I firstly want to thank Robert for leading a most magnificent trip and my fellow companions Jean, Judith and Steve for making the sometimes difficult and challenging trip one to remember forever.
My personal journey from this trip. I can say without a doughty that the Whirinaki is the most beautiful and spiritual place i have the privilege to visit. It tested me not only physically by emotionally. If every i needed a reason to become a tramper, the Whirinaki is it. I have always admired the calendars of New Zealand and said one day i would like to have photos of my own and the experience of getting them. Well now, i have them. Well enough of that. The Trip. Day one, Left Auckland at 7.00am had the all-important first cup of coffee at Tirau and a sticky bun for good measure. Collected lunch At Subway in Rotorua and had it at the start of the track. All good humoured and rearing to go. Just fell in love with the surroundings almost strait away. After four hours and as a group a few falls, walking into tree stumps we were not that impressed and asking ourselves what we had got ourselves into. (OK not all of us winging and having a sense of humour failure, two of us to be precise) Robert was getting worried as the track sign said 2.5 hours to the hut and we were already four hours into the trip and not at the junction.
After about 5 hours we arrived at the hut with enough daylight hours to cook our dinner. Two of us were now at this stage wondering what we had got ourselves into and a bit dissolution and going to give up tramping , for ever, but we were given the most fantastic surprise a G&T. Harmony once again settled on the group much to everyone relief. The next day up early and full of hope we set out to the next hut. A much better day and many photos taken even the river crossing were exciting. Oh, i forgot to tell you we had the promise of more G&T's at the other end. Two of us are very easy bought. That part of the trip took 5 hours and much easier than the previous day. If you are still wondering whether we are giving up tramping forever, don't worry you still have us (just) but now we just being a bit choose about the trips we will do. We arrive at the next hut and we are rendered speechless by the beauty and tranquillity of the surroundings. The sounds of the stream and the birds just brought tears to our eyes. The T in the G&T was put in the fridge for our sun downers at the river's edge. Finding our voice, we just had to have a campfire after dinner of Roast Lamb and Nassi Goering and red wine no less. Thanks Steve for looking after the drinks. Telling stories and listening to past trips around the fire just finished the evening off on such a high note. Off to bed early as we had an early rise the next day to get catch our ride. The girls set off first and the boys did the cleaning up. There was a lot of ooooh and arrrrrr and holy moley's as each corner just presented us with a new surprise. Three blue ducks minding their own business on the river yet another highlight. With lighter packs and an easier track, all was good with the world. The best of the trip was saved for last even doing a side track to see the waterfall. The end of the trip had mixed emotions; thank goodness, we can put our feet up but sad to go. The 305 photos taken on the trip is a testimony to the secrets of the Whirinaki, Ghost trees, trolls and leprechauns all living in harmony with the fairies looking out for them. I don't think i will ever see so many shades of green all in one place for a long time to come. Yes girls 305 not 150 i thought i took. Thanks again to all for a wonderful trip and such a privilege to have shared the experience with you all. I know i will go back once is not enough,
Writer Denise.
