Three go wild (Again) at Rotoroa -row #17 November 2017

Post date: Feb 08, 2018 8:10:22 AM

After a very successful outing with student Nixon and Wildboy earlier in the year for a jolly ripping adventure in Toroa up Lake Rotoiti, Nixon (my student) and I decided we'd like to do it all again as a final activity for the school year, but this time up Lake Rotoroa - Nelson Lakes National Park. We co-opted a new rower from Denis' register of possible rowing mates as Wildboy couldn't make it  this time. We welcomed on board old school and diving mate Mr John Smith who had recently returned to his home territory of Nelson as a refugee from Auckland. John was a little apprehensive at the prospect of several hours on the end of an oar. (never done it before !) but a bit of the old Mongrel started coming out and a little bit of pride and sibling rivalry took over between old school mates as we warmed up and progressed up the lake, and we all quite surprised ourselves with a meritorious 2 1/2 hour only row up to the lake head and overnight destination D'Urville  Hut. We had plenty of food and refreshments on board (plenty of room on Toroa ) so we had a relaxing afternoon swimming, taking it easy Nixon chopping wood for a long , long timer and eating a good meal at night. We had some great company that night when a West coast family joined us after their 8 hour day walk up the Sabine river. Mum and her three young daughters strolled in just before dark looking as fresh as ever with Mum packing a rifle under her arm. we just had to be impressed after hearing how they had spent their day. Hard doers these Coasters ! Rested and provisioned after a ample breakfast next morning we rowed into a head wind for two hours before mutually capitulating and agreeing to a stop and a cuppa. Another two hours and we were back at the foot of the lake and again pretty pleased with our efforts. John thinks hes a convert to coastal rowing but the test will be when I next phone up. Many thanks John for joining us, and good on you again Nixon for your excellent coxing and company on another ripping adventure.