A walk through the bush around Grace’s Stream
Today I headed to Catchpool Valley and spent time exploring the bush in and around Grace’s Stream in the Remutaka Forest Park. One reason for visiting this area was its possible connection to the disappearance of Margaret Kaye Stewart, who may have become lost here. I wanted to gain a better understanding of the terrain and see whether it offered any insight into what might have happened. Beyond that, it was simply an opportunity to experience a part of the forest that was new to me, which is always appealing.
After crossing a bridge, I followed the Five Mile Loop Track. Some distance in, I decided to descend a hillside that appeared easier to navigate down than what I had encountered so far. This led me down to a lower plateau near Grace’s Stream. The stream itself featured several attractive smaller swimming holes. Continuing upstream alongside the river and further inland, I eventually reached a scenic plateau dotted with sparsely spaced beech trees. It was here that I realised I had arrived at what must have been Grace’s Stream Campsite. I took photographs of the area and noticed old signage proving that it was once a campsite. I then caught a glimpse of a bird that may have been a kākāriki, although it could also have been an Australian import. I tried to photograph it, but it disappeared just as quickly as it appeared.
From there, I followed Grace’s Stream then crossed over to the bush on the opposite side. After some time wandering in the bush, I decided to head back, but initially I could not locate the stream again. I realised that I had briefly lost my sense of direction, something that had not happened to me before. Streams do not simply disappear, but it was possible that it had also changed direction and I had gone too far past the point where it turned. Regardless, it was enough to confuse me. Rather than take any chances, I decided to head in the direction that I thought would get me back toward Catchpool Valley and eventually, I located Grace’s Stream and crossed back over.
As I made my way toward Catchpool Valley, I noticed the same flat area of beech trees at the campsite and I sat on a bench seat to have lunch next to what looked like an old track. I wondered whether it might have been an old access track to the campsite. Shortly afterwards, a couple walked past and, a little later, I confirmed that it was actually the Five Mile Loop Track. After lunch I decided to follow it to become more familiar with the area and to identify potential routes for future bush bashes. The track was very pleasant, and I stopped frequently to photograph the native bush and the creek below.
Eventually, I reached the end of the track, where several options presented themselves. I could return to Catchpool via the Ōrongorongo Track or the Middle Ridge Track, or retrace my steps on the Five Mile Loop Track, which I preferred not to repeat. There was also the option of heading deeper into Remutaka Forest Park via the Clay Ridge Track or continuing on the Ōrongorongo Track to the Ōrongorongo River. But I chose the Ōrongorongo Track back toward Catchpool. Along the way, I took note of the signage and realised that the route to the Ōrongorongo River was far more approachable than I had previously thought, firmly marking it as a future summer walk.
On the return journey, I took photographs along the Orongorongo Track and nearing the Catchpool car park, I noticed interpretive signs about the local birdlife. These information boards included audio recordings of birdsong that help identify which species are making particular calls.
As I reached the car park, I reflected on the moment earlier in the day when I had briefly lost my bearings at Grace’s Stream. It made me wonder whether Margaret Kaye Stewart might have experienced something similar in this very area some twenty years earlier.
I have marked this location for further exploration.
