For 10H, Mount Aspiring delivered yet again!
By Daniel Hayman and Max Cunninghame | Posted: Friday March 25, 2022
Over the course of the week, we did it all.
We tramped, camped, swam, built dams, orienteered, swam some more, kayaked, and more. The wide-open expanses of the Matukituki Valley housed the full-spirited, ready for action class; plus Mr Moller, Mr Scott, Mr Thomas, and Ms Hope. As the bus dropped us by the Aspinall farmhouse and we began to load up the gear, we realised that it was going to be a fantastic week. The sun was out, few clouds in the sky and the temperature was perfect - an excellent omen for the week ahead of us.
A promise of good weather spurred us on the overnight tramp early in the week - we left on day two. A breezy 8km walk up the East Branch left us at an idyllic site by the glacial river, surrounded by towering mountains, and ancient tawai trees. After some dodgy instant pudding and an excellent fire, it was a good sleep underneath the watchful gaze of the mountains. The morning brought Mr Thomas into his element, as he coached us through river crossings and the geography of the Matukituki Valley and surrounds. After a leisurely lunch, we raced back toward the lodge, with the promise of hot showers and soup waiting for us.
We filled the last days of camp with activities around the lodge - a rogaine around the area with some excellent navigation by some (and some practice at getting lost by others!), a trip to the woefully dry Wishbone Falls, some dam building and a very eventful trap-checking.
The final full day at the lodge was spent kayaking down the Matukituki. Group by group, the kayaking instructors navigated everyone through the rapids and down the 5km stretch back to the bridge. The water was warm, and most didn’t mind falling in - some even jumping. With rocks to try and fit in-between and ferry glides to attempt, it was awesome, and a day well spent.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end; and on Friday we left the lodge with heavy hearts, and significantly lighter packs. It was a true indication of how successful the camp was by the silence on the bus ride back. Everyone was exhausted, and most caught up on some lost sleep.
It was an excellent week in the shadows of Tititea, and the Year 13s would like to thank some people. Firstly, the teachers - Mr Moller, Mr Thomas, Ms Hope and Mr Scott. Without their time and dedication, camp couldn’t happen. The Year 10’s, for some great company and flavour added to the trip. We hope this will be one of your favourite memories in years to come, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for you. Most of all, we’d like to thank Mr Roe, the glue that holds the lodge together and keeps it running for hundreds of students each year.
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