It wasn’t the hot day we’d expected, which was quite a relief when 14 of us met at Camp Elsdon in Porirua to do the fairly recently completed Te Ara Utiwai walk, which takes a much longer, gentler approach to Colonial Knob. After an abortive attempt to find the toilets everyone decided they could do the walk with crossed legs – which they did – and discovered on return that the toilets were there but the sign wasn’t.

The walk starts with views over Porirua city and harbour to the Paremata inlet, then becomes a steady, undulating track through bush. We knew we couldn’t make it to the wonderful views from the top, but thoroughly enjoyed walking through bush for the hour-up, hour-down we’d set ourselves. We ended with lunch at a table and benches in the sun. A number of people showed interest in getting to the top on another occasion, and we hope to do this as an extra walk – perhaps in March?

A real bonus of this group is the friendliness and support. A card was signed by everyone for Janet, whose health problems prevented her leading this walk with Linda. We send our sincere wishes that she’ll soon be back with us. It was lovely to welcome new member Chris and guest Mary Ellen – who we hope will join too. They look like great additions! Our thanks to Linda for reconnoitring and leading the walk. It was a pleasure for Paul and me to help.