This is the third year we meet our good friends and camp during a long weekend. This year Goobs and I decide to take leave on the Thursday before Good Friday so we do not miss out on "our site". It's lucky we do.
Early Friday morning two cars arrive and set up opposite us. Later conversations reveal these Wellingtonians have also been coming to this campsite for years and are slightly put out that we have claimed "their spot".
As in previous years we are nestled among large stands of well-established Kanuka, overlooking the Rangatikei River. Factors we appreciate is having access to a water tap, and the wonderful $2 gas showers. We set up our pinto camper trailer. Goobs and I do not travel lightly. With great skill, fine tuning, and patience - okay, maybe a few swearwords, we manage to fit everything into our Mitsubishi Triton and camper trailer. We try to refine what we pack but we do not go without.
We take the so-called basic necessities such as Kiwi sizzlers, music, thermette for hot water and batteries for recharging phones, laptops and lighting.
This year one of our most appreciated items is our new frost pot purchased from Farmlands. We have this pot burning every night. It sparks inquiries from those walking by. Someone suggests we could make a stand with wheels to move it closer to the tent when cooler, someone else suggests a cylindrical top so heat radiates from the top. Some suggest adding a wetback (apparently on TradeMe).
All admit the heat is fantastic, that it looks pretty styley, not to mention the bonus of drying damp clothing. I believe part of camping is to admire and enquire about others' camping set-up. Our Wellington neighbours have a fantastic canvas tent purchased second-hand for $300. We also admire their brazier adapted from a washing machine bowl. This can be used for heat and cooking. Most of us bring in some firewood, however there is always kanuka and driftwood available. We compare meals - roast lamb, Spanish chicken dish, Chilli con carne. People are catching trout in the river, there is always something happening. But most of us want to go camping to do nothing and rest.
An escape, a time to rest, enjoy a good book, I take The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton which is compelling reading within a few pages into the book, but all too soon we are packing up to go back home. At the top of the road we turn onto SH1 with traffic backed, to learn there has been a fatal accident just south of Mangaweka. It's sobering reminder of a weekend reflecting on how precious life is and how we need to make the most of every day.
When recounting our trip with Pauline Lee, Goobs' 90-year-old Mum, her words are: "You are a long time dead, you two - make the most of it while you can."
- Ana Apatu is chief executive of the U-Turn Trust, based at Te Aranga Marae in Flaxmere.
