January 1991
We trucked our horses from Waihou and Rangi Point to Mitimiti, then rode them north along the coast. There was a long climb from the beach to the Golden Stairs outcrop where we rested for lunch. A tricky traverse alongside the steep cliff face and descent to Pawarenga Harbour, over the rocks and shore to Pawarenga. Then another long climb up the forest road and into the Warawara Forest. Deep in the forest we pitched camp for the night - everything was carried on our saddles. Next morning we followed the old logging road, leaving the horses at one point to climb Maungapohatu. What an amazing view! We counted nine kareru flying below us and could see Rawene faintly in the distance. We were looking down on the high hills that surround our place. It was a very long and arduous descent from the forest to Mitimiti, as the road petered out and our horses had to clamber over fallen logs, squeeze between trees and crash through the dense undergrowth. It was huge relief to break into the open and see the beach far below us. Another half hour of careful descent and we were back to our truck at last! That was a most testing adventure for our horses in particular, but quite an unforgettable experience. 
Who? Husband, Tiny on Radar; nephew, Keepa on Babe; and me on Sofar ... those were the days!