BE PREPARED!
This isn’t just the motto for Boy Scouts. On a recent Club trip along the coast from Plimmerton to Pukerua Bay and back over the hills, we encountered a Police search party , the missing man’s son, and a local farmer who had often met the missing man along the coast. The Missing 80 year old man was in the habit of leaving his home at Waikanae after lunch, catching the train to Pukerua Bay , and then walking along the coast to Plimmerton station. He was also in the habit of changing his plans without telling anyone, and not taking any food or water nor his heart medication. A recipe for disaster.
He was missing overnight and when he didn’t turn up his family contacted the Police. Both the son and the farmer said they always expected to be out looking for a body.
In this instance the missing man was found by his son ,so it seems that he has survived a night out, but if repeats occur he might not be so fortunate.
We emphasise to new trampers that they should always take extra clothing, snacks,an emergency survival blanket and a water proof jacket at the least , with water, even on day trips when the forecast is for fine weather. The weather in this country can be changeable, forecasts can prove wrong , and if you are in a situation of exposure, whether on mountain tops or the coast,in no time at all you could find yourself in trouble and in danger of hypothermia unless well equipped.
Our party enjoyed a sunny day with little wind despite a forecast for strong winds. A low tide coincided with the time at which we arrived at a rocky point ( that can take some navigating to get around when the tide is high ),and beautiful views after lunch as we headed back to Plimmerton via the Ara harakeke and Taua Tapu tracks, completing a safe and enjoyable trip.
Forthcoming trips are:
4th July-around the eastern shore of Lake Wairarapa. Ring Helen Morison on 06 3049 531 if wishing to participate.
11th July- there is a walk around some of the trails around Masterton and on
18th July – a tramp through the Manawatu Gorge. For both of these last two trips the co-ordinator is Carol Major so phone 06 3048 210.
25th July- Bruce and Mary Lambert are taking a trip to Atiwhakatu Hut. Ph 06 379 6106.
