This text was read by OCR from a scanned newsletter and has not been proofread yet, so expect odd characters and mistakes.
Jeanine Langvik
calmly. We explored the shallow Hardcastle Lagoon, full of geese, swans and other big birds, water weeds, and duck shooters’ shacks. The river then slowly meandered on through farm land. After lunch the landscape gradually began to change, with more pine trees and steeper banks. The perfect campsite materialised just would have continued until she drowned. Wet as a drowned cat, she jumped up onto the back of my kayak, spraying me with water. Her family were happy to see her - having no idea she had taken off swimming or where she was. After this dramatic start to the trip, the rest of the day continued
at the tight time, and we managed to get our flies up just as the rain started. We had a good night out despite the rain - the large bonfire, the food, the liquefied grapes and toasted marshmallows made all the difference! The rain continued into Sunday with the river level somewhat higher than the day before. As we paddled on around the corner, we could see the steam from the thermal area of Orakei Korako. Hot water bubbled along the shore, vents were spewing out steam, and we had to be careful not to melt out boats as our cockpits heated up. Past the action of Orakei Korako, the river widens out to form lake Ohakuri, which continues on to the Ohakuri dam - one of the numerous dams on the river. Our plan was to find some hotpools in a small arm off the main lake, and have a soak there before lunch. Half of the group had, however, set off at their own quick pace across the lake, and although being chased by Wayne and Lindsay, they lost out on the hot pools in the end. The rest of us had a good soak, although the water temperature was somewhat inconsistent, which resulted in us having to play musical chairs around the hot water current. The group then reunited and continued up the northern arm of the lake just as the sun came out. This was a really scenic finish to the weekend as the lake narrowed in to form a gorge. We met up with the kayak rental people (without the dog this time) and paddled the rest of the journey with them. We reached the coach just as the drizzle set in again.
Fancy a relaxing weekend in a great spot with awesome views?
Have you thought about
over the summer break?
Does a soothing soak in a thermal pool appeal?
. spending a weekend or a few days in the luxury of our very own Club Lodge on Mt Ruapehu
Lodge rates are now half price for the summer, so don’t miss this opportunity to spend some time in a fantastic location. Contact the Lodge Booking Officer Now!
1 x pair of gogales 1 x toreh 1x pair of longjohns e
Lost Proper ty (Unclaimed)
The ahove items can be uplifted at Club from the Gear Cupboard.
Peak 1 Primus (White Spirits) Good condition - goes well Offers! Ph. Tony Stone: 493-5764 (w) 386-1819 (h)
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