21 March 2010

Leader:  Phil Waterhouse

Prior to arriving at our destination we met at the gas station designated rendezvous where an outside sandwich board advertised Cow and Gate Milk.  Huh?  Was that supposed to be Cow and Goat Milk?  Karamu Walkway began from the Four Brothers Scenic Reserve on the Hamilton-Raglan Highway for 16 hardy trampers at 9.40am, on a pleasant, breezy Sunday in March.  A moderate climb through bush led to open farmland, with superb 360 degree views and impressive outcrops of limestone, offering an opportunity to appreciate the rural scenery with sheep and cattle close at hand.  Soon a long line developed as some hiked faster with myself the nominated tail-end Charlie.   Someone asked me for the time of day and I reached into my bag – to discover my cellphone/timepiece wasn’t there.  Oh no!  It must have dropped somewhere …  Nonetheless I pushed on and mentioned the loss at lunch time in the hope that it would be found on the return tramp.   Lucky we were going back the same way, lucky it wasn’t raining.

A farmer and his son drove by on their quad bikes as we were walking.  While the farmer was loaded with his small son sitting in front of him plus three farm dogs perched behind him enjoying the ride, alongside him came the cutest little confident rider on a small motorbike as he accompanied his dad to check on the stock.  Lunch was had on a hillside overlooking a peaceful valley with Mt Pirongia in the distance.  We proceeded back the way we had come.  At one of the gates a pencil was picked up belonging to  …. me!  I had dropped it.  Much further along, the main group waited for two of us to catch up, stopping for a water break (or so I thought).   Someone offered to help get my water bottle out, and was even keen to assist with the putting back of my water bottle – so kind!  Suddenly my cellphone rang!  That’s my cellphone!  But where was it ringing?  From my backpack said my companion who immediately fished it out.  By this time everyone was roaring with laughter ….  Unbeknown to me, people who shall remain nameless, had found my cellphone on the track and plotted a scheme to hide the thing in my backpack, then ring my cellphone , while everybody would enjoy the fun – except the two of us catching up!   I have some great friends!   Nevertheless I was most grateful that my cellphone had been found. 

Onwards we walked, this time everyone in high spirits.   We saw beautiful nikau palms with red flowers, unusual limestone shapes, also unusual tree shapes, sheep, cattle and their numerous droppings. 

Thanks Phil for a great tramp.

Mary Cooper