This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 88, no 2, Mar 2016
Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh tramp
21st November, 2015
On Saturday the 21st of November 2015, 8 intrepid trampers set out on a journey to the Ōrongorongo River, accompanied by two adults - Bharat Pancha and Ann Matthews. (both TTC members. Ed.) The morning started with grey weather but we were positive and looked forward to tramping together. It was a mild tramp that lasted two days. By the end of the first day we had crossed a river, built a dam, roasted marshmallows and were covered in mud. Little did we know more fun was coming. We woke the next morning to the sound of wild sheep; they were very woolly and had come to say hello. The second day was slightly harder and we temporarily lost a student, then picked up some others from the Tararua Tramping Club (shout out to them for letting us use their hut!) First we climbed, then we descended. Some of our trials included tripping over roots, coming across dead possums caught in traps, climbing through gorse and sore ankles coming down hill. However we made it through with teamwork, sharing food and laughs on our breaks and singing songs while soldiering on. By the end we were tired but satisfied and proud of ourselves for completing the tramp. I guess you could say tramping has changed our lives.
We would really recommend doing a tramp next year if you’re interested.
- Party members
- (Report prepared jointly by: ) Sophie Tait, Finn Jobson, Emma Smith, Kahu McCaskill.