The forest was so dry that no vehicles were allowed, in case they started a fire. She instead organised a walk from the Brandon Hall Rd corridor through the forest to the sea and back again, a smaller distance of just under 14km.
Out at the beach some of the party had a swim and everyone had lunch and talked. There were some priceless conversations, Mrs Harris said.
"It was actually quite spiritual. All those elders believe in those young people and want a better future for them. It's amazing how one man with one tiny little thing can have a go at changing the world. Pat really does make a difference."
She's a convert to the view that a long walk can be a "walk to wellbeing - you come out the other end a better person".
She was inspired enough to take morning tea to the group on Sunday, as it carried on from Bulls to Feilding with Maori Party MP Marama Fox as a guest.
Rangitikei Mayor Andy Watson said he unfortunately had to leave the group early, but it was really neat. He wants to do the rest of the Rangitikei stretch of the trail, to understand it better, and said it was getting very busy.
"If you drive from Marton to Whanganui most days you will pass multiple walkers on that walkway."
He plans to talk to his council about the opportunities the trail offers his district.
