Friday, May 9, 2008

Diversions - Hiking at Zanpa













Location: Zanpa point is well signposted. From the 58, get on the 6, and the turnoff is obvious. There is ample parking near the lighthouse.
The area between the parking lot and the lighthouse has heavy tourist traffic and an unfortunate snack shop run out of an old bus. But you don't have to go far to escape the crowds and appreciate some lovely scenery.
Hiking is a bit of an exaggeration - really this is a civilised walk. Sturdy shoes are helpful though for jumping along the rocks near the lighthouse. There is a concrete path that runs the length of the Zanpa preserve area, and then dirt/grass trails off towards the coast. Several lookout points dot the coastline, offering spectacular views of the cliffs. We did not do a loop, although it appears that paths run to the road behind the golf course and back to the parking lot. Instead, we hugged the cliffs outbound, and returned along the path. In early May, there are lillies blooming all around the preserve - not quite the concentration that exists at Ie, but nontheless beautiful.