By Canoe From Karapiro-Auckland

Northern Advocate, 12 January 1948, Page 2

By Canoe From Karapiro-Auckland

AUCKLAND. Mon. (Sp.)—Two Auckland yachtsmen have travelled by canoe from Karapiro to Auckland. They are Messrs J. Carr and S. B. Hanham, of Onehunga. and their craft is a 15ft canvas canoe built in Indian ctyle. The canoe was launched at Karapiro Lake on December 27.

■ They had 'to portage the canoe around the Karapiro dam on two bicycles. Between Karapiro and Cambridge they hit a whirlpool, which, said Mr Carr, was a frightening experience. They celebrated New Year at Cambridge and spent two days there. The 15 miles from there to Hamilton were covered in about four hours and the next night they reached Huntly, about 20 miles from Hamilton in seven hours. The following day, using sails made from coats and towels fastened to paddles, they covered 30 miles to Mercer in just over eight hours. Another day’s travel brought them to Otaua, 20 miles further on, near the Waikato Heads. Next morning they weye given a bumpy ride to Waiuku on a cream truck. Travelling toward the Papakura channel, they struck a sandbank in the harbour, and for an hour had to wade in ankle-deep water to get clear. They spent the night on an island. Two hours paddling the following day brought them to the main beach at Onehunga. The canoe was taken by carrier to Westhaven, and, using a towel for a sail, they soon reached Point Chevalier Beach. The trip cost them only £5 each for food and other necessities.