Liking the Lake

Dec. 17, 2009
After a 5 hour drive up to Lake Waikaremoana, we were all very tired. Nothing like 62 kms of unsealed and sealed windy roads to make you wish yourself out of the car at the end of the journey. We were happy to see that our friend Bridget Mead and her friend Wendy were there to meet us. The adults were in need of a break from the kids. Some games and some wine and things were looking much rosier.

At the Lake, it reminded the kids a lot of teacher’s camp. They were able to go exploring in the bush and look for things on a scavenger hunt. They loved the freedom. If you are at the Lake, you cannot hide from exercise. There is too much to see and do. First thing in the morning we were up and on the trails. We had to go and see the Rata tree that Di and I and friends had our picture taken with in the snow some 13 years ago. It took us about 45 mins of climbing to get there. Consequently it takes that long to get back. The kids managed well. When we got back to camp Bridget and Wendy were ready to go on a longer hike up to the smaller lake up the hill. We were keen to go, so off we went again after a little bit of food. This time the hike UP to Lake Waikariti was all UP hill for a good hour. There was a bit of a struggle to get Dianne and our Bridget UP there but we all made it, but were stuffed. It was 900 ft climb from the lower lake.

Bridget Mead had a great idea to hire row boats on the upper lake and row over to an island that has another lake on it. It was fun to row a boat again. I had forgotten how difficult it was to make both arms do the same thing at the same time. Both the girls had a go at trying to row the boat. They thought it was cool. The water on Waikariti was so clear and pure, you just wanted to reach out with a cup and have a drink. The girls had a quick dip in lake san clothing. Brave young girls. So after about 2 hours on the lake, we still had to make the hour trek back DOWN the hill. We all made it down alive and back to our campsite.

The trip to Lake Waikaremoana was a great escape from the normal daily schedule of travels. We finished off time at the lake with some beautiful waterfalls. We promised the girls that it would not require any walking. They were completely exhausted from all the day before activities.

We are now back in Gisborne for the holidays. I won’t be posting much over the break. Too much socializing and soaking up the sun to take the time to sit behind the computer.
Have a safe and happy holiday season.
Carolyn