Tuesday we woke to a cold, drizzly morning and we left our gorge camping ground to drive down the road to Methven, quite a small village but probably humming in winter during the ski season. The helpful lady in the Isite (who was flying up to Mount Maunganui the next day to spend Christmas with her son and his family!) made some good suggestions about where to walk and camp. I was searching fo a haircut (over 2 months since my last one in Wanganui and feeling very straggly) and was directed to Kristy who works from home. She has one of the iconic baches at Lake Clearwater which has a long drop toilet and solar panels and we happened to be heading there the next day.
So Tuesday afternoon we played golf at Methven in the drizzly rain but there was no wind and it was a quiet pleasant parklike course without all the challenges of Terrace Downs. We were able to stay the night in the carpark.
Wednesday we were on the road again passing through Stavely, where Lynda Topp of the Topp Twins has a luxury B&B with her partner, to Sharplin Falls. On the way through the trees I noticed that our radio aerial was pointing forward - it didn't want to be straightened so now it is out and I'm keen to use one of my coat hangers but haven't yet got consent!
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| Spot the naturalist |
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| Sharplin Falls |
Sharplin Falls track is well-formed and beautiful with a rain forest feel and swathes of fresh, lush ferns. Quite a lot of steps but easily done in the 3/4 hour up that is indicated on the sign. There was a twin waterfall around a big rock and a little swimming hole - definitely a great walk to do.
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