To Linton, via the hills

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 462, 17 November 1992, Page 6

To Linton, via the hills

BY

' JAN

SAVELL

Captain Simon Reynolds had been mulling over his idea of an expedition between New Zealand's two major military camps for some time but it was when he was posted to Trentham that he was ready to put it into action. He found the planning and organisation for the journey from Waiouru to Linton via the Ruahine ranges relatively simple. His biggest problem was finding others willing and able to accept the challenge of "ten days' hard slog". Two months before the trip a team of four began their training. On Saturday 7 November Capt Reynolds, Capt Steve O'Dell and Capt Greg Davies left Waiouru on mountain bikes - their destination for that night a shepherd's hut near

Mangaohane 60 kilometres cross-country away. Unfortunately illness resulted in the last minute withdrawal of Capt Bryce Horner. After that they swapped their bikes for good boots and freezedried food for the tramp through the Ruahines, keeping to the top of the ranges. "We called it Exercise Spring Thaw," said Captain Reynolds. The idea was that most of the snow would have melted by November. But it hasn't quite happened that way." "When we were driving up we saw that the snow is still on the ranges. It may be a bit slow for us with the snow being so slushy this time of year. If it is, we'll be forced to drop down into the valleys." Their rendezvous

seven days later was to be at the Pohangina Bridge where a vehicle from Linton would meet them bringing their canoes. The final day was first the Pohangina River then the Manawatu River to the end at the back of Linton Camp. "I wanted to do an adventure training exercise that really was adventure training, rather than the more recreational activities. Also it had to be combined with some purpose," said Capt Reynolds. He believes this expedition fulfilled both these criteria. "During my three and a half years as works officer in Waiouru I developed a real love for the Central North Island countryside and bush. The area is quite striking. Geologically, botanically and ecologically it is unique. It just begs to be explored".

"There's also a sense of satisfaction that comes from completing something like this.

"If it gets people out of the office it must be good for the body and mind."