How Tramping Is Meant To Be

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How Tramping Is Meant To Be Marilyn Duffy With everyone accounted for well before 6.00 pm, the transport left at 30 seconds past 6.00. Minimal holdups due to traffic and a smooth run north, a noisy cheerful card school soon established at the front of the coach, and some serious conversation at the back meant the first half of the journey passed pleasantly. I fter the shortest ever queues at KFC and the Levin The group enjoyed a typically delicious and innovative Chinese takeaway bar, the groups were fed and tramping club meal (with dessert) followed by the hidwatered and readyf for the furtherj journey to their den treats from several packs. It was something of a destination. A delightful musical interlude of some of struggle to keep conversation going until a respectable Roger's favourite numbers entertained the passengers bedtime, but we managed. For those who opted to bivvy until they cried "enough". out under the stars, the night was calm and clear. A brief wait at Mangaweka to gather up another partici- As dawn threw its flame colours over Hawke's Bay, a few pant and our driver found his way unerringly in the dark early risers watched the distant peaks turn from grey to to the correct roadend, out of the maze of options avail- silver to pink with the rising sun. Another clear, calm day able. loomed. "Amazing!" was the cry, With the Fits and FEs "two good days in a off to do their thing row and we are up in the dark, the rehere to enjoy them maining Mediums both." We felt set about the serious blessed indeed. business of selecting Sunday was a comthe ideal sleeping paratively short site. stroll so we lingered on the tops A calm, misty, mornfor a long lunch, ing greeted us and cricket, tobogganwe had no difficulty ing, snow fights getting away to an and a weird snowearlys start. The group man, plus feasting re-gathered at Purity our eyes on more Hut to admire the Ifa magnificent views views briefly before and scenery. setting off for the top of thel Ruahines. Above the bushline a sneaky breeze had We watched the Fits progress along the next range and punters diving into packs for overtrou and extra hats and savoured another hour of rest before heading down gloves, to be followed by sunglasses as the snow became through thel bush to our rendezvous with the Orient Exmore consistent. press. Glorious views unfolded as we climbed higher, naviga- The story goes no further. The trip home was equally tion points were easy to locate, and sheltered spots for pleasant. All parties reached their roadends on time, dry food and drink stops were plentiful. A layer of mist and happy. After more cards, music, sleeping and chatspread below us over Hawke's Bay, and to the south, the ter, and tea in Bulls we drove backi into a dry calm Welltops of the Tararuas pierced the cloud. To the cloudless ington evening at a civilised hour. As a final entertainnorth-west lay the volcanic plateau, with Ruapehu and ment we were treated to Struan's unique commentary Ngauruhoe proudly showing off new coverings of snow. style on the cultural, meteorological, architectural, com- Taranaki to Wanganui and further south, we enjoyed the mercial and social attributes of our city. endless views as we sprawled amongst the tussock and alpine plants to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the sun. The weekend in mid June was as near perfect as possible. It can happen that two good days occur in a row The afternoon marched on ridge after peak of snow- and on a weekend. It wasn't just the weather; the group covered tops. The Fits had kindlylocated the soft snow was compatible, the route manageable, food bountiful, and plugged a distinct trail. Although we didn't realise idyllic clear blue skies not even Struan could comit, we were hot on their trail and had stopped at most plain. So often iti is the adversity of tramping trips which of the same vantage points. We reached thel hut in plenty is recalled. An occasion such as this should be placed on of time to cook and find pit spaces before dark. record as a reminder of "A Perfect Trip". Tramping and Mountaineering 1997