Fishing Trip 1970

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FISHING TRIP 1970 Friday night, the commencement of launched the boats and gradually what seemed to be a well-planned people emerged and set out to various weekend, we all boarded the ferry with spots after a hurried sandwich or two. the promise of a good crossing. The sea It was a glorious day and a fabulous was calm and a three-quarter moon place most suitable for us. The helped create a night for good views cabins were a little rugged, but warm, of the harbour and coastline as we dry and comfortable with a few mod made away from Wellington. cons electricity was generated morn- There was a group of ten leaving us ing and night back to nature during at Picton for Mt. Robert, and twenty the day. of us oops, sorry, twenty-four - There were quite a few tales to be thought the latecomers had missed the told as different people came in and boat, but after a bit of fast talk by went out during the day. A few trip leader, they clambered aboard in classics: time. The trip over was uneventful, Those that went out equipped with a everyone dispersing to different areas cup, and jar, who didn't seem to of the boat depending on the "taste" catch many fish, I might add, but of the individual. had a merry time all the same. On arriving at Picton we bid our fellow workers a fond farewell as they The enthusiastic fisherman who didn't departed by kombi for Mt. Robert, and realise that the end of his line we headed off for Havelock in a rather wasn't tied to the reel and let it luxurious bus amid cheery song and go overboard in deep water. accompaniment by Kev on his har- The chaps who didn't seem to make it monica. out in the boats, but said the catch Roughly 11.30 p.m. we arrived at the from the shore was all right? Fishwharf after a small sightseeing tour ing trips aren't only for fishing, of the Havelock Park grounds looking some say!! for Jon S. The night air was becoming rather chilly and thoughts were Who says all keen anglers are men? turning to a nice bunk and warm pit, One of our most enthusiastic but there was no sign of a boat or capcouldn't even stop for lunch but tain. Then our attention was drawn to switched boats as one crew went in the road where we could see a man and another came out. She was so weaving his way towards us. Jokingly keen that warnings to be home besomeone remarked that it would be fore dark were slightly ignored funny if this was our man, and just at (perhaps opinions of the definithat moment he hit the dust, but quicktion of dark vary a little). regained his stature as a couple of the group went to help him. Our There were numerous stories of the worthy trip leader, Joe P. came back big ones that slipped off the line a little agitated, having just dashed off at the last. . . to arouse the sleeping Jon who was Anyway, all was well and it was a to meet us at the boat but had drop- tired but happy mob that sat down ped off to sleep, only to find that this that night to a feast hot stew, well was our man and that he had been done by the two cooks who gave up celebrating the marriage of his daughter, their whole afternoon's fishing to attend to take place the next day. to such an important task with the help After some deliberation, we boarded of their female staff, accompanied a the boat and made headway down the good wine, and followed dessert by Pelorus Sound under the watchful eye covered in cream (what luxury!). by of a few who sat with the driver. Ignorance is bliss! It was a clear night Numbers started to dwindle as and the inlet looked quite wide an people drifted away to have showers hour and a half later we arrived at Te and pile into bed while the die-hards Rawa and "bumped" alongside the settled down to finish the night with wharf. Everyone dispersed into the four drink and song, oblivious of where cabins available and claimed a bunk. they were. (P.S.: Anyone whose A few settled in and made a brew and memory is a little hazy and would like then all was quiet - 2 a.m. a reminder there are a couple of 6.30 a.m. The enthusiasts were awake ladies with stories to tell that may and raring to go. The proprietors help.)

Query who was the energetic fel- overcast, but the scenery was superb, low on the jetty in the early hours of a mass of rolling, hills disappearing into the morning, saying his prayers or peer- the deep clear blue water. ing into the water??!! Such organisation. In Picton 6a.m. Sunday. They're at it again, deposited their packs, collected EXCCE a except for a few with that "morning and climbed aboard the Aranui 'in after the night before" feeling. By this orderly fashion with fifteen minutes to time the famous three, Lyle, Norm and spare before departure. Murray, had become very keen fisher- Strange how the big fish caught men and had caught three snapper on didn't seem to fit in the baggage anya fixed line as well as quite a few blue where and the proud anglers had to cod from the boat. carry them round. Rain mid-morning drove most people On board the ferry everyone grabbed back to land and preparations for the a chair and settled down to watch TV. journey home were made. Our trans- Most held out until the end of the port arrived: a different boat and gramme on avalanches, and then Rud: under new management, so the trip denly the lounge was almost empty as back to Havelock was uneventful everyone decided on deck would be but quite an eyeopener. When we saw better. (Who was that little green man the width of passage, only a narrow who couldn't wait to see the end, but deep channel flanked by mud flats, we was escorted upstairs by his wife of realised just how lucky we'd been on three weeks.) the previous Friday night. The sea was rather rolling through At Havelock everyone dashed off to the Heads, and Wellington was windy the nearest shop for - fish and chips and a little chilly, so everyone dashed of all things and a few went further for home with hurried farewells. afield and explored some relics of the Thanks go to Coby (organiser) and past found in a museum in the town. Joe (trip leader) for a good with Then into the bus again and after some just a few hazards to add to TRe addeliberation we set off on the road venture and maybe a few grey hairs around the sounds. The day was a little for some. LYN THORPE