03-19T21:16:00.000+13:002016-03-19T21:16:04.070+13:00Kirikiriroa MarathonThe inaugural running of the Kirikiriroa Marathon in Hamilton, and I was actually able to attend. Starting with a scenic lap of the Hamilton Gardens, the course then heads down river on the walking and cycling trails alongside the Waikato River. The trails themself are a very scenic place to run, in many places wending their way through bush and ferns.<br>
<br>
For an inaugural event this was incredibly well run; just as well as many events that have had the benefit of years of fine tuning.<br>
<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RevHy7iX5oU/Vu0Flw8K9jI/AAAAAAAACo4/KW5gh01hH-wHJiAnH_aO8_f8nPG3_5PWg/s1600/P3190495.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RevHy7iX5oU/Vu0Flw8K9jI/AAAAAAAACo4/KW5gh01hH-wHJiAnH_aO8_f8nPG3_5PWg/s320/P3190495.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Part of the early loop through the Hamilton Gardens.</div>
</div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1v1wG3uAuQQ/Vu0FnGsylEI/AAAAAAAACo8/RvuQuCPC_kkxvpElSbJlGSh1jJ1i4e-ug/s1600/P3190497.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1v1wG3uAuQQ/Vu0FnGsylEI/AAAAAAAACo8/RvuQuCPC_kkxvpElSbJlGSh1jJ1i4e-ug/s320/P3190497.JPG" /></a>
</div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SvkgUMLvjDE/Vu0FgjanKWI/AAAAAAAACos/fi5TWZjlmIk9dHghfYJxgOVoTiN_U0Unw/s1600/P3190488.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SvkgUMLvjDE/Vu0FgjanKWI/AAAAAAAACos/fi5TWZjlmIk9dHghfYJxgOVoTiN_U0Unw/s320/P3190488.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Te Rapa Dairy Factory</div>
</div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TRZsqlTwf2w/Vu0Fip2Qr_I/AAAAAAAACo0/kAE8qnzFpKcMf5YAoJF0h7RabCdvGozkg/s1600/P3190492.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TRZsqlTwf2w/Vu0Fip2Qr_I/AAAAAAAACo0/kAE8qnzFpKcMf5YAoJF0h7RabCdvGozkg/s320/P3190492.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Waikato River</div>
</div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em; margin-right:1em;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tQbXpclepPE/Vu0Fhd5T2bI/AAAAAAAACow/zLb_GgEL3bo2in4pxrwrtU3h3lXrYmUdQ/s1600/P3190493.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tQbXpclepPE/Vu0Fhd5T2bI/AAAAAAAACow/zLb_GgEL3bo2in4pxrwrtU3h3lXrYmUdQ/s320/P3190493.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">One of the distance markers</div>
</div>
This was never going to be a fast one, with very little training under the belt: just one 22km walk 4 weeks before the event and a 32km walk 2 weeks before. Not the best preparation, but enough to get me around. But the course also turned out to be a lot harder than expected, with one walker who would normally clock 5:00-5:05 only getting 5:20 (and no faster walkers). This almost makes my time of 5:33:13 look half way reasonable!Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com1Hamilton, New Zealand-37.7870012 175.27925300000004-37.987814199999995 174.95652950000004 -37.5861882 175.60197650000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-4645108826425273842015-05-31T21:54:00.000+12:002016-03-19T22:06:13.952+13:00Christchurch Marathon<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZj2s0kWJSw/Vu0VTgHjBZI/AAAAAAAACpg/EzHvd6uhQT0V6qfTR2y6gA9udPO_LCUBg/s1600/CIAL-Marathon-logo_Web-RGB.gif" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZj2s0kWJSw/Vu0VTgHjBZI/AAAAAAAACpg/EzHvd6uhQT0V6qfTR2y6gA9udPO_LCUBg/s320/CIAL-Marathon-logo_Web-RGB.gif" /></a></div>This year the Christchurch Airport Marathon went nowhere near the airport, as the course finally moved back to an inner-city course after the earthquake. It was all new for me anyway, as I had not participated in any of the previous incarnations of the Christchurch marathon. The large loop went around the outside of Hagley Park, through some city streets to the Avon River, and followed the river down through the red zone. The new course was rather complex, with a small inner-city loop followed by a large loop, with some confusion for the marathoners as they repeated the two loops after the first half.<br>
<br>
Went through the first half in 2:39:25, but after a fast next 10km started to fade a little and could only manage 2:45:54 for the second half. Total time was 5:25:20.<br>
<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1UD83jU4SCk/Vu0UbhW4reI/AAAAAAAACpQ/H6c6btaQ0RoSnM8KKMDSDxfTOqsbFvp5w/s1600/2015-05-30%2B10.06.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1UD83jU4SCk/Vu0UbhW4reI/AAAAAAAACpQ/H6c6btaQ0RoSnM8KKMDSDxfTOqsbFvp5w/s320/2015-05-30%2B10.06.44.jpg" /></a><div class="caption">
What has become an iconic image of the damage<br>
wrought by the Christchurch earthquake: the ruined<br>
Cathedral.</div>
</div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kta_MarAbUM/Vu0UhWsEkQI/AAAAAAAACpU/EB5DBKg9URoNP6RTzOzO76aOEKHXbqFoA/s1600/2015-05-31%2B10.47.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kta_MarAbUM/Vu0UhWsEkQI/AAAAAAAACpU/EB5DBKg9URoNP6RTzOzO76aOEKHXbqFoA/s320/2015-05-31%2B10.47.05.jpg" /></a><div class="caption">Along the Avon River</div>
</div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wXCpK5v2jHg/Vu0Uj5ap3VI/AAAAAAAACpY/TAW3hYkxzMYxEvxPVaxgwpe4uiF7VuTLA/s1600/2015-05-31%2B11.17.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wXCpK5v2jHg/Vu0Uj5ap3VI/AAAAAAAACpY/TAW3hYkxzMYxEvxPVaxgwpe4uiF7VuTLA/s320/2015-05-31%2B11.17.43.jpg" /></a><div class="caption">Pipers in the central city</div>
</div>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0Christchurch, New Zealand-43.5320544 172.63622540000006-43.9005494 171.99077840000007 -43.1635594 173.28167240000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-45938611486062110862015-04-13T21:42:00.001+12:002015-04-13T21:42:04.396+12:00More ParkaeologyIn April last year I <a href="http://andrewwalking.blogspot.co.nz/2014/04/parkaeology.html">speculated about the origin of an old track</a> I found in the Mangatepopo Valley. That post included a map showing the Mangatepopo Hut on the other side of the valley from where it is today. I have since found a map from 1926 that both confirms the existence of the old hut site and confirms my speculation about a track from that hut.<br>
<br>
The new (old) map from the New Zealand Department of Lands and Survey shows both the old hut site and the new hut site. A track is indeed indicated as originating at the old hut and heading east towards Ngaruhoe, and it is highly likely that this is the track that we found. Pukekaikiore is in approximately the same place as the (7) beside the old hut.<br>
<br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/42096570@N03/17131978025" title="FL16761017 1926 Mangatepopo by ultrawalker, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7629/16924594617_ba2a1a3fb3.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="1926 map of Mangatepopo Valley"></a>
<div class="caption">Part of 1926 map of Tongariro National Park. Click for larger version.<br>
National Library of New Zealand,<a href="http://natlib.govt.nz/records/21979457?search[page]=6&search[path]=items&search[text]=%22Tongariro+National+Park%22+map">http://natlib.govt.nz/records/21979457?search[page]=6&search[path]=items&search[text]=%22Tongariro+National+Park%22+map</a></div>
<br>
This map also shows a number of other interesting tracks. The track passing east from the new hut, through the (8), is the approximate location of the curent track through the valley, with the dog leg south being the old Devil's Staircase.<br>
<br>
The track heading north from the new hut is also of considerable interest. That track also still exists, zig-zagging up the side of the valley and being clearly apparent when one is on the ridge. (See, for example, <a href="http://andrewwalking.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/missed-summit.html">this post</a>). The more easterly of the two branches seems to mirror the route taken when we dropped off Tongariro summit in <a href="http://andrewwalking.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/missed-summit.html">June 2012</a> (see that post for a map of the route taken). The route on the 1926 map also seems to head over the top of North Crater before dropping down to the Ketetahi Hot Springs. This seems an obvious route when one looks at a topo map, but I have never tried it.<br>
<br>
Finally, the more northerly route skirts around the side of Tongariro to go direct to the Ketetahi Hot Springs. It would be interesting to see whether any trace of that route remains.<br>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-38712231546399811892015-02-07T22:16:00.000+13:002015-04-13T14:25:26.021+12:00Hot Springs Road Loop<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-oMTzcDvKE/VSpNfKEs5aI/AAAAAAAACek/ONvkWxUBgho/s1600/P2070417.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-oMTzcDvKE/VSpNfKEs5aI/AAAAAAAACek/ONvkWxUBgho/s320/P2070417.JPG" /></a><div class="caption"></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aiOcaGLKExo/VSpNArZauuI/AAAAAAAACeM/fANrjvUOYVw/s1600/P2070399.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aiOcaGLKExo/VSpNArZauuI/AAAAAAAACeM/fANrjvUOYVw/s320/P2070399.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Boot cleaning station at the start of the track</div>
</div>
A loop hike/run in the Kaimais, taking in a Kauri grove, a hut, and a section along the main ridge line.<br>
<br>
Kauri die-back disease has become a serious problem in New Zealand, so both ends of the track have boot cleaning stations, where boots can be scraped clean and sprayed with an anti-fungal agent (photo at right).<br>
<br>
We were completing the loop in an anti-clockwise direction, which would give us a steep climb and gentle descent, rather than a gentle ascent and steep descent. A short distance back down the road to the trailhead, and then it was down to the river. A very pleasant tiver, and the exposed stones made it easy to keep one's feet dry at this time of year.<br>
<br>
Across the river and the track climbs to the kauri grove, and keeps on climbing through more kauri, and then keeps on climbing some more. It's a solid slog and also quite hot at this time of year.<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoRZUD2F1IE/VSpNOlY7ZOI/AAAAAAAACec/xIS6Fkfi6ss/s1600/P2070401.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoRZUD2F1IE/VSpNOlY7ZOI/AAAAAAAACec/xIS6Fkfi6ss/s320/P2070401.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">River crossing</div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPGYCF5F0Ek/VSpNN4YEGQI/AAAAAAAACeU/Nwaq2rJCevA/s1600/P2070405.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPGYCF5F0Ek/VSpNN4YEGQI/AAAAAAAACeU/Nwaq2rJCevA/s320/P2070405.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Early part of Kauri grove</div></div>
Near the top the track heads over a knob, which of course means a descent and then a further climb. The vegetation opens up, the ground is now essentially flat. Nearing the hut we hear a low whistling noise and look up to see a glider soaring along the ridgeline. Before long we are at the Te Rereatukahia Hut.<br>
<br>
<div style="margin-bottom:1em;">
<div style="float:right;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1v4brYz_5M0/VSpNfm4ghDI/AAAAAAAACeo/faVDF0RkHQw/s1600/P2070423.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1v4brYz_5M0/VSpNfm4ghDI/AAAAAAAACeo/faVDF0RkHQw/s320/P2070423.JPG" /></a>
</div>
<div style="float:left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anm67bR6ca8/VSpNfr1d4OI/AAAAAAAACew/onsmbA8QqkA/s1600/P2070425.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anm67bR6ca8/VSpNfr1d4OI/AAAAAAAACew/onsmbA8QqkA/s320/P2070425.JPG" /></a>
</div><br clear="all">
<div class="caption">Te Rereatukahia Hut and name plate</div>
</div>
After a short look around the hut we head back out to track and south along the ridgeline. Undulating, but more down than up in the direction we are heading. Immediately to the west of the track along the ridge is an old post-and-wire fence, including a strand of rusted barbed wire. It's hard to imagine why such a fence should ever have been here in the first place.<br>
<br>
Along the way we cross a slip, see some fungi, bumblebees on scotch thistles, and as we descend to the track junction that will take us east back to the cars, impressive rock formations further south on the ridge. We had run the section of the track down to the carpark before, but as usual it seemed much longer than we remembered it. A reminder of how unfit we currently are, but a good day in the hills.<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-JwoyDdVnQ/VSpNyRne70I/AAAAAAAACfE/BsIJ0PZlEKM/s1600/P2070434.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-JwoyDdVnQ/VSpNyRne70I/AAAAAAAACfE/BsIJ0PZlEKM/s320/P2070434.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Bumblebee on thistle flower.</div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5eWy4jP_MW0/VSpNyG47Y9I/AAAAAAAACfI/Hc9SgfC_zgI/s1600/P2070437.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5eWy4jP_MW0/VSpNyG47Y9I/AAAAAAAACfI/Hc9SgfC_zgI/s320/P2070437.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Fungi</div></div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xvbhs0UXr38/VSpNxvhDvZI/AAAAAAAACe8/cYiTZwa2bqQ/s1600/P2070440.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xvbhs0UXr38/VSpNxvhDvZI/AAAAAAAACe8/cYiTZwa2bqQ/s320/P2070440.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">The slip.</div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0gSwidNwsA/VSpNzd49xGI/AAAAAAAACfU/T5ANq1N6Zig/s1600/P2070442.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0gSwidNwsA/VSpNzd49xGI/AAAAAAAACfU/T5ANq1N6Zig/s320/P2070442.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Looking east to Tauranga Harbour.</div></div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01BmURMpb8k/VSpN0bCYYuI/AAAAAAAACfc/a-hn2WF2JOA/s1600/P2070443.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01BmURMpb8k/VSpN0bCYYuI/AAAAAAAACfc/a-hn2WF2JOA/s320/P2070443.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Looking west into the Waikato.</div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4AfbG8Poww/VSpN1eO9O7I/AAAAAAAACfk/URJsIMMigUQ/s1600/P2070445.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4AfbG8Poww/VSpN1eO9O7I/AAAAAAAACfk/URJsIMMigUQ/s320/P2070445.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">The ridgeline, immediately south of where we turned<br>east on the trail back to the carpark.</div></div>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-70957012228330153982014-11-13T22:51:00.000+13:002015-06-06T22:52:51.350+12:00Trig 7510<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ9XRNZEOgM/VXLQNapiUNI/AAAAAAAACi8/XQKj-xFg7xA/s1600/2014-11-13%2B14.27.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ9XRNZEOgM/VXLQNapiUNI/AAAAAAAACi8/XQKj-xFg7xA/s320/2014-11-13%2B14.27.43.jpg" /></a><div class="caption">Trig <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=7510">7510 (16143)</a></div>
</div>A rather battered trig in Kaitoke Regional Park near Upper Hutt. A short run on a very pleasant trail from the old SH2, undulating through pine forest, before popping out into the open a few hundred metres before the trig.<br>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-76656635138366503902014-11-08T22:35:00.000+13:002015-06-06T22:37:08.734+12:00Trig B0P2<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xka58eDQINM/VXLLeg5xo2I/AAAAAAAACig/98rGhKyxGa8/s1600/PB080292.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xka58eDQINM/VXLLeg5xo2I/AAAAAAAACig/98rGhKyxGa8/s320/PB080292.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Trig <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=B0P2">B0P2 (16098)</a> enveloped in gorse.</div></div>
James and I had tried to find this trig earlier in the year, but failed. This time we picked the trail right and made our way through the bush to the trig. A trail was through the trees was marked with trapper’s ribbons and travel was easy until within a few metres of the trig. The trig itself was enveloped in gorse, and it took a bit of manoeuvring to manage to get the photos.<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rDHtgwRZg4Q/VXLLfq_X-6I/AAAAAAAACio/OhTuRIf9nK4/s1600/PB080299.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rDHtgwRZg4Q/VXLLfq_X-6I/AAAAAAAACio/OhTuRIf9nK4/s320/PB080299.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Name plate.</div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lM8DCm41VhA/VXLLgZvtyGI/AAAAAAAACiw/VfIPnNddNxU/s1600/PB080304.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lM8DCm41VhA/VXLLgZvtyGI/AAAAAAAACiw/VfIPnNddNxU/s320/PB080304.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Pink ribbon marking the trail through the bush.</div></div>
<br clear="all">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVNtyg3xkxE/VXLLeFETj7I/AAAAAAAACic/XoHmUnEubOE/s1600/MT-Topo-260p-R27.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img width=500 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVNtyg3xkxE/VXLLeFETj7I/AAAAAAAACic/XoHmUnEubOE/s1600/MT-Topo-260p-R27.jpg" /></a>Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-23546694749136509792014-11-02T22:15:00.000+13:002015-06-06T22:17:57.271+12:00Mt Victoria No. 3 and No. 4 (Davenport)<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxzVZFKvhl0/VXK993UaA8I/AAAAAAAAChE/z2RubrqubsQ/s1600/PB020314.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxzVZFKvhl0/VXK993UaA8I/AAAAAAAAChE/z2RubrqubsQ/s320/PB020314.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">View from Mt Victoria across Davenport naval base<br>to central Auckland.</div></div>
A chance to pick up two survey markers on at the Mt Victoria gun emplacement in Davenport, Auckland: trig A5WN and survey pin C5EH on the gun emplacement.<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JublMrHmBdo/VXK98_WKneI/AAAAAAAACg4/4pGuono-8og/s1600/PB020310.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JublMrHmBdo/VXK98_WKneI/AAAAAAAACg4/4pGuono-8og/s320/PB020310.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Brass plaque for <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=A5WN">A5WN (Mt Victoria No. 3)</a>.</div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GpD6ZYlMrtY/VXK99cZv_bI/AAAAAAAACg8/sLBRIf49XgE/s1600/PB020312.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GpD6ZYlMrtY/VXK99cZv_bI/AAAAAAAACg8/sLBRIf49XgE/s320/PB020312.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption"><a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=A5WN">A5WN</a> on the side of the carpark. <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=C5EH">C5EH</a> is behind<br>the bushes to the right of the trig.</div></div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lm69rrIi184/VXK9_PtTz_I/AAAAAAAAChQ/uI-B9rpSLNQ/s1600/PB020318.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lm69rrIi184/VXK9_PtTz_I/AAAAAAAAChQ/uI-B9rpSLNQ/s320/PB020318.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">View up the inside of <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=A5WN">A5WN</a>.</div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VUNI6JTXt0U/VXK-AdnhRvI/AAAAAAAAChg/FqJb2uELUnU/s1600/PB020323.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VUNI6JTXt0U/VXK-AdnhRvI/AAAAAAAAChg/FqJb2uELUnU/s320/PB020323.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">One of the Mt Victoria guns.</div></div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Nc71mHNfT0/VXK9_vdv_JI/AAAAAAAAChY/lm8ayYhHaDE/s1600/PB020319.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Nc71mHNfT0/VXK9_vdv_JI/AAAAAAAAChY/lm8ayYhHaDE/s320/PB020319.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Brass plaque for <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=C5EH">C5EH (Mt Victoria No. 4)</a>.</div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13R2EeQ-4Bg/VXK-n97S2qI/AAAAAAAACiI/IO3RAPdu-Bk/s1600/PB020321.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13R2EeQ-4Bg/VXK-n97S2qI/AAAAAAAACiI/IO3RAPdu-Bk/s320/PB020321.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">View across the top of the disappearing gun to<br>Rangitoto. <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=C5EH">C5EH</a> is just out of shot on the concrete<br>at the bottom left.</div></div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DA_hdd-BP0k/VXK-Bc5K6gI/AAAAAAAACho/jmCpZcZ4PtM/s1600/PB020330.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DA_hdd-BP0k/VXK-Bc5K6gI/AAAAAAAACho/jmCpZcZ4PtM/s320/PB020330.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Dramatic views across to Browns and Motuihe Islands</div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Db4QMdwkV5U/VXK-CQqHZ_I/AAAAAAAAChw/Px19ieucjsM/s1600/PB020334.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Db4QMdwkV5U/VXK-CQqHZ_I/AAAAAAAAChw/Px19ieucjsM/s320/PB020334.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Old cemetery at the base of Mt Victoria.</div></div>
<br clear="all">
<br>
Across the harbour the HMAS Sydney was in port on the final leg of her farewell tour.<br>
<br>
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2PUw4jVmqE/VXK-DA9IyfI/AAAAAAAACh4/C5GV5p10tik/s1600/PB020340.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2PUw4jVmqE/VXK-DA9IyfI/AAAAAAAACh4/C5GV5p10tik/s320/PB020340.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption"></div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQn8uvg8CHY/VXK-D63CBOI/AAAAAAAACiA/qnwZ6EhtdIc/s1600/PB020343.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQn8uvg8CHY/VXK-D63CBOI/AAAAAAAACiA/qnwZ6EhtdIc/s320/PB020343.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption"></div></div>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-57116211725249192132014-10-26T21:09:00.000+13:002015-06-06T21:11:21.068+12:00Mt Cecil<div style="float:right;margin-left:1em;margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EiS4mRKwTbA/VXK10tAG5TI/AAAAAAAACgY/RVNenPDIWfw/s1600/PA260293.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EiS4mRKwTbA/VXK10tAG5TI/AAAAAAAACgY/RVNenPDIWfw/s320/PA260293.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Looking down over the transmission lines and<br>logged over forest.</div></div>
A short hike with the sole purpose of tagging the Mt Cecil trig near Upper Hutt. This was the first time I had been in through here since the large-scale logging of the area, and some of the logging roads had changed significantly from before the logging. The trig, however, is on a grassy knoll in an unlogged area. Being relatively remote the trig suffers from little damage other than a few bullet holes.
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXCswGKvn78/VXK1zZtCP9I/AAAAAAAACgI/pyTdKWV15N4/s1600/PA260297.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXCswGKvn78/VXK1zZtCP9I/AAAAAAAACgI/pyTdKWV15N4/s320/PA260297.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Trig <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=8201">8201 (Cecil)</a></div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fumH0mlR4D4/VXK11wJgbaI/AAAAAAAACgg/rUwjzRUKIVc/s1600/PA260298.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fumH0mlR4D4/VXK11wJgbaI/AAAAAAAACgg/rUwjzRUKIVc/s320/PA260298.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Bullet hole damage.</div></div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:centre;margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqlUBQwmS_o/VXK10AGf2uI/AAAAAAAACgU/pE_j4uuNMlA/s1600/Map%2BMt%2BCecil.bmp" imageanchor="1" ><img width=500 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqlUBQwmS_o/VXK10AGf2uI/AAAAAAAACgU/pE_j4uuNMlA/s1600/Map%2BMt%2BCecil.bmp" /></a>
</div>Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-50072454573199088402014-08-16T12:56:00.000+12:002015-01-02T12:59:48.364+13:00Rimutaka Hill Rd Summit<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P8p3pUYt71U/VKXevJNXkTI/AAAAAAAACb4/ZWTv-GVndxA/s1600/P8160281.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P8p3pUYt71U/VKXevJNXkTI/AAAAAAAACb4/ZWTv-GVndxA/s320/P8160281.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption"><a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=AC6D">AC6D (K 39 / Rimutaka Hill Summit)</a> marker post</div></div>A tramping track from the summit of the Rimutaka Hill Road heads north into the Tararuas; went for a short walk to see what was there - a few good little climbs on the track - and then came back to the car. Found the marker post for <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=AC6D">AC6D (K 39 / Rimutaka Hill Summit)</a> right by the track entrance.<br>Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-82335353249052364942014-07-27T08:58:00.000+12:002015-01-02T12:35:28.703+13:00Mt Te Aroha at night<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCzVRaOe3Z8/VKWnXVUSWfI/AAAAAAAACa4/9l0XaNVhSss/s1600/2014-07-27%2B19.31.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCzVRaOe3Z8/VKWnXVUSWfI/AAAAAAAACa4/9l0XaNVhSss/s320/2014-07-27%2B19.31.43.jpg" /></a><div class="caption">Mt Te Aroha TV transmitter at night, on<br>the site of old survey mark <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=1319">1319 (567<br>Te Aroha)</a></div></div>A night time ascent of the tramping track up Mt Te Aroha, to support Kim Allan on the last leg of a long (120km+) training run for Spartathlon.<br>
<br>
A small group of us departed Te Aroha domain on dusk, and it was soon dark as we headed up through the bush. Spectacular views over the plains at the few view points, and even more spectacular views as the TV tower came into view, lit-up and looking for all the world like the Eiffel tower. The track gets very steep in places near the top, and gave the impression that it would feel very exposed in daylight. A strong, cold wind was blowing on the top, so while I photographed the trig, Kim and the others started back down the road. I caught up with the others and we jogged back down Tui Rd to meet Simon at the furthest point that the car could reach.<br>
<br>
A note of historical interest, the original survey mark <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=1319">1319 (567 Te Aroha)</a> is listed as:<br>
"STATION DESTROYED 1965 FOR THE ERECTION OF A T.V. TRANSMISSION TOWER."<br>
<br>
Whether the TV tower now counts is a debatable point. It is not officially a survey mark, but it stands where 1319 once stood.<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWLhZ7n-fjU/VKWnZQa4JtI/AAAAAAAACbA/B5buReKxvzw/s1600/P7270275.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWLhZ7n-fjU/VKWnZQa4JtI/AAAAAAAACbA/B5buReKxvzw/s320/P7270275.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">View from Whakapipi over Te Aroha and the plains<br>after sunset</div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2uotQHFTq4/VKWndS4DaCI/AAAAAAAACbY/DNUP9wTv1Zo/s1600/P7270284.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2uotQHFTq4/VKWndS4DaCI/AAAAAAAACbY/DNUP9wTv1Zo/s320/P7270284.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Trig with TV transmitter behind</div></div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_aRL8aw611w/VKWnbzlzMZI/AAAAAAAACbQ/K_d2H08Z00M/s1600/P7270282.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_aRL8aw611w/VKWnbzlzMZI/AAAAAAAACbQ/K_d2H08Z00M/s320/P7270282.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Brass plaque and survey mark <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=A38P">A38P</a></div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uK1xMNbwPi0/VKXOOdOwicI/AAAAAAAACbo/vBuptu3q95I/s1600/Mt%2BTe%2BAroha%2BMap.bmp" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uK1xMNbwPi0/VKXOOdOwicI/AAAAAAAACbo/vBuptu3q95I/s320/Mt%2BTe%2BAroha%2BMap.bmp" /></a><div class="caption">Map</div></div>
<br clear="all">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o6Rbi4QxCYk/VKWnaAiYBQI/AAAAAAAACbI/Swyj2AxjlC4/s1600/P7270281.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o6Rbi4QxCYk/VKWnaAiYBQI/AAAAAAAACbI/Swyj2AxjlC4/s320/P7270281.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Trig <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=A38P">A38P (Te Aroha No. 2)</a></div>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-48114331385291952222014-07-25T08:34:00.000+12:002015-01-02T08:41:59.745+13:00A5XX Mt Richmond (Auckland)There are four Mount Richmond's in New Zealand, and this is the least impressive of the lot: a small hill just 47.93m above sea level. Nonetheless it requires a smidgen mor exercise to get to than <a href="http://andrewwalking.blogspot.co.nz/2014/07/mt-eden-survey-marks.html">Mt Eden</a> or <a href="http://andrewwalking.blogspot.co.nz/2014/07/one-tree-hill-obelisk.html">One Tree Hill</a>, with a short walk up the hill behind the rugby league club at the Mount Richmond Domain.<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3hEx-08bIvE/VKWiGeTmMjI/AAAAAAAACak/ktjmmJDo4vw/s1600/P7260268.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3hEx-08bIvE/VKWiGeTmMjI/AAAAAAAACak/ktjmmJDo4vw/s320/P7260268.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Trig <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=A5XX">A5XX (Mt Richmond No. 2)</a> on the crater rim.</div>
</div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KvvVF4xN9Y/VKWiIStc2yI/AAAAAAAACas/bkZhi87Zi2c/s1600/P7260272.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KvvVF4xN9Y/VKWiIStc2yI/AAAAAAAACas/bkZhi87Zi2c/s320/P7260272.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Brass plaque for <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=A5XX">A5XX</a>
</div>
</div>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-14851549573815967672014-07-25T08:23:00.001+12:002015-01-02T08:29:09.157+13:00Mt Eden Survey Marks<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-35LkVJI_x6A/VKUHpTIwYtI/AAAAAAAACZ0/IuzIjQgXlyc/s1600/P7250266.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-35LkVJI_x6A/VKUHpTIwYtI/AAAAAAAACZ0/IuzIjQgXlyc/s320/P7250266.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Trig beacon <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=1328">1328</a> and obelisk on Mt Eden</div><br>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rf-fu6c4X_o/VKULdZmCWOI/AAAAAAAACZ8/JORUQLEBQxc/s1600/P7250263.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rf-fu6c4X_o/VKULdZmCWOI/AAAAAAAACZ8/JORUQLEBQxc/s320/P7250263.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">One side of the obelisk with plaques</div><br>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEspD91MWOs/VKULt3bK1LI/AAAAAAAACaE/YiiGrL_iQpE/s1600/P7250262.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEspD91MWOs/VKULt3bK1LI/AAAAAAAACaE/YiiGrL_iQpE/s320/P7250262.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">The survey mark <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=1328">1328</a> </div><br>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPAfoxf7gRM/VKULyOFrVUI/AAAAAAAACaM/NPDMikNqV4Q/s1600/P7250261.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPAfoxf7gRM/VKULyOFrVUI/AAAAAAAACaM/NPDMikNqV4Q/s320/P7250261.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">The bronze plaque for <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=1328">1328</a> (16 Mount Eden SO<br>52129), on a wet dull day with strong camera flash<br>reflections.</div>
</div>
Mt Eden marks the centre of the Auckland region, at least as far as surveying is concerned. Next to a somewhat non-standard trig beacon stands an obelisk marking the initial station for the triangulation of Auckland in 1872. One of the plaques on the obelisk commemorates this:
<div style="font-style:italic;" align=center>
This obelisk was first erected by<br>Stephenson Percy Smith,<br>Chief Geodetic Surveyor,<br>on the 17th day of August 1872<br>as initial station for the triangulation<br>of the Auckland province, instituted by<br>Captain Theophilus Heale<br>Inspector of Surveys.<br>"Prudens Futuri"</div>
<br>
Below that plaque is another commemorating the centenary of the foundation of the Auckland Provincial Surveyors Association, founded approximately seven years prior to the commencement of the triangulation of the region:<br>
<div style="font-style:italic; font-size:9pt;" align=center><br>
To commemorate the founding,<br>on 22nd June 1865, of the<br><font>Auckland Provincial<br>Surveyors Association.</font><br>This plaque was placed<br>by the Auckland branch<br>of the New Zealand<br>Institute of Surveyors<br>22nd June 1965.</div>
<br>
Another face of the obelisk had two plaques, but one has been removed. The remaining plaque states:<br>
<br>
<div style="font-style:italic; font-size:9pt;" align=center>
This plaque is to celebrate the third century of<br>surveying in the Auckland area. In this coming<br>century, the Auckland branch of the NZ Institute of Surveyors will strive to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our region.<br>
<br>
This historic monument was restored in March 2001 by the Auckland branch of the NZ Institute of Surveyors, in partnership with the 1998-2001 Eden Albert Community Board.</div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qWzghDcSLI4/VKUQYAuN1QI/AAAAAAAACaU/oS8ZAyvFtnE/s1600/P7250267.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qWzghDcSLI4/VKUQYAuN1QI/AAAAAAAACaU/oS8ZAyvFtnE/s320/P7250267.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Cover for <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=C5LG">C5LG (Mt Eden No. 2)</a></div></div>There is also another survey mark on Mt Eden: <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=C5LG">C5LG (Mt Eden No. 2)</a>, hidden under a cast iron cover 43m east of <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=1328">1328</a>. The cover was easy enough to find, but it was a wet day so I didn't bother lifting the lid.<br>Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-33858539973813479162014-07-25T08:23:00.000+12:002015-01-02T08:28:09.373+13:00One Tree Hill Obelisk<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQJPFV3bm2w/VKTut2HQ1II/AAAAAAAACZk/uvpdW8Th4Cc/s1600/2014-07-25%2B14.23.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQJPFV3bm2w/VKTut2HQ1II/AAAAAAAACZk/uvpdW8Th4Cc/s320/2014-07-25%2B14.23.52.jpg" /></a>
<div class="caption"><a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=A5Y0">A5Y0 (One Tree Hill Obelisk)</a></div></div>
One Tree Hill is one of the more impressive survey markers in New Zealand, not because of the absent one-tree but because of the large obelisk on the summit. The obelisk constitutes Trig <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=A5Y0">A5Y0 (One Tree Hill Obelisk)</a>. There is no difficulty in getting to this one - the public can drive right up to the base of the obelisk.<br>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-18560003114103637252014-07-24T19:36:00.000+12:002015-01-01T19:38:56.692+13:00Trig B145 (Hamilton)In Hamilton to visit LIC for work, and happened to see this trig as I drove back into town.<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-bvdNak0hg/VKTqloWzfNI/AAAAAAAACZU/E11Bbg17fZI/s1600/P7240256.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-bvdNak0hg/VKTqloWzfNI/AAAAAAAACZU/E11Bbg17fZI/s320/P7240256.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Trig <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=B145">B145 (854 No. 2 / Cobham)</a></div>
</div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IBo1pKLWikM/VKTqnikj8gI/AAAAAAAACZc/_pKaCQSVHuA/s1600/P7240257.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IBo1pKLWikM/VKTqnikj8gI/AAAAAAAACZc/_pKaCQSVHuA/s320/P7240257.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption"></div>
</div>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-88084124751799352162014-07-17T19:29:00.000+12:002015-01-01T19:29:44.044+13:00Trig 1116A drive from Christchurch to Methven for work, what could one do but stop at this opportunistic trig on a glorious frosty morning. Note the concrete post with "BM" for "Bench Mark" beside the trig beacon.<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jRwDrXwudg/VKToLq896-I/AAAAAAAACZM/VHzPjwWljuk/s1600/P7170253.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jRwDrXwudg/VKToLq896-I/AAAAAAAACZM/VHzPjwWljuk/s320/P7170253.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Trig <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=1116">1116 (Lyndhurst)</a>
</div>
</div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3Pl34ynF_I/VKToJJiKc7I/AAAAAAAACY8/SKHb4kuNKZE/s1600/P7170251.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3Pl34ynF_I/VKToJJiKc7I/AAAAAAAACY8/SKHb4kuNKZE/s320/P7170251.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Bronze plaque</div>
</div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8TDTXdOZNE/VKToJ-ZWKzI/AAAAAAAACZI/DeQWO084ZIw/s1600/P7170252.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=500 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8TDTXdOZNE/VKToJ-ZWKzI/AAAAAAAACZI/DeQWO084ZIw/s640/P7170252.JPG" /></a>
</div>Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-28428483057627873232014-07-11T17:53:00.000+12:002015-01-01T17:58:35.323+13:00Skyline Trig<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y4KBAZonkYQ/VKTSfD6OLsI/AAAAAAAACYg/F5K0WfPYf48/s1600/P7110281.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y4KBAZonkYQ/VKTSfD6OLsI/AAAAAAAACYg/F5K0WfPYf48/s320/P7110281.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Trig <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=A39U">A39U (Skyline Queenstown)</a>
</div>
</div>
In Queenstown for work, and even had to go up the Skyline gondola, so what else could one do? It'd be rude not to...<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFhKWsUEImI/VKTSdZjGETI/AAAAAAAACYY/EIqBJhvn8XQ/s1600/P7110279.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFhKWsUEImI/VKTSdZjGETI/AAAAAAAACYY/EIqBJhvn8XQ/s320/P7110279.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption"></div>
</div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bVTXWad8SEA/VKTTp7HR8dI/AAAAAAAACYs/iAs-POK74Xc/s1600/P7110280.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bVTXWad8SEA/VKTTp7HR8dI/AAAAAAAACYs/iAs-POK74Xc/s320/P7110280.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Wind sock</div>
</div>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-47408277916576634402014-06-15T13:37:00.000+12:002014-06-22T15:39:50.341+12:00A Long Slow 50 Miles<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snu96PPZrLk/U6Yty6QBH3I/AAAAAAAACSU/-q3Kw6j0AUs/s1600/Forward+lean+(JS+facebook+page).jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img width=200 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snu96PPZrLk/U6Yty6QBH3I/AAAAAAAACSU/-q3Kw6j0AUs/s320/Forward+lean+(JS+facebook+page).jpg" /></a>
</div>
I had intended to qualify for Australian Centurion membership at the Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Race at Blacktown Olympic Park in Sydney. However, things didn't work out as planned, and I withdrew from the race with just half of the required mileage and my slowest ever 50 miles.<br>
<br>
Everything started off well. The first lap was a bit fast – that’s to be expected – and then I was circulating at around 2:55 – 3:00 per lap (7:17 – 7:30 per km). After I was having electrolyte drink from the drinks table at 30 minute intervals, and food on the hour. With a couple of toilet breaks I covered 24.0km in just under 3 hours, all seemed good.<br>
<br>
It got hot so I took a layer off and made sure I kept drinking, having taking a drink bottle to add to the half hourly drinks. I also decided to eat some of the mashed potato on offer while my stomach was still good. I should have been able to circulate at this pace for at least another 3 hours, but in reality I had been generally slowing from about 21km onwards as the bones of both heels started to get increasingly sore. This hadn’t happened in training, or at least not to this extent, but perhaps I could just walk it out.<br>
<br>
<div style="float:center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lh9JTBk3Aoo/U6Yty5QefOI/AAAAAAAACSo/mdmsQ0y7js0/s1600/Lap+Chart.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lh9JTBk3Aoo/U6Yty5QefOI/AAAAAAAACSo/mdmsQ0y7js0/s400/Lap+Chart.png" /></a>
</div>
<br clear="all">
I changed to flatter shoes around 32km, but continued to slow through to 37.2km at which point I had some panadol. A few laps later I was back on track again, and back under 3:00 a lap by 40km. Improved further for another 2km, but then the real deterioration set in. By 46.4 I was back over 3:00/lap, and stayed that way through to 50km (6h31). A long lap (toilet break) and I was suddenly at 3:15/lap. After four slow laps I decided to try some neurofen gel on both quads. I gave that a good chance to work, but it had no effect.<br>
<br>
It was far too early in the race for this to be happening! I started doing the maths: I didn’t need to be fast to get the 100 miles, but I was slowing to the point where 100 miles would be unattainable with the level of slowing later in the event. I needed my legs to come right and come right fast. After 7.5 hrs it was in to the medical tent for voltaren gel, a heat rub, and a pill that should aid muscle relaxation. On Doctor’s “orders” I also changed into thermal tights and another pair of long pants over top to try and keep my quads warm. 10 laps more, and still no result.<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04M4iyfO4Iw/U6Yt0fq2JLI/AAAAAAAACSs/eyvSoLeSfMQ/s1600/Lean+&+Goose+Step.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04M4iyfO4Iw/U6Yt0fq2JLI/AAAAAAAACSs/eyvSoLeSfMQ/s320/Lean+&+Goose+Step.JPG" /></a>
</div>
<div style="float:right;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOcXLnO7RkY/U6Ytyx-XtDI/AAAAAAAACSY/ftqGW-G6IXE/s1600/Justin+Scholtz+(JS+facebook+page).jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOcXLnO7RkY/U6Ytyx-XtDI/AAAAAAAACSY/ftqGW-G6IXE/s320/Justin+Scholtz+(JS+facebook+page).jpg" /></a>
</div>
<br clear="all">
<div class="caption">Possible indications of what went wrong. In the photo on the left I am over-striding considerably to the front, and under-striding with a low toe-off to the rear. The effort of pulling my leg through so far to the front possibly put too much strain on my quads. Also note my forward lean, which may be indicative of tight hip flexors. In contrast, note the photo of Justin Scholtz on the right. Justin has an erect upper body and near-symmetrical front- and back-stride. Justin achieved the 100 miles, plus an extra 16km.</div>
<br>
Back into the medical tent again, this time for a good 20 minutes for massage to try and release the muscles. The muscles simply did not want to let go, and I was now at 4:00/lap or slower (some laps slower than 4:30). I had two options: struggle on and get a low mileage total, or see if a rest would allow the muscles to relax. I chose the latter.<br>
<br>
After more than two hours off the track I got back out on the track again. My laps were slow at just 3:50-4:00, but I wanted to get to 50 miles before I pulled the pin. I counted the laps down, did an extra one just to make sure, and then stopped. I was out of the event. There was no point in continuing and possibly exacerbating whatever injury I might have.<br>
<br>
Technically this is not a DNF, as the clock keeps running regardless. I walked 80.8 km in 15:15:47 including the time I had off the track. My slowest 50 mile ever, and no Centurion qualification.<br>
<br>
<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-xTSc9HVJk/U6Yt2dZkLxI/AAAAAAAACS4/u8viMAXWqtY/s1600/anatomyofhumanbo1918gray.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-xTSc9HVJk/U6Yt2dZkLxI/AAAAAAAACS4/u8viMAXWqtY/s640/anatomyofhumanbo1918gray.jpg" /></a></div>At the time of writing, what caused my quads to rebel remains unexplained. I had been having enough electrolytes, so it wasn’t that. Tracks are always hard underfoot, but I pulled through the 8 hour session on the track in training without any issues. Several people have suggested the cold, and that was one hypothesis the track-side Doctor was working on. But I’m not really convinced of that either.<br>
<br>
Judging by the position of the tightness and soreness, the vastus lateralis is the prime candidate. However, on the surface the quads seemed to be fine, it was deep in the muscle where the tightness was present. The area around my TFLs (tensor facia latae) is also tender. Some photos indicate that I was walking bent forward at the hip, but that could just have been a manifestation of the body adapting to take pressure off the compromised muscles rather than a cause of the problem. I was also over-striding to the front, and that would place strain on the various quadriceps muscles.<br>
<br>
My current hypothesis is a complex web of tightness through various soft tissue structures (particularly tight hip flexors), exacerbated by lots of sitting in the week prior to the event, which just happened to manifest in the quads. Off to the physio I go to get checked out.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="caption">Right: Muscles of the upper leg. The vastus lateralis is on the left, above the knee. The tensor facia latae is also on the left, above the vastus lateralis and below the hip.<br>Source: <a href="http://archive.org/stream/anatomyofhumanbo1918gray#page/466/mode/2up">Grey's Anatomy</a>.</div><br>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-70289027030426426662014-06-02T17:45:00.000+12:002015-01-01T17:48:19.728+13:00Trig B0NV (Stokes Valley)An easy one, just a short track through the scrub at the edge of Stokes Valley. Looks like there's lots of tracks in there for future exploration.<br>
<br clear=all>
<div style = "float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2fGXy1F62h0/VKTPJhe9kKI/AAAAAAAACX4/nkphtdBalP8/s1600/P6070237.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2fGXy1F62h0/VKTPJhe9kKI/AAAAAAAACX4/nkphtdBalP8/s320/P6070237.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">First view through the scrub</div>
</div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6iLRvHVGB-s/VKTPJU02PpI/AAAAAAAACX0/5_zCVB9nSGw/s1600/P6070242.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6iLRvHVGB-s/VKTPJU02PpI/AAAAAAAACX0/5_zCVB9nSGw/s320/P6070242.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">View of the Hutt River</div>
</div>
<br clear=all>
<div style="margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0sO3e_Oxoq8/VKTPSBs9-fI/AAAAAAAACYI/KaFRokksWd0/s1600/B0NV%2Bsite%2Bphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img width=500 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0sO3e_Oxoq8/VKTPSBs9-fI/AAAAAAAACYI/KaFRokksWd0/s640/B0NV%2Bsite%2Bphoto.jpg" /></a><div class="caption">All the details: "trig" <a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=B0NV">B0NV (16092)</a>
</div>
</div>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-66708695675320173492014-05-03T13:39:00.000+12:002014-06-22T13:41:31.454+12:00Rotorua Marathon 50thHard day walking the 50th Rotorua Marathon, recording my slowest marathon walk time to date.<br>
<br>
I started with a plan for about 7:07/km, which would bring me home in 5 hours - not my fastest, but not my slowest either. Positioned myself at the front of the field to get a good start, and quickly settled in with Cliff Harrison. The early kms were way to fast for my level of fitness, with the first three being 6:28, 6:43, and 6:31. Oh well, I might as well go with this and see how it would turn out. Through 10km in 1:06:28, a good 4 minutes faster than target. The hills after 10km were generally welcome, providing variety, although they seemed bigger than I remembered them!<br>
<br>
Through 20km in 2:16:43, still 4 minutes faster than target, indicating that the last 10km was pretty much at goal pace. A quick toilet stop but I didn't lose much time from that. Down the hill, through the drink station, and turn on to the main road at around 25km. And all of a sudden it started to get hard. My pace was consistently slower than 7:00/km now, and slowed further going up the hill. I still felt ok heading up the hill, but didn't have the fitness to maintain my walking style. Down the other side of the hill I picked up pace again, but was unable to regain my style and slowed drastically.<br>
<br>
Through 30km in 3:30:42, I was now on goal time for the 30km, but that meant I had lost roughly 4 minutes in the last 10km (24s/km slower than target). While "on goal time" sounded good, the reality was that I was feeling anything but good. Before long I was slower than 7:30/km and was getting quite sore. A stop for a glute stretch provided temporary relief, but before long I slowed again and ended up walking with my arms down. Another stretch at 36.5km , have a Gu and refuel at the 37km drink station, and stretch again at 38km.<br>
<br>
From here everything slowly started to come right. Initially it was just mental, making myself walk with better form and at whatever speed I could manage. But the more I did that the faster I got. Back out on to the main road in to Rotorua, and I was able to accelerate the whole way up the gentle hill and all the way to the finish line. My finish time was 5:15:11, my slowest ever walking marathon.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3qcSknxjiE/U233glolIqI/AAAAAAAAB3o/Nuu3pClf3Qw/s1600/Rotorua+Marathon+elev+and+pace+140503.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=500 src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3qcSknxjiE/U233glolIqI/AAAAAAAAB3o/Nuu3pClf3Qw/s640/Rotorua+Marathon+elev+and+pace+140503.jpg" /></a>
<div class="caption">Pace and elevation chart</div><br>
In retrospect it seems obvious that going out too fast was a significant contributor to my performance. I had also been having issues with various muscles (lower back, piriformis, glute med) prior to the race, and these were the muscles that required stretching later in the event. But also of note was my significant loss of pace from 32km-38km. I was due to have a Gu just before the 32km drink station, but instead had a small amount of another product, intending to have more later. It looks like I was already fatigued and possibly needed to have an entire Gu right then, but I didn't. The next Gu wasn't until 37km, and I started to come right 1km after that.<br>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-82257687061018149712014-04-17T20:41:00.000+12:002014-04-19T20:57:05.450+12:00Three Trigs<a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=AHLP">AHLP (Waimarino)</a>
<br>
<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em;margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHr0RMgRex0/U1Iv9wQJ16I/AAAAAAAAB18/qwdaWMeA2sA/s1600/P4150197.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHr0RMgRex0/U1Iv9wQJ16I/AAAAAAAAB18/qwdaWMeA2sA/s320/P4150197.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">The beacon beside SH4</div></div>
Location: about 1km south of National Park on State Highway 4<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ShZjS177QHw/U1Iv9bmmJJI/AAAAAAAAB10/zIgZ0xnWLjs/s1600/P4150198.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ShZjS177QHw/U1Iv9bmmJJI/AAAAAAAAB10/zIgZ0xnWLjs/s320/P4150198.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Red/brown lichen emphasises the lettering</div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dX136chZBes/U1Iv9PQyiCI/AAAAAAAAB1w/7ENqmOFmKvw/s1600/P4150199.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dX136chZBes/U1Iv9PQyiCI/AAAAAAAAB1w/7ENqmOFmKvw/s320/P4150199.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Bronze plaque</div></div>
<br clear="all">
<br>
<a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=VGOB">VGOB (Chateau Observatory)</a>
<br>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VuLyIu7VmJI/U1IwM_YfsNI/AAAAAAAAB2U/nBbMYtVPDVo/s1600/P4170198.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VuLyIu7VmJI/U1IwM_YfsNI/AAAAAAAAB2U/nBbMYtVPDVo/s320/P4170198.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">A modern GNS Science radio beacon</div></div>
Location: Whakapapa Village<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EUFd3V_AFzc/U1IwLzmX39I/AAAAAAAAB2I/Rtmu7in0hVQ/s1600/P4170197.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EUFd3V_AFzc/U1IwLzmX39I/AAAAAAAAB2I/Rtmu7in0hVQ/s320/P4170197.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Bronze plaque</div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QnKCoKnw6Ts/U1IwM_nObTI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/omRaiNki_Eg/s1600/P4170199.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QnKCoKnw6Ts/U1IwM_nObTI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/omRaiNki_Eg/s320/P4170199.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Located outside the GNS "Observatory" at<br>Whakapapa Vilage</div></div>
<br clear="all">
<br>
<a href="http://apps.linz.govt.nz/gdb/?code=1231">1231 (Mt Stewart)</a>
<br>
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyhbWZbm1bs/U1Iwn-m2W9I/AAAAAAAAB28/6QJg0jzHRWc/s1600/P4170209.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyhbWZbm1bs/U1Iwn-m2W9I/AAAAAAAAB28/6QJg0jzHRWc/s320/P4170209.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">4m beacon</div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVN3mjHL4Ao/U1Iwm1lNueI/AAAAAAAAB2s/K9964d4ns9g/s1600/P4170206.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVN3mjHL4Ao/U1Iwm1lNueI/AAAAAAAAB2s/K9964d4ns9g/s320/P4170206.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">A very clean information plate</div></div>
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-izKCg9BQohw/U1IwmIDmmiI/AAAAAAAAB2g/P1D1TCVFElo/s1600/P4170202.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-izKCg9BQohw/U1IwmIDmmiI/AAAAAAAAB2g/P1D1TCVFElo/s320/P4170202.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Concrete plinth with compass circle</div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-94GSsCcetTg/U1IwmpwkjnI/AAAAAAAAB2k/gYZjZTevSfI/s1600/P4170208.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-94GSsCcetTg/U1IwmpwkjnI/AAAAAAAAB2k/gYZjZTevSfI/s320/P4170208.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Bronze plaque</div></div>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-8185889083162996472014-04-15T20:55:00.000+12:002015-03-30T22:12:18.175+13:00ParkaeologyOn this particular day we didn’t feel like much of a climb, but wanted to at least go up the Mangatepopo Valley. We made our way part way up the new staircase and then dropped over the side back down towards the valley. Initially steep in places, the terrain soon levelled out and we picked a line across the various lava flows.<br>
<br>
<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yphsn-zTKWo/VRkF8A76deI/AAAAAAAACd0/R-MtSsARncw/s1600/P4150232.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=260 src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yphsn-zTKWo/VRkF8A76deI/AAAAAAAACd0/R-MtSsARncw/s320/P4150232.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Our first view of the stone-bordered path</div></div>Heading towards the base of Pukekaikiore (on the route marked as “Cross-Country” on the map below), we stumbled across an old track. Certainly not built by the current generation of track builders, this track had been cleared of rocks, and the path was bordered with rocks. We would be able to follow the track back towards the carpark, but we decided first to follow it in the other direction, towards Ngaruhoe, to see where it led. For the most part the path was easy to follow, with only a couple of places where it was indistinct. And then the path abruptly stopped at the foot of a lava flow.<br>
<br>
It seems that we had probably stumbled on one of the earliest tracks in the park, tracks that have long since disappeared from public consciousness (or event that of DOC staff). The gravel access road from State Highway 47 follows the same route as the original cart track. An old map (below) shows the hut on the true left of the valley, near the base of Pukekaikiore, rather than the true right as it is now. The cart track does not extend beyond the hut, but it seems reasonable to assume that the foot track from the hut continued up the true left of the valley. At some point the foot track may have split into two directions, with one arm aiming for the saddle between Ngaruhoe and Tongariro, and the other for the saddle between Ngaruhoe and Pukekaikiore.<br>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5YtvhKrVwP0/VRkCByi4SZI/AAAAAAAACdg/mSbFiYCaxPk/s1600/Tongariro%2BNational%2BPark%2B1920s%2B21977887_crop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=520 src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5YtvhKrVwP0/VRkCByi4SZI/AAAAAAAACdg/mSbFiYCaxPk/s640/Tongariro%2BNational%2BPark%2B1920s%2B21977887_crop1.jpg" /></a><br>
<div class="caption">A Mead and W Mead, "Part of Tongariro National Park in the vicinty of Whakapapa Cottage", National Library of New Zealand. Complete map available online at <a href="http://natlib.govt.nz/records/21977887">http://natlib.govt.nz/records/21977887</a>.</div><br>
In 1954 Ngaruhoe erupted several times. The map below shows lava flows mapped by Fiona Sanders as part of her thesis. The GPS trace of the stone-bordered path is indicated. The terminal end of the path is very close to the indicated lava flow from 30 June 1954.<br>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pSUlEpeqTlk/VRkEGHG2hDI/AAAAAAAACdo/hEdFZnD3Mrc/s1600/Mangatepopo%2BValley%2B140421.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=520 src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pSUlEpeqTlk/VRkEGHG2hDI/AAAAAAAACdo/hEdFZnD3Mrc/s640/Mangatepopo%2BValley%2B140421.jpg" /></a>
<div class="caption">Source: Fiona Sanders, Rheology and Flow Emplacement Processes of the 1954 Lavas, Mount Ngauruhoe, thesis, University of Waikato, 2010. Available online at <a href="http://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/handle/10289/4398">http://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/handle/10289/4398</a>.</div>
<br>
On the basis of this map, it seems reasonable to assume that the 1954 eruptions rendered existing tracks unusable for a considerable period of time. Lava would remain hot, and the prospect of fresh lava eruptions would deter people from re-establishing tracks. For those still intent on gaining access to Tongariro, it would make sense to establish one or more tracks on the other side of the valley, in the general position of the current track. Another track also exists atop the ridge above the Mangatepopo Stream.<br>
<br>Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-29074977817690527282014-03-30T14:44:00.000+13:002014-03-30T15:01:52.230+13:00Race Time PredictionThis analysis had not been updated for nearly three years, so it was long overdue for an update. The list of events covered by the race time prediction analysis has now grown to include 49 events and/or distances. While the analysis was initially intended to focus on ultramarathons, it has expanded to include a wider range of trail and mountain running events, including multiple at sub-marathon distance. All recent variants of the Tarawera Ultramarathon. Five ultramarathons no longer held (or superseded by course changes) have been included for historical interest.<br>
<br>
<table><tr>
<td><a href="#_Table_Multipliers">Skip to prediction table</a></td><td width=20> </td><td><a href="#_Charts">Take me to the pictures</a></td>
</tr></table>
<br>
<a name='more'></a>
The full list of events is:<br><ul>
<li>Sub-marathon trail run:<ul>
<li>Avalanche Peak Challenge (old distance);</li>
<li>The Hillary 34km;</li>
<li>Jumbo-Holdsworth Trail Race;</li>
<li>The Kaweka 36km;</li>
<li>Routeburn Classic;</li>
<li>Tararua Mountain Race (Southern Crossing);</li>
<li>Tararua Mountain Race (Kaitoke-Holdsworth).</li></ul>
</li><li>Marathons:<ul>
<li>DUAL Trail Marathon;</li>
<li>Motutapu Marathon;</li>
<li>New Plymouth Marathon (which is net downhill and fast);</li>
<li>Standard Marathon;</li>
<li>T42 Trail Marathon;</li>
<li>XTERRA Waihi Marathon.</li></ul>
</li><li>Ultramarathons:<ul>
<li>Reference<sup><a href="#_*">*</a></sup> 50km, 80km, 100km;</li>
<li>Bedrock Ultramarathon;</li>
<li>Great Naseby Water Race 50km, 80km, 100km, 100 mile;</li>
<li>Hutt River Trail Ultramarathon 60km;</li>
<li>"Kaimai Killer" 60km;</li>
<li>The Kaweka 50km;</li>
<li>Kepler Challenge 60km;</li>
<li>Length of the Lake 67.5km;</li>
<li>Marton-Wanganui 67km;</li>
<li>Molesworth Run;</li>
<li>Northburn 100 mile;</li>
<li>Taranaki "Round the Mountain" 100 mile;</li>
<li>Tarawera normal course 60km, 85km, 100km;</li>
<li>Tarawera fire course 60km, 85km, 100km;</li>
<li>Tarawera cyclone course 60km, 72km;</li>
<li>Te Houtaewa Challenge 90 Mile Beach;</li>
<li>Triple Peaks 47km.</li></ul>
</li><li>Ultramarathons no longer held:<ul>
<li>Heaphy Five-O;</li>
<li>St James Ultra;</li>
<li>Tarawera 2009;</li>
<li>Taupo 100km pre-2009 (very hilly first 45km);</li>
<li>Taupo 100km 2 Lap (2009);</li>
<li>Taupo 100km 4 Lap (2010, 2011);</li>
</li></ul>
</ul>
<a name="_*">*</a> Note: The Sri Chinmoy 50km and 100km events (Christchurch) are counted as "reference" 50km and 100km events due to the flat, fast nature of the course.<br>
<br>
The updated table of multipliers is given <a href="#_Table_Multipliers">below</a>.<br>
<br>
The methodology remains as described in my <a href="http://andrewwalking.blogspot.com/2010/05/race-time-prediction-for-selected-new.html">May 2010 post</a>. One commenter on the <a href="http://andrewwalking.blogspot.co.nz/2011/04/updated-race-time-prediction_11.html">2011 analysis</a> observed that the change in the rate of slow down from 1.197 (2010) to 1.120 (2011) was a significant change and that perhaps more data was required. We now have more data, a lot more data... 9,514 paired observations. The <b>rate of slow down</b> is derived from the latest analysis is 1.208, consistent with the 2010 estimate.<br>
<br>
<a name="_Table_Multipliers"><h3>Table 1: Race Time Prediction Multipliers, Ordered by Multiplier</h3></a><table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=3 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; '><b>Event</b></td><td style='border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; '><b>Distance (km)   </b></td><td align=center style='border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; '><b>Multiplier</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>New Plymouth Marathon</td><td>42.2</td><td align=center>0.969</td></tr>
<tr><td>Standard Marathon</td><td>42.2</td><td align=center>1.000</td></tr>
<tr><td>Jumbo-Holdsworth</td><td>24</td><td align=center>1.038</td></tr>
<tr><td>Avalanche Peak</td><td>26</td><td align=center>1.059</td></tr>
<tr><td>Motutapu Marathon</td><td>42.2</td><td align=center>1.196</td></tr>
<tr><td>T42 Trail Marathon</td><td>42.2</td><td align=center>1.199</td></tr>
<tr><td>Routeburn Classic</td><td>38</td><td align=center>1.226</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reference 50k</td><td>50</td><td align=center>1.227</td></tr>
<tr><td>Dual Trail Marathon</td><td>42.2</td><td align=center>1.309</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hillary 34km</td><td>34</td><td align=center>1.347</td></tr>
<tr><td>Naseby 50k</td><td>50</td><td align=center>1.422</td></tr>
<tr><td>Triple Peaks</td><td>47</td><td align=center>1.598</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hutt River Trail</td><td>60.25</td><td align=center>1.617</td></tr>
<tr><td>Waihi Marathon</td><td>42.2</td><td align=center>1.656</td></tr>
<tr><td>TMR: Kaitoke-Holdsworth</td><td>40</td><td align=center>1.792</td></tr>
<tr><td>90 Mile Beach</td><td>60</td><td align=center>1.819</td></tr>
<tr><td>Marton-Wanganui</td><td>67</td><td align=center>1.820</td></tr>
<tr><td>Length of the Lake</td><td>67.5</td><td align=center>1.886</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bedrock Ultramarathon</td><td>52</td><td align=center>1.925</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kaweka 36km</td><td>36</td><td align=center>1.962</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tararua Mountain Race</td><td>35</td><td align=center>1.990</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kepler Challenge</td><td>61.3</td><td align=center>2.155</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reference 80k</td><td>80</td><td align=center>2.165</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarawera Fire 60km</td><td>60</td><td align=center>2.184</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarawera 60km</td><td>60</td><td align=center>2.259</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarawera "Cyclone" 60km</td><td>60</td><td align=center>2.308</td></tr>
<tr><td>Northburn 50km</td><td>50</td><td align=center>2.353</td></tr>
<tr><td>Naseby 80k</td><td>80</td><td align=center>2.509</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarawera "Cyclone" 72km</td><td>72</td><td align=center>2.615</td></tr>
<tr><td>Molesworth Run</td><td>84</td><td align=center>2.620</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kaweka 50km</td><td>50</td><td align=center>2.649</td></tr>
<tr><td>Kaimai Killer</td><td>60</td><td align=center>2.673</td></tr>
<tr><td>St James Ultra</td><td>67.2</td><td align=center>2.689</td></tr>
<tr><td>Heaphy Five-O</td><td>78.4</td><td align=center>2.767</td></tr>
<tr><td>Reference 100k</td><td>100</td><td align=center>2.835</td></tr>
<tr><td>Taupo 4 Lap (2010)</td><td>100</td><td align=center>2.908</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarawera 2009</td><td>89</td><td align=center>3.098</td></tr>
<tr><td>Taupo 2 Lap (2009)</td><td>100</td><td align=center>3.156</td></tr>
<tr><td>Taupo pre-2009</td><td>100</td><td align=center>3.175</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarawera 87.5km</td><td>87.5</td><td align=center>3.184</td></tr>
<tr><td>Naseby 100k</td><td>100</td><td align=center>3.285</td></tr>
<tr><td>Hillary Ultra</td><td>80</td><td align=center>3.349</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarawera Fire 85km</td><td>85</td><td align=center>3.403</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarawera 100km</td><td>100</td><td align=center>3.654</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tarawera Fire 100km</td><td>100</td><td align=center>4.034</td></tr>
<tr><td>Northburn 100km</td><td>100</td><td align=center>5.605</td></tr>
<tr><td>Taranaki Round the Mountain</td><td>160</td><td align=center>5.781</td></tr>
<tr><td>Naseby 100 mile</td><td>160</td><td align=center>5.796</td></tr>
<tr><td>Northburn 100 mile</td><td>160</td><td align=center>11.055</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan=3 style='border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-bottom: none; '><div class="caption"> </div></td></tr>
</table>
<br>
<a name="_Charts"><h3>Charts</h3></a>
The table and slow down factor enables us to produce some comparisons of races of the same or similar distance. Charts are provided below for 50km, 60km, 100km, and 100 mile races. The blue bar is the marathon time multiplier that is due to the distance of the event. The red-brown bar is the additional multiplier due to the "difficulty" of the event, whether that is due to climb, technical surface, altitude, etc. Over the longer distances (100km, 100 mile) Northburn is clearly the most difficult event, but over the shorter distance of 50km the Kaweka is more difficult.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mttGJxv2vk/Uzd2IgvTfoI/AAAAAAAAB0k/D3Hx-REkNhg/s1600/Prediction_140330_50km.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mttGJxv2vk/Uzd2IgvTfoI/AAAAAAAAB0k/D3Hx-REkNhg/s400/Prediction_140330_50km.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmjLErCLcss/Uzd2Jfrb4HI/AAAAAAAAB04/-oscO-6aXDU/s1600/Prediction_140330_60km.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmjLErCLcss/Uzd2Jfrb4HI/AAAAAAAAB04/-oscO-6aXDU/s400/Prediction_140330_60km.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RirzfMcrrBY/Uzd2IpVSqfI/AAAAAAAAB0w/ObAu5DqCmpE/s1600/Prediction_140330_100km.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RirzfMcrrBY/Uzd2IpVSqfI/AAAAAAAAB0w/ObAu5DqCmpE/s400/Prediction_140330_100km.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RrI64yles7Q/Uzd2IkKSwiI/AAAAAAAAB0o/_9TlzR_Uw04/s1600/Prediction_140330_100M.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RrI64yles7Q/Uzd2IkKSwiI/AAAAAAAAB0o/_9TlzR_Uw04/s400/Prediction_140330_100M.png" /></a></div>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-65153474376186503602014-03-08T21:56:00.000+13:002014-03-29T11:01:01.488+13:00TMR: Kaitoke-Holdsworth<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HavVu1Om7U/UyIdkb7B5uI/AAAAAAAAByU/xj2aGx-IlNM/s1600/tmr2_300-u965.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HavVu1Om7U/UyIdkb7B5uI/AAAAAAAAByU/xj2aGx-IlNM/s320/tmr2_300-u965.png" /></a></div>The Tararua Mountain Race ventured into controversy this year by daring to try a different course – the plan being that the traditional course from Kaitoke to Otaki Forks across the tops (i.e. the Southern Crossing) would still be employed on odd numbered years, but on even years a different course through the Tararuas would be trialled. This bold new plan was intended to attract new entrants to one of New Zealand’s oldest and longest running mountain events (not to mention the toughest event).<br>
<br>
2014 this bold new plan was put into action, with the race staged across the rugged Kaitoke-Holdsworth route. Some of the traditionalists grumbled and moaned, with early entries very low. But a week to 10 days out from the event there was a surge in entries (almost doubling), and the race was on.<br>
<br>
The race starts with almost 80m (maybe only 50m) across grass before plunging into bush and the first climb. A bit of a rude shock at 7am, but before long one is out onto more runnable track gently climbing to the Puffer Saddle.<br>
<br>
<div style="float:left; margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shGG9JHb-Jo/UyFjEBbW_gI/AAAAAAAABxs/wRer-gmR-QI/s1600/P3080224.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shGG9JHb-Jo/UyFjEBbW_gI/AAAAAAAABxs/wRer-gmR-QI/s320/P3080224.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Track across the first slip<br> </div></div>Following Smiths Creek down the other side the track is at times steep, rutted, and rocky, and at other times gentle, smooth, and fast. At the bottom of the descent the first (very welcome) surprise… course markings directed us away from DOC’s alternative route up and around some slips (now a few years old), and instead along the well-padded tracks across the slips. Excellent decision – the alternative route is very steep, rooty, slippery, and a lot more dangerous.<br>
<br>
<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0y5tzP-hVNs/UyFjFl_Oo3I/AAAAAAAABx0/qFz2MXK95OA/s1600/P3080227.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0y5tzP-hVNs/UyFjFl_Oo3I/AAAAAAAABx0/qFz2MXK95OA/s320/P3080227.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">The only stream with a guide wire.<br>This runner also appears in my finish photo...</div></div>First check point is Smiths Creek Shelter and then it is up the Tauherenikau River to Tutuwai Hut. Lots of good running along here, so long as you don’t mind the odd roots, rocks, and stream crossing. Excellent water supplies were provided on course – every time we cross a side stream the water is crystal clear and drinkable.<br>
<br>
Tutuwai Hut itself is off the main track and up in the bush, so the SAR team marshalling at this location have come down to the track. A quick check in and time to go again. Still heading up the Tauherenikau River, this time towards Cone Hut. I wasn’t 100% sure of the track here so stopped to get my map out and was passed by a team of two girls… right track, a bit of a climb and up to Cone Hut. Cone Hut is an “iconic” backcountry hut dating from 1946.<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asnqDcHJM_w/UyFh1KkIPGI/AAAAAAAABxA/ftztb1u5VIw/s1600/IMG_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asnqDcHJM_w/UyFh1KkIPGI/AAAAAAAABxA/ftztb1u5VIw/s320/IMG_0132.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Running in to Cone Hut</div></div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvSYdzRHkWw/UyFh3t2m3JI/AAAAAAAABxI/ARpAC7OpT5E/s1600/P3080245.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvSYdzRHkWw/UyFh3t2m3JI/AAAAAAAABxI/ARpAC7OpT5E/s320/P3080245.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">At Cone Hut</div></div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JJcOCOneNAg/UyFh3r2u_TI/AAAAAAAABxM/Cc1NJdhpt3M/s1600/P3080247.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JJcOCOneNAg/UyFh3r2u_TI/AAAAAAAABxM/Cc1NJdhpt3M/s320/P3080247.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">Marshalls / SAR Team on top of Cone Saddle</div></div>
We’re now about halfway in distance, but the climb is about to begin in earnest. This is a fairly steep climb with lots of roots. There’s a couple of trees down, but nothing too much of a problem. Top out and there’s the next SAR team and lots of tape and signs making sure we don’t go the wrong way. The navigation is easy! Down the other side… get to a stream… looks like the track goes across… over I go.. nope, no track. Clamber over a fallen tree… maybe it’s here… nope, slip, crush left calf between right leg and fallen tree. Head back towards the stream and none other than Jean Beaumont makes the same navigational call, she heads to where I’ve just been. I find the track marker… down the stream… let Jean know, and soon she’s caught me up and passed again.<br>
<br>
<div style="float:left; margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ipiCXRqfE1o/UyFh5ewqLxI/AAAAAAAABxY/RY9R38BPmxE/s1600/P3080248.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ipiCXRqfE1o/UyFh5ewqLxI/AAAAAAAABxY/RY9R38BPmxE/s320/P3080248.JPG" /></a>
</div>Some good Tararua running here (downhill with roots), but soon another runner catches and passes me. He’s gone… until I get to the next stream. There’s a really BIG orange triangle on this side and… nothing on the other side. The other runner is searching in the obvious place, and I briefly join him there too. Not there, so back to the marker… ah, there’s the track, hidden by vegetation and heading in exactly the opposite direction. A couple of ribbons on the far bank indicated the exit point, and a few metres beyond that the track became obvious.<br>
<br>
Climbing again, up another hill the same height as what we had just descended. A big downhill down the other side, descending to the Waiohine River valley. A slip and a fall on a tree root down here, but nothing serious. Down to the flats and the immediate potential to go wrong again… the natural lie of the land draws runners right towards the river, whereas the track goes left and across a new bridge. One of the leading teams went astray here and I did my last good dead for the day calling them back to the bridge.<br>
<br>
<div style="float:left; margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMjkcAhJMdk/UyIfRvU5gWI/AAAAAAAAByg/GjRNpjAifVI/s1600/P3080259.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMjkcAhJMdk/UyIfRvU5gWI/AAAAAAAAByg/GjRNpjAifVI/s320/P3080259.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Totara Flats<br> <br> </div></div>Along the track towards Totara Flats, this should be easy. Lots of little ups and downs, twisting, weaving, and then ouch… I ground my right ankle against a rock. Hobble and walk for a bit, but I’m getting pretty tired now anyway. The flats might be flat, but the running isn’t great… even the pretty grassy flats have lots of rocks in the trail. Eventually check in at Totara Flats Hut, with just around 11km to go. The problem is that the last 5km is a big downhill, and there is still 1,000m of climb to go.<br>
<br>
<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mt0QS6u2_yo/UyFicgNoQVI/AAAAAAAABxg/zKH6nR_zCYU/s1600/P3080268.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mt0QS6u2_yo/UyFicgNoQVI/AAAAAAAABxg/zKH6nR_zCYU/s320/P3080268.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">
Near the top of the last climb. Centre photo is a team,<br>
providing perspective to just how steep this climb is.
</div></div>Over the swing bridge and in to the first climb. My legs are toast now and this is a long, slow plod for me. Eventually top out from that climb and it’s runnable again. A short downhill to meet the old track, and then it’s the most horrendous climb of the day. Rooty, and at 30% very, very steep. Another slow plod and I eventually top out at the groomed Mt Holdsworth track. 5km to the finish, yahe! Time to run again! My legs are pretty fatigued though, so there’s still a few walk breaks down here.<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQkieHc5zEk/UyFjefsXAVI/AAAAAAAABx8/PuZWO2LRwsE/s1600/CIMG5309.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" height=240 src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQkieHc5zEk/UyFjefsXAVI/AAAAAAAABx8/PuZWO2LRwsE/s320/CIMG5309.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">
The Finish. The guy just behind me<br>
is the same one crossing the stream<br>
ahead of me in the earlier photo.</div></div>Hit the flats, 1.2km to go, and the legs suddenly feel like lead. Still, how much of this can I run? I pick off one runner who I had last seen much earlier in the day, and then spot another just ahead. This is the same guy I was running up the Tauherenikau River with prior to Tutuwai. I fall in behind him on the final bridge across the Atiwhakatu, and then blast past in a finishing sprint.<br>
<br>
My time is nothing flash, but that’s 40km and 2,000m of ascent done in a much faster time than my original time (the winners are perhaps 10 mins faster on this course), and I had not really trained for anything much longer than 17-20km. Definitely happy with that!<br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wVicoKrRzR4/UyFj6F63kRI/AAAAAAAAByI/WArjz5WVn5o/s1600/elevation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wVicoKrRzR4/UyFj6F63kRI/AAAAAAAAByI/WArjz5WVn5o/s400/elevation.jpg" /></a></div>Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-41209284778273055372014-03-02T18:00:00.000+13:002014-03-29T10:58:50.996+13:00Cannon Point: The Wild Side<div style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LldBgKSpbyk/UzXrpNsnkHI/AAAAAAAABzs/lJtKbxL2goY/s1600/P3020210.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LldBgKSpbyk/UzXrpNsnkHI/AAAAAAAABzs/lJtKbxL2goY/s320/P3020210.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">
Dragon fly near the stream. For scale, my fingers<br>
are touching the wing.</div></div>Being right on the edge of town, Cannon Point has some very civilised tracks. But for those who know where to go there are also some wilder seldom-visited trails. This was my last training hit out before the <a href="http://andrewwalking.blogspot.co.nz/2014/03/tmr-kaitoke-holdsworth.html">Tararua Mountain Race</a>, and I wanted to make sure that I had some hills, a bit of rough trail, and a bit of route finding. So the general plan was:<ul><li>down to the Whakatiki River (easy gravel),</li><li>up to the trig (initial steep climb on MTB trail, 4WD dirt and gravel, rough route through bush, easy MTB),</li><li>down the road to the back of the dam (easy gravel),</li><li>follow the stream to the dam (no track, route finding),</li><li>back to the start (easy trails).</li></ul>
<br>
Below are a few photos from the journey.<br>
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac6cwJDarWE/UzXri82oIiI/AAAAAAAABy4/Z1kmCiIYOGE/s1600/P3020188.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac6cwJDarWE/UzXri82oIiI/AAAAAAAABy4/Z1kmCiIYOGE/s320/P3020188.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">So nice of the council to issue a written invitation.</div>
</div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NvWBum7B3nU/UzXrkYoNbwI/AAAAAAAABzE/gPgIBTr3CGM/s1600/P3020190.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NvWBum7B3nU/UzXrkYoNbwI/AAAAAAAABzE/gPgIBTr3CGM/s320/P3020190.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">And this is the sole reason that the track was closed.</div>
</div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q7S5oWTGDBU/UzXrjrO5_II/AAAAAAAABzA/kXbtZIkafKg/s1600/P3020196.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q7S5oWTGDBU/UzXrjrO5_II/AAAAAAAABzA/kXbtZIkafKg/s320/P3020196.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Blackberries</div>
</div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1g0ZdQU0Cw/UzXrlVzBWeI/AAAAAAAABzQ/zKVpkDuGSjc/s1600/P3020197.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1g0ZdQU0Cw/UzXrlVzBWeI/AAAAAAAABzQ/zKVpkDuGSjc/s320/P3020197.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">After the 4WD track, the rough route through the bush.</div>
</div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlyTlbDL0e0/UzXrl-ANDhI/AAAAAAAABzU/VkgPIFPUYFM/s1600/P3020200.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlyTlbDL0e0/UzXrl-ANDhI/AAAAAAAABzU/VkgPIFPUYFM/s320/P3020200.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">The trig in the distance.</div>
</div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x5j1K0Q1078/UzXrmoCbCZI/AAAAAAAABzg/-1hnLOTwb6g/s1600/P3020203.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x5j1K0Q1078/UzXrmoCbCZI/AAAAAAAABzg/-1hnLOTwb6g/s320/P3020203.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">The road down to the stream.</div>
</div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A256IXFbyCk/UzXrn-fmsPI/AAAAAAAABzo/pDVlKKIud5c/s1600/P3020205.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A256IXFbyCk/UzXrn-fmsPI/AAAAAAAABzo/pDVlKKIud5c/s320/P3020205.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">The route ahead - there's even a stream in there.</div>
</div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dWCWhzhC98/UzXrpezLliI/AAAAAAAABzw/sVw4N-msPwI/s1600/P3020211.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dWCWhzhC98/UzXrpezLliI/AAAAAAAABzw/sVw4N-msPwI/s320/P3020211.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">
Look carefully in the centre of the picture to see a<br>
fish. There were a lot of small fish that would scatter<br>
and splash through the shallows every time I crossed<br>
the stream. I even saw a couple of small trout,<br>
perhaps 6-9 inches long.</div>
</div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hT-Cc_FmCU/UzXrqbgXCDI/AAAAAAAABz4/rdrHGxqZHGg/s1600/P3020213.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hT-Cc_FmCU/UzXrqbgXCDI/AAAAAAAABz4/rdrHGxqZHGg/s320/P3020213.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">More of the route ahead.</div>
</div>
<div style="float:right; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dcJADcAHs0/UzXrrYc3j-I/AAAAAAAAB0I/H3wZkFDoF4w/s1600/P3020215.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dcJADcAHs0/UzXrrYc3j-I/AAAAAAAAB0I/H3wZkFDoF4w/s320/P3020215.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Back on to a track, not long before the dam.</div>
</div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left; margin-bottom:1em;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nggormqxi8U/UzXrsHqDHNI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/PD-7meOYJVs/s1600/P3020216.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=240 src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nggormqxi8U/UzXrsHqDHNI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/PD-7meOYJVs/s320/P3020216.JPG" /></a><div class="caption">Back at Birchville Dam... and civilisation.</div>
</div>Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850694772693771096.post-11777034667018248742014-02-16T13:43:00.000+13:002014-02-17T23:40:49.030+13:00Mt Climie Loop<div align=center>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D9AfkRxwsPI/UwG7j9yaqMI/AAAAAAAABvs/m2oqeZykr4o/s1600/2014-02-16+12.05.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img width=500 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D9AfkRxwsPI/UwG7j9yaqMI/AAAAAAAABvs/m2oqeZykr4o/s640/2014-02-16+12.05.46.jpg" /></a>
</div>
<br clear="all">
It's been quite a while since I last did this loop, and I thought it was time to test my mountain fitness. Ended up being quite a bit slower than I expected, possibly due to the heat... 26 degrees, mostly in the open sun, and I probably sweated a lot more than I drank. This was supposed to be a run, but to be fair most of the lng climb was a hike - it was just too hot. And then parts of the downhill are a hike too... some parts are too steep with very bad footing, and other parts have bad footing obscured by vegetation.<br>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwDZgD8Nfz0/UwG7otVzdPI/AAAAAAAABwM/qgIp0xIQDRA/s1600/P2160171.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwDZgD8Nfz0/UwG7otVzdPI/AAAAAAAABwM/qgIp0xIQDRA/s320/P2160171.JPG" /></a>
<div class="caption">The Tararuas</div></div>
<div style="float:right;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWo1PoLxSLg/UwG7g-uj2JI/AAAAAAAABvQ/KwIG0cOy4q8/s1600/2014-02-16+12.07.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWo1PoLxSLg/UwG7g-uj2JI/AAAAAAAABvQ/KwIG0cOy4q8/s320/2014-02-16+12.07.02.jpg" /></a>
<div class="caption">Trig</div></div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8S-ulXL9OZc/UwG7h_PpyBI/AAAAAAAABvY/JJhGFyrS_xk/s1600/2014-02-16+12.15.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8S-ulXL9OZc/UwG7h_PpyBI/AAAAAAAABvY/JJhGFyrS_xk/s320/2014-02-16+12.15.02.jpg" /></a>
<div class="caption">Just past the trig, the start of the track down</div></div>
<div style="float:right;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aBXZ89lL344/UwG7j-cV9_I/AAAAAAAABvg/eo5H49p010s/s1600/2014-02-16+12.46.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aBXZ89lL344/UwG7j-cV9_I/AAAAAAAABvg/eo5H49p010s/s320/2014-02-16+12.46.56.jpg" /></a>
<div class="caption">The track follows the power lines down</div></div>
<br clear="all">
<div style="float:left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vK3b9TGZt_g/UwG7mMbkcsI/AAAAAAAABv0/i_WqPEva7do/s1600/2014-02-16+13.04.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vK3b9TGZt_g/UwG7mMbkcsI/AAAAAAAABv0/i_WqPEva7do/s320/2014-02-16+13.04.42.jpg" /></a>
</div>
<div style="float:right;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9j0mOXWVHtk/UwG7n7bwJuI/AAAAAAAABwE/Axl5jYAAZJQ/s1600/2014-02-16+13.32.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img width=240 border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9j0mOXWVHtk/UwG7n7bwJuI/AAAAAAAABwE/Axl5jYAAZJQ/s320/2014-02-16+13.32.53.jpg" /></a>
</div>
<br clear="all">
<div align=center>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa1qXeBptKA/UwG7mA14TJI/AAAAAAAABv8/GHZk0fKAJ1g/s1600/Elevation.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa1qXeBptKA/UwG7mA14TJI/AAAAAAAABv8/GHZk0fKAJ1g/s400/Elevation.jpg" /></a>
<br>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MB6TYx1Nmg8/UwG7oEqdcAI/AAAAAAAABwI/F1lF3qKSOlQ/s1600/map.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MB6TYx1Nmg8/UwG7oEqdcAI/AAAAAAAABwI/F1lF3qKSOlQ/s400/map.jpg" /></a>
</div>
Andrew Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05873848443926006773noreply@blogger.com0