A group of 22 met at The Bracken at 2pm for a walk up Mt St John and Mt Hobson. After the usual in-circle
intros and prayer we set out to cross Manukau Rd and climb Mt St John from the end of Warborough Ave,
up a long flight of steps. We went around the edge of the crater clockwise going up to the summit (126m
asl) on the southeast side. There were views out to One Tree Hill, Mt Wellington, the eastern suburbs,
and Mt Hobson, and we could see Mt Eden across the crater.
Although it was windy, Bruce gave
the devotions at this stage so that we could have these thoughts in our minds as we went up both mounts.
Two mountains, St. John and Hobson, stand in New Zealand, symbolising spiritual leadership (St John)
and earthly authority (Governor Hobson). As Christians, we balance our responsibilities in the world
with our call to follow Christ and His kingdom. Jesus taught to give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to
God what is God's. These mountains remind us to see life from God's perspective and help us rise above
our worries. We should pray for clarity and faithfulness while keeping our focus on God.
We went
down to Market Rd and on to Mt Hobson, entering the reserve from just across the motorway. Then on up
to the summit (143m asl) and trig for views all around. We came down the northeastern side, stopping
for a short snack break before coming out along Remuera Rd. From there we walked back to Bracken Ave
along Dilworth Ave, over the motorway footbridge, Great South Rd, Elm St, Margot St to arrive back at
The Bracken at 4:15pm. Distance 5.2km.
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