An Experiment in ‘Type I fun’

Waiorongomai Hut, Remutaka Range

Prologue

There exists a scale of ‘fun’ often toted by fans of the outdoors. It ranges from Type I fun (enjoyed at the time, enjoyed the memory later) to Type II fun (did not enjoy at the time, enjoyed reminiscing on the pain). The bold may even claim that the scale extends further still to Type III fun (did not enjoy at the time, curled up in a ball thinking back on the experience). When one has been tramping for a while even the thought of a tramp can become synonymous with Type II fun. Any tramp worth doing should have a pain factor, right? A walk up to Waiorongomai Hut verged dangerously close to disproving this.

The Wellington Outdoors Club recently had an after work social night in a local Wellington watering hole. Many colourful new characters showed up, lured by the promise of meeting other young professionals to tramp with. This included Tim and Lucy, a couple with a wicked sense of humour. With a long weekend coming up and no real plans I canvased the group for keen bodies and could only find two people for two separate nights (more on the second trip later). Lucy was one of these people, and after a heated discussion we decided that Waiorongomai Hut sounded like just the ticket for the weekend.

I’m bringing my pillow, are you bringing…