Wanganui River

Possibly our most fun trip of the summer was this week-long expedition down the Whanganui River. It was a combined effort with with our friends the Sutherland's and Jack Boon, both of whom we know through adventure racing. 145km of river, it combined some of the coolest river gorge scenery I've ever seen with some pretty intense rapids to make for an awesome adventure.

         

Highlights for me were...

Having all of our food work out, because I was had been in charge of all the menus, grocery shopping etc.

A unexplored mud cave and the ensuing mud battle,

Spending one night on a Maori "marai" and recieving a "powhiri" or traditional welcoming ceremony,

 

And especially all the cliff jumping! It was on this trip that the Sutherland boys taught us the essential kiwi skill of "popping a fat manu", which is basically type of bomb that produces a very satisfying huge splash.