By Mariano McClean, 16 July 2022
Mid Winter Xmas trip report!!
It was memorable. It started with multipule ideas of what outrageous things we could bring into the Orongorongo valley and I was set on bringing a wheelbarrow where we could carry Colan with his moonboot but unfortunately this event did not take place.Nic and I faffed about waiting for liquor shops in Wainui to open.They eventually did, to our relief. Not to my relief however, Nic broke the news that he forgot to bring my sleeping bag, I was not stressed sleeping outside in the middle of Winter as this was the perfect opportunity to snuggle with the team x. After kicking a football up the track to the riverbed, a greek-Godly figure proceeded to carry Colan and his moonboot across the ferocious river tides. A great party was brewing. People slept inside on beds, on the floor, in tents and Helena for a time in a hammock on the deck. This was not the time for sleeping however. Maybe one of the best and primal games that I have ever partaken in took place. A circle of people taking turns hitting a piece of wood with an axe. Incredible fun. After one of the greatest photo shoots of all time including Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and kids (Helena & Xanthe) people gathered inside for an amazing potluck proceeded all others with amazing home made cooking of the finest delacacies of Wellys. Santa (aka father christmas of you didn't know) decided to make an appearance and handed out the secret santa presents. Some were good, some were not. The night carried on with drinking and dancing and a really long game that I don't know the name of. An outdoor fire was brewing as songs were sang through the cold night. Nic took some sick photos that looked like album covers which somehow made was for some questionable story lines to take place which named Henry as the victor. 5 of us snuggled into a small tent on the deck of the Hut, thankfully as if you forgot I was without sleeping bag. No one died of hypothermia which was good. In the morning some left as fast as possible, and others stayed to clean up the aftermath. Overall a sucessful christmas on the Orgongorongo valley.
Merry Christmas!
Mariano McClean (santa (Father Christmas (Mr Claus)))