Meanwhile, at 7.0 a.m. in the bus garage the organisers, led by Elizabeth Kinnell and Ian "Shorts" Morris were stoically preparing gear for a good day out.
At the Strand, eleven stalwarts were gleefully transported to Army Bay where four other trampers had arrived. Raincoats were donned over Christmassy clothing (but not Imogen's antlers!}, then all except organisers set off through the new predator-free- fence's double gate, and traipsed around the Point. Coats were soon off and everyone enjoyed the freshness of the air, the white newly-shorn sheep, the red and green of the varieties of Pohutukawa, and the convivial company. Funny that the swimming was mentioned, but only in passing.
As ordered, we arrived back at the bus just after 12.0 p.m., perfectly timed, as then the rain started and stayed. We settled under the canopy for a delightful shared barbequed sausages, lunch and drinks. Twas a typical Kiwi party - boys in the "kitchen" and girls sitting around the food. Still, can't complain - they cleaned up too.
The journey home was a bonus too - no traffic queues on the wet Sunday motorway, so back to the Strand around 3.30 p.m. A really worthwhile picnic, thanks Elizabeth and Brian.
(At least there was no snow!)