The end-of-year tramp this year took in one of the Waitakere Ranges’ most popular walks, the Mercer Bay loop which is now part of the Hillary Trail. This was followed by the end-of-year BBQ at Pohutukawa Glade and dessert at the Walker Beach Mansion. Seventeen of us met at the Karekare carpark at midday, and we set out to climb the Comans track with occasional views of the rugged west coastline and Tasman Sea. We stopped for lunch at 1pm on the track before coming out to the Ahu Ahu Track. There were views of Mercer Bay, inaccessible by foot other than on a rough and dangerous route, as we went along the Mercer Bay Loop Walk to the lookouts over the bluffs and the ocean. A carving representing Hinerangi greeted us; Hinerangi was a beautiful and well-adored woman who married a chieftain from Karekare. One day while fishing in Mercer Bay, her husband got swept to death by a large wave. The distraught Hinerangi kept scanning the bay hoping for him to return, dying herself from a broken heart. We took time to enjoy the spectacular views of the coast before going on along the Mercer Bay Loop Walk to the end of Log Race Road, with views north to Piha and Muriwai. From there we returned to Karekare down the Ahu Ahu Track, coming out at 3:30pm. There was time to have a look at the lovely La Trobe Falls just a short walk from the carpark. As we returned to the carpark we saw a couple dressed in a different type of tramping attire. The end-of-year BBQ took place in the nearby Pohutukawa Glade. Paul and Ruth set up a portable barbeque, and we cooked our own meat and enjoyed a shared meal of salads. We moved on up to the Walker house at 6:30pm. By now we had a total of 27 people, including some who had come for the BBQ only. Before we helped ourselves to a yummy pot-luck dessert Nelson gave a tribute to David W who had just turned 60. Gloria read out two poems by Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken and Mending Wall. At 7:40pm we gathered in the lounge for our formal time. David K led a game where people came out to stand with one foot in front of the other one, close their eyes and see how still they could remain for 10 seconds, repeating this with the two feet swapped. Linda gave a speech and presented a card and gift to Rosalind, who would be moving to Tauranga in three days’ time. Paul concluded the formal time by saying that Jesus came to bring us peace, we are to be thankful that He blesses us in all the conflicts and trials of this world, and that we can find our answer in Christ.