To the Southwest of Auckland is a beautiful coastal area called the Karekare Peninsula. It is surrounded by the Waitakere Ranges, a forest of giant kauri trees, waterfalls and incredible plant and animal life. It is such a breathtaking place. There is a trail that follows a stream out to an expansive, wild beach. The rocks in the water reminded me of parts of the Pacific Northwest Coast and gave me a feeling of the connectedness of places. The giant kauri in New Zealand forests remind me of the California Redwoods and old growth in the Olympic Peninsula as well. Like the Northwest, these forests are threatened. Kauri trees are dying at a startling rate due to a fungus-like organism called Kauri dieback disease. While visiting, many of the trails were closed to help prevent the spread of the disease. I am saddened to think about the loss of these ancient and beautiful forests and I hope a cure or effective treatment is found.