Lochmara Lodge Trip May 09

Marlborough Sounds Lodge Getaway Friday 1^st to Sunday3^rdMay

By Tracey Byron

How friendships are formed

The Yakkity Yak Club is aptly named…interaction and exchange of the eclectic array of personalities, humour, kayaking stories, experiences and skills shared and overall camaraderie ensure every trip away is even more enjoyable than the last.  The occasion and memories are certain ingredients to the successful recipe of friendships made, not only for the weekend, but beyond.

If a vote was taken, I feel we would achieve a 100% agreement from the 24 on this trip that this kayaking adventure to Queen Charlotte Sound, under the fine leadership of Neil Thompson, would be one of the BEST ways to see in the month of May, or any month for that matter.

Excitement was in the air at the ferry terminal in cold and drizzly Wellington as we all bustled about readying gear, kayaks, wheels, winter woollies and supplies for this much anticipated getaway to Lochmara Lodge.  Introductions, re-acquainting, hugs, pats on backs, excited tones were all exchanged.  We also busied ourselves making sure we had all necessary supplies.  There was no camping on this trip, so ‘necessary’ supplies wasn’t quite the word as we had extra room for non-essentials and luxuries such as slippers, cheese, crackers, chips n dips, bottles of vino, speakers and a disc-man, liquid ingredients for pre-dinner cocktails and even ‘after 5’ cocktail attire.  Yes, this was more than a kayaking trip; this was a combination of rough n ready water exploration, bush walk and soaking in spa bath opportunities, 2 nights in 3 star accommodations, fabulous dining with a mouthwatering wine list to compliment delicious fare, and warding off the cold nights around an open fire with pre-dinner drinkies in hand.  A touch of heaven most would say…and most did.  Even more of a bonus was that all of this was surrounded by the breathtakingly beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

Our first taste of all the beauty that the Marlborough Sounds had to offer was with the ferry sailing from Wellington, down the Tory Channel to Picton.  Part of what made this trip so enjoyable for all was that it was also open to partners who were non club members.  This meant a chance for non-kayakers to join in on the experience and to discover what we kayakers are so very enthusiastic about.  A GREAT find and plan Neil!! A ferry from Lochmara Lodge picked them up from Picton and took them to the Lodge.  When we kayakers finally got into the water around 1.30pm after Jolene and Anjoli joined the group, the Sounds welcomed us as only it could, with a pair of dolphins basking serenely in the waters of Picton Harbour. Who could ask for more?!  Well!  More there was.  Just around the corner we discovered seals lazing on the rocks.  The kayaks enabled us to get up close and personal to the large brown eyed beauties, some of us taking photos, others just smiling until their face hurt.

We kayaked for 8km at a leisurely pace hugging the coastline to Wedge Point then across the Queen Charlotte Sound to Lochmara Bay. The open waters offered Joy and Brett the chance to test their Christmas gift of a new sail – the billowing yellow carrying them past us at a steady speed for a time.  Eyes were glowing when we rounded a small point to the welcoming shore and terraced hill where Lochmara Lodge was nestled.  We couldn’t wait to move into our rooms and to discover what the lodge had to offer.  After we unpacked, settled in to our well equipped lodgings and got to know each other a little more, some of us had an exploring wander, a lot of us had a stint in the spa, and some went to have a look at the aviary and farm animals around the complex – little piglets and Lorikeets being the favourite.  There were also interesting pieces of sculpture and art around the whole property that captured interest throughout the weekend.  Some of us made a special effort to get ready for Happy Hour at the bar for pre-dinner drinks around the fire…a warm friendly atmosphere and a great opportunity for getting to know each other.  The conversation flowed easily over a scrumptious dinner, cheeks aglow from the heat of the log burner, arm-wrestling sessions, laughter and wine.

We assembled on the beach at 10am Saturday morning, ready and willing to paddle up Queen Charlotte Sound to Kumutoto Bay.  As it turned out, the weather turned a little, making the trek back to the Lodge a little more difficult for some later in the day, so Neil adjusted the kayak to Torea Bay with a stop for lunch at a glorious beach heaven which was the stage for a bach and lodgings for Spirit of New Zealand courses.  There was also a jetty, a couple of boats moored for local fishermen and a black curly coat dog eyeballing us intensely until someone, anyone, threw him sticks and stones.  We all dove into our cockpits for a well deserved lunch, some were custom-made from supplies bought, others had the lodge make a packed lunch for a reasonable cost, and some made us all jealous by pouring themselves a chilled cup of wine.  The bay was so peaceful, the only sounds disturbing us were the shrieks as Neil ceremoniously soaked Jolene, the dog splashing in the water chasing sure-to-sink stones, the murmur of friendships being formed and laughter shared, a local powering up his tinny to go for a hoon on the calm water and the contented sighs of our party.  When we prepared to head for home, our new curly coated friend was reluctant to let us leave and doggie paddled out to the centre of the bay with us, refusing to turn back.  It wasn’t until he tried to scrabble aboard my kayak threatening a capsize that I talked and paddled with him back to shore.  He whimpered when I re-launched my kayak, chased us on land around the shore, ran on to the jetty and stared after us for quite some time.  It would have made a great ad for “Adopt a Dog”.

We all wanted to discover the most of what the sounds had to offer, but with a slight head wind looking at becoming stronger, Neil decided we’d not paddle so far as originally planned.  The great thing about Neil and his leadership is that he listened to all and was flexible to change plans according to the conditions, our energy levels and to how comfortable our newest members were.  One new member - Piyush-in-his-Curry-Coloured-Kayak, who never even got to see the sea until he was 29, yet met this challenge head-on with a smile, (ok, sometimes it was a grimace).  He was feeling a little nervous with the side sweeping swell and chop, but as discussed later, he said that with all the encouragement, tips offered, techniques shared and the fact that just being on the water and feeling safe with Neil’s guidance, he felt that after the trip he was bullet proof and was prepared to take anything on!  The joys of club camaraderie!

More seals were discovered on the way back to the lodge, scattering the rocks in the Sound with them taking a dip in front of us, letting the cold water tickle their bodies as they swirled in the icy darkness showing off their agility while waving their flippers at us.  We were amazed at how close they let us get to them their eyes showing wariness, not fear.

That night we were all excited about getting back to the warmth and comfort of the lodge, knowing what culinary delights were awaiting us.  Not only that, but before dinner we decided to have a cocktail hour (or two) in our rooms sharing nibbles, beers, wines and more stories and laughter while we ‘dressed’ for dinner.  It wasn’t just jeans and winter woollies.  Oh no!  Some decided to take advantage of staying in a luxury lodge so dressed for the occasion in cocktail attire.  Very swish!!  Over dinner we heard how some of our kayaking team and the partners that were there to share the experience but not the kayaking, walked some of the Queen Charlotte Track while we were on the water.  It was a fantastic venue to experience all the Sounds has to offer. 

There were a few sore heads in the morning, some very slow to get organized…sorry guys, I put my hand up there.  Someone must have put something in my drinks!  Haha!  I think we were all reluctant to leave our discovered slice of paradise.

The paddle back to Picton was a highlight of the weekend.  We hugged the coastline marveling at the Shag colonies and canopy of bush over the waters edge, until we crossed the sound over to Governors Bay where the sun enveloped us on the beach as we unpacked our lunches and shared our wares.  The Sun and Calm Water Gods were out to play…the day was absolutely glorious.  I loved how well everyone got on, were willing to share their stories and experiences.  It’s all well and good to discover some kayaking destinations on your own or with a very small number at least, but sharing such times with a group of like-minded enthusiasts is definitely one of my favourite things to do!

We headed for the home stretch, rounding Wedge Point where the land wasn’t protecting us from the prevailing wind.  It was a good workout back to the marina. A work-out on our faces too.  We were all smiling.

We had plenty of time to change, re-pack our kayaks, and go to a local Picton café for a last tasty treat before we boarded the ferry.  

It was nice to relax and mingle on board the ferry back to Wellington, sharing thoughts and personal joys over the weekend.  Neil was already planning where and when the next like-minded trip was going to be.  Bring it on!  I’m signing up, MOST definitely!

The consensus of why this trip was so enjoyed was that it was so well planned and organized and offered a little bit of everything for every taste and experience.  Thank you Neil and Judy and Canoe and Kayak Wellington for all your hard work and flexibility.