Well the group is a tramping group we are also a very relaxed and social group several of us also enjoy a good weekend camping. After a busy period including exams and also being unable to do any tramping due to injury I thought a quiet weekend camping would be a great way to recover.
Plans
The original plan was to camp at The Pinnacles but something about my events means the weather goes against us. The forecast for strong to gale force winds and rains meant great weather for ducks but not the best camping weather in an exposed area and no cooking shelters.
Great weather for the ducks at Kaitoke Regional Campground
A decision was made to camp at the Kaitoke Regional Campground instead. Most people went in on Friday evening after work with some loose plans of doing a couple of days walks over the weekend.
Hikes
With the weather being ok on the Saturday morning it was decided over a very late and leisurely breakfast it was decided that we would do the Norbett Creek Loop and also explore Rivendell, a location in the Lord of the Rings.
Norbett Creek Loop
The Loop starts at the campground and follows Norbett Creek, takes in the Pakuratahi River Walk and includes the Kaitoke Strainer House which was part of the original water treatment plant for Wellington.
Checking out the view at Kaitoke Gorge
Photo Credit: Ben
Part of the original water system
Smokey enjoying the view during a short rest 
Kaitoke Gorge
Rivendell
Rivendell is the home of the Elves in The Lord of the Rings and was a filming location. There is a short loop walk with information panels about Rivendell as well as the filming on location. Rivendell is the location from which Frodo and the Fellowship left from on their quest to destroy the ring.
Panel showing the height of different characters in the Lord of the Rings 
Learning about Rivendell 
The Fellowship
Credit: Ben
Leaving for Mount Doom
Ridge Track
Is a track is a longer track that runs from the campground Te Marua. Over lunch there was some discussion on the afternoon plans with the option of a group doing the ridge track. The rain had set in again so it was decided to wait. Mid afternoon there was a break in the weather and a small group decided that they wanted to do the track. It was decided that they would be dropped off at Te Marua and they would walk back to the campground.
View of the Hutt Valley from Ridge Track
Credit: Ben
The group that did the Ridge Track were pleased they did it and made it back to the campsite just before the weather broke again.
Social
It was a very relaxed weekend with a range of club members on the event. Friday nights dinner was the responsibility of individuals but a small group organised to do a shared meal of a beef stir-fry. As usual meals were a great bonding time involving much discussion of a range of topics, lots of banter and laughter.
In the evenings the drinks and snacks came out as did Cards Against Humanity which is often popular and often reveals the true nature of a person. What made it more interesting is several members of the group had never played Cards Against Humanity but very quickly found their stride.
Drinks and Cards Against Humanity
Credit: Francis
We broke camp mid Sunday morning before the weather turned on us again.
Everyone had a great weekend and are looking forward to the original planned camp at The Pinnacles being held at a later date.
Wellington Tramping Group 