2784 Tongariro Forest One Weekend Only, Sept 15-16 2018

**** Reviewed by Seasoned Tramper

Cast: John W, driver, leader ; Jean W, his accomplice; John Mc, driver, bearer of GPS; Merlyn, new to WTC but not to tramping; Rizal, motelier at Ten Man Hut?; Dale, Aucklander, experienced tramper, so must be good sort; Damon, bearer of everything but kitchen sink.

Scene: Conservation Area accessed from Owhango. Disused logging roads, logging roads used by 4WDs, 42 Traverse track used by cyclists and 4WDs. Also an area of intrigue, a previous WTC trip here fraught with confusion.

Act 1: Scene 1: The Tramp, Saturday

About 4 hours, included time spent looking for tracks that may or may not exist. Intrepid group battled through thickets of cutty grass and bush lawyer, negotiating the maze of tracks. A waterfall, good views from high points, dry underfoot a lot of the time with some muddy sections. 2 people with 2 quad bikes, one of which was seriously stuck in the mud. No help wanted! Great weather after having left Hamilton in fog. Many photos taken along the way.

Scene 2: The Camp

7 of us, 7 young men (old school mates), 1 hut called Ten Man Hut but holding only 8. Room for our tents and for the tent kindly lent by one of the young men for the use of Merlyn and Dale before they had drawn straws for the spare bunk. Also on site, 1 dog, 4 quad bikes, 1 Polaris. Hot showers in progress - them, not us. Drone demo, thanks to Damon.

Scene 3: The Evening

Mild weather so everyone cooked and ate outside. Sounds and smells of cooking steak for dinner - them, not us. Interesting snippets of conversation overheard while we tackled our dehy meals. Studying the night sky, identifying planets, stars and planes. Discussion of compass points and flight paths. Joined after dark by 2 more people, 2 more dogs and 1 more quad bike. No doubt now an even cosier hut.

Act 2: Scene 1: The Camp, Sunday

Awoken by dawn chorus and hunters departing. A comfortable, if slightly chilly night had by all. Weather still fine but cloudy. Steak for breakfast - them, not us. Packed up and away before 8.30am.

Scene 2: The Tramp

This time about 5 hours, some back-tracking required on confusing tracks. Talk of a second night out, this time back in the hut. Again, some mud holes to negotiate. Predator traps, healthy bush, big rimu trees, mountain cabbage trees, fuchsia and clematis flowers. Beautiful bird-song, tui, tomtits, fantails, kereru, kiwi footprints in the mud and ruru at night. Another waterfall. We expect to see some of the many photos taken in next year's photo competition. A pleasant tramp with good company and not too many physical demands.

Scene 3: The End

Successfully completing the circuit had an interesting effect on the group. There were hallucinatory visions: a bunch of daffodils and a blue elephant at the track end. More importantly, our cars were still there. Thanks to all cast members for a very satisfying production filled with both enjoyment and surprises.

Photo Credits - Rizal Razak