Tramp Reflections 816 - Waitomo to Te Kuiti, Te Araroa Pathway

31 May 2009

The day started with trampers exchanging greetings. Simple pleasantries were disregarded as Nick advised that we were not allowed to divulge the results of the Chiefs vs Bulls match and the outcome of the FAA Cup. Realising the serious effect this could have on our driver, we remained 'Mum' about this subject. I pulled up my new yellow, black and red socks nervously, hoping this would in no way give the result away!

It took approximately an hour to reach the Waitomo turn-off, and then a further 10 minutes, to turn left down Fullerton Road to reach the start of the Te Araroa pathway. Don, Claire, Michiel, Anna, Christine, Paula, Adrienne, Gail, Wendy, and me (budding Reflections writer), set off at a cruisy pace, allowing time for Sheila and Nick to catch up with us, who had to organise transport for the end of the day.

Our appreciation goes to our leader, Wendy, who had, contrary to the cold snap weather report, arranged that we would start our walk under a clear blue sky. We had morning tea after about 11/2 hours of walking, under the warm sunshine. Sheila and Nick caught up with us at this point. They had remembered to wear crampons on their footwear and had missed out on the bum-slides that most members had encountered on the way down this particular hill.

We encountered stock grazing - mainly cattle with the odd flock of sheep and gaggle of goats (or herd of goats). As we trudged up hill no.2, we narrowly missed a stampede of marauding cattle; unfortunately we were not so lucky to avoid their remnants - steaming, succulent and pungent cow patties. The dark green colour indicating their freshness! The tornado-like wind currents served as a reminder that trampers must always come prepared for the elements.

As we meandered down hill no.3, we were greeted with staggering views of Te Kuiti and its township. Onwards we reached the Kahikatea Grove, where a carefully tended stony path led us through soft marshland. With all my senses on alert, I thought I heard the shrill scream of ghosts past. I smelt the fear amongst my fellow trampers and sensed rather than felt that strange happenings had occurred in the past. A stile indicated that we had come to the end of this eerie walk.

A hovering grey cloud inched its way closer, warning us of impending doom? A flock of birds scattered, eerily similar to a scene out of Hitchcock's "The Birds". Anna snuggled closer to Michiel for warmth. Michiel, seizing any opportunity, snuggled back. As we sat down to lunch, the weather had changed dramatically. The siren sounded from nearby Te Kuiti, alerting to an escaped prisoner perhaps?

We packed up again, donned coats, jackets, hats and turquoise gloves, and hurried on. We could see the Trig outlined on the horizon, the finishing point for our tramp. Paula and Christine decided to forego the joys of another climb, and headed off to wait for us and the van. We mounted the final hill, a breakaway crew setting a scorching pace. Bets were placed on the final two (Adrienne and Sheila), as to who would get to the Trig first. Just within reach of the Trig, they both turned around and sat down together, thereby indicating their non-acceptance of our bet. After admiring the views, it was a race, similar to the stampede of cattle, to get back to the van and warmth. The tramp had taken exactly 6 hours.

Thanks to Wendy, our illustrious leader, for a lovely day's walk. Thanks must also go to Michiel, who assisted us over various stream crossings, stiles, and 1000 volt electric fences. Thanks to Claire who relentlessly pursued the love interest angle from Gail, but folks, "what happens on tour, stays on tour". And also thank you for my nomination as Hamilton Tramping Club Reflections Writer of the Year Award; Kathy.

Written by Kathy