Merry chrismaqunzahanukkahWell it has been a wile since my last post; be that as it may I will try and cover everything and include as many pictures as possible. last you heard from me I was gearing up for the on slot of school children (age 14,15). As part of their education many New Zealand schools require them to go on camps. These camps range from surfing and tramping (hiking) to canoeing down the Whanganui River. Introduce Fraser, the river guide who not only teaches the kids (and teachers and parents) how to canoe but also guides them through, sometimes, a life changing experience. For many of these kids it is there first time away from computers and cell phones. This can be tough at first, however many kids soon overcome this challenge (among others) and really grow over the course of 3-5 days. After the initial culture shock most of the kids loose there “school personalities” and become who they really are. In many cases new friends are made because social barriers that would otherwise prevent kids from hanging out are broken, and good friendships are made. It’s too bad that the camps are at the end of the year because it is unlikely that the kids will maintain contact with their new friends over the summer. Then again hopefully I am wrong. At the end of each of the trips it was clear that the kids had gone through a very special experience, even the most hardened city dweller felt a little bit in awe at the experience he, or she had gone through. Several times at the end of the trip the students preformed a Haka (Maori war dance). These War dances are used to intimidate their opponents and very powerful to watch. Fun on the riverAs a guides we often get caught in the regurgitate information eddy, and we forget that we are in fact human and although the clients have paid for a guide they often want a human as well. It can be a lot of fun (with the right guests) to be a little bit silly, do hand stands (in the canoe?), crack jokes, create food that not only tastes good but looks good (and if the clients want to help cook dinner, go for it). Merry ChristmasOn the 24th of December Eric Besselman and I hoped in the car and headed to the Kaituna River. After a late get away we arrived at the river a bit late, but there was still time for a couple of laps before heading to bed. Christmas morning, we got up really early, ate a light breakfast for granola and fruit and hit the river with over 60 other people. After a couple more laps a siesta was needed and more food was eaten. Then it was off to the beach were much swimming and body surfing was had. We then toured around the bay of plenty looking for a camp ground, it was found perhaps a bit late (9ish). For dinner we enjoyed lamb, bubbly and a fruit salad. The next morning we woke to a blue bird sky and the sound of a tour bus departing…glorious. After pancakes, whip cream and REAL MAPLE SYRUP. We left at the crack of noon to enjoy a leisurely drive back to Ohakune, not before a stop at Taupo for their famous kebabs (shawarma). Tongariro crossingOn January 19th I hoped into the car of some guest from my previous trip and headed toward national park to hike the Tongariro crossing. The Tongariro Crossing starts beside the Mangatepopo stream, and winds its way up the valley towards mount Tongariro. There you begin the devils stair case, this stair winds its way up the side of Tongariro and up beside the base of Ngauruahoe. From the top of the stair the temperature gets noticeably cooler, and significantly windier. from there I hiked across the Red Crater and on towards the summit. After a watch check I decided that going towards the the other car park would not be desirable, so I headed back down the mountain to the car park. I was quickly picked up by a couple from Madrid who kindly dropped my off at the highway, saving me from a 7 km walk out. from the highway it was easy thumbing back towards Ohakune. Well That was a wordy one, I have some time off now so I am excited to finally explore the surrounding area. Until next time...
Fraser
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AuthorHi there! Archives
February 2021
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