A very productive workday was held on the Kaimai Ridgeway Track on Saturday 12 October by twelve members
of the ABTC and four young people of Youth SAR on community service and two of their parents. After introductions
at the park entrance Ann Vukojevich set off with a group of six along County Rd and then the southern
side of Mt Karangahake and Sophie Ye led a group of twelve on the more direct route on the ascent of
the mountain. All encountered windfalls which necessitated cutting and man handling of wood and pulling
very small gorse removed sown by larger plants removed on previous workdays. Club members really appreciated
the keen and significant contributions of the Youth SAR members and their parents. Our club can be proud
of the standard of the tracks we have maintained twice p.a. from 2016. The County Rd group met a group
from Macleans College on outdoor education on the track to Dickies Flat. A most successful day ended
with bathing sore muscles in the Athenree Hot Pools and roast dinner at the Waihi Beach RSA. At a review
of the day there were many expressions of satisfaction and with two hours travel by club members from
Auckland and Youth SAR from Pokeno 180 hours of voluntary work was given to the Trust objectives. Tina
Chen led a devotion on Acts 15 about Paul and Barnabus working together and separating. Many looked weary
and retired satisfied with their day.
On Sunday 13 six members hiked from Bowentown to Te Kura
a Maia an "iconic warrior wananga" [learning place for warriors] a defensive pa with three steep sides
facing the sea and a palisade trench across the land approach. Terracing was apparent on the highest
part of the pa site. We then trekked to another pa site Te Ho on the hill overlooking the harbour entrance,
Matakana Island, Waihi Beach and views inland including our Karangahake, Te Aroha and foothills like
Hikurangi. Ann Vukojevich led a devotion on Psalm 121 on the path of life especially telling of the Christian
path. We returned to the house for an early lunch and cleanup with departure before midday. Many members
had excused themselves to go home early and it was recommended that leaders should not be expected to
plan Sunday activity in future as a lesser number required a recreational walk.
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