The instructions were to be at platform 9 by 5.15 for a 5.30 take-off. Arriving, I find snow chains being fitted. Don’t they know the snow has gone? Don’t worry, it is only that Kate wants to see sparks. OK. Then out came the map book as there was concern that the Manawatu Gorge was shut. Wait a minute aren’t we going to Mangaweka? It appeared a certain punter was a bit geographically challenged. That sorted, it was into the next great debate: where was dinner. Must be Bulls as there great kebabs. No Levin, as it has more selection, after all there is Pizza Hut. The Bulls kebabs won out and then the place was packed! So, fish & chips or Subway. So sad. The trip up was, to say the least, entertaining with Kate and Jo in full flight. Just as well what goes on trip, stays on trip.
Arriving at Kawhatau Base road end the path was covered in snow so when the van got stuck the order was to push with the chains staying in the van (that figures). The dogs at the gate had Jo flicking between hiding behind the van and going for the gate. The goats did not help. It was all worth it when the lodge came into view complete with its cloth covered mattress.
The over the river cage took much organising. The first across must have a key to the van and so must the last as on the last trip poor Dirk got left behind. I suppose that’s why he went second this time.
With all the snow we were going to do plan C – join the medium group at McKinnon for the night. In the end we did plan D. Joining the M group meant the MF had to be the snow ploughs. It was just as well Hans had long legs as the snow got deeper. By the time we reached the bush line it was almost waist deep on the shorter members of the group. With the sun trying to shine, no wind and soft powder snow it was magic on the tops. Well it would have been if we could move. After slogging for nearly an hour and going no more than 300m defeat was admitted so the decision was made to return to the lodge for another night i.e. Plan D. But not before a photo stop and play (Pete spread eagle on the snow, a feat he had always wanted to do, Dirk playing roly poly and Kate trying to run off into the distance). Down was interesting as the snow was melting into slush, which made for very slippery going. I have not wiped out or ended on my bum so many times since learning to tramp as a teen. However, all did make it down in one piece. Snow melt from the trees proved a problem with impromptu falls with one memorable fall collecting 4 senior members while they rested.
Having not done much snow work before I have since come to the conclusion that leather boots just don’t hold out the water well enough as my feet froze. Thanks heavens for pyromaniac Pete and his fire.
In the lodge book past users complained about the generator not starting. As a services Engineer I was tasked with starting this 2 cylinder Lister, that looked almost as old as me, and came with no instruction. Was I set up for failure with our leader only giving me a 30/70% chance of success? She who has so little faith. And yes we did end up with lights.
This Kate lead trip was considered as a success after all we got out of the hut and walked for a little while at least… She now answers to the ‘Grand ole Duke’ as she marched us to the top of the hill then marched us back down again.
With the walking accomplished on the Saturday, Sunday was a sedate trip back punctuated by coffee fixes and information views, once the goats where out of the way.
When I asked “Are there many first timers dumb enough to do a MF on their first trip?” the reply was “not that come back”. Will I be back? Given the quality of the company and the accommodation and the good time I had, yes I will be back.