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KOHUKOHUNUI
PLUS
A
MULTINATIONAL BILATERAL APPROACH TO THE WAHARAU
AREA
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The 4TC-UK
Waharau Expedition justified a dawn start in cloudy but promising
weather. English guests Thelma and Chris showed touching faith in
Claire’s ability to keep Lindsay, Nigel, and Carl under control, and
set off bravely with the rest of the group from the Waharau
carpark.
The
climb up to the ridge was as steep as ever but was eased by tales of
canal boating (far more relaxing than tramping), and a welcome
breather at the lookout. Further enjoyable chatter accompanied the
ascent of the south face of Adams Lookout. There high level
bilateral talks were held resulting in the party splitting – Nigel,
Thelma and Chris to retrace the route and finish the Waharau loop;
Claire, Carl and Lindsay to complete the Kohukohunui/Mangatangi
Ridge circuit. The breeze faded and the clouds vanished as the teams
set off in their different
directions.
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Adams Lookout - Thelma, Chris &
Nigel
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The Waharau loop division strode in pleasant harmony along
their planned route, pausing for refreshments and views, enjoying
the bush and the stream, and arriving well satisfied back at the
cars.
In the other team Claire’s character withstood the test
of Carl’s and Lindsay’s constant needling, and she preserved team
unity with blissful weather, a guided tour of the refurbishment at
Trig Hut, and graciously permitting an after-lunch
snooze.
The sleep
worked wonders on the grumpy ones and the group descended
delightful, fern-carpeted tracks to the Mangatangi steam crossing. A
further rest recharged batteries for the climb up to the ridge and
the long descent back to the car. |
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Even without Claire’s
clever promise of ice creams, there was a case made for this being the best day tramp in the Hunuas.
The entire party
reunited safely back at base camp in Manurewa to share tales of
bravado and spectacular achievements.
Written by: Lindsay
Wood
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Carl
& Claire
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