Leader: Leah Parker

There are several club members who like to take their children or grandchildren tramping.  It is a great way to develop an appreciation of nature, well away from the highly-commended David Attenborough programmes. Or the entertaining, but exaggerated, Madagascar movies.

The great outdoors; nature in the raw; fresh air; healthy exercise; no technology; interesting things to see!

Leah Parker has not only led the discussion within the club; she has lead by example as well. Leah has taken her two boys James and Tom on several tramps, so the invitation to join her and the boys proved very attractive for Chris, Julieanne and their grand daughter Meila, plus Anna Ferrier and her son Ari. The children ranged  from four to five, and had not met before.

There was great excitement when the cars arrived at the Red Hills car park. The children quickly introduced themselves. Almost immediately there was the buzz of chattering children, all talking about their big adventures while tramping. Ahead were seven kilometres of quite easily-graded tramping along an old forestry track with a short, sharp climb to the hut. Five adults and four happy kids.

The children set off at a cracking pace, as they chattered and took turns at being the leader.  The oldies ambled along behind, only catching up when the children encountered a significant obstacle such as a creek crossing, or the need to refuel with snacks.

Each family commented on how much faster the children walked, compared to dawdling along when walking as a family group.

Just as the group were starting the steeper climb to the hut, there was a great discovery – a whole family of fearless mice were enjoying the sunshine outside their rocky castle. The children were quickly picking them up and holding them while some adults beat a strategic retreat!

Meila, the only girl, showed signs of a potential veterinary career with her confident animal handling skills. But the distraction had to be curtailed to continue the final climb. The first signs all day of tiredness began to surface.

While distracted by the mouse family, Chris had walked on ahead to the Hut. He was able to return and encourage everyone up that final climb. Having arrived at an empty hut, the children suddenly found new energy. They started playing games with matchbox toys on the bunks and decks. However, it wasn’t long before others arrived, and as a concession to the well-travelled TA trampers, tents were set-up outside for the children to sleep in that night.

Tiredness eventually caught up with the small bodies, so all slept very soundly that night. Breakfast brought more excitement, but differing return times meant a more fragmented group on the walk out – and a slower trip, as the ‘dawdling’ returned, but for a very different reason – it was to let their mates in the later groups catch up!

A great tramp for all concerned. Thanks to Leah for great organisation.

—Graeme Ferrier (scribe)