This text was read by OCR from a scanned newsletter and has not been proofread yet, so expect odd characters and mistakes.
The easy trip to Herepal Hut was internationally orientated and consisted of a merry band of six. Brian and Chris were the only full blooded kiwis, on the other side were the author of this piece, Jim the Jock, Mary from the Solomon Islands, Alleen from the Philippines, and group leader Holly from Canada. A comfortable and warm night was spent in the truck whilst the other mugs, sorry, trampers, headed into a dark and rain soaked bush. Next day was an easy ascent to Herepai Hut. A brave foray by Chris, Holly and I to scale Mt. Herepai was beaten back by mist. Night-time was enlivened by poker dice brought along by Chris and even the minor problem of complete darkness did not Interrupt the fun. After a leisurely breakfast, Mary and I attempted to climb Mt Herepai but were beaten back again by the same mist and wind as before. Brian related a spine chilling story of a night time prowiing rat and shortly afterward found the culprit alive. A ferocious struggle ensued after which the beast gave up its life and Brian stood victorious.
Thereafter a leisurely descent was made to the truck and we all lived happily ever after.
Jim Gardiner.