Fresher's Trip - The Authorised Version

Catherine Allington

Wellington Railway Station at 8.30am on Saturday March 14 was a day to remember:70-odd people,packs and bush-shirts awaiting two buses to cart them off to Totara Flats. There was a demented youth (Mike) rushing around like a mad hen trying to gather his flock and see if everyone was present and correct. It seemed they were and so we arrived,deposited in the sun halfway along the road to Walls Whare. Having been told which group was whose after sorting out gear,people and leaders,Vuwtc hit the track with Group 8 in the lead. Somehow they were the last from then on. The Waiohine River provided a lunch stop/swimming hole,and the choice of walking the track or following the river. The latter was our choice,and as we had brilliant weather it was a good one. Finally arrived at Totara Flats to find the place already populated by the odd hunter and thousands of students. Frisbees were flying everywhere. Some tents were pitched,stews cooked,and the night life began. Crude jokes were told and laughed at by people who shouldn't have understood them. All was finally quiet by 10pm or so.

Sunday was as good as Saturday,and yes, Group 8 were still last. Mt Hold-sworth proved an interesting if tiring challenge. One astute leader,Phil,informed his party it was vital to establish a rhythm,having broken theirs by stopping to inform them of this fact. The summit of the track was reached,some disappointment at leaving the flag behind,so the descent began. Some people had time for a swim when they reached the bottom before the buses arrived. A mad scramble ensued for the nice bus in which to nurse blisters and sore legs,and unfortunately the Heels Hound,Bruce,was on that bus which is why this article was written. But altogether the Freshers Trip was a tremendous success,and a lesson in tolerance for the leaders in coping with "slow birds". The trip was a good start to an enthusiastic first term.