It was a relief to finally set foot in the lodge late on Saturday afternoon.

After the scheduled bus never arrived to pick us up it was a mad scramble to find transport. With cruise ships back in town we were only able to get a 22-seater (a big thank you to Kim Hayward of Iconic Tours), and with the school van and Mr Scott’s car, we left Dunedin just after 9am. The class waiting at Mt Aspiring Station for our arrival were most relieved to see us!

There was little time to settle into the lodge. With an unfavourable forecast we made the most of a small window of good weather to head out on an overnight trip the next afternoon. It was a particularly fast turn-around for Ms Hope who had literally just arrived as we headed off up Matukituki River’s East Branch. Arriving on sunset, there was only a few brave souls who took a swim while others worked busily to erect tents, collect firewood and to begin cooking meals. There were some interesting variations on the menu but all seemed content as we dozed off to the calls of a Morepork. In the morning several boys were roused by a couple of curious cows. One group even lost a loaf of bread! With the tents wet and the sun out the decision was made to delay our departure. This gave those less brave the chance to have a swim, too, or a chance to fish for those with their rods (William Nichol recording the only catch of the trip).

The warm temperatures made for a tough return walk to the lodge. Getting into some of the fine home-baking on our return, the decision was made to take the group to the iconic Wishbone Falls for a swim. Unfortunately a strong wind meant it was considerably colder in the spray of the falls and most opted to lap in and out to keep warm.

Tuesday was hump day and the persistent drizzle meant the group were lodge-bound for the majority of the day. Board games and inter-bunkroom competitions were the day’s activities, as well as the daily chores, before layering up to go out and check the trap line. A few rats caught showing the job that is still needing to be done to clear the valley of pests.

Wednesday and some respite in the rain saw us have a day outside orienteering and kayaking. Judd Flannery impressed everyone with his skills in an enclosed kayak while everyone else was content paddling the flat top kayaks in and out of eddies. A few opted to swim as well and provided another highlight for the week. After some hot showers the final evening was taken up with skits and singing. Performances were judged by staff. Group 6 (Tom Wilson, Andre Adams, Oak Chisholm, Issac Smith, Kaiau Karena and Gunha Park) took the overall prize and the individual performance of Nicholas Thom (playing the Rector) was also recognised. With a late finish the 6.30am wake-up was tough for some. Fortunately, an efficient clean up saw us leave the lodge with plenty of time to enjoy the day’s sun.

A great group of boys and staff (Mr Scott, Ms Hope, Shannon McNatty, Ben Sinnamon and Mr Willmott) provided many good memories. Maybe, for some, more will be made in the future.