We arrived at Saywells Camp (29km South of Featherston) after sunset. Pitching the tents (using torchlight) we then had dinner in the dark as the solar – LED light system in the cookhouse wasn’t working. A large fire provided evening warmth while we watched a near full Moon rise – it became so light we could have put the tents up without torches!?
The next day Terry took us on a long journey up through the farm on his trailer. This meant quite a few stream crossings and a few bouncy moments. We went for a walk up into some stunning bush at the ‘end’ of the farm, and Terry pointed out the ‘sign’ left by deer. We also came across piles of used automatic machine gun rounds which were later explained by a local farmer – the Territorials had recently been training in the area. It’s a pity they didn’t tidy up after themselves!?
We tried the latest Whittakers Chocolate rehash of an old Kiwi favourite, the K-Bar; it received a thumbs down from our sweet connoisseur, Terry!
Nicholas (a Kea – not a small scout!) found a Common Skink in the wood pile. We had two German exchange students with us (one is a Venturer) and they really enjoyed a trip to the cow shed where two day old calves were being fed. The calves quickly learnt there was no point in sucking their fingers!
Sunday dawned fine and after Sophie and Ina had cooked pancakes, we headed off to the south coast where we drove about as far as we could down Ocean Beach Road (through giant mud puddles and fording several large streams) to get to Corner Creek, a small community of hardy fisherpeople who launch boats from the beach with the help of bulldozers. An leisurely hours walk along the beach (collecting sea shells) left us in a rush to make it back to Wellington on time
Thanks to Sebastian for organising the camp. The numbers attending were down on expectations, and I heard that some thought it would be too cold – actually it was actually quite mild and very calm. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Cheers
John
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