Over Easter a happy group of 11 stayed in Hokitika & Nick had the unenviable task of keeping us all occupied for 4 days which he managed to do admirably - only 2 latte stops! We had the usual wet periods (mainly at night) but then the weather cleared leaving ideal conditions for photographing around Lake Kaniere, through the Hokitika Gorge & the shoreline of Lake Mahinapua. The eastern side of the lake gave options for pleasant images. Sometimes it pays to forget something & need to return to camp - a white heron made 2 lucky campers happy!

Saturday evening for 3 of us was enjoyed under starry skies with no wind around a beach bonfire sipping our wine after dining well, while others waited a long time in a restaurant for their meal despite booking ahead. It never ceases to amaze me the varying selection provided for pot luck meals (of which we had 2) including sweet chestnuts gathered on the way to the Coast.

Elizabeth Passuello & a few Coast Photographic members met up with us on the Monday which proved local knowledge is very valuable as Elizabeth knew a good fungi place on the shores of Lake Kaniere esp blue fungi, although we had found a reasonable number of fungi varieties on the western side of Lake Mahinapua the previous day.

We were fortunate to have David's videos & tutorage on 2 occasions, & books available with us in the field would have solved a lengthy debate on a flowering kahikatea!

Thank you Nick from us all for all your efforts & a great weekend. If Marg has done her job you should be in quince heaven by now!

Kathy Muscroft-Taylor