| Auckland Baptist Tramping Club |
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WAITAWHETA TRAINER Waitawheta 20-21 Jun |
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Saturday The group (David R and Justin leading, Christina, Jenny, Jane, Paul, Ruth and David T) travelled from Auckland to the Watashe Track access via Franklin Road near Karangahake Gorge. At Christina's suggestion, we stopped in Paeroa for morning tea and enjoyed coffee and café food before continuing to the track. Weather conditions were fine, and we commenced walking at approximately 11.00 am. The track follows the route of the old tramway used by timber workers extracting kauri from the area in the late 1800s. After passing through farmland, the track entered regenerating native bush and followed the Waitawheta River upstream. The walk was straightforward, following a well-formed track with numerous bridge crossings. The scenery included native bush, river flats, and steep valley sides. The trip provided a good introduction to overnight tramping for newer trampers. During the walk, Jenny and Jane practised a river crossing under the supervision of David and Justin. Both completed the crossing successfully, although they ended up with slightly wet feet. The group arrived at Waitawheta Hut in the mid-afternoon and settled in for the remainder of the day. As a training exercise, members reviewed the operation and use of the hut's two gas cookers. Dinner consisted of mince and pasta followed by carrot cake. With darkness arriving around 5.00 pm, much of the cooking and evening activity took place by candlelight. The group retired early for the night. Sunday Members were up from around 6.00 am the following morning. After a breakfast of porridge, David led a short devotion and time of sharing based on Psalm 90, the Psalm of Moses, before the group departed at approximately 8.00 am. The return walk was completed in generally good weather, with rain arriving during the final half hour before reaching the vehicles. The group returned to the cars around midday and met again in Paeroa for lunch before returning to Auckland. The trip was completed safely and successfully, with good fellowship, favourable weather for most of the weekend, and useful opportunities for training and skill development. |
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