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Our 3½ day tramp on Easter weekend in the Tongariro National Park was a wonderful experience enjoyed
by all 7 of the participants from the club. David had the opportunity to lead the group for the first
time but throughout the time away he was aware of the support and encouragement given to me by the more
experienced members in our group.
Friday
Our route began at Whakapapa Village and
from there we headed in an anticlockwise direction in perfect conditions passing the upper and lower
Tama Lakes before arriving at Waihohunu hut some 5 ½ later.
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Saturday
The following day we continued our route taking us across the dessert road
side of the mountain on which we were treated to stunning views of both Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu Mountains.
Our day finished at Rangipo hut situated at approximately 1580meters altitude from where we were able
to enjoy a full moon rising over a blanket of cloud below us.
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Sunday
The next day was both stunning in variety of rugged scenery and significant
historically for the club. It was on one of the rivers we crossed by swing bridge that almost 26 years
ago was the location of a tragedy where a female tramper by the name of Robin Foster lost her life while
trying to cross a river in very difficult conditions [a bridge had not existed at that time].She was
on a trip with the ABTC when it happened so we spent some time at the site remembering and praying for
her and those who were involved. One of our party was revisiting the exact place where it happened having
actually been there when it happened so we supported them as they processed some of the memories. Our
last evening was spent at Mangahuehue hut and was just perfectly situated with a splendid view of the
western side of Mt Ruapehu.
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