2012 Oxfam Trailwalker - Finish - Mt Cootha

 As we packed up check point 6, we discussed what time they would arrive Mt Cootha.  They had left CP6 12:48AM.  The accepted walking time is 4hrs.  When I got home from cp6, I set my alarm for 3:45.

I (Frank) woke just before the alarm went off and checked the tracker.  They were making good time.  A quick hustle.  Texted Megan who said 45 minutes.  They had not quite reached the top of Mt Cootha.  (Mind you Oxfam should route the walk past the cafe up there and we could buy hot chocolates and stand nonchalantly beside the road and make comments as they pass.  But they don't.).  Woke the kids.  Sparklers & matches were entrusted to Dan.  Champagne to Marcus and Plastic cups to Chris.  Shot off a text to Bob, Frank H & Paul I think. In the car and we were off.  Established we did not have a number for Jacobs mum.  Felt annoyed that we had not ensured that she would be at the finish.

 Arrived there at JC Slaughter falls car park.  The gate was open.  (a good sign something special was happening).  Parked.  Saw Derek & he advised that he had parked at Simpson's road and slept.  Note for next time - get a support crew for the support crew or at least offer him a bed at our place.

We could see the tracker and at one stage guessed another 10 minutes.  We would strain our eyes through the darkness looking for head lights.  Each time one was spotted we would debate how many.  2, 3, 4 all discounted.  The Oxfam organisers would announce the teams and we woud cheer.  Team 245 consisting of two were quite surprised at the huge reception.  Finally the PA system announced the oxfambulators and serial killers which was soon amended to Serial Hillers.

Sparklers lit, Clapping and clicking camera flashes and they crossed the line.
Hugs, smiles and reverse up to check in.  Every bib number plate must be viewed  the check in person.  Pose for photos.

Line up for a team photo in sponsors shirts.

And the support crew.

Happy family reunions

There is a contradiction here:
Ian is somewhat more relaxed.
Phil looks totally stuffed.








 Then home to bed.  Well a bath actually.  Megan lay there slowly peeling off sticky tape.

On the was home she ripped a bit too quickly and took off some tender skin.

In the bath, She kept nodding off.  I don't know if you can fall asleep and drown but I figured I had better keep a eye on that.  So I say there and wandered in and out.

Then she went to bed and didn't get up in the morning.

Went and played tennis with the kids.

2pm and she was still asleep.

Lest we forget.  This is the walk.  All 100km of it!