L2L Camp 09

Each year Neil Parkinson and I get together to hammer each other, see a new part of the country, and genrally wind each other up as much as we can with endless banter. Last year we went down south to tackle the Waimak and Goat pass but this year Taupo was the venue with a brief excursion to Lake Wakaremoana. The latter was definitly the highlight! we had decided to go over and do the 4 day tramp in a day, a 45km run which is to be leg 3&4 of the Lake to Lighthouse race.

We got a shuttle from Onepoto (the end of the run) to Hopuruahine with a local by the name of 'Jeff' and boy could he spin a good yarn. Tales of uncivilised tribes with half naked woman that he frequented and hunting pigs with spears he kept us entertained for the 40min trip. Jeff informed us that people up here made their living from possums and 'Gardening' and we parted with no doubt he had done a bit of gardening himself. Not to mention his yarn about a man/machine named Richard Ussher who was hooked up to compters and what not.

Anyway, the run/walk is amazing. it is fairly flat for 33 odd km before a beast of a climb up the Pinekeri bluffs which takes about an hour before a steep drop down to Onepoto. This tramp/run is a must do and I'm surprised at how many people have no idea where it is! With its well groomed tracks, swing bridges, steep ascents and decents, impressive hutts, and unbelievable views it is something to add to the 'bucket list'

It took us 6&1/4 hours to run it, all 45km, and with tired legs, empty tummies, and great stories to tell we made our way to Home bay for a massive chip sammie feed and enough coke to hydrate the Sahara.

Between this, 2 trip around the lake, some solid paddling on the Waikato and lake it was 2 broken arse fellas heading home for the weekend. Good times.

Bring on the L2L - 20th/21st November.

Cam.