Tramping Socks

Features:

* Double ribbed cuff – prevents sock slippage

* Added cushion and elastic support of Achilles tendon and arch

* Mesh ventilation zones –temperature and moisture control

* Nylon heel and toes reinforcements – increased durability plus added cushioning for comfort

* Flat toes seam – prevents toe irritation

* Cotton 66.2%, Spandex 14.8%, Dry Zone 19%

Men’s size: 9-13, Leg Length 17cm

Colours: Black, Blue, Brown

Womens size: 6-11, Leg Length 24cm

Colours Black, Brown

Allowing the imagination to run wild in the bush

By Dorothy Johnstone

his prey.

$26.95 plus $7 Shipping

Available now from: Walking New Zealand Shop

P O Box 1922, Palmerston North Phone 0800-925-546 email walkingnz@xtra.co.nz. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

With a cranky hip pain causing Dorothy (Dot) Johnstone to pause and take frequent stops when out and about walking, her imagination ran wild as she rested on her walking stick, which also provides seating accommodation, when venturing into Bell Rock Track north of Napier late last year.

Encountering a fallen log to climb over she couldn’t help but grin at the fantasy of stepping over what appeared to be a crocodile suffering the after effects from having devoured

Further along the track the sun filtering through the branches of a punga tree creating the picturesque effect of a spider’s web captured Dot’s imagination again.

But wait for more soon became a catch phrase this time being an invitation to take a peek inside a weta apartment attached to a tree trunk. There was a little disappointment not to actually see real live wetas crawling through the man-made escape positions.

Last but not least – behold two branches forming an arch incredibly surrounded by so much pretty greenery beckoning for a beautiful bride and her husband so appear for a photo shoot, completed this imaginary fantasy encounter for Dot.

Above:Tall trees in this part.

To be sure, I am forever grateful to my patient daughter willing to support and encourage her 83-yearold Mum to continue venturing into the bush at a snail’s pace while her more active husband and children rise to the challenge of a there and back tramping experience.

The decision for us to turn back after not quite reaching the half way mark proved a good call. Unbelievably, we all ended back at the commencement of the track simultaneously.

I feel very fortunate indeed to continue being amongst and exploring the wonders of nature bestowed on New Zealand where you can confidentially walk through any bushland virtually barefoot knowing nothing is going to bite you.

Above left: Dorothy stops for a photo.

Above middle: A weta apartment.

Above right: Dorothy’s daughter walked the complete track.

Below left: Inside of a weta apartment.

Blow right: A punga tree.