Cruising down the river

Yesterday I had the greatest treat in a long while - I cruised up (or is that down - it would have been one way I guess) the Whanganui River to Hipango Park which is 25kms north of Wanganui. I was one of about 30 - all guests of the Whanganui River Institute - who boarded the former steamer, MV Wairua at 10am ready for the approx 2 hour trip to the park which is only accessible by water. The Whanganui River is so beautiful and sadly many people don’t get to appreciate its unique charms and attractions. And of course travelling on the MV Wairua added to the enjoyment - there is something rather special about using the same mode of transport early settlers and residents used.

The Wairua was salvaged in 1987 and after being restored to her former glory, re entered service in October 2006. Modern health and safety regulations meant there could only be 8 people on the top deck at any one time but in days gone by, the boat would have been packed with people. I guess there was always the risk that it become top heavy and topple over but it didn't to my knowledge. Now the vessel only takes 38 passengers.

I took the two 10 year old grand-daughters (cousins) who enjoyed the outing most of the time. I think they found the long river trip just a bit boring as they were very limited in what they could do and were too young to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings and the historic stories being retold. But it was an adventure and I hope that some special memories were created during the day.

I was a bit nervous about what awaited us at Hipango Park as info said "Visitors need to be physically fit as the walk to the park from the river is steep." It is steep but I took my time and got to the top about the same time as everyone else :)

Then it was time for lunch. I don't know about you but I always look forward to food. The girls and I had spent the night before preparing a picnic lunch - nice bread rolls with ham fillings and in my case, hot mustard. There was also a yoghurt each, watermelon, chocolate biscuits and chippies. I ensured the girls were all organised and packed up in the morning - I even double checked their bags for food, drink, togs, towel, jacket and change of footwear. Someone should have double checked mine. Looked through my bag several times before I was forced to admit that ... sigh ... my lunch was still in the fridge along with two peaches that I was going to eat sneakily without the girls knowing. They were kind and shared with me so all was not lost. Thank you girls .... [and the rolls and peaches made a lovely lunch at work today]

After lunch, there was an opportunity for swimming off the side of the boat. Which meant going back down the track to the river. It was almost as difficult going down as it was going up and I wasn't prepared to repeat the climb a second time - well, not on the same day. Luckily the girls were happy to stay at the boat, testing the water, until it was time for the return journey. Neither of them jumped in the river but using the boat's rope ladder got wet to their belly buttons.

The trip back was very relaxed - a glass or two of wine, good company and conversations. I took some time just to reflect and to be thankful that in this busy world in which we live, there is still beauty to be found all around us.