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Hikers Wool Blog
Tramping Challenges......
Many New Zealanders were saddened by the recent tragic news that two well known and respected Wellingtonians had perished while tramping in the Tararua Mountain Range.
The weather conditons that weekend were atrocious - with wind and snow on the mountain tops. While trampers are aware that conditions can turn nasty in a very short space of time it is sometimes possible for even the most experienced tramper to make the wrong judgment.
A tramper is often faced with having to make a judgment and where else does one gain the experience and learn the "rules of the bush" first hand but in the mountain ranges.
That same week my 16 year old grandson Mathew, went tramping with two friends for the first time without their parents. They didn't go up onto the tops but went into the Akatarawa Forest (at the southern base of the Tararua Ranges) for three days.
Mathew has been tramping with his father and younger brother many times and has learned some bush skills. Now he will build on this by gaining first hand experience. He will learn to make his own judgments and act on decisions at times that only he can determine.
It's a bit like life really but it didn't stop his grandmother (me!) worrying about him until he returned safely having had a wonderful time. These young adults are embracing a challenging sport in which they will heed advice from others, endure the hardships and will make decisions at times which will ultimately shape their character.
It is heartening to see Mathew so enthusiastic about the rewards of tramping and he is carrying on a family tradition. His Grandad Brian would be proud!
Posted by Sandra on 3rd August, 2009 | Comments | Trackbacks
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