As in 2021 our end of year/Christmas do was at Ōtoromiro Hotel. Sixty people including driver Viktor and Associate Members Sally, Neil and Derek booked for the buffet lunch. Viktor’s consummate bus driving skills were in evidence as he – with assistance from a number of trampers – negotiated the hilltop turn around trucks and workers busy with the construction of a new observation centre.
Various walking options were available: Some of those in cars walked up the hill to meet those (led by Chris and tailended by Janice) walking down, while others joined those walking along the waterfront. The walk from the Sign of the Bellbird via the Crater Rim and Faulkners Tracks undulated gently and then was steadily downwards, conducive to a walking song, putting some words to a tune that is as old as the hills (with apologies to Frederic Austin).
| On the first day of Christmas
My tramp’n club gave to me A pigeon in a pūriri tree
On the second day of Christmas My tramp’n club gave to me Two walking poles And a pigeon in a pūriri tree
On the third day of Christmas My tramp’n club gave to me Three sixty views Two walking poles And a pigeon in a pūriri tree
On the fourth day of Christmas My tramp’n club gave to me Four mountain huts Three sixty views … And a pigeon in a pūriri tree
On the fifth day of Christmas My tramp’n club gave to me Fiiiive first aid kits Four mountain huts …And a pigeon in a pūriri tree
On the sixth day of Christmas My tramp’n club gave to me Six scenic bus trips Fiiiive first aid kits … And a pigeon in a pūriri tree |
On the seventh day of Christmas My tramp’n club gave to me Seven morning tea stops Six scenic bus trips … And a pigeon in a pūriri tree
On the eighth day of Christmas My tramp’n club gave to me Eight boots a-muddied Seven morning tea stops … And a pigeon in a pūriri tree
On the ninth day of Christmas My tramp’n club gave to me Nine leaders leading Eight boots a-muddied … And a pigeon in a pūriri tree
On the tenth day of Christmas My tramp’n club gave to me Ten hills to climb Nine leaders leading … And a pigeon in a pūriri tree
On the eleventh day of Christmas My tramp’n club gave to me Eleven water bottles Ten hills to climb … And a pigeon in a pūriri tree |
On the twelfth day of Christmas
My tramp’n club gave to me
Twelve river crossings
Eleven water bottles
Ten hills to climb
Nine leaders leading
Eight boots a-muddied
Seven morning tea stops
Six scenic bus trips
Fiiiive first aid kits
Four mountain huts
Three sixty views
Two walking poles
And a pigeon in a pūriri tree
Mercifully, we were soon at the bottom! Following a change of clothing for some, we all enjoyed mains and puddings and beverages too – and extra-convivial company on the bus ride home. Best wishes to all for the festive season.
Text by Jen C
