Clever trick wins tramper award
Trampers can be good at problem-solving but some are particularly canny. Let me tell you about Diane Harries who mastered the dilemma of crossing a problematic stream without getting her feet wet.
When you walk the Deerford Track in the western Ruahine Forest Park, one of first obstacles is a stream. It’s not very wide or deep but has slippery rocks and the crossing challenges the stoutest boots. Di knew about this when she joined a Wanganui Tramping Club trip, so brought along two sturdy Dry Bags used to keep gear water-free on canoe trips. The rest of the party gathered on the bank to watch as Di placed her feet into the bags, ventured gingerly into the stream — and crossed dry as a bone.
On the way back to the carpark she repeated the feat. That day 15 trampers got their feet wet twice but Di’s makeshift gumboots were up to the task — which earns her Scroggin’s Clever Tramper of the Year Award.
Highlights for the club in January will be multi-day tramps in the Tararua and Kaweka Forest Parks but there are also several day trips which should be popular, particularly the Rematuka rail trail. Two trips will take trampers to the beach — an overnighter at Waiinu Beach and a day exploring South Taranaki beaches.
The club’s full programme for January is:
■ Wed 2, Remutaka rail trail, leaders Dave and Roger
■ Sun 6, Otaki River Walkway, leader Sandra
■ Thurs-Fri 10-11, Waiinu Beach, leaders Esther and Margret
■ Sat-Tues 12-15, Tararua circuit, leader Mike
■ Sat or Sun 12 or 13, Papaiti wandering, leaders Laurel and Richard
■ Sat-Mon 19-21, Kaweka circuit, leader Tracy
■ Sat 19, Waitahinga Trails, leader Dorothy
■ Sat or Sun 26 or 27, South Taranaki beaches, leader Dave
Make all inquiries about trips to Barbara phone 348 9149 or Dorothy phone 345 7039.
The midweekers have a full programme of interesting trips every Wednesday. Those who get out on Thursday are in two groups, with a longer walks on January 17 and 31 and a shorter one for the TT2 group on January
13. The Wednesday contact is Margret, phone 344 3899, and the Thursday contact is Val, phone 345 0456.
To join weekend trips call the leader by the previous Tuesday at the latest. Call by the night before for day trips. Leaders have the final say about who to take.
■ For further information contact Barbara at 348 9149 or visit our website www.wanganuitrampingclub.net The next club meeting is in February.