By vita jerram, 21 September 2025
We had some very non midwintery weather for our midwinter Xmas trip. How the sun was shining! How the wind was not winding! How the cold was not colding!
After few incidents on the way involving Charlotte's poor car being rear ended… we all made it safely to the lovely Waerenga Hut in the Ōrongorongo valley. Some of us found a deep enough section to take a dip in before huddling around the bonfire, setting up tents, and getting ready for Christmas dinner.
A great evening followed. I brewed up some mulled wine, which was very much enjoyed…The secret may be using a whole bag of brown sugar… We had a fantastic shared potluck with fresh charcoal bread (thanks Jack!), meat skewers and sausages cooked over the fire (legendary Max), a yummy selection of pastas, and the tastiest chocolate chip cookies I have had whilst tramping (YAHOOO Anna). We played the ‘present game’/present swapping, which may have been a little hectic, and may have also exposed how old Patrick is (sorry King). Santa delivered my gift very well: some lovely native bird stickers. There was a little bit of fighting over some handwarmers, but the game was rather tame I have to say. A group enjoyed star gazing on the veranda, and we will all certainly never forget the guitar serenade by the bonfire. After some group singing, Max and Gracie had a full five minute song dedicated to them and their love. HOW cute. I wish I could relive that five minutes - it was quite something. I don’t know about anyone else, but after all that wine I slept like a baby, and enjoyed the sunny walk out the next day.
All in all, a very cosy, fun and lively trip.
Mere Kirihimete VUWTC!