Unlikely TRAMPERS

IT WAS FIVE YEARS AGO, and we had returned to our Kiwi mate’s place in Mt Eden after watching a rugby game at Eden Park. In high spirits, fuelled by Glayva shots, we agreed to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Our mate, being an accomplished tramper, rather gingerly texted the next morning: ‘Are you still keen or was that the Glayva talking?’

So started our love affair with the bush as ‘unlikely trampers’.

Growing up in Kwa Zulu Natal in South Africa, there was little nature in the township. Hiking, surfing, rock climbing, mountain biking and outdoor adventures were pastimes enjoyed by other people.

I recall sitting on a neighbour’s brick fence as a kid, watching the sunset