This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 96, no 6, July2024
A Saturday morning sauna at Princess Bay
25th May 2024
Inspired by an intrepid group of sea-swimmers in the tramping club, I reserved a session with Scenic Saunas who operate a mobile sauna at various beaches around Wellington.
Pre-empting a southerly blast, nine women arrived at Princess Bay one Saturday morning; some full of unbridled enthusiasm, others, including me, not so sure. This must surely be madness!
First, a plunge in the chilly waters. Then a good, long recovery in a fabulous wood-fired sauna before another plunge. The second time, I managed to stay in much longer and actually enjoyed the swim – maybe I was numb? Then back to the sauna where ladles of various essential oils created wafts of fragrant steam. Some brave souls had one last invigorating swim but, having got warm and dry, I sneaked off and got dressed.
The session was topped off with muffins and coffee provided by Leonore. and scribe A fun and exhilarating experience!
- Party members
- Lynne White (booking agent and scribe), Christine Ben Tovim, Leonore Hoke, Anne Hubbard, Samantha Kenny, Jenny Mason, Penny Salmond, Christine Whiteford and Cathy Wylie.