Well, what a wonderful day was had by all 14 of us thanks to Kay's wonderful leadership and ever smiling face.  It was a happy, boisterous and fun group of WOPpers who gathered beyond Puhoi to explore Dunns Bush.  In amongst the occasional slip/ sliding through mud, we were able to enjoy the natural beauty of old and new growth abundant in this bush.  We came across an incredible Puriri Tree with its old and gnarled trunk and many epiphytes making it home – it seemed to me the Grandmother of the Bush and one had to be in awe of it.  Next minute we were transported to the tropics with the young and vibrant Nikau Palms surrounded by slender and for ever elegant Tree Ferns.  For me, I was introduced to a soft brown jelly Fungi “Auricularia” which is edible!!  (I wasn’t hungry). 

For lunch instead of promised rain, we started working on our tans – whilst basking in the sun overlooking the wonderful valley of Puhoi. 

During a downhill adventure Jillian once again to the rescue for me (after last week) used her super powered bionic arm to catch my pack and haul me back from an up coming mud bath I was about to land in.  Aah Super WOPper. 

Now just an addition to last weeks adventures in Hunua – just a recap.   “As an extra treat, five of us were lucky to witness Frances showing off her fast running skills followed by a roll and ending with an interpretation of a turtle on its back.  Jillian had kindly pointed out to me that the “skirt” on my Leki pole wasn’t on properly during one of the MANY cleaning boot stations.  Frances came up with the brilliant idea of pushing the pole down through the grate.  This I studiously did with Frances helping.  All was going well until the whole pole slipped down through it and Francis had nothing to hold on to. All I saw was a pink topped Frances ‘on speed’ flying across me!!  Naturally as all good WOPpers do, we burst into laughter – oh sorry I meant, asked her if she was OK – eventually.  Boy did I enjoy my first tramp back after a year.   Still working on that “skirt”.  Thanks guys. 

Marie-Therese 

Click here to see the photos from Vicky