I took this photo in 2003, the last time I saw Mark. I had stayed with him and Susie in Fayetteville NC, and he rode with me to the edge of town to show me the way south on my journey. He and Susie always said they would love to visit and ride in New Zealand. I didn't have this sort of ride in mind.
My ride with Kilo was yesterday - on Saturday 30th August 2008 - the first opportunity I got, and the first fine weather in several weeks as we approach spring, officially marked here on 1st September. Leaving town I gassed up the Nomad, then rode through the adjacent Esplanade Gardens.
15 minutes out of town saw me at the summit of the Pahiatua Track, the crossing over the Tararua Ranges - here is the morning view, east toward the distant Puketoi Ranges.I was headed on a back roads route to Waihi Falls, between Pongaroa and Weber, and a special place not often visited by tourists.
I passed the legendary Tui Brwery at Mangatainoka, and knowing how Mark enjoyed a brew thought specially of him. For those not in the know, google "Tui Brewery". An institution round these parts of the world.
I arrived at Waihi Falls carpark mid-morning. This picture is looking east at the carpark, across sheep country farmland. To get there I "gravel-road-christened" the Nomad, as I took the wrong road and did 20km on a remote back-country road that I'm sure Mark would have enjoyed. The last 2km into the carparks was a farm road, which after all the recent rain was really slushy and greasy and the Nomad and I have a fine understanding, now.I then hiked 5-10 minutes down a ravine to the falls - took a few pix on the way. After the recent rain the river was a bit muddy, but it was still a beautiful spot, and the clouds only passed, briefly.
This is at the base of the Falls. In summer its a popular swimming spot for some locals.I had a few quiet thoughts, and left Kilo here. The tuis (bellbirds) were singing, and the fantails were twittering. Fantails and funerals go hand-in-hand in Maori legend. The onset of spring had exotic trees in blossom, the daffodils are out, and the bees are a-buzzin.
This is a picture of some of the native vegetation in the valley as I hiked back up the trail. Most NZ native flora is evergreen.
I then continued north to Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronu-kupokaiwhenuakitanatahu, just south of Porangahau.I hyphenated the placename to fit the blog - otherwise it won't show!
This place is one of those in the world vying for the title 'worlds longest place name'.
The name loosely translated from Maori is "The summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the climber of mountains, the land-swallower who travelled about, played his flute to his loved one."
This is a place of some significance to VROCers from NZ who have ridden in the USA.
Tamatea was a legendary chief and great traveller who climbed the hills and drifted with the currents (he also had a formidable member, but that is of questionable relevance!) So many of Kilo's commemorations involve high places, and waterways!
Tamatea's canoe, in legend, was wrecked in the far south and became the Takitimu Ranges, which overlook Fart's place in Otautau. Porangahau is the resting place and current home of some of Toa - Alan Sciascia's whanau. Tamatea also travelled up through the Whanganui River, which is near my home town on the west coast and not too far from Peg's (Paul Elliot's) stamping ground.
I returned home over the Ruahine Ranges, past the Te Apiti Windfarm. These are BIG turbines!
A view south from the summit of the Saddle Road. Became warm again as I crossed the divide.
Became a bit cloudy as I headed up the Pohangina Valley, stopped at the Totara Reserve.
Returning to Palmerston North down the western side of the Pohangina Valley the cloud had gathered on the Ruahine Ranges in the distance. By the time I got home, after a little over 200km it was fine and warm again.
Rest in peace, Mark "Kilo" Irwin. Welcome to paradise.
Kia Kaha (be strong) Susie.
