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Several minutes of meticulous
last-minute planning enabled Carl, Noel and Lindsay
(scribe) to leave base only half an hour late.
The team enjoyed a sociable drive to the start and,
unperturbed by blue skies, set off on the Omanawanui track
along the north head of the Manukau Harbour. Some fortitude
was needed to cope with all the “ups” as this was meant to
be the downhill leg, but each time his charges became tired
and grumpy, leader Carl discovered a rejuvenating view or a
sunny spot for a morale-boosting drink.
On the final hill spirits were buoyed by the grand 360°
panorama, encompassing the Whatipu flats, the bush of the
Waitakeres, the Manukau Harbour, and the mighty coastal
sweep from the Manukau bar to the haze in the deep south.
Ever-hopeful Lindsay even claimed that the smudge in the
distant clouds was Mt. Taranaki.
Hunger drove the party on down to the Whatipu picnic area
where they had an early lunch and a little-deserved rest.
The ensuing walk up the Kura track was a delight, with a
gentle stream, clear skies and cool air making ideal
conditions. It seemed no time at all before Noel was
pointing to another favourite spot to “enjoy the bush a
little more before we reach the road”. Sure enough, after
only a few more minutes the track disgorged the happy trio
right next to a familiar white van.
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