Gale-force winds and thunderstorms are expected to batter the North Island …
So said Sunday morning’s paper.

Workman Track is steep and narrow in parts with plenty of slippery tree roots …
So said the club promo for today’s trip.

And it was raining. What a great start to the day. How many trampers would turn up at eight o’clock? Well, the answer was four.
    But there was no bus, and no bus driver.
    Our coffee break was extended slightly while we considered our leader’s proposal of an Okura walk. In the event we had a great day out.
    There was much talking as we made our way along the Okura Walkway. And the rain stopped, with occasional bursts of sunshine. With the tide out, we were able to make our way along the coast for part of the walk.
    Our early lunch at Stillwater was accompanied by a little light rain. On the return trip, we could see the black clouds coming up from the south, but the heavy rain and wind was thankfully of short duration.
    Thank you, Lynda, for leading the group. We’ll turn out again when Workman Track is reprogrammed.—Roger Parsons