This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 94, no 10, November 2022
Grandparent trip to Parawai Lodge
Tuesday 4 October
The original plan was to spend two nights at Papatahi Lodge. There was initial interest from seven grandparents with 10 grandchildren. As the hut had 10 bunks, it was going to be very snug and one group pulled out - down to 13 people.
Fortuitously, an MF party went into the Ōrongorongo Valley the previous Wednesday and were surprised by how much water was in the river. River crossings required some attention. Back home, the forecast revealed more rain on the way and it was decided to cancel the trip and not even try to cross the river to Waerenga Hut. Other options were being considered. Then Covid hit the children. Three more down and out.
Other overnight possibilities were not going to work, largely because of rain, but the forecast for Tuesday 4 October looked great. One family had already made other plans but the remaining six gladly set out for a day at Parawai Lodge. We had a very nice time. The children enjoyed sausages and explored the surrounding area with walkie talkies. Three did the Arcus loop track before we all trooped back over the slip to the cars. A good day out in the end!
- Party members
- Chris and Peggy Munn with Ollie, Peter and Sue Tunnicliffe with Gabe.