This text was read by OCR from a scanned newsletter and has not been proofread yet, so expect odd characters and mistakes.
ms) ot of the Kapakapanui climb. Camp was made under trees nearby and we settied down in a somewhat unaccustomed bed on a “pizie pad" on the ground. During that Friday evening it rained - as predicted! I had been asked to lead the trip on the previous Thursday night as I was the only name down for the Fit Trip and the Leader named on the Trip Schedule had to withdraw. I soon ; realised it was going to be a good trip socially whatever the weather might do. At breakfast everyone was cheerful and even eager to begin the 3000 ft. climb onto the snow grass summit; We reached the top after a bit less than three hours' climb,and joined the 'Hasys'* for a lunch stop in somewhat frigid conditions and admired the view of Waikanae, Kapiti Island and across Cook Strait, the South Island. It was a quick descent through the tussock to the bush:- Out of the cold! A rather tedious descent to the logging road followed and onto Renata Hut which was reached at 3.30pm. Renata is 2 reasonable sort of hut - or 80 the resident rats. seem to think. They obviously don't mind the leaking chimney wee/2
and appreciate a bit of company. In fact, thev were so grateful that they rendered an early morning squeaking chorus at 5am. The traditional meat stewwas 2 really good one. In fact it was judged I to be "the best meal I've ever had" by one of our number Instant pud-~ ding and pineapple followed for some, After this huge meal we retired to our pits to listen to the sound of the rain on the roof and to the snores of "certain people" On Sunday we made a civilised start at 9,30am and sloshed through the mud and water down to Frances Stream, Fortunately, it was not up to much. It teok us two hours tc reach the vlace where you leave the stream and climb over a farm road to Cloustonville. Unfortunately it's been 10 years since I've been down this reute and I didn't recognise where to turn across the stream, Still the mistake was soon realised and after lunch in the rain we crossed over the Cloustonviille. Here a friendly manager at the Salvation irmy Cemp let us use an Amenities Block while we waited 2? hours for the bus, All in all, a very enjoyable trip. Those on the trips John Speak, Anne Greenwood, Neil Rowe, Ian Wilson John Medsgon, Bruce Taylor {leader and “soribe).