Seventeen had booked for this mid-winter trip and thirteen came, no doubt buoyed by the weather forecast and the promise of good company. Both were correct.
A party of six and a party of three were dropped at the Waiorongomai Valley and the bus went round to Franklin Rd.
The longer tramp went up Pylon Track, along the Kaimai Ridgeway and the Waipapa into Waitawheta Hut. Auckland and Howick Tramping Clubs have done an excellent job of clearing the Ridgeway and it was a lot easier than it was six months ago.
The six of us made it to the hut by 4.30 pm with rain most of the afternoon. Unfortunately, any chance of a view was defeated by the weather closing in. Waipapa Track was a little slow in places due to a couple of large windfalls, but I’m sure it would be great in good weather.
The Franklin Road group had a fire waiting in the hut when we arrived, and even better, we had the place to ourselves.
Lynda’s alarm woke us all at six am on Sunday. Eileen was the lucky one; she had camped outside in the storm.
Seven of us returned to the Waiorongomai, four going to Franklin Rd via the Ananui waterfall and Bluff Stream, and two going back to the bus. The day was much colder and at 800 metres more layers were needed. At the Waiorongomai Saddle the weather was too unpleasant for a detour to the summit of Mt Te Aroha, so we descended to the old mine workings alongside the Piako County Tramline.
We managed to have lunch just before we were hit by a tremendous hailstorm that turned the track white. Quite spectacular.
We reached the carpark ahead of time so we walked along the road to Te Aroha for coffee and cake. Unfortunately, the party of four took longer than planned due to the overgrown track and we had eaten curries by the time they met us.
Thanks to Bernard and Karen for driving, and to everyone for being such good company. For those who were experiencing their first ‘hut’ weekend with the club, well done.