The Waikumete flows behind Trusts Arena.

When the boys were young, and we drove past this company, which boasted acres of  beautiful buildings on both sides of the street, and that kept its grounds immaculately groomed at all times, they asked me when I was going to give the a guided tour of my business.  

I always had an excuse ready. Although I agreed with the tour idea in principle, I invariably told them that, unfortunately, today just happens to be the day that all the floors are being vacuumed, or all the light bulbs are being changed, or all the workers are cleaning their desks, so a tour just isn't possible at this time.  Soon though.  

Even at their young age, they understood tongue-in-cheek and went along with the continuing gag.  

I'm showing you this picture because I got off the 146 bus here and intend to explore a rustic path along the Waikumete, which flows behind Trusts Arena.  

My walk took me about an hour. You can go through my photos in much less time than that of course. Further, you'll be able to avoid the stacks of steps that I was forced to deal with.  Vive la virtual tour. 

Okay, lets start.  Turn left..

We'll find the Waikumete at the bottom of this hill.  

Here it is.  This is looking up stream. 

I've crossed the street and here's our trail.  

Let's go see what this is all about.  

Look like the prow of a boat sticking out into the current.  

The romantic ladies among you may take a few moments to step forward into the prow, spread your arms, and pretend you're flying, much like Kate Winslet did in Titanic.  The wind is brisk today and producing some pretty good chop on the river which creates the illusion that this boat-shaped pier is moving rapidly ahead.   

Before you get to worked up in your fantasy however, remember that it's not Leonardo DiCaprio standing behind you, it's 69 year old DJF who took this picture.  If that doesn't bring you back to reality, I don't know what would.  

BTW, we are only a few hundred meters from the bay here, so this well-filled river is due to the present high tide.  At low tide, you'd be seeing four or five feet of muck along each side. Some of the trees you see along the edges are mangroves.  At this latitude, we are at the limit of where mangroves can exist and ours are therefore much smaller than those farther north would be.  

If you look away from the river, you can see some gardens adorning the hill in front of Trusts Arena.  The gardens look somewhat forgotten today.  

Let's go attack those steps.  

Whew. That was some work, but there is a strong wind up here that feels good.  (BTW, the river flows from right to left.) 

There it is.  Rather impressive looking I think.  

I followed the pathway toward the Arena, and soon came to this playground.  

Both boys, while they were students at Summerland Primary, would play here at some point during their yearly 'Sports Day,' celebration.  I had always seen the playground and watched the boys from my vantage point in the distant blue stands. We would generally sit in the 2nd or third section of seats from the left side.   

Approaching the Arena. 

Oh boy. Lots more of you-know-what.  

I plodded up the stairs. You virtually 'flew.'  The playground is to the left.  

The front of the Arena. This is the entrance that Allie, Jeanne and I always used when we donated blood.   

Our walk is complete. This last shot looks across the carpark toward my bus stop on Central Park Drive.  

I hope you enjoyed scrolling through my photos today.      -djf