Murderous cows

My partner and I had a chuckle at ‘Five things to consider before your next beach walk’ (October 2022).

This year we visited Kahurangi Keepers House (highly recommended). As in the article, we did battle the wind on the first day and had to plan around the tides, but the wildlife was particularly memorable.

A hut book entry tickled us: two trampers warned about some ‘murderous cows’. Apparently, the cows were so fearsome that the two had to dash into the dunes to escape them.

We set out for home after regrettably staying only one night, and in the distance saw what had to be the terrible bovines. Without wanting to, we felt we herded them halfway up the beach. My partner was amused, I was not. They would stare us down, slowly moving towards us as if ready to break into a charge at any moment. But then, in what I can only assume to be a double bluff, as we drew closer, they would turn and run down the beach, luring us ever closer to calamity. This happened repeatedly. We finally reached a stretch of beach wide enough to enable us to pass without ushering them further along. We survived, but now keep a vigilant lookout for more roaming mobs of the dastardly beasts.

– Alicia Mason

– Alicia receives a pair of Crocs Classic Clog worth $85.99 from www.crocs.co.nz. Readers, send your letter to editor@lifestylepublishing.co.nz for a chance to win.

Tough tent

The photograph shows my grandson sitting outside my Hallmark Nimbus 1 tent, which I bought at least 30 years ago. It was made in New Zealand and has been used an enormous number of times. I have slept in it four across with my three sons when they were young. I have taken it bike packing. I’ve used it for storing four bikes while camping. Recently, my dog and I slept in it at Tarawera during torrential rainfall. Not a drop of water got in. Not a single stitch has come undone, nor is there fraying or signs of wear and tear, apart from the colour fading. I doubt very much that any tent I bought today would be anywhere near the same quality. I love that tent.

– Brian Boyer

– It sounds like a great tent, Brian. I reckon a modern tramping tent would be more spacious, brighter and livable. They use advanced fabrics and coatings that may feel less durable but perhaps that’s the trade-off for better comfort and weight?  – AH

Free Wall Maps

The free wall maps of Tongariro and Arthur’s Pass national parks (December 2022) are excellent and were well received.

In November we biked the Ohakune Old Coach Road. On our return home we used the Tongariro map to review our adventure and were soon reminiscing about the past activities we’d had in the area. Equally, the map made us aware of more adventures to be planned for in the future.

We hope such maps will continue to be issued with the magazine.

– Howard Woledge

Kilometres to spare

When I completed my Walk1200km progress tracker I still had 47km up my sleeve.

So, to celebrate I joined with about a dozen other members of the Cambridge Tramping Club on a very muddy up-and-down bush track on the Te Awamutu–Kawhia road. It was a very pleasant day with a wonderful group of friends.

The photo shows Tina leading me and Allen up one of the more gentle climbs.

Thank you for the opportunity to join the Walk1200km group. I turned 85 in August and it has kept up my fitness.

– John Fulford

Multi-purpose lavalava

I have always carried a large lavalava (sarong) on my travels and walking trips (‘My secret tramping shame’, October 2022). It has many functions: wraparound skirt (or full cover over togs), mattress cover, towel, table cloth, top sheet, makeshift bag, car seat cover, steering wheel cover when parked in the sun, curtain, flag or signalling device and, as in many countries, baby carrier.

It has been especially useful when travelling in hot countries where shorts on women are not acceptable. Shorts are worn while in a private vehicle and the skirt is wrapped around when leaving it for sightseeing.

– Patricia Larsen

Unattractive height gain

The attractions of Herepai Hut (‘A welcome front country retreat’, November 2022) can only be agreed with. And it certainly offers ‘a perfect intro to the outdoors’. Somewhat daunting, however, was the value given for the ascent to the hut: 1469m! Fortunately, an inspection of topo50 map BN34 suggests the total ascent is much less: 540m. This is almost a third of the value given and likely to be within the capabilities of those seeking an introduction to the bush.

– Colin Cook

– Well spotted Colin; you’re absolutely correct. This was our mistake. – AH