Saturday, November 7, 2009

Quality time on the Orongorongo Track

What a beautiful Sunday! Now that we're quickly on our way to summer, we've decided to go for a hike every weekend. Today we revisited the Rimutakas Forest Park.

I remember this place well as it was the first long hike we took in NZ, way back in January. I remember huffing and puffing to get up the hills, and how I was completely wiped out after our three-hour hike. I also remember Jake making fun of me because I wanted to stop every ten seconds to take a photo. There's a trail here called the Orongorongo Track, and I've been waiting for another good opportunity to retell my very funny joke about how two Orongorongos don't make an Orighto. I don't think Jake gets it because he didn't laugh this time either.

I'm proud to say I'm in a bit better physical shape now, and a three-hour hike isn't such a major undertaking to us any more.

But I'm still absolutely amazed at all the beautiful things you come across when you stop to take a closer look.

And I think this is the definition of quality time on several levels. It's quality time for myself, with my husband and with nature. Somehow this makes me feel closer to all of them.

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5 comments:

Dave said...

Well, that has the local park trail beat hands down. But your humor? Umm...dry, very dry. Enjoy your spring!

Yer Mum said...

I can appreciate the humor in your Orongorongo joke, but if Jake doesn't get it, what ya gonna do? I love your pictures and miss you both!

Vickie Cottonaro said...

What a beautiful place to hike!!
Bill and I wish we were there with you.

jamie said...

Thanks everyone! I have to give my mom ("yer mum") credit (blame?) for inspiring the Orongorongo joke. Dry? Yes. But I never claimed our humour was sophisticated. We enjoy the simple things. :)

By the way, I'm so glad we have such wonderful folks reading our blog and about our experiences. It really means a lot to us.

Phil said...

Big ups to "Yer Mum" for the inspired Orongorongo joke. Have lived in NZ all my life and that never occurred to me. Jamie and Jake, guess by now you'll be getting used to those oh so unfamiliar Maori placenames like Paekakariki and Paraparaumu. Then of course there's Taumatawhakatangihangakoau-auotamateapokiwhenuakitanatahu. I kid you not. It's an actual place. A hill in Hawkes Bay. If you can pronounce that you deserve the Nobel Prize!