A Ruahines Easter - "Wot I Did At Easter".

Catherine Allington

We went tramping to the Rooaheenees in a red Avis rental van,which made it to the road end because of (or in spite of) Robin McBrearty's and David Clelland's (in the other one) driving. We tried to boil water but it was too muddy so we went to sleep instead. In the morning we set off last (the Easy trip) after Chris Hardiman's fit lot had gone. We had to climb to Park's Peak and it wasn't easy -someone couldn't breathe because she'd strapped herself into her pack too securely, another developed a rhythm of 1-2-3 rest-2-3,and Peter Mansell learnt to count to 10 every minute. BUT against all the odds we made it,and discovered that we'd brought a supermarket with us,in the guise of one Peter L. No shortage of food. Parks Peak hut was reached and was empty,so despite rude comments in the logbook we double-bunked.

Next morning Robin and Peter M dragged themselves in,a bit damp but keen to get going,which we did. Deviation along the way,to the trig station,where Catherine nearly lost her hair. Undaunted we pressed on to Hut Ruin (Aranga), but it was full so we camped out. However we cooked our dinner inside and smoked out the whole hut,then left those within to sleep. The morning dawned clear after a grotty day before,Hughey being kind to us for our trip across the tops. Got off to a roaring start - couldn't find the track. Eventually discovered it and away we went. Hughey couldn't have been nicer - no wind (or nearly none) and blue skies, calm enough to play frisbee in at lunchtime.

We struck out for Totara Spur after lunch,but decided it would be nicer (and more exciting) to camp out on the tops along with the medium-easy and medium fit parties,and one case of exposure. Excellent decision. It was freezing cold after a spectacular sunset,and the wind grew steadily stronger. With five girls in one tent it should have been warm,but it wasn't. The tent blew down,Debbie got out to fix it and was abruptly ordered back inside. At 5.30 am everyone was ordered up,told to pack and to eat as much scroggin as possible,then we backtracked to Totara Spur. The mist had closed in,and the wind was phenomenal. With the expert navigation and combined talents of the leaders we lost the track,but recovered it after an hour's bushbashing. A brekky stop was ordered and readily agreed to. Then off down the spur we went,arriving safely at the river.

That afternoon was spent walking down the murky Makaroro to Centre Mak hut, where a comfortable night was spent. The morning saw an early start,held up somewhat by tardy males,but eventually the road end was reached,the vans still there, and the troops out ahead of schedule, though Robin had some trouble herding his flock of 5 ditherers across - they insisted upon linking arms every time,much to his annoyance, Diana had the misfortune to sprain her ankle while racing for a frisbee - the only other accident apart from Bridget's exposure. Everyone packed themselves into the vans and we started the long haul home,this time with Robin and Lynette at the wheels. Lynette drives as she tramps - no compromises - and would probably have gone to Wellington without stopping if the noise of rumbling stomachs hadn't drowned out the engine!

Opinions of the trip?"Bloody good!" "Loved it" "Let's do it again sometime!"