Time for some rogaining

Since Milford Track was a bit too slow pace for me, I thought let's get into something with a bit more pain...why not join a rogaine event. My team leader Grant Hunter organised on in the Mt Somers area (just south east of Chch in the foot hills). It was a stunning day with typical norwesterly winds, which made it pretty hard work to move fast on the hill tops.

If you want to read more about rogaining, check out: http://www.rogaine.org.nz

Julian and I had two missions: to beat his mum and her team and also to beat Jana and Sylvia. Sylvia hugging her mum Jenny and probably wispering "I'm gonna beat you"

This was a "short" rogaine, only 7 hrs and didn't involve any wandering around in the dark. I was pretty tired at the start and thought I wasn't competitive enough for my team mate. It takes me 1-2 hrs to fully enjoy it and get my feet moving. Julian took my backpack, which was tiny as it was with only some water in it. I believe it made a big difference and I was able to move a lot faster after this cunning initiative.

Stew had made it up early that morning (to everyone's surprise)

The controls were pretty easy to find. We had to cross a few areas with matagouri and I had some free peeling treatment. No pain no gain....I tried to convince myself. We managed to keep a nice pace and I really enjoyed it. I did not enjoy the shower with all my scratches afterwards, but they will disappear in no time I hope.

Mmmmm....matagouri


Grant and I

Overall we did well...ended up third which was not too bad in a race with over 20 teams. I made it with many ginger nuts, chips, leppins and maybe 6 litres of water.


Nice tan line Julian!

The same night Coca Cola was sponsoring the brain washing event "Xmas in the parks" aimed to target innocent young kids. I got no xmas feelings whatsoever, but it was fun to see the fireworks.