We headed out to the Green Corridors for an explore. A new track opened a while back but we hadn't done it yet. We didn't get as far as planned as it was a hot day. But we got our new pathway walked as well as another bit we hadn't done before. We ended with a splash in some wild water. We started out on Old West Road and little one was ready for snacks and a drink at the top of the first hill (literally 100m from where we parked). After fuelling, he popped on my back and we paced out. It quickly became a fast walk between bits of shade. Fortunately there isn't much roadway walk anymore with the grand new stairway and access sorted (Google isn't showing all the new additions yet). The big girls loved spotting the next orange markers in the next bit. A warning of the hairy one way bridge that comes next... we used the opportunity to do some teaching of important things - walking towards the traffic, walking on the outside of the corners, being quick (don't dwadle), be alert... things like that. We wandered up the next meandering meadow and stream pathway. Halfway along we stopped for lunch under a really big tree. A macrocarpa I think. It was great to see such an active trapping programme, I hope it's making a difference. At that point we decided to turn around, head back to the car and either drive further into the valley or splash on the stream. By the time we got back to the car, it was decided. Wild water adventure! Little one threw rocks (as per normal) and the big girls paddled, as did I. It was wonderfully restful and cooling. Picnic tea then happened at Caleano Park. We made our own burgers and brought them with us. We ate then all three of our lovelies explored the park. Our little one just wanted to swing. The big girls had a furtive play on the ship (they are old and cool, you see) and then challenged each other to swing highest, monkey bar the furtherest and use the other various bits of fitness equipment to show off their erm, buffness. We are not a family of athletes… there wasn't really a winner...
No matter their age, children find a way to play and have an adventure. You just need to give them time and the opportunity.
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We had grand plans to kick off 2021. Think heading into the hills, packs laden, baby hoisted up, big girls carrying a small share of supplies. For a couple of reasons we decided to go small adventure style to start the year instead. Plenty of time for big adventures! We decided to head to Bledisloe Park and up the third steps to Atawhai Park. We packed a late lunch - or early dinner depending on where you stand on these things (it was 3pm when we headed out the door). Out smallest, almost two, was keen to walk. We took the Tula Toddler carrier for when he inevitably got tired legs. One of our big girls would have happily jumped on my back. Unfortunately she is taller than me so we wouldn't have got terribly far. There were plenty of folk relaxing on the stream edge under Bridge 2 and to the left of Bridge 3. We will save that adventure for another day. Mr 1 made it up the first three sets of stairs (with sounds effects showing just how much effort he was putting in) before we asked for a "pick". He wasn't too keen on getting in the carrier but I was! Once up, he was happy with the view. Our two house cats had become mountain lions and we didn't catch up with them till the top of the hill. It was wonderful to see them enjoying one another's company and supporting one another. Actually it was wonderful to see them outside if I am honest. They have been living up to their moniker lately... The pathway at the top of the hill isn't very shaded so it got warm pretty quickly. Fortunately it's not too far to the playground which has lots of shady trees. We ate, swung and played. Actually I sat under the tree and ate. The rest of our crew did the playing and swinging. We thought about wandering back along the streets to another of the stairways but it was still pretty warm. The mountain lions charged off down the hill again and we ambled down. Our biggest met us at the bottom of the stairs and commented how how much quicker the return trip was. We assumed Mountain Lion 2 had carried on to the car but we split up at the loop track just in case. Me and ML1 discussed goals and plans for 2021 at her request. If you know me you know I love a good goal chat! Back at the car our newly crowned mountain lion had reverted to house cat and was mewing to be let into the car. It will take more than a day for her to complete the mutation. I love Bledisloe Park, there are so many adventures to be had - wild water, the aboretum, hard walks, easy ambles, even tabata and 1k time trials. It's part of the Te Araroa trail too, which I think it a lovely example of the natural Palmy environment. Where will we head next? |
AuthorI'm Kate. I have 3 children - 2 bios and a steppie, 1 under 5 and 2 tweenagers. I am determined to spend more time outside this year and share more of Palmy's wonderful places and free play activities. Categories
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