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Beautiful scenery. Wonderful weather. Special, meaningful devotions. Tremendous teamwork. A terrific
time for all participants. Here are few highlights of serious and not so serious events in chronological
order.
Thursday, Friday
Matamata was a welcome meal stop as we headed down State Highway
27 and Rotorua Baptist a welcome overnight venue. However at about 2am a tramper wandered and set off
the alarms. A security guard arrived quickly wondering why there were intruders. He had visited while
we slept making his way past the minibus and other vehicles to set the alarm. He apologised that the
church advice that the alarms should not be set had been ignored. One fortunate tramper with subdued
sensitivity to noise slept through the disruption. In the morning Brian , Steve and John had to be
found after looking for us at another Baptist Church.
The refreshed but disoriented three and
the sleep disturbed and purposeful eleven were organised to travel to the significant cities of Murupara,
Ruatahuna and Waikaremoana. Packs were readily taken by twelve passengers at Hopuruahine and we followed
the scenic foreshore for the wonderful Waiharuru hut where we were met by Grant and Kelvin who had parked
the minibus and car at Aniwaniwa and travelled by boat bringing the group gear. The outstanding facilities
were appreciated although there was alarm and surprise at the smoke from a stainless steel bench but
the unseen timber backing was succumbing to the heat. Kelvin and Jan led Good Friday devotions challenging
us to reflect on the crucifixion.
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Saturday
On the Saturday the group was really slick and efficient in being ready for
action and many photos were taken of the happy team. The beautiful lake scenery was appreciated and at
a beach Cherry reminded us of God’s plan of salvation. The appreciative trampers continued around the
lake making good progress until an injury caused us to look for a helpful boatie. Surprise! A tramper
met her cousin and two trampers were conveyed to Waipaoa campsite. Once again wonderful volunteers prepared
a greatly appreciated meal and we retired early to the peace of our tents.
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Sunday
The morning routine was followed very well including many photos by the lakeside.
Members were psychologically and physically prepared for the 600m increase in altitude as we climbed
from the lake. The front group carried the lunch and everything was ready to share and enjoy in Panekiri
hut. The wide views of the lake were greatly appreciated. We could see Waihararu hut and many areas we
had walked through.
We gathered in celebration of the resurrection and victory of our Saviour.
Up from the grave he arose and Jesus Christ is risen today were sung as we renewed our knowledge
from the Word of the new life in Christ.
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Monday
Once again the very efficient team catered for an evening meal and an
early breakfast for a 7-30am departure - our heads were off the wentilillos well before the sun got out
of bed! Tremendous views from the bluffs and other vantage points were photographed and raved at before
we were served a lakeside lunch by our injured tramper and her husband and we set off for home. Who is
that trying to attract our attention? It is the President and First Lady with their kayaks. After official
exhortations we hurried back to Auckland via Rotorua, Matamata and State Highway 27.
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COST: $169 (travel $68; accommodation $55, food $36, incidentals $16)
Report and
photos by Nelson and Barbara
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