14-15 September 2013

(Scribe - Annemarie Robb)

 This was advertised as a weekend that would suit everyone and I'm sure no-one was disappointed.  We headed off from Hamilton loaded with supplies and were met by the welcoming committee at Whakapapa who led us up the hill to WML.  It was all that everyone had raved about, I especially liked the curtains in the bunk rooms.

We were woken to the smells of sausages and eggs, and glorious views.  There seemed to be lots of activities planned - some went skiing, some went climbing, there were walks to Silicia Rapids and Taranaki Falls and some just enjoyed the view from the inside looking out.  It was a fantastic day with all sorts of colours, smells, vistas, sunshine, the quiet cruch of snow underfoot, peaceful reflective beech forest to wander through and for my group of friendly ladies a lovely sit in the Chateau library at lunchtime enjoying a coffee and the view of Ngauruhoe in the distance.

We were promised a roast dinner with all the trimmings with apple crumble to follow and we weren't disappointed.  There was plenty on the night and plenty on the breakfast table the next morning, without the wine!

Some rose early on Sunday to watch the America's Cup live on TV at Lorenzo's while the rest of us listened on the radio and what excitment that was.  Sundays events felt more leisurely for some but the hearty trampers decided to walk up to the fabulous Koll Ridge cafe while others went in style on the chair lifts.  The day was clear and the views were magnificent.  On the way down a snow man was made with a very chiselled jaw line thanks to the artistic efforts of Sam and some snow angels were attempted by the friendly ladies.

The obligatory icecream stop was made on the way home and the comment was made"isn't it amazing that only 2 nights ago we hardly knew each other and now we have these wonderful lasting shared experiences"