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This introduction overnight tramp weekend was arranged to aid the newer members of ABTC on the leadership
for these types of events. The weather prior to this weekend was not the best for the three river crossings
which were needed to get to the Waitawheta hut. The weather was wet as the five of us left Auckland,
but by the time we reached the track start the weather had improved. The proposed weekend was to be in
tents but a change to the hut was made after an assessment of gear and the weekends out comes . Gear and food for the weekend was divided up and we all head for the hut carrying out various learning tasks along the way. The area is full of history dating back to the old timber mill and tram line and gives some idea to the living and working condition of the time and also what can be achieved with a pick and shovel and back breaking work. The arrival at the hut in good time meant a rest and cuppa, then onto some survival skills, as the bush was very wet fire lighting was at best hard work, one realised in a real situation how fire does help to bring some positives to the group - warmth, security, etc . Finding good dry wood was our biggest problem. The evening meal was prepared ably by Margaret and Gary with Peter giving Mark and Colin a lesson on how the spirit stove works. For newbies it is good to have the more travelled trampers along to show you the ropes. Not being accustomed to hut sleeping conditions the snorers take some getting used to, but it was a lot warmer than the frost outside which greeted us the following morning. The return tramp had Colin and Mark getting used to the 2way radios, and GPS and map reading but it will be another time to really practise the use of GPS. There is a lot to learn and I found the weekend a good introduction to weekend tramping and its organisation. Peter’s off track diversion to find hidden treasure showed the power of GPS. While Gary’s mind was focused on new kitchen design for Margaret which added some lighter moments to the trip. The trip back to Auckland was OK as the passengers were all asleep after a feed at the café. Things to Note: 1. A change of plan requires other requirements to be in place ie. Changing from tenting to hut needed hut tickets – not enough in the group. Establish individual out comes reasons for doing the tramp so leaders have option to meet those needs. 2. Having local knowledge of river flows helps in decision making. This needs to gained prior to reaching the river. Ask a local. 3. Assist fellow trampers to cross rivers – use correct technic. Asses levels of comfort around crossing events. 4. In survival kit always have some rubber bike inner tube – great for fire lighting in damp conditions. 5. 2 way Radios –carry spare batteries or put fresh one in at the start of trip. 6. Evening hut recreation need to know more card games as endless game of last card is a little tedious. |