This text was read by OCR from a scanned newsletter and has not been proofread yet, so expect odd characters and mistakes.
LEADER: - Andrew M. (Smiley)
FOLLOWERS: ~~ _joseph, Angela, Ferrida, Wayne (Hoppy), Alex, Steve, Darren. "Powers of persuasion (or was it the shortage of groundsheets!) convinced our mighty leader that we should spend - Friday night in the Duchess. After all, this was the Easy trip!!, The moment we untied our bed rolls, the Park Ranger . appeared like a vulture to. collect our camping fees. We paid up (reluctantly ay, Wayne?), thanked Andrew for . making us a brew (which nobody wanted) and hit the pit. Bright sunshine and clear skies greeted us on Saturday moming as we all set off for Powell Hut. Even Wayne I (who is-happy to teachanybody how not-to-self-arrest with-crampons) made -it-te Powell in-good time. Joe, Angela and Alex braved the icy ridge up to the summit of Mount Holdsworth. The j joumey was rewarded with spectacular views of the Kapiti Coast Wairarapa and even the South Island. Meanwhile, the rest of the troops relaxed at Powell Hut and contemplated cooking dinner. By 3.30pm they could wait no longer! The marathon dinner preparation began! Four hours later, the meal was ready to devour!’ It was well worth waiting for - especially the self saucing spongy puddings. YUMI!! ; °
Outside the night was chilly - just ask Andrew about his stiff towel! But inside we were kept cosy by a glowing fire and a swig of Peach Schnapps (or was it just water?). Sunday surprised us with more sunshine - take note - that's two consecutive days of sun in the Tararuas! We had plenty of time for a leisurely walk down to Mountain House, along the Atiwhakatu Stream, past Donnelly Flat and back to the carpark. The teenage trip was ONLY an hour.or so late back to the Duchess - must have been the poor navigation and bush crashing skills of their colour blind leader, who was wearing P|N K (not orange) shorts!!
So there endith another Terrific Tararua Tramp where a good time was had by all!