The following story has been submitted by Peter Buchanan. Having read the story a couple of times, the Editor is still not convinced that it was a "working weekend', but we can pretend to believe. If there is another trip planned in the future no doubt others will be keen to go - the pictures taken and submitted by IPP Robyn and PP Peter B are great!
“Working Weekend” on Rotoroa Trip – the “Serenity 12”
Chilly bins, bags, and kegs in hand, 11 members/partners and Isi (our Rotary exchange student from Chile), caught the Fullers ferry on Friday evening, 27th Nov. – bound for Rotoroa Is., off the east coast of Waiheke Is. Most of us were on our best behaviour, especially considering the alcohol rehabilitation history of the island when run by Salvation Army. Nevertheless, Aubrey wound up in jail, and Alex came close to occupying the other jail cell after ignoring Ranger Glen’s instructions and enticing an inquisitive weka inside our very comfortable accommodation – aptly named the “Serenity Home”.
Robyn aspired to lead a yoga session each morning for willing participants, but this was not entirely successful due to sleep deprivation suffered by the non-snorers. We were there to work, and work we did, all together as the photo shows. But we still had a little time to explore to each end of the beautiful island, admiring the predator-free restoration in progress and wonderful views to surrounding islands (Ponui, Pakatoa, and Waiheke), along with swimming at Ladies Bay and Mens Bay (segregated of course) and spying the reintroduced saddlebacks, whitehead, and pateke. Kiwi and takahe, though present, proved elusive as did the two species of native skinks.
We are very grateful to Michelle for promoting Rotoroa as a great destination, and also for encouraging at least two of us with her evening quiz questions, a contest fought out between Murray and Aubrey for a most sought-after prize. The rest of us drowned our disappointing ignorance with an early night, despite radio-only commentary of the All Blacks/Argentina test.
I think we’d all love to go back. There’s lots to see and do, if you wish, or simply relax seemingly far removed from Auckland, but only 1.5 hours on a comfortable boat, complete with coffee and toasted sandwiches.
