The Mum Squad goes tramping in Tongariro National Park

The Mum Squad on top of the world at Tama Lakes

By Angela Bensemann

For those of you who haven’t yet met the Mum Squad we’re a group of cricket mums who have bonded over years of watching our boys play cricket.

The accountant, the nurse, the hairdresser, the social worker
and the PR consultant

Our latest adventure was tramping in Tongariro National Park just a few weekends ago.  Not all the Mum Squad could make it but we managed to be well represented by the hairdresser, the social worker, the accountant, the nurse and the public relations consultant.

Our goal was to do the Tongariro Crossing – one of the most famous tramps in New Zealand.  But sometimes circumstances outside your control conspire against you and get in the way of achieving your goals.  That’s where Plan B kicks in.

Plan B involved:

A two hour trek in a mini-blizzard...





...to Silica Rapids

A six hour trek to Tama Lakes at the foot of Mt Ngauruhoe

A detour to the Chateau for scones and jam.

                                       A spa pool, some wine, a meal out and lots of laughs!

Lessons learnt from the weekend away:

•  Be flexible and ready to embrace Plan B
• Always carry swishy over-pants when tramping in alpine conditions
• Ice is very slippery – picture the hairdresser losing control of her feet and gently sliding into a prefect starfish on the icy path
• Carrying a drink bottle in your hand for six hours will result in a blister and fat fingers
• Having chocolate for breakfast should be embraced by all
• Sitting in a spa pool for too long is NOT good for the skin
• You can't beat New Zealand for the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
• Don’t lose sight of your original goal just reschedule it!

If you missed the first blog on the Mum Squad check it out here.