This text was read by OCR from a scanned newsletter and has not been proofread yet, so expect odd characters and mistakes.
Well, it appears the ankle-biters trip last month was a smashing success. At least that’s what young Amanda Bunckenburg and Anklebiter gang thought (I wonder if the pack carriers had as much fun?). Anyway, I’11 leave it to Amanda to tell you the details -
" Dear Editor Austin
I just wanted to tell you that me and my friends think this tramping lark is alright. Infact we all enjoyed ourselves so much we’re going again. Adam McConchie will be in charge next time. Well, there were lots and lots of us gathered at the carpark on Sunday ready to walk the Mangaone walkway. Too many for me to count and even Rachel Taylor couldn’t help me after ten. We set of at 10.30 am and, Oh dear, two minutes later everyone had wet feet! A few of us knew better and know when we’re well off - its a better view from a backpack anyway! We walked, or were transported, for what seemed like ages. I can’t remember many hills, but there was a pretty waterfall or two and lots of lovely flat bits. By the time we reached the farmland my tummy was rumbling and I know of two friends who couldn’t wait and had to stop for an early lunch along the way. We found a lovel:; picnic site down by the river and before long we were all eating our peanut butter sandwiches even though it was only 11.30 am. Dad built a huge fire with lots of help so he could have a cup of tea and Matthew and Ryan Halverson could cook their sausages. Lots of people took their shoes and socks off for a paddle. I was quite happy learning how to throw stones into the river with Ngarangi Te Rini while. everyone else ran about - I’m still learning, though Robert Brocklehurst said when he’s got it right he’1l give me a few lessons. When we’d had our quota of sunshine and were all getting a bit tired we headed back the way we came. Sorry, but I can’t remember much about the trip home except I managed to get back to the carpark with dry feet. So Austin, please could you tell your friends in the club that we had a "neat" time and if there’s any kids out their who missed out last time and would like to come along next time, they are quite welcome. Dad says they can contact him. Oops, and don’t forget to tell them that there’s no age limit Bye-bye, anand Bunckenburg - trip leader (and ankle=-nipper) "
I ; ( h