tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22277876580228074002024-03-13T11:51:09.632+08:00What's Next?
A blog about travel, my globe trotting obsession and the home and garden I love, so what if there's a little conflict between the two...Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.comBlogger633125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-82761552026927821802024-01-17T13:15:00.001+08:002024-01-17T17:11:43.994+08:00A proper Japanese winter<p>I've never been in Japan in December. Prior to becoming a ski instructor I'd come to Japan on recreational trips, usually late January or in February. I'd experienced all sorts of conditions, from not much snow to chest deep powder, and the occasional cold day. When I'd worked here in 2020 I'd arrived at New Year, and it was an unusually warm winter, with Hokkaido locals seeing rain for the first time in winter. Usually it's cold enough for all precipitation to fall as snow....</p><p>This time I arrived on the 10th December. It was a convoluted, but uneventful trip, flying business class from Perth to Hong Kong (fully flat seatbed overnight), hot shower and breakfast in the business lounge in Hong Kong, then Hong Kong to Tokyo via a one hour stopover in Taipei. I was met on leaving the plane at Narita Airport by a Cathay employee who escorted me to immigration, and after the slight delay that is involved in processing a work visa and getting a residence card, I was able to pick up my bags and get through customs pretty quickly. Immediately outside customs were the desks for purchasing a limousine bus ticket to Haneda Airport, 70 kms away, where my flight to Sapporo was departing from in less than 4 hours time. 10 minutes later I was on that bus and we were heading through the peak hour Tokyo traffic. I wasn't the only one checking their watch and google maps to check on our progress!!</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QtDjy9ORLMhVWuboQqPUv576dbUX7qk0VXm-4RxLSxJGInDM_0sTAe1I3AqRGiPpQ8A5SgaAjZPsqqrwwUOq_seaNuoZ91nghSQUY2lrQ-GPRJZdBbujvwToTXcSX7mX5fKRH6XPPjlOyDbFsAoQngMgKfUIojMH2wRUrDzKhssYmwfcoZgyvJdlcgI/s4032/IMG_0321.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QtDjy9ORLMhVWuboQqPUv576dbUX7qk0VXm-4RxLSxJGInDM_0sTAe1I3AqRGiPpQ8A5SgaAjZPsqqrwwUOq_seaNuoZ91nghSQUY2lrQ-GPRJZdBbujvwToTXcSX7mX5fKRH6XPPjlOyDbFsAoQngMgKfUIojMH2wRUrDzKhssYmwfcoZgyvJdlcgI/w480-h640/IMG_0321.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the plane flying in to Hong Kong Airport</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dJnLqUwM_LODXX9f3AZxIwvj7gJSIab4VlApyM9hvhSm2XNctcdykneqv7gqxMbHHCKBTV2ulUNdc4X42J3IHP9asD15QsgWlYYmUTVWXegl6eFxEemSzmwoFhrXG_qBtjZoUTq4sFPUyZqi1MuXFD6PbXG3JEG8GhLs4IyhosJS1N18VzOrFGKtmBw/s4032/IMG_0322.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dJnLqUwM_LODXX9f3AZxIwvj7gJSIab4VlApyM9hvhSm2XNctcdykneqv7gqxMbHHCKBTV2ulUNdc4X42J3IHP9asD15QsgWlYYmUTVWXegl6eFxEemSzmwoFhrXG_qBtjZoUTq4sFPUyZqi1MuXFD6PbXG3JEG8GhLs4IyhosJS1N18VzOrFGKtmBw/w480-h640/IMG_0322.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast in the Cathay Business Lounge, Hong Kong</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At Haneda I checked in my luggage again for the domestic leg to Sapporo city, then headed through security and into the JAL business lounge. They questioned me at first, but I showed them the rest of my boarding passes and was then allowed in. To say I was less than impressed is an understatement. Luckily I'd had 2 meals on my flights from Hong Kong, because there wasn't any food to be had in the domestic lounge. There were beer vending machines, so I availed myself of a glass of Sapporo draught, and sat in the quite comfortable chairs with views out onto the tarmac. Nearby was another western woman and we struck up a conversation. She lived in Hokkaido with her Japanese husband, and was originally from Canberra. She'd actually gone to a couple of the same schools as me, though 6 years after me. Small world...<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheS8VQB0CezJtyZYPFWsWBJz6WFGSa37slPV3YrQc4ukrNBbs73_dqqoR8gtG5as6Z2ieDRiaMwP_KbCmJsvZnxAPyPk00Otufz4xNxmPEGDnLgHOcMuc1II-1rDnS4kY9k43S6lSOOMSYsGi48l7hnOEqsYxgGIXBtgI6dPxR5IF1hkkOcmJuyRcEkqU/s4032/IMG_0323.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheS8VQB0CezJtyZYPFWsWBJz6WFGSa37slPV3YrQc4ukrNBbs73_dqqoR8gtG5as6Z2ieDRiaMwP_KbCmJsvZnxAPyPk00Otufz4xNxmPEGDnLgHOcMuc1II-1rDnS4kY9k43S6lSOOMSYsGi48l7hnOEqsYxgGIXBtgI6dPxR5IF1hkkOcmJuyRcEkqU/w640-h480/IMG_0323.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haneda Airport from the JAL Business Lounge</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The flight to Sapporo was pretty short, and the flight service involved a solitary drink. I'd thought I'd be getting at least a snack in business class, if not a meal, but apparently not. Soon we were descending into New Chitose Airport and I was able to walk a very short distance to my hotel for the night. Another hot shower, and I was in bed by midnight.<p></p><p>The following morning I enjoyed the complimentary breakfast before heading to the airport onsen for a nice soak (the onsen entry is included in the hotel fee), but had to be back at the hotel for checkout at 11am. I then headed off to the JR Station and took the express train to Otaruchikko, where Fujiisan, my boss, picked me up for the short drive to Asarigawaonsen and my home for the next three months.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwWfLm4ji_UNUs_732ttlEi8wHop07Xsf6zBk8sqsZUDSjp2SaSQ7ldWUGIl2U5Msm4-wEcQ8jonMOjBo2qpQAfXHfni-Cd2oT5oCwTe6rxuGMeR7NkFecasFUY987Pf7jeQ01hqxiPPUciPqZvwmyLVQuRVSVJhGxhm3OZ1mOu0lc_BmJpRjSlhCnyE/s4032/IMG_0324.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwWfLm4ji_UNUs_732ttlEi8wHop07Xsf6zBk8sqsZUDSjp2SaSQ7ldWUGIl2U5Msm4-wEcQ8jonMOjBo2qpQAfXHfni-Cd2oT5oCwTe6rxuGMeR7NkFecasFUY987Pf7jeQ01hqxiPPUciPqZvwmyLVQuRVSVJhGxhm3OZ1mOu0lc_BmJpRjSlhCnyE/w480-h640/IMG_0324.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the right train at New Chitose Airport</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMT0NpldyP9I3pZnVPGQc5DXSVe7vcnBhW3-HbkOwET-vsOMEuRwTAecpjUO8XpK2otprSSG2o-LNhVssQAJhU_YtojGb3BIX3RYbntq_lSdjFU2VwBUXPC7J0WXkpPrJt9lUm3PpH0VZwnIf6t1UkhNEVo1hJnRdwdWrQ7Y547vsbGJ2yUN3BJ6tRBVU/s4032/IMG_0325.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMT0NpldyP9I3pZnVPGQc5DXSVe7vcnBhW3-HbkOwET-vsOMEuRwTAecpjUO8XpK2otprSSG2o-LNhVssQAJhU_YtojGb3BIX3RYbntq_lSdjFU2VwBUXPC7J0WXkpPrJt9lUm3PpH0VZwnIf6t1UkhNEVo1hJnRdwdWrQ7Y547vsbGJ2yUN3BJ6tRBVU/w480-h640/IMG_0325.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winkel House common area (this is a seriously large space for a Japanese home)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I'm sharing the Winkel House with 3 girls, aged 18 and 19, and one fellow. I know Jasper from Cardrona as we were locker neighbours, but the girls are all new to me, even though two of them were at Cardrona on the Polytech program this winter. They are lovely, but they are also self involved teenagers, who haven't yet worked out how to take responsibility for themselves and work together cooperatively. I'm trying to give them a long leash but rein them in from time to time when it comes to cleaning up communal spaces and communicating with everyone in the house when planning a supermarket run. Julian, Ella and their 10 year old daughter Hazel, are living in the house next door and have worked at Winkel for many years. They said it's almost always 18 year olds, because Winkel doesn't pay well and most other ski schools won't employ them that young. So I shall just have to learn to get on with them!<p></p><p>Fujiisan brought a bunch of sushi dishes to share on the evening I arrived. He brought some lovely raw fish ones, but that was far too much a culture shock for the poor girls. They are yet to even consider going to an onsen!</p><p>Meanwhile, I've been to the onsen at least weekly since arriving at Winkel. There has been a change of ownership of Asari Ski Resort, Winkel Village, and the Asarigawaonsen Hotel, so we get to visit the hotel onsen for 200Yen. Normal price is 1000Yen ($10) so that's a bargain! I never bring shampoo and conditioner with me to Japan, I just use the products at the onsens.</p><p>We had a few administrative tasks to tackle soon after arrival. These included visiting the municipal offices to register where we lived, go to the temple to pray for a safe season, and open a local bank account. The latter is annoying because we need to close the account in a couple of month's time. It would have been easier just to get paid in cash.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjp_m2J70HOUvCc0EaAxs9cMRl7HgXz0F0MOR3L5x_Mk9ZkJODFdzVe3I_3JIcbyL3lw1aS0gAKWaaqkN1LBfIG44vn-F0davS7r3zwBZl5nx4RXBbaVTy6uCruzr0qruTvxoC7hvH9YsSmAffSPgTaok3nvVLIZSDFUs_tOJLBLpPZTlIhWgefBmaEs/s4032/IMG_0328.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjp_m2J70HOUvCc0EaAxs9cMRl7HgXz0F0MOR3L5x_Mk9ZkJODFdzVe3I_3JIcbyL3lw1aS0gAKWaaqkN1LBfIG44vn-F0davS7r3zwBZl5nx4RXBbaVTy6uCruzr0qruTvxoC7hvH9YsSmAffSPgTaok3nvVLIZSDFUs_tOJLBLpPZTlIhWgefBmaEs/w640-h480/IMG_0328.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the tawdry local administrative offices where we had to register where we were living</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsH44slOnaGdpfUs8urcRyVwkRxUqMQY8ZRfbStZbMYYSdERBKf6pePeXrfwHbxc5LPgmLyUqULRd_QsF8GRLwwMxJhJ8rjQRWlIhHf2nPRiBL8PuI9LyINke2dkHv_iwAQXr1kDe-i711DTtwl9b7FZY-2fJEfLSXdOsIyDmIQqUOzv7S65V7fRF-Qyg/s4032/IMG_0329.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsH44slOnaGdpfUs8urcRyVwkRxUqMQY8ZRfbStZbMYYSdERBKf6pePeXrfwHbxc5LPgmLyUqULRd_QsF8GRLwwMxJhJ8rjQRWlIhHf2nPRiBL8PuI9LyINke2dkHv_iwAQXr1kDe-i711DTtwl9b7FZY-2fJEfLSXdOsIyDmIQqUOzv7S65V7fRF-Qyg/w480-h640/IMG_0329.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">to the temple to pray for a safe season</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYrI2UB0ja7fq5uuP4kvARw_f7mHzh9E3Y8cA_Gt9sVTql0WuAsnocbce4-eraeWRdbKfpd4M5B3O8g_vnTku9VPq9LCQWI7ZaDn-waW_bUse8FmcdwtrbfGrU6zNpjgw4oVimeoZkl-55k7zK09Qqn_ghLAOyx3aVzLuQTknijdcKUrX2gSWIQmeRLQ/s4032/IMG_0331.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYrI2UB0ja7fq5uuP4kvARw_f7mHzh9E3Y8cA_Gt9sVTql0WuAsnocbce4-eraeWRdbKfpd4M5B3O8g_vnTku9VPq9LCQWI7ZaDn-waW_bUse8FmcdwtrbfGrU6zNpjgw4oVimeoZkl-55k7zK09Qqn_ghLAOyx3aVzLuQTknijdcKUrX2gSWIQmeRLQ/w480-h640/IMG_0331.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZd8TxLIuCpvRb2GjK8-_rYB__sh7llkBFQ5k9OmBdoBxpYSNkobGa2KQp_uhELezg1D3nZkd6_vd3YS_yjQyw8c6dQj0adwQvx931bXmuBtWy2gew4vqszCooNNYrpo2sRBEAp3hny-o_-i3y4_VQwt7XO2NpLZyTpn-XQEHW3QNvdzWc13Ml3jbNKF0/s4032/IMG_0341.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZd8TxLIuCpvRb2GjK8-_rYB__sh7llkBFQ5k9OmBdoBxpYSNkobGa2KQp_uhELezg1D3nZkd6_vd3YS_yjQyw8c6dQj0adwQvx931bXmuBtWy2gew4vqszCooNNYrpo2sRBEAp3hny-o_-i3y4_VQwt7XO2NpLZyTpn-XQEHW3QNvdzWc13Ml3jbNKF0/w640-h480/IMG_0341.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japan Post Office, applying for a bank account</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Part of our job is daily shovelling of snow, but this year we only need to shovel the entrances at the Winkel House and the main office. So instead of everyone shovelling each day we are doing a roster where we each only have to shovel twice a week. Crazily, I had some pushback from one of the 18 year olds thinking she'd been imposed upon. She has no idea how much easier this arrangement is, than when we all had to shovel around all the accommodation villas each morning as well!!<p></p><p>Snow fall has been low this year, with many resorts either yet to open, or open with limited terrain. Off trail skiing is still too dangerous, with bamboo grass still exposed and likely to catch a ski. We went to Kokusai on an orientation outing, which had lovely pillowy snow on the black and red runs, but not enough down the bottom to run the magic carpet, and another orientation day at Kiroro, where the bottom was OK but the tops still had very patchy cover.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCTnV6QF0sFZRGb5l7jOUk4OeS05TwARQZT8uprd-gCy70EiUcuZZBGVyZWNFYyN-yjZzT-HYc7CagKIp41Fa8PPzP16TBlsXRXiFojQsQzWAqZMlLXDEprmO1uchXT-m8xFg5vZrHip1MtH8nCgOsUi6nXjD90GJf6Fx7mhi7l0mUqQYOQhNf4mo_s4/s2048/697f4e53-9028-4019-a0a1-92d05c5c391a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCTnV6QF0sFZRGb5l7jOUk4OeS05TwARQZT8uprd-gCy70EiUcuZZBGVyZWNFYyN-yjZzT-HYc7CagKIp41Fa8PPzP16TBlsXRXiFojQsQzWAqZMlLXDEprmO1uchXT-m8xFg5vZrHip1MtH8nCgOsUi6nXjD90GJf6Fx7mhi7l0mUqQYOQhNf4mo_s4/w480-h640/697f4e53-9028-4019-a0a1-92d05c5c391a.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kokusai</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It's been bloody cold though, with temperatures up the mountains below -10. With high winds the chill factor has blown out to -30. I learnt my lesson at Kokusai and rugged up with down pants and jacket under my ski gear for the day at Kiroro. Kiroro was definitely not skiing its best yet.<p></p><p>Asari was yet to open, but since we had beginner lessons booked, the resort opened the magic carpet and beginner run just for us to run our lessons for 2 days. I wasn't teaching, just providing transport pickup and drop-off, so I took the opportunity to go for a few short runs.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYHRfyMBwcC5znln4kkXQm6H65SLP2EoFMb1IVKBN-m5VmFJB5AXcuwjsWmJtTgfUGa_bcPiW78wS5tyckVsC-YSC7HtrkyZer2P6N2ccc_Wv48bqeC4mnhbZ-yJJ85xjVGMnWMzsyJ2KFN84vGlCv7gVvLFHO7YecrRg8ui-s8FCWCOgwswMsgW8Vgw/s4030/IMG_0379.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="4030" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYHRfyMBwcC5znln4kkXQm6H65SLP2EoFMb1IVKBN-m5VmFJB5AXcuwjsWmJtTgfUGa_bcPiW78wS5tyckVsC-YSC7HtrkyZer2P6N2ccc_Wv48bqeC4mnhbZ-yJJ85xjVGMnWMzsyJ2KFN84vGlCv7gVvLFHO7YecrRg8ui-s8FCWCOgwswMsgW8Vgw/w640-h480/IMG_0379.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First turns at Asari</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was a week or so of waiting for work to come in. With Asari closed I had one of my lessons cancelled, and there wasn't much opportunity to free ski either. Once we started working, the snow started falling as well, and a few days after the carpet opened for our beginners, Asari opened all their lifts. I've had a real mix of lessons so far, driving to Kokusai, Kiroro and Teine. Teine has the least snow, with many pebbles exposed. Scratched ski bases is a very uncommon occurrence in Japan, evidenced by Fujiisan asking Jasper about the PTex repair on his skis. The kiwi tradition of having a dedicated pair of "rock skis" is completely foreign!!<p></p><p>We have a Christmas tree, which Hazel helped put up and decorate, and we all gathered for Christmas Eve with Fujiisan and his family, plus a few of the office staff. We had the usual feast, with a decidedly Japanese bent, and did Secret Santa, which was lots of fun as we were allowed the option of stealing someone else's present or selecting from the tree.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGUSVQrMSLb7AMxNK8Jc-GJreAs4mEiaXPYUq1-GvmqNAhVh_awV_mxU4nJ2CEqnSX2em4syg7UBTO8Z4OmmACd1GqsnUi6KGgXxMcN5L6pGbgdsTjpvdac14j3jMqq1t9KfM5bpHexGvDJale72V2evCgegSFa11UzmLS153krb8IOkClupZ2khtmRM/s4032/IMG_0375.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGUSVQrMSLb7AMxNK8Jc-GJreAs4mEiaXPYUq1-GvmqNAhVh_awV_mxU4nJ2CEqnSX2em4syg7UBTO8Z4OmmACd1GqsnUi6KGgXxMcN5L6pGbgdsTjpvdac14j3jMqq1t9KfM5bpHexGvDJale72V2evCgegSFa11UzmLS153krb8IOkClupZ2khtmRM/w640-h480/IMG_0375.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrdRFXtAWIvGKvTRxiHR6aSlD01aT5bYPh3LE5BzabTorqrepasVpYopS5PoO0UPSrUBYR8bJEybf7hIZOfkUQaWMzew7EpOu-hbZRWkZDBYBC57k9970o6Rt-Q4khPM4tbjHencGTHEDTYi9fn7rhGFdZF8gGo1C0ZmL98r_WDE58Mlq-lqjGho4ZHY/s4032/IMG_0407.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrdRFXtAWIvGKvTRxiHR6aSlD01aT5bYPh3LE5BzabTorqrepasVpYopS5PoO0UPSrUBYR8bJEybf7hIZOfkUQaWMzew7EpOu-hbZRWkZDBYBC57k9970o6Rt-Q4khPM4tbjHencGTHEDTYi9fn7rhGFdZF8gGo1C0ZmL98r_WDE58Mlq-lqjGho4ZHY/w480-h640/IMG_0407.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpVmgvzX5W-aVH6JhvlPhF6v9PuI3132GmrqkxMkfHw7RUWnKN_v3JE3i0n8Qonut7pw00fzKZMuchE94D24vhvVu31EELp9CFxU8qPc_myn-idU9nVRW9xwjdyUxFf-cMADdNYKmX46bArE2j0Hwci08M1L64hsYQE_n06dbAkMBRBBOD9MQvSFD4PI/s4032/IMG_0408.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpVmgvzX5W-aVH6JhvlPhF6v9PuI3132GmrqkxMkfHw7RUWnKN_v3JE3i0n8Qonut7pw00fzKZMuchE94D24vhvVu31EELp9CFxU8qPc_myn-idU9nVRW9xwjdyUxFf-cMADdNYKmX46bArE2j0Hwci08M1L64hsYQE_n06dbAkMBRBBOD9MQvSFD4PI/w480-h640/IMG_0408.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-4dgzU9BQ60yT4GTsrsoUj_rrgrpkBrl9ydJKYV48VMAKx7ZL7zMWs2E1DFalMCzpfx3_00CZtLCzDIxO3yxlRc_gxAZkhXL4e1phOc5cS5qi-A2uADYApDgMlr70_t6YhYSTwQD7MtKlEup_mb5gAv3V-Z27QkwSwSPbdaNusJ54uk3qHHlpk3S6Zo/s1600/7de1a228-2886-4c58-8d53-c92d1051499c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-4dgzU9BQ60yT4GTsrsoUj_rrgrpkBrl9ydJKYV48VMAKx7ZL7zMWs2E1DFalMCzpfx3_00CZtLCzDIxO3yxlRc_gxAZkhXL4e1phOc5cS5qi-A2uADYApDgMlr70_t6YhYSTwQD7MtKlEup_mb5gAv3V-Z27QkwSwSPbdaNusJ54uk3qHHlpk3S6Zo/w640-h288/7de1a228-2886-4c58-8d53-c92d1051499c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Lessons have been great. Mostly Asian customers, from Hong Kong, Philippines, Thailand, China and the US, with one premium private lesson for three days with a lovely lass from Sydney. It's been a mix of complete first timers to intermediate and advanced skiers, kids, adults and the occasional family where the skill acquisition rate diverges pretty quickly between the kids and the adults!! Juggling different levels within a single lesson is something I can handle quite easily now, a far cry from my first trip here 4 years ago and only just out of my first season of teaching at Cardrona.<p></p><p>There have been some very trying times living with the teenagers, who are having their first experience living away from home, and dealing with a new culture as well. Cleaning up after themselves doesn't come naturally, which has caused some tension. As much as I understand that their complete indifference to the consequences of leaving mess around, ie it inconveniences others having to work around it, comes from a state of ignorance not provocation, it is nevertheless causing me considerable annoyance, as I'm the only one who really calls them out on it. Julian and Ella can remain the nice guys because they don't have to live with the squalor.</p><p>We have two staff cars this year to use for work trips, and to use for personal use like going to the supermarket. Longer personal trips are at our own expense, and day trips or longer require asking permission ahead of time from Fujiisan. Julian and Ella hire their own car for the duration so they have complete freedom and don't need to ask permission, but the teenagers appeared to have an attitude that they could use the work cars for any old jaunt and just write that they had been to the supermarket in the log book. Grumpy old me watered down that sense of entitlement pretty quickly, causing yet another layer of resentment against the old lady in the house! Unfortunately, they didn't listen, and went off on a road trip to Sapporo without permission and sideswiped another car. This caused an issue with insurance as they were on a private trip without permission. The driver has been banned from driving the office vehicles for a month and they all got a sharp talking to from a pretty angry Fujiisan (though of course being Japanese it was all very polite..)</p><p>Within their teenage bubble they are no doubt struggling to understand, or even take notice of, the nuances of the Japanese culture they are living with. Working for a Japanese company rather than a western one, means learning to respect one's bosses and attempting to conform with the expectations that our Japanese colleagues expect of us. A lack of interest in taking the initiative to learn a few greetings and the like is at least ameliorated by Fujiisan making a huge effort writing out sayings and explaining the cultural nuances of greeting colleagues. He also explained the various sayings around New Year, which is a special event in Japan characterised by going to the shrine with family and not going out on the town and getting drunk! Plans to go do karaoke on New Years Eve were scuppered by everything being closed, no bus services, and no taxis either. A slumber party and a movie ended up being the compromise....</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBEOEQ9s9OXBHMNATq0KcfjdXeqt7hgQ4heuLDpkyzuwutuefNw5lmwB3YA4d7KNaLjufUhohzbquTV3Lp7s3ZkiJ95NyPy1Md9ARv5r1RzeHi3Fjp9ApO3XrK3ze8OlYk6NRV4jt1Bx-c_v4zlvIo39-6v6yTK9VIZnRPAsb0ix2XS3lwX49pF1DGUI/s4032/IMG_0440.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBEOEQ9s9OXBHMNATq0KcfjdXeqt7hgQ4heuLDpkyzuwutuefNw5lmwB3YA4d7KNaLjufUhohzbquTV3Lp7s3ZkiJ95NyPy1Md9ARv5r1RzeHi3Fjp9ApO3XrK3ze8OlYk6NRV4jt1Bx-c_v4zlvIo39-6v6yTK9VIZnRPAsb0ix2XS3lwX49pF1DGUI/w640-h480/IMG_0440.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah! Try getting your mouth around that!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I also had to explain that ignoring the boss when he politely asked twice that your uniform should be taken off after work and hung up so it doesn't get dirty was a sign of disrespect. Of course she had no idea, since ignoring one's elders in western culture is normal when you are 18!<p></p><p>After a busy couple of weeks from December 20, the work has dried up. There is talk of perhaps subcontracting to ClubMed, which continues to have more work than they have instructors for, whilst the Kiroro Ski Academy and Winkel have very little booked until the build up to Chinese New Year in February. It's given us all the opportunity to get lots of free skiing in, especially as the snow dumped in epic proportions in the first week of January and the powder has been so much fun to ski in!</p><p>With no work on the horizon it gives me the opportunity to go road tripping, since I have the money to not have to work to support myself. That's the main reason I decided to work for Winkel, so I can take the opportunity to free ski during the down periods. We get free lift tickets at Kiroro and Asari, but have to pay at other resorts. Unfortunately, even the much cheaper lift ticket prices in Japan aren't really within the youngsters' budgets.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie12IX-UqdXPK0dx_EF6gF-O-HxhvOdYAhO4lPHSee8NOWXizTy1CnnifuqMiCwAU0C62TESJxf9Pg2uCl4kSFczr0WUeORNVioCYxUw1vi3BPCmw6kQtovgQFCmBQlx0JzPN7H41CfKHWZAyOnk9NROB4DcSAlPwuE7UxlNOi4exUSoJ-ZL9Fqlujsvg/s4032/IMG_0460.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie12IX-UqdXPK0dx_EF6gF-O-HxhvOdYAhO4lPHSee8NOWXizTy1CnnifuqMiCwAU0C62TESJxf9Pg2uCl4kSFczr0WUeORNVioCYxUw1vi3BPCmw6kQtovgQFCmBQlx0JzPN7H41CfKHWZAyOnk9NROB4DcSAlPwuE7UxlNOi4exUSoJ-ZL9Fqlujsvg/w640-h480/IMG_0460.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View over Otaru Bay from the top lift at Asari</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY0heuIfPEQB01brDwX8CRypLsJiQThzxs12XBHihx6kFP0_Em887ZoX3Y7PddwZCzcymSN5cMN20_jLKnZHXr-NaHzbBr-IaLTzLECBwNv0BktbhdBbF6Bi9aor6T_Y-VIn6n2_X5r0JTGt3ZaJBHFkC9QXJOaWabfEoUuJtju9m8S-KOEgyFeccUe8/s4032/IMG_0462.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY0heuIfPEQB01brDwX8CRypLsJiQThzxs12XBHihx6kFP0_Em887ZoX3Y7PddwZCzcymSN5cMN20_jLKnZHXr-NaHzbBr-IaLTzLECBwNv0BktbhdBbF6Bi9aor6T_Y-VIn6n2_X5r0JTGt3ZaJBHFkC9QXJOaWabfEoUuJtju9m8S-KOEgyFeccUe8/w640-h480/IMG_0462.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down to Kiroro base buildings from about a third of the way up the mountain</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi006cLXQWR0-lAGCm0FD8jo7p4QRv3d7_swO2ZNFDRutYefS1lcavndeBtPAyRlXMbfdylLBJ3xJW5xbTrGZNtUS2Ky0BWnwQRLJvj8rWHaka2j9LKcLMP22NBvK_4VNbcvsLxb-9EKt_bBnfw7kkOdkFg4FNaDUA0rq66zztrbGTaWo_xpxl1vhr0z4I/s4032/IMG_0464.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi006cLXQWR0-lAGCm0FD8jo7p4QRv3d7_swO2ZNFDRutYefS1lcavndeBtPAyRlXMbfdylLBJ3xJW5xbTrGZNtUS2Ky0BWnwQRLJvj8rWHaka2j9LKcLMP22NBvK_4VNbcvsLxb-9EKt_bBnfw7kkOdkFg4FNaDUA0rq66zztrbGTaWo_xpxl1vhr0z4I/w480-h640/IMG_0464.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes we've had quite a bit of snow....</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We are still waiting on confirmation of the Club Med deal. It's been a while since anyone has had work so our next pay checks won't be huge once two months of rent is deducted. Fujiisan kindly didn't deduct rent from our first pay as we'd only worked for one week at that stage, but at some point it needs to be paid. I still had money from my trip 4 years ago, so I've been able to keep ahead on the payments. I can't imagine any of this is encouraging any of the youngsters to consider returning again!!<p></p><p>I've rented a car for a 7 day trip to Central Hokkaido, and have booked accommodation at Furano and Asahikawa, so I can check out a few different ski fields. Unfortunately the snow forecast for the week I'm there is looking a little dry, but I'm sure whatever it's like it will be better skiing than NZ! I also hope to catch up with friends in Furano.</p><div>That's next!</div>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-80513946284433513542023-12-08T14:36:00.001+08:002023-12-19T10:07:01.088+08:00Pursuing a suntan<p> What with COVID and my accident last year, it took me almost 4 years to get back to WA. I came over for a week in March after <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2023/03/between-ski-fields-aawt-hotham-to.html" target="_blank">my AAWT walk</a>, which gave me the opportunity to check the lie of the land and sort out getting my car back on the road in time for my return in October. I caught up with friends and even managed an hour out on the water windsurfing, but it was short and sweet. This time I was back for 2 months...</p><p>Getting the Troopy back on the road cost a pretty penny, but I needed wheels to go windsurfing up at Coronation Beach which is 30km out of town (only 15km for me though). Leaving your car exposed to ocean air for 3 and a half years causes a lot of metal things to go a bit rusty, like fuel lines, car bodies and door hinges (though the latter probably carked it a long time ago), so besides getting it road worthy I've also spent many hours grinding back the rust, bogging holes and repainting the body. I've also found somewhere a bit further away from the ocean to store it for the next 10 months. Hopefully the old beast will last a few more years.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrf6PDRAKQOn1l4syIlbL0jfXBhYE6ncYUba8sXEnubmN1v32XwZuk2Z0MTAHBs_Mm6ZpwCD7LMTSvMZr8qpNk-eni5cJUE_kgawQ-Qyo90IF4A4q_OmXKeKqWliTPJ0a2c2bKS4aqaJKciPSbq4P3axuGPOn6yvb3Ui7PWTXDf1FaUKpV8eGlv6QP4UY/s4032/IMG_0225.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrf6PDRAKQOn1l4syIlbL0jfXBhYE6ncYUba8sXEnubmN1v32XwZuk2Z0MTAHBs_Mm6ZpwCD7LMTSvMZr8qpNk-eni5cJUE_kgawQ-Qyo90IF4A4q_OmXKeKqWliTPJ0a2c2bKS4aqaJKciPSbq4P3axuGPOn6yvb3Ui7PWTXDf1FaUKpV8eGlv6QP4UY/w480-h640/IMG_0225.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioT4nZBpz2nCoMSmP7bhfqxuI9jcUH1-HMyJgSKuKfqYi1I9uguccR9co7m0GJFaeOMb1734-6yvEb7UryYsB4XFONvQlgHjlGwIG16iS1XbDHn2cBzuQ7kJ031JEEqw7j35iCzrohhWzmUFPOXAClrUFtyQA6_0DWF35HfXvW0gAiokO5KfFyj99vtQE/s4032/IMG_0228.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioT4nZBpz2nCoMSmP7bhfqxuI9jcUH1-HMyJgSKuKfqYi1I9uguccR9co7m0GJFaeOMb1734-6yvEb7UryYsB4XFONvQlgHjlGwIG16iS1XbDHn2cBzuQ7kJ031JEEqw7j35iCzrohhWzmUFPOXAClrUFtyQA6_0DWF35HfXvW0gAiokO5KfFyj99vtQE/w480-h640/IMG_0228.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfgSFm86BR1WtNZZJ34BB9MDu-6nrpuuwlOiRJYYx3XB8K4Jm3n2BKdXrxx8uI2WjFIp_mH2gb0WuKFRDG_4oY73EGZF9KtwLxMuN58HAEuWfMas7xPMboH1eeP5tuZ9u9ryDaxxlFqY1Y8Rd8kQY23oKN3kbTZ-1QsPsfJW9MYO25RF-tUWivsNQoeQ/s4032/IMG_0222.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfgSFm86BR1WtNZZJ34BB9MDu-6nrpuuwlOiRJYYx3XB8K4Jm3n2BKdXrxx8uI2WjFIp_mH2gb0WuKFRDG_4oY73EGZF9KtwLxMuN58HAEuWfMas7xPMboH1eeP5tuZ9u9ryDaxxlFqY1Y8Rd8kQY23oKN3kbTZ-1QsPsfJW9MYO25RF-tUWivsNQoeQ/w640-h480/IMG_0222.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br />After a week of temperatures in the high 30s and one day in the 40s, the weather segued into perfect windsurfing weather, with regular afternoon sea breezes multiple days in a row. There wasn't much swell, and the wind was pretty strong, but I was just getting my legs back. so I didn't mind. It took me three goes before I nailed my first jibe, and soon I was hanging it with the rest of them. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXgvCQx4NEYfUCgyQupanHSTYrUblQh80zJBMY8VSS-i8oikISzVqIkP2kv5yEJb_dpkMpJMa59Ip9lr-E0g2PwPUfi55xw9McRmg405yDePIawVQXWLqKlNKRGKE8Fl6CmwVGDcMASGkWxu9tpwdkEE-zZPS5NuDmuM_m86QX9G6zKTWuB7fhC0wugI/s4032/IMG_0236.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXgvCQx4NEYfUCgyQupanHSTYrUblQh80zJBMY8VSS-i8oikISzVqIkP2kv5yEJb_dpkMpJMa59Ip9lr-E0g2PwPUfi55xw9McRmg405yDePIawVQXWLqKlNKRGKE8Fl6CmwVGDcMASGkWxu9tpwdkEE-zZPS5NuDmuM_m86QX9G6zKTWuB7fhC0wugI/w640-h480/IMG_0236.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br />The wind continued to deliver, but without a lot of swell. I was starting to get antsy as I wanted to be back riding waves again, and at last we got a few good days with some decent waves to have fun with. My fitness and strength are probably the best they've been for a while, a result of all those sessions in the gym this winter. Not that there's anything that can prepare you for blistering 30-35 knot winds when you feel like your arms become just a little bit longer!!!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D6bqeanS5hpnZLHBDLJHkJGX4i0WMqkAkxQz2bgDlXW2joZgXe0HRxjAIhEPUKyVu6jWOtTyJn8ZwKzxLaoQMKCJZR6SBpuFr75cyEdayJkjzhm8o4fFW58e60kHU3qxHgE1zx-X2nrjMJMshLkT4Xr0pfK9aX5ME-pNBXXjdCUS-phcBCmXneI15Lw/s4032/IMG_0233.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D6bqeanS5hpnZLHBDLJHkJGX4i0WMqkAkxQz2bgDlXW2joZgXe0HRxjAIhEPUKyVu6jWOtTyJn8ZwKzxLaoQMKCJZR6SBpuFr75cyEdayJkjzhm8o4fFW58e60kHU3qxHgE1zx-X2nrjMJMshLkT4Xr0pfK9aX5ME-pNBXXjdCUS-phcBCmXneI15Lw/w480-h640/IMG_0233.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUiorDNxmc8rCDQfAn-hdBR6bcCUgZJxhv9ueWm4Bw6G0IqJMIMnVKLAHG4ihw_x4jankshOoGV_sC0kq8Etr1hguhff3Hh_eFlQHP14emnt8Kfs9G3-P4OqMQmzs-Yzn2Tz5wjMm1zOMjWZbtsHsbPKmPaJxS9yoqshaOi128i3xp3l781_eAwGojA0/s4032/IMG_0117.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUiorDNxmc8rCDQfAn-hdBR6bcCUgZJxhv9ueWm4Bw6G0IqJMIMnVKLAHG4ihw_x4jankshOoGV_sC0kq8Etr1hguhff3Hh_eFlQHP14emnt8Kfs9G3-P4OqMQmzs-Yzn2Tz5wjMm1zOMjWZbtsHsbPKmPaJxS9yoqshaOi128i3xp3l781_eAwGojA0/w640-h480/IMG_0117.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br />The front garden needed a lot of work, in particular cutting back the trees and hedges to allow my car to actually get in and out of the driveway. My tenant hadn't done more than a rudimentary amount of pruning, enough for her much smaller vehicle, but not enough for my behemoth. So I called in the contractors, and half a day of chainsawing later I had a usable driveway and my view back.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjA6TYxSjzO2ur3iJsNvyLpq9Qbkp-AZLEl3BTfXwZcQhZmkugRjaCfazR57mKmNqMvezE9opr6sWhBPnCiPYky6l_tIlCluVdOFZXjnlrT2fFi2yO3ZQ9T1Cn-On3cDU-7oodHGwZfV-gqVKqpgIO5RCEsiJGJ-aFavWrom_l4lJwEc8MUeDoVwZcBnM/s4032/IMG_0106.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjA6TYxSjzO2ur3iJsNvyLpq9Qbkp-AZLEl3BTfXwZcQhZmkugRjaCfazR57mKmNqMvezE9opr6sWhBPnCiPYky6l_tIlCluVdOFZXjnlrT2fFi2yO3ZQ9T1Cn-On3cDU-7oodHGwZfV-gqVKqpgIO5RCEsiJGJ-aFavWrom_l4lJwEc8MUeDoVwZcBnM/w640-h480/IMG_0106.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br />The tank beds were disintegrating from rust, and had long since been productive for vegetables, so a bit of rationalisation has taken place. Three of the tanks were cut down and used to patch up other beds I plan to keep, and I've put in a rudimentary reticulation system to make maintenance a little easier. It also opens up the front yard a bit so I also did a bit more paving to connect areas better and extend the parking area.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9INL8GMOgqh0RVM_9ndlhO3bBPFaHRgQcUz_BtMqZMqDdLI8Wtjo6p7n4jpPYsK3xoJUXIcTnFOzMmn3qp5BCJVHnoEXcMNrC4UGUfnXkaTRF_Kn6pSiH-eSwHQsiMyey-LUmiycOQG8Y3PdJo7lwtRBkTWz0zAFN0yyP8POWoQmh9uq_9_mTm3bfZac/s4032/IMG_0306.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9INL8GMOgqh0RVM_9ndlhO3bBPFaHRgQcUz_BtMqZMqDdLI8Wtjo6p7n4jpPYsK3xoJUXIcTnFOzMmn3qp5BCJVHnoEXcMNrC4UGUfnXkaTRF_Kn6pSiH-eSwHQsiMyey-LUmiycOQG8Y3PdJo7lwtRBkTWz0zAFN0yyP8POWoQmh9uq_9_mTm3bfZac/w640-h480/IMG_0306.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH05bTDPagOPXLsnVCW3jttM31-pKG-77YApl9VgjJeTO657ju2eYYbpZcKQ7pNhOq3LpEWytv5X8D370QNhDyH1X0nH2l1KZlfdAK0EhtkLkhoXKFpDFztflIdbeYsa7kLcfHcEYcvfU3O2b35Cw1LjX9r2ldAuP0VrlTjX5doLDcOPIOA3j4ESj9CE/s4032/IMG_0312.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH05bTDPagOPXLsnVCW3jttM31-pKG-77YApl9VgjJeTO657ju2eYYbpZcKQ7pNhOq3LpEWytv5X8D370QNhDyH1X0nH2l1KZlfdAK0EhtkLkhoXKFpDFztflIdbeYsa7kLcfHcEYcvfU3O2b35Cw1LjX9r2ldAuP0VrlTjX5doLDcOPIOA3j4ESj9CE/w640-h480/IMG_0312.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9nX9PgU84u3Iz8dOMq9dg65Rgm7tNkcHe_w7NVhVFVPp-bqzsWhCOrZXi_YtZXKOmWxhoudHNaIAtRibWnam_4ctkjsIiXm677e2hPK8o1BE7Wey0tmf1cVHYwIZ0oYoBonfBJqKmvAbBGglCiYcgIZ6ydi97Krwp437WSshiJ4CFl7Vl85cZ5dt3h0/s4032/IMG_0311.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9nX9PgU84u3Iz8dOMq9dg65Rgm7tNkcHe_w7NVhVFVPp-bqzsWhCOrZXi_YtZXKOmWxhoudHNaIAtRibWnam_4ctkjsIiXm677e2hPK8o1BE7Wey0tmf1cVHYwIZ0oYoBonfBJqKmvAbBGglCiYcgIZ6ydi97Krwp437WSshiJ4CFl7Vl85cZ5dt3h0/w640-h480/IMG_0311.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShJS-QDEg9jZoLrFRSnsRop3F4ahOK2hAmeiO3iY5aldUVhuh-7R-tUmCy8tsbeBQmXkq1a2VV40_YSAFJkfBPM8h8PgEWozj9oIF_TEMffg69Q3FW4rurAgtMqXjFNsn8k4J7YD7pTaw9BwKWm0pWc5Z8YZ0rGnaenrx_F4gpz5yJ2CwH9ifIIKQSZQ/s4032/IMG_0310.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShJS-QDEg9jZoLrFRSnsRop3F4ahOK2hAmeiO3iY5aldUVhuh-7R-tUmCy8tsbeBQmXkq1a2VV40_YSAFJkfBPM8h8PgEWozj9oIF_TEMffg69Q3FW4rurAgtMqXjFNsn8k4J7YD7pTaw9BwKWm0pWc5Z8YZ0rGnaenrx_F4gpz5yJ2CwH9ifIIKQSZQ/w640-h480/IMG_0310.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br />The cellar needed cleaning out. My attempt to waterproof it with three coats of waterproofing paint wasn't completely successful, but the mould growing wasn't overwhelming so I didn't need to chuck too much out. The floorboards were really manky though, so they got binned and I've just popped a rubber mat down instead. I've also found some real estate within my tiny flat to store some stuff, so not everything needs to go back down in the cellar.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0eYQP0vks9JQ1tREYEg9J0R0jArk9mQPFJCfL31t-Nn7W_V9CHuSwcXzGK284RkN_nm7rvL3v10gJVH8y79VYpGxqU42eaEALCpGfJ6w3SqGMDgKqKMKKVAe5AWckovUZSzTWT32bRf53AzlWvr6BgRcI8yfqKRFa15lRswCQQ_0fykryIcRLm28jP8/s4032/IMG_0229.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0eYQP0vks9JQ1tREYEg9J0R0jArk9mQPFJCfL31t-Nn7W_V9CHuSwcXzGK284RkN_nm7rvL3v10gJVH8y79VYpGxqU42eaEALCpGfJ6w3SqGMDgKqKMKKVAe5AWckovUZSzTWT32bRf53AzlWvr6BgRcI8yfqKRFa15lRswCQQ_0fykryIcRLm28jP8/w480-h640/IMG_0229.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br />Aside from cleaning out the cellar, I also cleared out the storage area under the carport. There's nothing quite like spending a few years away to realise there's a lot of shit you don't need to hold onto!<p></p><p>I've been watching the agave plants put out huge flower spikes, the largest one being somewhere between 8-10 metres. I'm hoping the flowers open before I leave as the honey eaters love them. They didn't...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1V74Wkymu2W9cPTgwb-QPpQPcSfUtfnD1iYFAcnfTAndJA8v6MGHGdpG7y0L8wtZLWXt3FCPxtw6VTEX7Gwe4GW6jljSVbDi0qsU6T_Nct83hmFZKW-fbvq2MPerkl3HzaWd6TBxOoNqzIPsHwj1wgbqLWcSewrPfp36QunRKE7dwsKXoCbeNBkl0KM/s4032/IMG_0309.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1V74Wkymu2W9cPTgwb-QPpQPcSfUtfnD1iYFAcnfTAndJA8v6MGHGdpG7y0L8wtZLWXt3FCPxtw6VTEX7Gwe4GW6jljSVbDi0qsU6T_Nct83hmFZKW-fbvq2MPerkl3HzaWd6TBxOoNqzIPsHwj1wgbqLWcSewrPfp36QunRKE7dwsKXoCbeNBkl0KM/w480-h640/IMG_0309.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br />Talking about birds, the Ospreys have been hanging out on a disused electricity pole down by the beach. Their chick is very noisy, calling out to its parents for food. Those honey eaters better watch out! (Nah, I think Osprey prefer fish)<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EJLLNlwUE8M7VUwPsn-QqziyfcSwgOfeoKrsF3LvAhaIyQCdLRJ7YLzni0gbJQ-AKeUy7e0WAgB0JGnQdvtZuiAPvYJcxvw_d6wxSnJTyFszVaDnaIHMuXDD_X4mLNIGqz70iMiCvMwdRRE1feVutmLl3uMItBl8tDAh_NYE44FNHfMwEqnoy7HIDrw/s4032/IMG_0297.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EJLLNlwUE8M7VUwPsn-QqziyfcSwgOfeoKrsF3LvAhaIyQCdLRJ7YLzni0gbJQ-AKeUy7e0WAgB0JGnQdvtZuiAPvYJcxvw_d6wxSnJTyFszVaDnaIHMuXDD_X4mLNIGqz70iMiCvMwdRRE1feVutmLl3uMItBl8tDAh_NYE44FNHfMwEqnoy7HIDrw/w480-h640/IMG_0297.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br />In between doing a huge heap of chores I've been really enjoying being home in my little tiny flat. Looking out at the ocean, plotting the garden and obtaining a very healthy suntan. Gotta get my Vitamin D levels up before heading to the northern hemisphere for another winter. Gosh I'm enjoying never needing to put on anything with long sleeves!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGlsgh7-tAjX1V_KIlEDGkxoRp8_xkX1Rt-qOhwOae2EwzXwrGKR3I7N4-7SDSU6ag_U2CBj4rF-SnZjZwxFF6NQvHuTim31F7oyhHleb3zl33wUXn5EqZXLDieqUwExVCUw5bANYhyphenhyphencti4328BOx5PEkpG560hxKn8K8Sq8CoO0H-L6L9nPCy0x9iow/s4030/IMG_0303.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="4030" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGlsgh7-tAjX1V_KIlEDGkxoRp8_xkX1Rt-qOhwOae2EwzXwrGKR3I7N4-7SDSU6ag_U2CBj4rF-SnZjZwxFF6NQvHuTim31F7oyhHleb3zl33wUXn5EqZXLDieqUwExVCUw5bANYhyphenhyphencti4328BOx5PEkpG560hxKn8K8Sq8CoO0H-L6L9nPCy0x9iow/w640-h480/IMG_0303.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrv6HRVSN6U5BZrAMM6CEGNE8ktLxjFr5t3hmZMbb9_LNvGqt_FTYTAVaQJgRjjNYDbOHaY8upcGu52pj7IfG5J_4ee_Y-bGOi4ephtsuVjiJG4QDCUT63fqRskLMFn4Wf53e4TjV7BxNU2m0fHBotAjZeDOD9Zj-p00_4MXN9ZaZwwqQmzzDfFbj-APc/s4032/IMG_0314.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrv6HRVSN6U5BZrAMM6CEGNE8ktLxjFr5t3hmZMbb9_LNvGqt_FTYTAVaQJgRjjNYDbOHaY8upcGu52pj7IfG5J_4ee_Y-bGOi4ephtsuVjiJG4QDCUT63fqRskLMFn4Wf53e4TjV7BxNU2m0fHBotAjZeDOD9Zj-p00_4MXN9ZaZwwqQmzzDfFbj-APc/w640-h480/IMG_0314.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVfTjGp2fzzDrpHYc1yT8yXF_yi3c4L3WilV2IiVv0WBLSKpfgwVhpNRDY6WuMs4VPk8HROIJuQ_2RRQgM7iSgl47fxApL9gNG5Hyyhf2XY_z-0gn42gEJJOGSpj_Hj0viDcfqw8qnHqjD9te-dPEa5akmoPkHmP78zpoIdr4clGn4Q70Sd-H_xVLHq8/s4032/IMG_0279.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVfTjGp2fzzDrpHYc1yT8yXF_yi3c4L3WilV2IiVv0WBLSKpfgwVhpNRDY6WuMs4VPk8HROIJuQ_2RRQgM7iSgl47fxApL9gNG5Hyyhf2XY_z-0gn42gEJJOGSpj_Hj0viDcfqw8qnHqjD9te-dPEa5akmoPkHmP78zpoIdr4clGn4Q70Sd-H_xVLHq8/w480-h640/IMG_0279.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwN8PyNazLiMqzEkPqM6Zg9DMC1MhnTagkn6CCV-33Hryu9kfjMikEe26XcTlE15p0Uf4KmhOPgkUZsZsiWpAGZ0pZDqBNGfZkcF5kTehXEm2WGAVL54dBNxkTM9H7gtf4CMw5Ke9rPUZArAwJsAGl9scO0jxQRJJ6AmEoRz41Y3u-JzOl5HPgSBmG79c/s4032/IMG_0276.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwN8PyNazLiMqzEkPqM6Zg9DMC1MhnTagkn6CCV-33Hryu9kfjMikEe26XcTlE15p0Uf4KmhOPgkUZsZsiWpAGZ0pZDqBNGfZkcF5kTehXEm2WGAVL54dBNxkTM9H7gtf4CMw5Ke9rPUZArAwJsAGl9scO0jxQRJJ6AmEoRz41Y3u-JzOl5HPgSBmG79c/w480-h640/IMG_0276.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMbbC5oyeWngxw1duHTpooQD8pKtClUY8PREfxu-32b2VG6VOj72MrD0c8of9y7ipSJzVS4lFzbHISkzTQZfLoOr4xbT-HJGL-ZzBTZ51wwq66sJcC_mFIzTermRidmGQwXchPH7ahTpPefeLXu4z3LJiRqNeCTtfp5knF_-Ookaes4X_pCNHkgoYvHM/s4032/IMG_0271.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMbbC5oyeWngxw1duHTpooQD8pKtClUY8PREfxu-32b2VG6VOj72MrD0c8of9y7ipSJzVS4lFzbHISkzTQZfLoOr4xbT-HJGL-ZzBTZ51wwq66sJcC_mFIzTermRidmGQwXchPH7ahTpPefeLXu4z3LJiRqNeCTtfp5knF_-Ookaes4X_pCNHkgoYvHM/w480-h640/IMG_0271.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz681siMzKqsEOSpxpXXjAgd_x39H-Fg_-ycIcAocNahkypvhp5w36s8veARJMQUOojrKGldIhBPrAplRSwD6a-Q9v76qgHb-_3DGo1OVpFkjllC7lHpEtxGengPHE7NkHdydLI7kADygJJxx13GzuPUvqgkmon3Yb-ewIcdZ_ThudraAF0oFHD8Z23aE/s4032/IMG_0221.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz681siMzKqsEOSpxpXXjAgd_x39H-Fg_-ycIcAocNahkypvhp5w36s8veARJMQUOojrKGldIhBPrAplRSwD6a-Q9v76qgHb-_3DGo1OVpFkjllC7lHpEtxGengPHE7NkHdydLI7kADygJJxx13GzuPUvqgkmon3Yb-ewIcdZ_ThudraAF0oFHD8Z23aE/w480-h640/IMG_0221.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br />It's been great to catch up with friends, mostly the windsurfing crowd, but also my bookclub mates. I've volunteered to host next November so I'm committed to being back by then. Not that I've had time to read a book yet!<p></p><p>The biggest headache was waiting for my paperwork from Japan to arrive. I sent off my paperwork in August. My boss applied for a certificate of eligibility (to get a work visa) from the immigration department in September and it at last came through on the 21st November and was sent immediately. However, it took 10 days to reach me, so in the meantime I rang the consulate in Perth to ask if I could send a copy. My boss had messaged me a photo of the certificate before sending it by snail mail.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2a34oq8JAXc1l9QQWUjC1yh5t8nheDqiqYETVdqINbXCA7X_bK4nvLkfy_a-BdCe7ssg36eSikeQIhgncUls_zyD08Yi4Uvdg8QgULH52Xhb6WplGOd6RmOD4zvYGWn4MnA3jZzj5DBg4kA4CSGTMIIDEEBQX3oiCZu5Pa4e29uDXyYkr-R5FeQdllU/s1600/7f8b61dc-ca79-4871-b094-f61cd018264c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2a34oq8JAXc1l9QQWUjC1yh5t8nheDqiqYETVdqINbXCA7X_bK4nvLkfy_a-BdCe7ssg36eSikeQIhgncUls_zyD08Yi4Uvdg8QgULH52Xhb6WplGOd6RmOD4zvYGWn4MnA3jZzj5DBg4kA4CSGTMIIDEEBQX3oiCZu5Pa4e29uDXyYkr-R5FeQdllU/w480-h640/7f8b61dc-ca79-4871-b094-f61cd018264c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />It turns out that the Japanese Government has acknowledged that this is causing a lot of delays, and have started issuing the COE electronically. But my boss wasn't aware of this until after I spoke with the Consulate in Perth, so he plans to do the required paperwork so that we can get them electronically next season. Luckily, the Consulate agreed to let me send a photo print out of the certificate with my application, and show them the original when I go to pick up my passport in person. It takes 5 business days to process the visa, and I still needed to get my passport and visa application to Perth via the postal service at least a week before I flew out!! It's an entirely unnecessary piece of bureaucratic drama that I thought I could avoid by being well organised. Crazily, some of my colleagues who applied later than me had theirs come through weeks before me!!<p></p><p>After that initial week or so of wind, we entered a 2 week hiatus, where the weather didn't get too hot for outside gardening activities, but the wind didn't get strong enough for windsurfing. I understand why many of my friends have taken up wing foiling, but I had enough chores with the garden and the rust removal project to prevent any boredom.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWKAWs5_x5YrYRRttjod5gHa_s5T6SD86asgX2Cpxo5Ov5mtC9lOJeC9u7aJhZYh958WnoXVryE8bg2W5gylfMh3kmaUuuncY_bnywp-FUWdYLsxY9odfiUZoU9Rlve9Doyxo6gW6PHKefuFetOR5-cslLasKCTd9qltdVZk5BozNYLIn-RqY2pgAssk/s4032/IMG_0221.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWKAWs5_x5YrYRRttjod5gHa_s5T6SD86asgX2Cpxo5Ov5mtC9lOJeC9u7aJhZYh958WnoXVryE8bg2W5gylfMh3kmaUuuncY_bnywp-FUWdYLsxY9odfiUZoU9Rlve9Doyxo6gW6PHKefuFetOR5-cslLasKCTd9qltdVZk5BozNYLIn-RqY2pgAssk/w480-h640/IMG_0221.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMpv_Q-sIsMxkcQ7J8sSNoMXhjmqpr9NJDgtKWKgqiwi4w_8sBo0watnq6223433LmDkGmmA0_klPBv1KKaENi6qdKChg2IYf1qm7ukbquU-wJlBsN3gtSSv_Xe6sE7ASk7PIXSZ8NnFD74x59LsCkPb86AkEfLtLaoXApRm764Vz_8Fu-Ec4uQDzzd4/s4032/IMG_0211.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMpv_Q-sIsMxkcQ7J8sSNoMXhjmqpr9NJDgtKWKgqiwi4w_8sBo0watnq6223433LmDkGmmA0_klPBv1KKaENi6qdKChg2IYf1qm7ukbquU-wJlBsN3gtSSv_Xe6sE7ASk7PIXSZ8NnFD74x59LsCkPb86AkEfLtLaoXApRm764Vz_8Fu-Ec4uQDzzd4/w640-h480/IMG_0211.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br />My two months back home was great. I was worried it wouldn't be enough, and when the wind finally returned, along with some very nice waves as well, I contemplated changing my flights to get a couple more days out on the water. But the two days I got at the end were just brilliant, and I'm definitely ready to head on to my next adventure.<p></p><p>Japan here I come!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-56705804409369152292023-10-09T08:39:00.000+08:002023-10-09T08:39:10.810+08:00Ski Goddess news 2023<p> Another winter in NZ and another season working at Cardrona Alpine Resort as a ski instructor. This year I worked full time, which meant 6 days a week during the busy June/ July school holiday period, and 5 days for the rest of the season. I got a really good mix of adults and kids, both group lessons and privates, a few adaptive lessons, a really cool Wanaka Primary School group for five Thursdays, and one week on SkiWees. Mercifully few under 5s, though I did get a return request after teaching a lovely young 3 year old for an hour.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1CFFowOXVOZTYXjz-kvKkFiI0a873I3PSN-PCTz6ZrPZiDUtkwOWokpTjkANpeHl9N_hSAKZ4kl_tih0dpKsOnJ4CASpXtKtoIn_35ijuL2kl6i0q7yUis_aRXBmPo_3siX4Cy7M8V7pHsHsreTb8qEpPcMQaLiVk1if_Yp_5RiHUcCrxzA5WBUrQF8/s4032/20230718-IMG_9932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1CFFowOXVOZTYXjz-kvKkFiI0a873I3PSN-PCTz6ZrPZiDUtkwOWokpTjkANpeHl9N_hSAKZ4kl_tih0dpKsOnJ4CASpXtKtoIn_35ijuL2kl6i0q7yUis_aRXBmPo_3siX4Cy7M8V7pHsHsreTb8qEpPcMQaLiVk1if_Yp_5RiHUcCrxzA5WBUrQF8/w480-h640/20230718-IMG_9932.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I don't really want, or need, to work full time, but the resort works on a priority system where those with the most qualifications and seasons get work ahead of those new to the game. But if you work part time, you don't get work until every full time employee ( including the Polytechnic trainees and other newly qualified instructors with no experience) has been allocated. This sucks, meaning lots of time waiting around to get work, and lots of first timer lessons. If you are only planning to work one or two days a week then it's not so bad, but when I was working up to 4 days (which is technically full time, but I never got the priority recognition) it was like Groundhog Day....<p></p><p>I actually love first timer lessons. It's the perfect opportunity to introduce new people to a sport I love, but not all season thank you. I was happy to be doing first timer lessons on the very first day of the season, especially as most of the terrain at the resort wasn't open due to a distinct lack of snow, and temperatures far too warm to make it with snow guns.</p><p>A lot of people were very surprised to see me back up there again after my accident last year. I think people perhaps thought my injuries would take much longer to heal, but no, I'm Back!!!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwQ4T2vQICyXvrno3Dwz74LR8XwMEthfVdCus4NYnBRHOpDKhEOcYm6iZNFexhmrliFRh7UpqA5SEU30E2Hw1sdu5RrWXt5REoCz9ncpESzobKm-IdIgZFCcLlhyPSR3ooVHSHHVHb4OoNb8PYtoDSnIsmN3g1Cj7lB3j8b_jRU3Jkhj9jFxzsVObINQ/s4032/20230618-IMG_9861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwQ4T2vQICyXvrno3Dwz74LR8XwMEthfVdCus4NYnBRHOpDKhEOcYm6iZNFexhmrliFRh7UpqA5SEU30E2Hw1sdu5RrWXt5REoCz9ncpESzobKm-IdIgZFCcLlhyPSR3ooVHSHHVHb4OoNb8PYtoDSnIsmN3g1Cj7lB3j8b_jRU3Jkhj9jFxzsVObINQ/w480-h640/20230618-IMG_9861.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />A good thing however, is that the resort management decided to cap the number of passes they would sell each day, meaning the numbers during the busy July school holidays never reached the ridiculous crowds of last year. Yes there were still people sliding unsafely, but there were less of them, and once more terrain opened up, more room to avoid them. And in a bizarre twist, I am now less anxious about other skiers and snowboarders around me than I was before my accident! Go figure...<p></p><p>It wasn't until late July/ early August that the whole mountain was open for sliding on. Treble Cone also had atrociously low snowfall and much of the terrain never became skiable the entire season.</p><p>I was planning to sit my Level 3 exam this year, but a combination of a minor knee injury, poor snow conditions, and an understanding that I was nowhere near the standard to pass, saw me decide to postpone that particular torture. I did do some training towards it though, and enjoyed a number of breakthroughs in my progress towards becoming a better skier. Still some way to go, but I've definitely improved.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx3nyEh1rPa_cP7mf9PdJ74cQ8XJYIpYOTK3kEatSf2AYomgooevKV5wgW-yzvq-LjqP3r3LESQx9O-p6Nokw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />I did, however, sit my Freeski Level 1, a prerequisite for the Level 3. I unexpectedly had a wonderful time learning how to do all sorts of flatland tricks, plus a few jumps and a box slide. I learnt so many things that I could take into teaching my lessons to keep them fun and interesting, especially for kids. I was the oldest by a few decades, but I wasn't the only one completely exhausted after those 3 days of shenanigans!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxlifim4yDmcYE0WXQox15fvbphrn3PDAXNUWTXBdy3gfaFRo0OfQWlOUzUQL-EXvMvceMyVx5Me3TVqAvd4Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />I didn't get much personal skiing done this season. My work days were usually fully scheduled, my days off I spent training in August and September, and there always needed to be one day down the hill doing life admin. And then as work levels tapered off we had multiple days of stormy weather with one or both mountains closed, and I just sort of lost my momentum....<p></p><p>I finished up on 1st October, bookending with another first timer group. A perfect way to end what was a slightly disappointing season. I'm thinking of reducing down to a 4 day week (full-time) next year, or just a couple of days max, and spend more time on my own skiing.</p><p>In the meantime I'm packing up my life of the last 3.5 years and storing all the toys away, because I'm off overseas for more adventures.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidq9J5wBaGhgNZYesFWS2nC__QVzSuikX764ikHa-XRk5OPY_2z4x4Iu-mD1b0w-34eVb61kl4NrfVNm6HBIyLQgTSYJuJ3lFb59YbHfOkcDA3dHELTRUXhi2i_lebaKP-IwHSX9_IQeLc3vp_qOMI0MK4NJmrVwpP_7UFtBZjSmrveD35RBsTgUAEYs0/s4032/20231008-IMG_0082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidq9J5wBaGhgNZYesFWS2nC__QVzSuikX764ikHa-XRk5OPY_2z4x4Iu-mD1b0w-34eVb61kl4NrfVNm6HBIyLQgTSYJuJ3lFb59YbHfOkcDA3dHELTRUXhi2i_lebaKP-IwHSX9_IQeLc3vp_qOMI0MK4NJmrVwpP_7UFtBZjSmrveD35RBsTgUAEYs0/w480-h640/20231008-IMG_0082.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />First stop home to WA for some much needed wind and waves (the sea breezes are already cranking, yay!), and then I'm off to Japan for another winter.<p></p><p>And after that, depending on how the Aussie bush manages after a dry winter and a forecasted extremely hot summer, I'm hoping to knock off another 10 day section of the AAWT.</p><p>Stay tuned....</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-37323295614942135212023-05-21T11:22:00.185+08:002023-10-09T07:08:40.491+08:00Hutbagging cleanup on the Greenstone Mavora <div dir="ltr"><div><div style="text-align: left;">I'd walked the <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2019/05/an-all-weather-circuit-with-some-detours.html" target="_blank">Greenstone Caples</a> a few years prior, but hadn't actually bagged all the huts in the vicinity. I'd ended up very cold and miserable walking down the Greenstone Valley in the rain and hadn't enjoyed that day at all. In early May a lass named Linda walking <a href="https://www.teararoa.org.nz" target="_blank">Te Araroa</a> posted on Facebook that she was looking for a lift from Queenstown to the start of the trail at the Greenstone carpark. I checked the forecast and discovered a decent weather window to clean up those huts I'd yet to bag. There was snow forecast for the days before, but a clearance on Thursday opened up a few good days ahead before the next front would descend. I contacted Linda and offered her a lift.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>DAY 1</b></div><div><b>Greenstone carpark to Mid Greenstone Hut 12km, 5 hours</b></div> <div><br /></div><div>I left Wanaka at 7:45 am. It had snowed heavily overnight so I drove via Cromwell to avoid putting chains on to go over the Crown Range. I got to Frankton around 9:15 and went to Bivouac to buy some new waterproof socks, a strategy I use for keeping my feet toasty warm when the weather gets cold and the stream crossings get icy. </div><div><br /></div><div>I continued on into Queenstown, to Small Planet, where I paid for and picked up the key for the <a href="https://www.southernlakesnzda.org.nz/mid-greenstone" target="_blank">Mid Greenstone Hut</a>. The hut is owned by the NZDA and has to be booked and paid for before staying there. There, I met up with Linda. We left town around about 10 and got to the car park a little bit after 11. I faffed around getting myself ready but Linda headed off fairly quickly.</div><div><br /></div> <div>A group of fellas turned up, also hiking into Greenstone Hut, but I left before them. I passed three trampers on their way out, but otherwise saw nobody the rest of the day. The track was not too muddy, much better than last time I had walked it. It was certainly muddy in places, but not as if a large herd of cattle had ploughed it up, my experience back in 2019. The river was running clear, but I suspect high after the recent rain and snow. It took me just over three hours to the Greenstone Hut turn off and that included a stop for lunch. I didn't go and visit Slip Flat Hut as I had decided to visit it on the way back out. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBseHuRPzEAmgCWevtMDNgujMeR9oJpUgPMJfikGZ7AtPMcdOGc1AoYppTKN1mA8LDll6RJ0cgsqombmy9q7LX62lHhL1TvlznY1NchZkhdSLAfG6EIpBgf9xN8SwpFidYW06zNrbFkg_Q3TcKvjhNX6W2E_3m2IeT3VyIkFkNGlFpwbdxZsBe_1FO3T8/s4032/20230511-IMG_9749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBseHuRPzEAmgCWevtMDNgujMeR9oJpUgPMJfikGZ7AtPMcdOGc1AoYppTKN1mA8LDll6RJ0cgsqombmy9q7LX62lHhL1TvlznY1NchZkhdSLAfG6EIpBgf9xN8SwpFidYW06zNrbFkg_Q3TcKvjhNX6W2E_3m2IeT3VyIkFkNGlFpwbdxZsBe_1FO3T8/w480-h640/20230511-IMG_9749.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing Caples River</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCISkVv_-L6RlUxzs9PNZGgZVbrG969sFxw2VfsfTjpilG2BZx_DVr2wOJ3kPbLbW97Nl5Duz0GWo4AmkyX3jFy6IajOI2zCjpFyn7OKAswZUSuTQal5MITeopxrlSdcy_T3TIz7_y_3JDuJ6g9AA9EWBiHjYl6d1jgaIxHTxxLsbriag1Q8yUoTCENkM/s4032/20230511-IMG_9750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCISkVv_-L6RlUxzs9PNZGgZVbrG969sFxw2VfsfTjpilG2BZx_DVr2wOJ3kPbLbW97Nl5Duz0GWo4AmkyX3jFy6IajOI2zCjpFyn7OKAswZUSuTQal5MITeopxrlSdcy_T3TIz7_y_3JDuJ6g9AA9EWBiHjYl6d1jgaIxHTxxLsbriag1Q8yUoTCENkM/w480-h640/20230511-IMG_9750.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down Caples to Greenstone confluence</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNga58BlUzMOE3vsNMMhnMAq0_qUaxgx-r55aiYGigXlkc7wb1uFswWav-klsRWomHvnEpw9SWHIAJFE3zPieUL4lXzULluLYT4mQwMCLABOSusqJF3_jD_gPVppcRSBDAWyJqgtSPDVtk3yEG2gjW5_P4YnRhkiRRxrYmpeqQUk0v3j2Ie9AIpLsG-o/s4032/20230511-IMG_9751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNga58BlUzMOE3vsNMMhnMAq0_qUaxgx-r55aiYGigXlkc7wb1uFswWav-klsRWomHvnEpw9SWHIAJFE3zPieUL4lXzULluLYT4mQwMCLABOSusqJF3_jD_gPVppcRSBDAWyJqgtSPDVtk3yEG2gjW5_P4YnRhkiRRxrYmpeqQUk0v3j2Ie9AIpLsG-o/w480-h640/20230511-IMG_9751.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge across the Caples</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFMb0_eQ4BdnVQJHLkGoHUmNVInophm6gKddABVBwg2FxoXPOeavQ0HIfF7NRCG5qGFygxX8t9O3o88qsSZSdWwJ2TjdZrfUW3x7I6bF5-Sep03ZGlDWm1E-g6SQSfjDc1-bhWOrxlVMy9b4SOeVJ6H3EPudWZwM4TS9TqGtuWaitQWqwnNju8iAceU0/s3536/20230511-IMG_9752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3536" data-original-width="2650" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFMb0_eQ4BdnVQJHLkGoHUmNVInophm6gKddABVBwg2FxoXPOeavQ0HIfF7NRCG5qGFygxX8t9O3o88qsSZSdWwJ2TjdZrfUW3x7I6bF5-Sep03ZGlDWm1E-g6SQSfjDc1-bhWOrxlVMy9b4SOeVJ6H3EPudWZwM4TS9TqGtuWaitQWqwnNju8iAceU0/w480-h640/20230511-IMG_9752.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4ngcJzkbn0IdJUN_dBi5PEppsJlaJLa_4RbXHuUdLq37dNBAw_fjMuRIFuEIv6cNB3k1aRQA5Z2C6sODnDfU0RP3SjwJVlKLPMzovbvyomel8zoIYbLQR0bt2pOMNFl0llHxq2Bc2rMVWXQBWvK99jzR1tQKm4MlRJEajkldPqYBWzN249I3IYtqgrE/s4032/20230511-IMG_9753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4ngcJzkbn0IdJUN_dBi5PEppsJlaJLa_4RbXHuUdLq37dNBAw_fjMuRIFuEIv6cNB3k1aRQA5Z2C6sODnDfU0RP3SjwJVlKLPMzovbvyomel8zoIYbLQR0bt2pOMNFl0llHxq2Bc2rMVWXQBWvK99jzR1tQKm4MlRJEajkldPqYBWzN249I3IYtqgrE/w480-h640/20230511-IMG_9753.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up the Greenstone</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwzt2AKjPKXqFqylyuE9TIZiz7Gg_qe5AV0nd9l19Qwu1Olqukilc1gniFSeT_er1uNBk39X74SQYoGeubOV_ViM91pLatAMv_Y4TgdBvizpvvhVX4N5PHglFHRhmXjWjYVgnK9evnDK8lHaToJOjwYqSm4kxzflJK9Kzt9djY_DB6bSCFYB8AGfDKek/s4032/20230511-IMG_9754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwzt2AKjPKXqFqylyuE9TIZiz7Gg_qe5AV0nd9l19Qwu1Olqukilc1gniFSeT_er1uNBk39X74SQYoGeubOV_ViM91pLatAMv_Y4TgdBvizpvvhVX4N5PHglFHRhmXjWjYVgnK9evnDK8lHaToJOjwYqSm4kxzflJK9Kzt9djY_DB6bSCFYB8AGfDKek/w480-h640/20230511-IMG_9754.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn fungi</td></tr></tbody></table><br />From the Greenstone Hut turn off, I continued along the Greenstone Track for another hour, past some curious cows, and then took the unmarked track through the trees over some windfall to Mid Greenstone Hut. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyOF4bD1aYKfs5f42M-s-66EqUvZrHWD2pRAk7iu58VDY5DRgGIOh8hYyoCQSpl8yFElxzB6efV0kTW8m1YjxJ5R5IY_Z6Dltfxx4uAWcvYrQR9iy8D32QogEU-eNruqMkZeXppNlGE8TrBLffiY8_fsISHql1fzctWXDJRBfMk-bm3FxFwuIHXody5w/s4032/20230511-IMG_9755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyOF4bD1aYKfs5f42M-s-66EqUvZrHWD2pRAk7iu58VDY5DRgGIOh8hYyoCQSpl8yFElxzB6efV0kTW8m1YjxJ5R5IY_Z6Dltfxx4uAWcvYrQR9iy8D32QogEU-eNruqMkZeXppNlGE8TrBLffiY8_fsISHql1fzctWXDJRBfMk-bm3FxFwuIHXody5w/w640-h480/20230511-IMG_9755.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overnight snow further up the Greenstone valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The hut is a beauty. It has a wood burner, lots of dry firewood, solar lighting, a gas cooker and all the crockery and pots and pans of a small kitchen. It's quite cold though, because the snow fell to almost valley floor at this level, perhaps 100 m off the valley floor, and the hut itself doesn't get much sun during the day. The fire had already been set by the previous occupants, so the first thing I did was light the fire to get the hut warmed up. Then I turned on the gas and made myself a hot cup of tea, enjoying the spectacular view up the Greenstone Valley. I had a lovely evening, warming the hut up nicely before heading to bed. The solar lights are such a great addition to these backcountry huts. Well worth the $25 per person per night. </div> <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjW1YvPYErofaCNKSn8Vun1EPTN90_IajhWfczSHCAcgwpPOMw6Q52lHPMolPgnSPbPKSAkYSVSMacx3nfsOm0nM_l1RIS5DNNKpsvqk_IvTf7i5NNr_F0h-SLdu7titpZL7o_xFGyL1wsbnrt18ZSDKj7ZTg56P9VBgh64Jhj0WSrxo3FzFI2qmtT4JY/s4032/20230511-IMG_9756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjW1YvPYErofaCNKSn8Vun1EPTN90_IajhWfczSHCAcgwpPOMw6Q52lHPMolPgnSPbPKSAkYSVSMacx3nfsOm0nM_l1RIS5DNNKpsvqk_IvTf7i5NNr_F0h-SLdu7titpZL7o_xFGyL1wsbnrt18ZSDKj7ZTg56P9VBgh64Jhj0WSrxo3FzFI2qmtT4JY/w640-h480/20230511-IMG_9756.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid Greenstone Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWaQLlIXuYUV3gqkRW6F0T6K3tDR0js6US8OEOygCSWVYg6dPD0buVeI2BDfbgsnEBGPrmvRBRYHH_K_iSlxgTCSkeenZHa4ZOAWovmuGsk1kqImAxE1EqH7tkl8KGK1m6fUByBEwKoHkzgrfSZoQNTl842v58wUzt4fLcYxl7gYsbtaWp7VgMZUkdJk/s4032/20230511-IMG_9757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWaQLlIXuYUV3gqkRW6F0T6K3tDR0js6US8OEOygCSWVYg6dPD0buVeI2BDfbgsnEBGPrmvRBRYHH_K_iSlxgTCSkeenZHa4ZOAWovmuGsk1kqImAxE1EqH7tkl8KGK1m6fUByBEwKoHkzgrfSZoQNTl842v58wUzt4fLcYxl7gYsbtaWp7VgMZUkdJk/w640-h480/20230511-IMG_9757.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-F06olhlloAtgydHFfmb74THgvRw5DfOYdK3YH8qOooO9wha-jJyQTCIk2mNUTHMtdQxJyIr1OnJkIDecZYDwODdWJrUr5JWvqzxevjZJP5D5NaiqBYDf_vQEPqzSr1jRcBVIFeJHz3s_E_AUOIHBCPCE2ok3p3-O0Pk95MVyHYtXCRpb5QpBHxpQKA/s4032/20230512-IMG_9777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-F06olhlloAtgydHFfmb74THgvRw5DfOYdK3YH8qOooO9wha-jJyQTCIk2mNUTHMtdQxJyIr1OnJkIDecZYDwODdWJrUr5JWvqzxevjZJP5D5NaiqBYDf_vQEPqzSr1jRcBVIFeJHz3s_E_AUOIHBCPCE2ok3p3-O0Pk95MVyHYtXCRpb5QpBHxpQKA/w480-h640/20230512-IMG_9777.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simply fill bucket and turn tap on to have a shower (there's a dedicated shower room on the lower level)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div> <div><b>DAY 2 ☀️<br /></b></div> <div><b>Day trip return to Steele Creek Hut (4 hrs return) then back downriver to Greenstone Hut ( under 2 hrs)</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div> <div>I slept really well, not waking up until 8 am. After a cup of coffee, and packing up, I headed off with just my day pack along the trail to meet up with the Greenstone Track. There was a bit of windfall and a couple of rock slides to get over, but the trail joined the main track at the swing bridge over Steele Creek. Neither trail to Mid Greenstone Hut is marked, to discourage unwitting trampers taking the wrong track, and besides, the hut is locked.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8kUFXhpso7MuFxcUGPKpwVqvo4TN6fIUmtS2fhaVil_aoBgNUXs0pMwfIQtAzgvWb2Ws_neB-AvD4dW4Ygu6E9K6XCrk76F_mL2mIhsJU2WVzKtImH4PCU4NsRA7Fa2tPlINdpGf0zTuHYzJOyZGAzxfjX-cp01v5qI0EHPy-lMD-sIwV90C2L7FsF4/s4032/20230512-IMG_9759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8kUFXhpso7MuFxcUGPKpwVqvo4TN6fIUmtS2fhaVil_aoBgNUXs0pMwfIQtAzgvWb2Ws_neB-AvD4dW4Ygu6E9K6XCrk76F_mL2mIhsJU2WVzKtImH4PCU4NsRA7Fa2tPlINdpGf0zTuHYzJOyZGAzxfjX-cp01v5qI0EHPy-lMD-sIwV90C2L7FsF4/w640-h480/20230512-IMG_9759.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDkjalUrcPNJTyczfoxlOoEXnFvaqB_Kx-Tcmwtk3WOL_EaR751lx2kvadfKS_0TWjAA1QWEXvfpRNaRkmQmcD12GpUPLliaVY0wcGmmvpFiutHym32Vo_jnp9ZopeMxskvLPmrijGoLz3iL6QvJ4IpIKYdCr08CsjrI6lFHySZH8GWktIR2ZMWUbmqY/s4032/20230512-IMG_9763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDkjalUrcPNJTyczfoxlOoEXnFvaqB_Kx-Tcmwtk3WOL_EaR751lx2kvadfKS_0TWjAA1QWEXvfpRNaRkmQmcD12GpUPLliaVY0wcGmmvpFiutHym32Vo_jnp9ZopeMxskvLPmrijGoLz3iL6QvJ4IpIKYdCr08CsjrI6lFHySZH8GWktIR2ZMWUbmqY/w480-h640/20230512-IMG_9763.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a bit of windfall to climb through</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1plpujGvwUjBeZG5Un3MhQEQEtZG1KrHWrrQ0K671lEL-DClkGZQo-RWRw8W1lXw1yv7bvJrrecSb0SSms2UUvMM3PureHB8d6uxlA9cZ9aCQ2oVHQhyz5BsFXxrUfjMqm3_-gAjSU3Q2NmuFs8kVqstzL6mPvgsP4EyDKTv4MAdE7Qw78Ef14VrwuM/s4032/20230512-IMG_9765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1plpujGvwUjBeZG5Un3MhQEQEtZG1KrHWrrQ0K671lEL-DClkGZQo-RWRw8W1lXw1yv7bvJrrecSb0SSms2UUvMM3PureHB8d6uxlA9cZ9aCQ2oVHQhyz5BsFXxrUfjMqm3_-gAjSU3Q2NmuFs8kVqstzL6mPvgsP4EyDKTv4MAdE7Qw78Ef14VrwuM/w640-h480/20230512-IMG_9765.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More views up the Greenstone</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once over the swing bridge, the track up Steele Creek veered off to the right and climbed up a terrace with more great views up the Greenstone Valley. The track then entered the bush. There was quite a lot of windfall, but most had tracks around them as the windfall had been there for a while and the track obviously gets a fair bit of use. Once the track rejoined the river there were a number of open river terraces to walk along, weaving in and out of the bush. At the end of one of the terraces there was a difficult clamber around some treefall to rejoin the track. At first I climbed too high, so I came back down, clambered through some trees and then descended back to the track. That detour added about 15 minutes. From there, the track pretty well followed the river the whole way up until climbing a little away from the river and then back down to the hut. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jhNjjFQe6OzkLvd6YJ9p52rl3SIOXi0DIsZ-TbIAu-QQNMT414-BLM6lvorAz5s0iytXHFqltW7Dh6mzmeJVJvv9ulpEfG_Rn9biFfj3gqaA60gLYMIoiEqwL0wYzhRDlvHVvpPoSnHCStDHAZSfcxMbk-7DHCeSVA_2m3IdW5ic70HaNe6Q-c06V2g/s4032/20230512-IMG_9773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jhNjjFQe6OzkLvd6YJ9p52rl3SIOXi0DIsZ-TbIAu-QQNMT414-BLM6lvorAz5s0iytXHFqltW7Dh6mzmeJVJvv9ulpEfG_Rn9biFfj3gqaA60gLYMIoiEqwL0wYzhRDlvHVvpPoSnHCStDHAZSfcxMbk-7DHCeSVA_2m3IdW5ic70HaNe6Q-c06V2g/w480-h640/20230512-IMG_9773.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">swingbridge over Steele Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGVnkcdcM23XRyQkaWXRW8gcMFRlmlfJ4HOkBB1Sx3azxoMH-LO2GzZT4K9-NKMOm4lJlJe0s4MZKzxG_hpV6IsKZUQ99DZNlNXTXmRCMvpVYdnJxoQlenBpybJjCAvTStO8wfBRM9bnwXhNi6bFatSac6Mmoot3dO1HLiLqR-UrvuA9eWO-5QP6a4QY/s4032/20230512-IMG_9766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGVnkcdcM23XRyQkaWXRW8gcMFRlmlfJ4HOkBB1Sx3azxoMH-LO2GzZT4K9-NKMOm4lJlJe0s4MZKzxG_hpV6IsKZUQ99DZNlNXTXmRCMvpVYdnJxoQlenBpybJjCAvTStO8wfBRM9bnwXhNi6bFatSac6Mmoot3dO1HLiLqR-UrvuA9eWO-5QP6a4QY/w640-h480/20230512-IMG_9766.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUw1a7AmnD7ds3UXlFrs6Qxw0iZUIR8LZP_LRwRvtMjuJ_hSx4dJPGM1HS159FiOe1KFhU6pfIonDq84PssfAHqC15g28RhuOjWsrzkss1bk93aPfjo3sJJfnaimm8KXjM4FRtxjutuhf7-WWO6hlrCbxrlUVlHPLqzWLi_tO5kBCbE7EvDJd9y6oaNjw/s3477/20230512-IMG_9768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3477" data-original-width="2608" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUw1a7AmnD7ds3UXlFrs6Qxw0iZUIR8LZP_LRwRvtMjuJ_hSx4dJPGM1HS159FiOe1KFhU6pfIonDq84PssfAHqC15g28RhuOjWsrzkss1bk93aPfjo3sJJfnaimm8KXjM4FRtxjutuhf7-WWO6hlrCbxrlUVlHPLqzWLi_tO5kBCbE7EvDJd9y6oaNjw/w480-h640/20230512-IMG_9768.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Steele Creek Hut had real character. Somebody has done some work on it and it was really weather tight with a concrete floor and a fireplace, yet it's still a beech framed tin building. There were patches of snow on the ground outside the hut and the fire was prepped for lighting. </div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7GFSBaBHm1IRkNsML6pKY9T0KK6ix4Tvb7Kbwj1RkyNfC4wKKz4ArKZ-x43mSQdGRQ9gpvN4SWAPqWfyW1JoziNNO05cJHBXuOu7HKxsnkG-3nzZzOlrhJrFaonjEGvv_v68VyJBHyM7RlwowLKIfx7oLHWKupp6BRqhoZ6YQDCUWOjxMEPQejRolTw/s4032/20230512-IMG_9769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7GFSBaBHm1IRkNsML6pKY9T0KK6ix4Tvb7Kbwj1RkyNfC4wKKz4ArKZ-x43mSQdGRQ9gpvN4SWAPqWfyW1JoziNNO05cJHBXuOu7HKxsnkG-3nzZzOlrhJrFaonjEGvv_v68VyJBHyM7RlwowLKIfx7oLHWKupp6BRqhoZ6YQDCUWOjxMEPQejRolTw/w640-h480/20230512-IMG_9769.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UhcP9JTwlGIVlSuE6D7be7teFJoRwU6u7Hdx6i9i0JTpz6oqcoKPr9zk2-r5zmuFxs8OfrvFiejiKab4q5kCF8uvzvnY-LdE91igbXEm6sYhWfeJIopsgUlwqmo-CDAa6IM0dsPeLQ1wk3HbvIXOS2GNIyHRgEV8HPXNVzKUeGVH7ghGQafeizhw4go/s4032/20230512-IMG_9770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UhcP9JTwlGIVlSuE6D7be7teFJoRwU6u7Hdx6i9i0JTpz6oqcoKPr9zk2-r5zmuFxs8OfrvFiejiKab4q5kCF8uvzvnY-LdE91igbXEm6sYhWfeJIopsgUlwqmo-CDAa6IM0dsPeLQ1wk3HbvIXOS2GNIyHRgEV8HPXNVzKUeGVH7ghGQafeizhw4go/w480-h640/20230512-IMG_9770.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I had a quick lunch in the sun, then returned along the same track. When I got to the difficult tree fall, I stayed low and sidled very close to the river, even stepping into the river to get around. I still needed to climb through between 2 fallen logs but it was quicker and easier than the trip out. The rest of the track back was uneventful. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyJ78tWkUDqsuXVLoT7zPBtkltlh-2mUMh0hIoaVFz_xbeBEhWjrTYfNX2Vutg56_1TAGXytPyeMGfS68gjGG-tlMtVn81UMMxTTonamJeKhStVKfMuZwc9hFam-y_OxpfJbSwMOmSoEsX1yV8HMv-P3gvpzdyvlgTO4PW4H1-B8VXh6xQjEYa5ueHW4/s3620/20230512-IMG_9775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3620" data-original-width="2713" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyJ78tWkUDqsuXVLoT7zPBtkltlh-2mUMh0hIoaVFz_xbeBEhWjrTYfNX2Vutg56_1TAGXytPyeMGfS68gjGG-tlMtVn81UMMxTTonamJeKhStVKfMuZwc9hFam-y_OxpfJbSwMOmSoEsX1yV8HMv-P3gvpzdyvlgTO4PW4H1-B8VXh6xQjEYa5ueHW4/w480-h640/20230512-IMG_9775.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Once back at Mid Greenstone Hut I replaced the wood, reset the fire for the next occupants, had a cup of tea, turned off the gas, did a quick final sweep, locked up and headed on my way. It was a magnificent sunny day and a considerably different experience to the last time I had walked down the Greenstone Valley in the rain and wind, feeling very cold and miserable. The track was nowhere near as muddy, even though there was evidence that cows were using the track as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>I got to Greenstone Hut a little after four and was surprised to see nobody there. I tried to get the fire going, but unfortunately was unsuccessful. There is coal supplied, but very little dry wood around to get the fire going with. The hut is quite warm anyway, because it is double glazed and well insulated. I had dinner and then headed to bed.</div> <div><br /></div> <div><b>DAY 3</b></div> <div><b>Greenstone Hut to Taipo Hut along Mavora Walkway including Passburn Hut detour and looking for Pondburn Hut 14 km, 6.5 hours </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div> <div>I got up a bit earlier, managing to get away just before 9 am. I joined the Mavora Walkway, which sidles up through forest until reaching a saddle above the Pass Burn. I left my pack there and walked down to the Pass Burn Hut, following a very old four-wheel-drive track which doesn't look like it gets any vehicles on it any more. At the bottom of the hill I needed to cross the river to get to the hut, so I took my shoes and socks off and walked across in bare feet. The hut, being private, is locked, but there was a back room with bunks in it which wasn't locked. Neither of the two huts had windows, though there is a fireplace in the main hut that was locked. I re-crossed the river, put my shoes and socks back on and returned to my pack. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQP0Xf2w2Is3soMz8QJNH3Qwj8Ep875ZAshQA17zv4JhfFkuO_kMwPQFtbkQFNDdQJeJfOGpSrdJGbN6zO1KT_YSe1RHgajVV29JgXbCdzyoUDls6X7Fgbv7A0BEBRbnf_8E13QgKMNCZA4vCGFFQBt2-FJSthBCoH4pI4nwxRRxi7SXWJliqDZqKUbU/s4032/20230513-IMG_9779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQP0Xf2w2Is3soMz8QJNH3Qwj8Ep875ZAshQA17zv4JhfFkuO_kMwPQFtbkQFNDdQJeJfOGpSrdJGbN6zO1KT_YSe1RHgajVV29JgXbCdzyoUDls6X7Fgbv7A0BEBRbnf_8E13QgKMNCZA4vCGFFQBt2-FJSthBCoH4pI4nwxRRxi7SXWJliqDZqKUbU/w640-h480/20230513-IMG_9779.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at Greenstone Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilke2zlH2ZCri4JyiEJYgJNgQpKjtComdY4XK-kmjmAureLy3J62O53w4DX15pmXRD88U7lssYXInFgPrt-wb8Tmb87YAJFsHujZXyqqQ6fLm8VJ-I9KVP8wvt8__EzQfTAaAsfML99idKGyAgPjaG0_XF4-wH_6ur37a0MwT2A_UebpbMX5OEB50HBz0/s4032/20230513-IMG_9780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilke2zlH2ZCri4JyiEJYgJNgQpKjtComdY4XK-kmjmAureLy3J62O53w4DX15pmXRD88U7lssYXInFgPrt-wb8Tmb87YAJFsHujZXyqqQ6fLm8VJ-I9KVP8wvt8__EzQfTAaAsfML99idKGyAgPjaG0_XF4-wH_6ur37a0MwT2A_UebpbMX5OEB50HBz0/w640-h480/20230513-IMG_9780.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVU6Epaj_MEEKj1zFyaFpzYlPI4ASgtqTus3Oo9W2QBhqiKiPCsMzw2dSlSnwYXIfOCUXsxCQI0taMEbyjvUXWFW5NeIicEfugSpnlLevtaN_TThREHl5llnPKgmxa-3Q0LRdNvDApfYycUxRNquTKjlHcHu8OjCzVydwU11xMjgmIl6UEXpf409dI48/s4032/20230513-IMG_9782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVU6Epaj_MEEKj1zFyaFpzYlPI4ASgtqTus3Oo9W2QBhqiKiPCsMzw2dSlSnwYXIfOCUXsxCQI0taMEbyjvUXWFW5NeIicEfugSpnlLevtaN_TThREHl5llnPKgmxa-3Q0LRdNvDApfYycUxRNquTKjlHcHu8OjCzVydwU11xMjgmIl6UEXpf409dI48/w640-h480/20230513-IMG_9782.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passburn Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoW3N1HGEDX1llkbbx_GTGOxXkZtzwsdXkV8R9vS7TxvalLdnMGMUAegXkuzkIf_z4SbwIr_m80DzgzW0F9WcqnFNQaBj6bxljg06XJ9Zq86YPbrg1u7qBCHwx5ZxiHzah87v-j5UmplVXyhAwJbTOvzhw_ebtIV99PSxk9ayKEgl3Jv_pKTrNjGobEvI/s4032/20230513-IMG_9783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoW3N1HGEDX1llkbbx_GTGOxXkZtzwsdXkV8R9vS7TxvalLdnMGMUAegXkuzkIf_z4SbwIr_m80DzgzW0F9WcqnFNQaBj6bxljg06XJ9Zq86YPbrg1u7qBCHwx5ZxiHzah87v-j5UmplVXyhAwJbTOvzhw_ebtIV99PSxk9ayKEgl3Jv_pKTrNjGobEvI/w640-h480/20230513-IMG_9783.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I set off again on the Mavora track at 10:30. The first mission was a descent to the Pass Burn and the need to cross it again, this time with my boots on!!</div><div><br /></div> <div>This section of the Mavora Walkway is pretty diabolical. It's muddy and it has a lot of windfall. The windfall doesn't have great tracks around it so most of the time you are climbing over logs or clambering through it. Someone had kindly used blue tape to mark the way through some of the more difficult windfall, which made it a bit easier but it was still an exhausting undertaking. I now understand why 10 km takes 4 to 5 hours!!</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvPx7YRL60lZpIV8T7mS1AJv8HI2vuyToyZ6OyZ7-ZiGpPLsLW0_UDyIqB4Ui0d39Agz4CqrVNsOQFrkXPIYGu98EgMf0xcLIhX9S6LdXSec2HEM0CwZYkCILJDQ_Z3DZKHq7C47NaLpPjxXepAZsrARs8BjnUxdegRhKD4aO3f4H9clciyKRjM6Et6o/s4032/20230513-IMG_9784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvPx7YRL60lZpIV8T7mS1AJv8HI2vuyToyZ6OyZ7-ZiGpPLsLW0_UDyIqB4Ui0d39Agz4CqrVNsOQFrkXPIYGu98EgMf0xcLIhX9S6LdXSec2HEM0CwZYkCILJDQ_Z3DZKHq7C47NaLpPjxXepAZsrARs8BjnUxdegRhKD4aO3f4H9clciyKRjM6Et6o/w480-h640/20230513-IMG_9784.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWkQq1MF3ChMhVZFME-CG4I4N4GTOLolo2lsYlc6IFMH-X_wwBCqrlG8egly_IkMizeS452NZ2zcbRR_uk1eDpPfxhPTJ48ZjiQwsNxpdIt-_AOUO4z-ByU87Rng8Q3_vCz1ydTa1rk6ThPt715YVfYdDN_dP8KeZTXLOrHVuzpRRPB78WATUBbA8E1k/s4032/20230513-IMG_9785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWkQq1MF3ChMhVZFME-CG4I4N4GTOLolo2lsYlc6IFMH-X_wwBCqrlG8egly_IkMizeS452NZ2zcbRR_uk1eDpPfxhPTJ48ZjiQwsNxpdIt-_AOUO4z-ByU87Rng8Q3_vCz1ydTa1rk6ThPt715YVfYdDN_dP8KeZTXLOrHVuzpRRPB78WATUBbA8E1k/w480-h640/20230513-IMG_9785.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really old track markers on the Mavora Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHfBEXfOH0oxRfMUnTMtTB6uMHNAOmjVd2yvZRwAdt9iRNGPMf4LcMnZKHfVahoEQI80GQcBaXfZkN3R-DhXxnVzLDrUSg6K16p59ANtm3hM-XqmZJVqM56ALPmcdlLuYrYBeWo1lwSzjkrj-yrZFOYqks7sqc9G3GrOVpgamNzSrVHSzhByzZPJq44U/s4032/20230513-IMG_9786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHfBEXfOH0oxRfMUnTMtTB6uMHNAOmjVd2yvZRwAdt9iRNGPMf4LcMnZKHfVahoEQI80GQcBaXfZkN3R-DhXxnVzLDrUSg6K16p59ANtm3hM-XqmZJVqM56ALPmcdlLuYrYBeWo1lwSzjkrj-yrZFOYqks7sqc9G3GrOVpgamNzSrVHSzhByzZPJq44U/w480-h640/20230513-IMG_9786.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow the blue tape....</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The track at last came out into an alpine clearing with a lovely spot in the sun and out of the wind, with a dry stone for me to sit on. A perfect spot for lunch and to set out the solar panel to charge my phone. After waiting half an hour for the phone to charge I continued on. </div><div><br /></div><div>The track reentered forest and then re-emerged in a larger, very boggy clearing with views down to a large tarn. I spent a bit of time trying to find Pondburn Hut, but was unable to locate it. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OgBpAwXfZT8ISgiFNiVYN6kiDT7YNb6fyrXPZu3BuRnM7vYc59VNIAlMEuzJS8zXAZ56ZXhwUeAOjLo1T7vbHk3YD-j8ABPUrZNEjm2VyycfAP-zKlbfUvWFW-T1p26vtgY1crgCPzS-M1pDdI_Q7j7p7rMtKorchDUBnb-43r4X1tAi-st7V834HjU/s4032/20230513-IMG_9787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OgBpAwXfZT8ISgiFNiVYN6kiDT7YNb6fyrXPZu3BuRnM7vYc59VNIAlMEuzJS8zXAZ56ZXhwUeAOjLo1T7vbHk3YD-j8ABPUrZNEjm2VyycfAP-zKlbfUvWFW-T1p26vtgY1crgCPzS-M1pDdI_Q7j7p7rMtKorchDUBnb-43r4X1tAi-st7V834HjU/w640-h480/20230513-IMG_9787.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPtWWx3kB75mT8z_FbcAB6FwZzsu7RHBWmdW2CqnarQDTZ0RtGkl2Sb3bULXnNt4lX3-sDHx5UkI_ftkkZvQijYSgznNAjP1hKxHbSrNS_taH0tKUiIBgcolVe4CARbLkb5GlsUAEQvV16f1M-0wNI0hSbDCXy3EEqR3XbUGBOOrd1BRUuBbCwNyXwaY/s4032/20230513-IMG_9788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPtWWx3kB75mT8z_FbcAB6FwZzsu7RHBWmdW2CqnarQDTZ0RtGkl2Sb3bULXnNt4lX3-sDHx5UkI_ftkkZvQijYSgznNAjP1hKxHbSrNS_taH0tKUiIBgcolVe4CARbLkb5GlsUAEQvV16f1M-0wNI0hSbDCXy3EEqR3XbUGBOOrd1BRUuBbCwNyXwaY/w640-h480/20230513-IMG_9788.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCnTOb1zCxjbuqoxYIdO_sxvK1Eo1wUsczuJ7ugxEHuwHP7f35k3IkiMXLTkYgvKPP6lBOF4znTlwoZ5oPwOfyjZ6v8DAkIR_TkQM1EQCa-cqR2eDLcbOtlno3yNHpzTljjss0b0Ae3QXZJmRj3FIgZiwxjSyooOAyDB-Pi6QRdZspCaaxSzG9aKICTw/s4032/20230513-IMG_9789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCnTOb1zCxjbuqoxYIdO_sxvK1Eo1wUsczuJ7ugxEHuwHP7f35k3IkiMXLTkYgvKPP6lBOF4znTlwoZ5oPwOfyjZ6v8DAkIR_TkQM1EQCa-cqR2eDLcbOtlno3yNHpzTljjss0b0Ae3QXZJmRj3FIgZiwxjSyooOAyDB-Pi6QRdZspCaaxSzG9aKICTw/w640-h480/20230513-IMG_9789.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />From there, I descended to the main valley and followed the orange poles to Taipo Hut. The poles stayed high at first but then lead across very swampy ground before climbing to the terrace where the hut sits. </div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rinztj1rwbroaJVoq5O4Y9NXj_SjVynEx-qQe8YXmAnC_1M6bgrtp4TyNAyRmQKk3NI1o9mzKk-VZ9XCnQZWpEuPwiwras0Z3Wozq15jihbI-UVn4ZgH3F0LMAOsKfD8dLBH2Qx0ZRlZhz_gWZn2O_8lkI5hkLM0_PJb6R57IyfXBmGPqL-lsL0i6-c/s4032/20230513-IMG_9790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rinztj1rwbroaJVoq5O4Y9NXj_SjVynEx-qQe8YXmAnC_1M6bgrtp4TyNAyRmQKk3NI1o9mzKk-VZ9XCnQZWpEuPwiwras0Z3Wozq15jihbI-UVn4ZgH3F0LMAOsKfD8dLBH2Qx0ZRlZhz_gWZn2O_8lkI5hkLM0_PJb6R57IyfXBmGPqL-lsL0i6-c/w640-h480/20230513-IMG_9790.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading down valley towards Taipo Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gTDY4dlp7S70kkVYZljuWFCsnrYavaoHPvilAQIDYNzRq46TROD8iqQC_Vu2ZMo7D-a0Tsh432LBrhPpTbbaIqAPhMdloKVUDgMwAIXFLFtgiYOjzCLkN8gHzEwNMeujA9LSdgtyhXe5kr8tSwOnr2LMIH9dzOqpoBF0aHLQvJJD6sIKSNAQPKGeXc0/s4032/20230513-IMG_9791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gTDY4dlp7S70kkVYZljuWFCsnrYavaoHPvilAQIDYNzRq46TROD8iqQC_Vu2ZMo7D-a0Tsh432LBrhPpTbbaIqAPhMdloKVUDgMwAIXFLFtgiYOjzCLkN8gHzEwNMeujA9LSdgtyhXe5kr8tSwOnr2LMIH9dzOqpoBF0aHLQvJJD6sIKSNAQPKGeXc0/w640-h480/20230513-IMG_9791.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcTSLyEQdMHmBhFgdnAaLi7_-ytvANVUSxW6OH8z57k9-3zQX4g9exst9Rxh9mfkWaqFOMDqp4XE6IIhEk6eruOJzpK798ifJSZ_hh_OBkRxu_eDUMJh62DmQEVppDCta1hE-KawEeCWTvYYooNU5io3r89GRMWwy4DYtqTxYLhiS9bZ7Sy2TK4T-4eQ/s4032/20230513-IMG_9792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcTSLyEQdMHmBhFgdnAaLi7_-ytvANVUSxW6OH8z57k9-3zQX4g9exst9Rxh9mfkWaqFOMDqp4XE6IIhEk6eruOJzpK798ifJSZ_hh_OBkRxu_eDUMJh62DmQEVppDCta1hE-KawEeCWTvYYooNU5io3r89GRMWwy4DYtqTxYLhiS9bZ7Sy2TK4T-4eQ/w640-h480/20230513-IMG_9792.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76a2ssF2R0s2edAZhog7x4ACY_wHcAQg-Oze0aoNLegJLy5JDRDW3NR8ouoAwAz1aQBNuSbRw_KZVlQSnHDkkmbmOVuXql04TLorZqx5jHfOiTucH_l-BWz5oHUapqMnUN4w9uZoDqMaQN7AY8oEbyp55N8uGxl9VpPTrapMBibBMy79va3Su3ruNlJw/s4032/20230513-IMG_9793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76a2ssF2R0s2edAZhog7x4ACY_wHcAQg-Oze0aoNLegJLy5JDRDW3NR8ouoAwAz1aQBNuSbRw_KZVlQSnHDkkmbmOVuXql04TLorZqx5jHfOiTucH_l-BWz5oHUapqMnUN4w9uZoDqMaQN7AY8oEbyp55N8uGxl9VpPTrapMBibBMy79va3Su3ruNlJw/w640-h480/20230513-IMG_9793.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taipo Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Despite the swamp, it was absolutely beautiful, especially with the snow on the hills. By the time I got to Taipo Hut at 3:20 I was very glad to be finished for the day. It amazes me how much mileage TA walkers manage. Linda and the boys I had met at the carpark had simply kept going. Admittedly they hadn't wasted time hutbagging!</div><div><br /></div> <div>Taipo Hut is situated on a terrace above the river and there is a swing bridge across the Mararoa just south of the hut. The hut itself was quite warm inside although there is no fireplace. There is a fire pit outside and even some scavenged firewood from the river. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mIeRWRYcDN46kdgTkYnMuc3wgOJAQnRuJQ5BUN1e_DyPCBerTxbvoKNWn-9-ZZxSApvam5gDWCuwaqgDN7UrIsuG60tH06bXpd0Q09G1g7_bzWGnuqtVzEmXWi-wivAf9p7fvO6qwcjs6sLMateAsE5vi_eogbULc0bxpcTzm4TuUT_n8WNRlNyB8Ig/s4032/20230513-IMG_9794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mIeRWRYcDN46kdgTkYnMuc3wgOJAQnRuJQ5BUN1e_DyPCBerTxbvoKNWn-9-ZZxSApvam5gDWCuwaqgDN7UrIsuG60tH06bXpd0Q09G1g7_bzWGnuqtVzEmXWi-wivAf9p7fvO6qwcjs6sLMateAsE5vi_eogbULc0bxpcTzm4TuUT_n8WNRlNyB8Ig/w640-h480/20230513-IMG_9794.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43KcWGnyEq_TpfZJ2CtOjuPZwt7T3pnyCZ10LwCQAdNFxcyQN9Ok_kCsvjd9lgl467D9xMKFQXXF0SrbBWF30ECrn06m8fR-qd2kwYtdUiUCHnaSBf5-p5p8K9s76CPutYrK6taf065yQsdgTvFyWL-z2dpkz5X2RdBd_YbZLisFAEIFU1y1KljdWdhs/s4032/20230513-IMG_9795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43KcWGnyEq_TpfZJ2CtOjuPZwt7T3pnyCZ10LwCQAdNFxcyQN9Ok_kCsvjd9lgl467D9xMKFQXXF0SrbBWF30ECrn06m8fR-qd2kwYtdUiUCHnaSBf5-p5p8K9s76CPutYrK6taf065yQsdgTvFyWL-z2dpkz5X2RdBd_YbZLisFAEIFU1y1KljdWdhs/w480-h640/20230513-IMG_9795.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mararoa River, looking up valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVTjqu2dHP2eU4tYPZsSCrHdfsWHzXhffes3zlmbwKAC2XYmGKokPNqAKwZm5zlWDR5k9Dp6LCOP8KujRiqx6Tw3qI8JIuec0QlKUAfbWqCXBHPnU2ikMi2aSssWK8A5fptRwUHohrqO1kNj6jksT8bisygdpsq275z8vFoapm3wf3EeKYOeUGMbRGrE/s4032/20230513-IMG_9797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVTjqu2dHP2eU4tYPZsSCrHdfsWHzXhffes3zlmbwKAC2XYmGKokPNqAKwZm5zlWDR5k9Dp6LCOP8KujRiqx6Tw3qI8JIuec0QlKUAfbWqCXBHPnU2ikMi2aSssWK8A5fptRwUHohrqO1kNj6jksT8bisygdpsq275z8vFoapm3wf3EeKYOeUGMbRGrE/w640-h480/20230513-IMG_9797.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfARP5GAAdQWndyc9Cy9U1uc42PC1fmCC94sZGcleo-b4UnTraWWzMeIt0lYJzGOp79nkENx-8ZkfKcsOWDEyfkrDYbmFNqFFGnfxcHCHPgVI6tbj8PHyFFqpnPx71tduGej18BtTYR0BSKJ7Xy-nUlmQARTEXYLDvPtoODGMxnOWfDWMPjR1HKdmZec/s4032/20230513-IMG_9798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfARP5GAAdQWndyc9Cy9U1uc42PC1fmCC94sZGcleo-b4UnTraWWzMeIt0lYJzGOp79nkENx-8ZkfKcsOWDEyfkrDYbmFNqFFGnfxcHCHPgVI6tbj8PHyFFqpnPx71tduGej18BtTYR0BSKJ7Xy-nUlmQARTEXYLDvPtoODGMxnOWfDWMPjR1HKdmZec/w480-h640/20230513-IMG_9798.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMcz3xOfgNM9tiSA72uOlDD9io_TknjnfUZVmoL3Oa7wYMAfagOhj8leHaIotqZw26YDnNgGAZKdwZV0wEEPhyphenhyphenC0dn5srfNTD5KFFJXxG_IOIAZ_udYWZj77Lh0fnbtPnyySDz-3cjdEK_jWq8CV2CqoDISdhwZKcMxL4mf8iv-u1iHTp2Ett0Xw7PKk/s4032/20230513-IMG_9799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMcz3xOfgNM9tiSA72uOlDD9io_TknjnfUZVmoL3Oa7wYMAfagOhj8leHaIotqZw26YDnNgGAZKdwZV0wEEPhyphenhyphenC0dn5srfNTD5KFFJXxG_IOIAZ_udYWZj77Lh0fnbtPnyySDz-3cjdEK_jWq8CV2CqoDISdhwZKcMxL4mf8iv-u1iHTp2Ett0Xw7PKk/w480-h640/20230513-IMG_9799.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cattle deterrent??</td></tr></tbody></table><br />My shoes and socks were sopping wet after the mud and swamp, but the waterproof socks did an amazing job keeping my feet dry and warm, even though my shoes were soaked through.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I arrived at the hut I could see that some bad weather was coming in so I messaged Karen to let her know that I might be staying an extra day before returning to the Greenstone. I had enough food to stay an extra day, and I would prefer not to tramp in rain at this time of year!! The hut looks straight up the Mararoa through the large windows, which looks lovely with snow on all the peaks. </div><div><br /></div><div>Later in the evening I noticed what I think was a helicopter up the valley for some time, perhaps extracting people before the weather came in. Another early night.</div> <div><br /></div> <div><b>DAY 4</b></div> <div><b>Zero day at Taipo Hut. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div> <div>I had sent off a weather forecast last night, and Karen also confirmed in a message that the day would be rainy and unpleasant, whereas Monday and Tuesday were forecast to be great days. It rained overnight, although not a lot, and in the morning there was low cloud up the valley though it looked clear in the other directions. I sent off another forecast and it confirmed that there would be rain on and off all day so I sent a message to Karen to let her know that I would be staying at Taipo for the day. It's good to have the flexibility to be able to change plans when the weather doesn't cooperate. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFdS6yb3VOyMDAmzz4i8z_d_Ohq6vkvsYKRMZ9SaKBDgJ6NEgpER1S-1dD_ftz3N0OLd27mEWV5c-BU1qbdmIOk3pLGXTs9eOqOwioMTxz3ZICB6YDcsFx_KAu4oIK57YFg4aPzfA9VMOmLtWvNwZdJrQtFwAkipp9suPztCN6b_cWCJrXLd2AV7Jm_c/s4032/20230514-IMG_9800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFdS6yb3VOyMDAmzz4i8z_d_Ohq6vkvsYKRMZ9SaKBDgJ6NEgpER1S-1dD_ftz3N0OLd27mEWV5c-BU1qbdmIOk3pLGXTs9eOqOwioMTxz3ZICB6YDcsFx_KAu4oIK57YFg4aPzfA9VMOmLtWvNwZdJrQtFwAkipp9suPztCN6b_cWCJrXLd2AV7Jm_c/w640-h480/20230514-IMG_9800.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8SDnkCN4RUP72TAeWvAvU_qqd9n06Bc8AT2pUg9Kh7mJQpm2zYgNEn9IeUGhnRyPilw7ej-wdnjpfFx6zDFtTxra5xnfdnKAXHfZ4C7IRBilYLiLn60uI8Gx0IeI2g2SF4Rxb_e_kKDV-MnbHK6FngWf9TrgmZalKRi6MxmE45uzljMkC60pArp2Xlo/s4032/20230514-IMG_9801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8SDnkCN4RUP72TAeWvAvU_qqd9n06Bc8AT2pUg9Kh7mJQpm2zYgNEn9IeUGhnRyPilw7ej-wdnjpfFx6zDFtTxra5xnfdnKAXHfZ4C7IRBilYLiLn60uI8Gx0IeI2g2SF4Rxb_e_kKDV-MnbHK6FngWf9TrgmZalKRi6MxmE45uzljMkC60pArp2Xlo/w640-h480/20230514-IMG_9801.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The sun came out around 11:30, so I put the solar panel out to charge the InReach and a bench outside in the sun to enjoy a cup of tea. The wet shoes and socks also got a dose of sun, but within half an hour the clouds had regathered and it was back to hunkering down in the hut whilst the rain squalls hammered away. There's a lot to be thankful for out here in the backcountry, not least these wonderful shelters from the fickle weather. A fire would've been nice, but clad head to toe in down apparel makes for a good substitute!</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapGuHs8lMeI1d1cQzGNUXr3ijEOC6HNd8rnkmLzmAH7W9sjJWEUtOihuEpa2eObmbp8Y_ZGDc9JjEOb1FwUjBWzoHLL5jf9hgvRGN7e1vq1JSia3SS2blBfq9q7fqpeEq9xfHcRrNMM1AN2ZujlFrNc-8KSW2caBf4MLtzTP8QsQi6bjk7wu_38IKkXM/s4032/20230514-IMG_9819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapGuHs8lMeI1d1cQzGNUXr3ijEOC6HNd8rnkmLzmAH7W9sjJWEUtOihuEpa2eObmbp8Y_ZGDc9JjEOb1FwUjBWzoHLL5jf9hgvRGN7e1vq1JSia3SS2blBfq9q7fqpeEq9xfHcRrNMM1AN2ZujlFrNc-8KSW2caBf4MLtzTP8QsQi6bjk7wu_38IKkXM/w480-h640/20230514-IMG_9819.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I had lots of reading material: a few books on my phone, the usual hunting magazines and a 1979 issue of National Geographic featuring the recent discovery of the first hominid tracks by Mary Leakie! </div><div><br /></div> <div>The sun made another appearance around 2pm, again short lived, so it was back to more cups of tea and a jigsaw puzzle on the phone. Planes went by overhead, being on the flight path to Queenstown, and the recent snow on the hills became sparser after each downpour. The hut didn't warm up as much, due to the limited appearance of the sun, but it was still a cosy shelter from the elements. No one came by, there being only a few lone stragglers left of the 2022/23 TA crew. The most recent hut book records only 2 people not walking TA, and I'm one of them!</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkopRGi6QbjDAUr4wjXe5mnBFCg5yY2FXHygCyp134Iy-2jAJV62Jyu76_HvoT8g8QfTA1mGlQ8KoNinsyfLjteHwx9oUmHYmIaT6OLUbtiDsvJrPNH49KIS0r90UcB7yyLz625rkKiMacOQzcMSEM8Jd1Du0fqgMtBVRRmucnA3lO5ZSmJx58RmCPKYM/s4028/20230514-IMG_9818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4028" data-original-width="3023" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkopRGi6QbjDAUr4wjXe5mnBFCg5yY2FXHygCyp134Iy-2jAJV62Jyu76_HvoT8g8QfTA1mGlQ8KoNinsyfLjteHwx9oUmHYmIaT6OLUbtiDsvJrPNH49KIS0r90UcB7yyLz625rkKiMacOQzcMSEM8Jd1Du0fqgMtBVRRmucnA3lO5ZSmJx58RmCPKYM/w480-h640/20230514-IMG_9818.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The clouds started to clear around 5pm, allowing for a little colour to the sunset. It was time for another hot drink, this time a cup of soup, to rehydrate my dinner, and enjoy another night in my little hut in the hills.</div> <div><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeB9GNH3LISSwql79Xkylk29S5nOIOzfWFlP5w5_W7RqftOTb7caai34BLRC6RLu9rnAWTMlbLqj79tfdlmxbhcm8am4b88K1hSsBMtQsWGks2ZckVZ4zIIyIQOm201NsE1BX4FO1DECwwkfrfEDQ2p0g_BUZy9TOtdpI3BM2zaxMizfF9cQNyugdTIo/s4032/20230514-IMG_9821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeB9GNH3LISSwql79Xkylk29S5nOIOzfWFlP5w5_W7RqftOTb7caai34BLRC6RLu9rnAWTMlbLqj79tfdlmxbhcm8am4b88K1hSsBMtQsWGks2ZckVZ4zIIyIQOm201NsE1BX4FO1DECwwkfrfEDQ2p0g_BUZy9TOtdpI3BM2zaxMizfF9cQNyugdTIo/w640-h480/20230514-IMG_9821.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div> <div><b>DAY 5 ☀️<br /></b></div> <div><b>Taipo Hut to Greenstone Hut via stock track, including detour to Pondburn Hut 10km, 4 hours</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div> <div>I got away at 9, and stayed high rather than walking through the swamp. Since there was a frost, and no track through the tussock and hebes, my legs and feet probably got just as wet. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiTI6au8SXqYxX_DO1La9PbcWLGLNqmWqhyuNIluI3yQ9X1J1ljbv7uILsXgLijzBMUnmrpT5cT7QHCzlhQRVVzvYGbGrFxw0kJQiM06o0af39QbxM1O3JJ1eco6Dp9go-6kqJUCah-X_6HusO30UiDjlE01XJtilo17YH4K8FsfM0fkEkICWxZPzmDo/s4032/20230515-IMG_9822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiTI6au8SXqYxX_DO1La9PbcWLGLNqmWqhyuNIluI3yQ9X1J1ljbv7uILsXgLijzBMUnmrpT5cT7QHCzlhQRVVzvYGbGrFxw0kJQiM06o0af39QbxM1O3JJ1eco6Dp9go-6kqJUCah-X_6HusO30UiDjlE01XJtilo17YH4K8FsfM0fkEkICWxZPzmDo/w640-h480/20230515-IMG_9822.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9ZEwrdSw8d_lXAT2s8JkCSZdy8wlXjxG8A1rUlP-UszFysr1oTkIGUQ0Pc_yVlbnqkPaYM7DGt-2b_yI0qFDhgpY_CD7eCx9D6nBDsyUrEclOwdLIhRWeSoG8L2RGmGmfTmK9NVBnDjBj5ajP_dTIHyBZRMqa8Rhbtnp0nA9wSFPase2zmAtXAFhmBg/s4032/20230515-IMG_9823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9ZEwrdSw8d_lXAT2s8JkCSZdy8wlXjxG8A1rUlP-UszFysr1oTkIGUQ0Pc_yVlbnqkPaYM7DGt-2b_yI0qFDhgpY_CD7eCx9D6nBDsyUrEclOwdLIhRWeSoG8L2RGmGmfTmK9NVBnDjBj5ajP_dTIHyBZRMqa8Rhbtnp0nA9wSFPase2zmAtXAFhmBg/w480-h640/20230515-IMG_9823.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNuVTMv3KwQnYK-3Rv8aFilZVs4VceQ3mEqXoxA7RUlw-7Xh53ZjthmJt3FRrORWnyBXRPbPPvzPeFzPfUsLQqi1Vmxo0T1yjs0Scp_QrX7OofMK-0CUAeiRvUMd_RSBpy1zdKLxPCn5EWa71VWCFJrcB2s5ZOiSrTm4N5-bPYIx7QUe5M0wR6Cuw4-s/s4032/20230515-IMG_9824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNuVTMv3KwQnYK-3Rv8aFilZVs4VceQ3mEqXoxA7RUlw-7Xh53ZjthmJt3FRrORWnyBXRPbPPvzPeFzPfUsLQqi1Vmxo0T1yjs0Scp_QrX7OofMK-0CUAeiRvUMd_RSBpy1zdKLxPCn5EWa71VWCFJrcB2s5ZOiSrTm4N5-bPYIx7QUe5M0wR6Cuw4-s/w640-h480/20230515-IMG_9824.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The sun was shining and it was glorious weather walking back up the valley. When I got to the 4WD track crossing the Pond Burn I noticed a second 4WD track on the Taipo side of the burn heading uphill. Could that be the way to the hut? I dropped the pack and followed it up onto a terrace, and just inside the trees was Pondburn Hut. Completely not where it's marked on the map or <a href="https://hutbagger.co.nz" target="_blank">hutbagger site</a>. Cute hut, with horseshoes laid into the concrete floor.</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXkElX2mJoTKfBQtF5G36nPLmA9FlgyvvfZiHAjbHbCxSCTwJpKFaorq6UNbnB7a_G5dl3qb1cW_XiFmzx9cqHvXZhZI7qZxICaxF4P5XvpupRJdmkaGrZwIpEBDgNQ5fuJlJurCSHp9dZ2Yb8wnUs8y1fkA0FGoKJq_tcpUC9jAzwjCJFguUY7FmX0E/s4032/20230515-IMG_9827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXkElX2mJoTKfBQtF5G36nPLmA9FlgyvvfZiHAjbHbCxSCTwJpKFaorq6UNbnB7a_G5dl3qb1cW_XiFmzx9cqHvXZhZI7qZxICaxF4P5XvpupRJdmkaGrZwIpEBDgNQ5fuJlJurCSHp9dZ2Yb8wnUs8y1fkA0FGoKJq_tcpUC9jAzwjCJFguUY7FmX0E/w640-h480/20230515-IMG_9827.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pondburn Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7e0881yc0ueG98m42_f8UU1Gz-IqRS56leXqJmzkqi4d-lL0AeuJVog7RWyBrVqofaL0yFBDnENA3ig_ezL_K-IdONdb_10wghI5_IYOXLhkq1Vq7si-NwsfSv-5TuxMB9wDsDHX8VBfEfVy1crCdJcNrJgX4b5n0Czzoc-1JwGh7Z1TYZ-xlkovvPM/s4032/20230515-IMG_9830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7e0881yc0ueG98m42_f8UU1Gz-IqRS56leXqJmzkqi4d-lL0AeuJVog7RWyBrVqofaL0yFBDnENA3ig_ezL_K-IdONdb_10wghI5_IYOXLhkq1Vq7si-NwsfSv-5TuxMB9wDsDHX8VBfEfVy1crCdJcNrJgX4b5n0Czzoc-1JwGh7Z1TYZ-xlkovvPM/w480-h640/20230515-IMG_9830.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUKIRtC2Kfy2UwXwODFWo_6YoySBvrpunQhGHD9ZzjGt29HNjejCo0WBDQb2KjTlsFGGlY_OTYytGbl1iRUevjiShzh_Cw-BNXmydBt9b7ZaUpvwmNHb9j1Z_LcE14SsNS1vpI6wEq7ZZdwe7CglXuKri3EZIQJaSmvO22thQFiUdrcXrklGcRCen09A/s4032/20230515-IMG_9828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUKIRtC2Kfy2UwXwODFWo_6YoySBvrpunQhGHD9ZzjGt29HNjejCo0WBDQb2KjTlsFGGlY_OTYytGbl1iRUevjiShzh_Cw-BNXmydBt9b7ZaUpvwmNHb9j1Z_LcE14SsNS1vpI6wEq7ZZdwe7CglXuKri3EZIQJaSmvO22thQFiUdrcXrklGcRCen09A/w480-h640/20230515-IMG_9828.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9vzjBkhbhzbZUuRVqpMkz7Z3xQDvOU1Xv1N4awuZsiz6wKu8dRkprmZRT_SlHo5yHSeasHZGm-NAjcgvb2fchVFbA6xle-PkeJH-UYKg-f0E1OFscUOatwh5_CiW5HuL7wa3QYfLZ6V3GZoXjB5inzSSr5rvXY4AAwmlONL87o3UVP8JKAS3U45bHCQ/s4032/20230515-IMG_9829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9vzjBkhbhzbZUuRVqpMkz7Z3xQDvOU1Xv1N4awuZsiz6wKu8dRkprmZRT_SlHo5yHSeasHZGm-NAjcgvb2fchVFbA6xle-PkeJH-UYKg-f0E1OFscUOatwh5_CiW5HuL7wa3QYfLZ6V3GZoXjB5inzSSr5rvXY4AAwmlONL87o3UVP8JKAS3U45bHCQ/w480-h640/20230515-IMG_9829.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Back at the pack I continued down towards the tarn and picked up the stock track which follows the other side of the valley ( right hand side if heading north). It stays out of the forest almost the whole way, but is muddy and boggy in places, with lots of rock hopping required. I really enjoyed the walk as it was sunny with great views, unlike the forest walk on the Mavora walkway on the left hand side. Unfortunately I had a slip trying to avoid one swampy hole, and fell in! Wet from the waist down!! Lucky the temperature was mild with little wind. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H1RoD0RvGszdHL0I0NQexTas7dyggbAcc1UBwqiaWTerWXVW4vds9q5UChm4X5bXJAom8H7VEZmTGAAosOeAiuHfLjO39uW74_dhSyYXC8yGDQhs5wNlKmHOiVPxyVk0zwaMaPBWbFI7YaBA2ATx__FixMjJXnUgXhfKOh1xMJwPgR8DwayhUVesGXM/s4032/20230515-IMG_9831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H1RoD0RvGszdHL0I0NQexTas7dyggbAcc1UBwqiaWTerWXVW4vds9q5UChm4X5bXJAom8H7VEZmTGAAosOeAiuHfLjO39uW74_dhSyYXC8yGDQhs5wNlKmHOiVPxyVk0zwaMaPBWbFI7YaBA2ATx__FixMjJXnUgXhfKOh1xMJwPgR8DwayhUVesGXM/w480-h640/20230515-IMG_9831.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDaOG9j1wnrm-6JnDy4GRoD7ocbMoPFskw8Hw6bxQnELfUxva3uEZ681tRQvcf79HkM5rgtfbnRdFahNQyBZ66Z3n0kMLczGhwUqYoDwFfg46up1Zb3J19HbSd9-nBwJjKrbL3O1trWLR90l-czyl1g7cVhcLxUXYgGf5mR_iVfGXqr7IfX3B34qgpEw/s4032/20230515-IMG_9834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDaOG9j1wnrm-6JnDy4GRoD7ocbMoPFskw8Hw6bxQnELfUxva3uEZ681tRQvcf79HkM5rgtfbnRdFahNQyBZ66Z3n0kMLczGhwUqYoDwFfg46up1Zb3J19HbSd9-nBwJjKrbL3O1trWLR90l-czyl1g7cVhcLxUXYgGf5mR_iVfGXqr7IfX3B34qgpEw/w640-h480/20230515-IMG_9834.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mavora walkway goes through the forest over on the left. This side is much nicer...</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The track crossed a secondary branch of the Passburn (with some nice spots for camping) and then climbed up to follow above the Passburn as it began its descent towards the Greenstone. I got to the intersection with the Mavora track at 12, which meant it took considerably less time going that way. I was back at Greenstone Hut by 1pm.</div><div><br /></div> <div>The hut was drenched in sunshine so I had lunch and changed out of my wet clothes, placing them out in the sun to dry. I also put out the solar panel to charge my phone, Inreach and Fitbit, and went searching for dry firewood. I decided not to push on to Slip Flat, and just enjoy the sun.</div><div><br /></div> <div>By 2:30 the sun had gone behind the hill to the north so I made another warm cuppa after packing away the panel (everything was well charged by then anyway) and was surprised to meet Falco, a Czech wire haired pointer, and his owner/handler. They had been doing a whio survey down the Greenstone and were waiting for their chopper back out. I chatted to them and got lots of cuddles from Falco, but it was getting chilly so I got the fire going. With a bit of persistence I managed to get enough wood alight to get the coal burning and put the now only damp clothes up on the ceiling rack above the burner. All going well they should be dry by the morning.</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuu4kgNDSQv0_t9Ld1fiIJaRbZlvE9HWjittQhcfOwSslQAnBoAFeDt5nLgq8oawswcnXq2sYJ4xseoQjegmK56WufH4br7ZDDtqGQEdwoinDbIyIiHqv7d6vJvjMgZBgoPWZ1-v6S4NRbhlTHQBzZ5FoA3yb2mWWJZD5mYPtcN3UHx55dj8ataufZWcI/s4032/20230515-IMG_9835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuu4kgNDSQv0_t9Ld1fiIJaRbZlvE9HWjittQhcfOwSslQAnBoAFeDt5nLgq8oawswcnXq2sYJ4xseoQjegmK56WufH4br7ZDDtqGQEdwoinDbIyIiHqv7d6vJvjMgZBgoPWZ1-v6S4NRbhlTHQBzZ5FoA3yb2mWWJZD5mYPtcN3UHx55dj8ataufZWcI/w640-h480/20230515-IMG_9835.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">unexpected visitors at Greenstone Hut, flying back out</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The chopper came in about 3:45 to pick up dog and handler, and I was by myself again. But 45 minutes later an Australian couple turned up, after finding Slip Flat Hut already occupied so walking on. There's only 3 bunks at Slip Flat. Here they could have their own bunk room!!</div><div><br /></div> <div>It was a pleasant evening in the warm hut, but I still went to bed early.</div> <div><br /></div> <div><b>DAY 6</b></div> <div><b>Greenstone Hut to Slip Flat Hut</b></div> <div><b>Slip Flat Hut to carpark </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div> <div>I got up before 8 and headed off a bit after 9, the Aussie couple still in their bunk room when I left. The walk to Slip Flat was uneventful, though the track up to the emergency swing bridge could do with some work. Once over the bridge there's a faint track heading uphill, which leads to Slip Flat Hut in a small clearing well above the river. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix07gn8J4MxpDD-kcbp6o75ztw9xVwLyJFFTM9uRNeRrGV74N6FAQ3HnTW831tXuGHCXfUt0_zYE22u4WXJQJtREtPp_kvcS-fsgIq0j4WJvtA4A599WVxaW3LBqOiqi460BoFlR4s8k5-IwzuL-p_cIjiEi73NmZ9loGpM7HFMJgrwjqc2EpSZgeChmM/s4032/20230516-IMG_9837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix07gn8J4MxpDD-kcbp6o75ztw9xVwLyJFFTM9uRNeRrGV74N6FAQ3HnTW831tXuGHCXfUt0_zYE22u4WXJQJtREtPp_kvcS-fsgIq0j4WJvtA4A599WVxaW3LBqOiqi460BoFlR4s8k5-IwzuL-p_cIjiEi73NmZ9loGpM7HFMJgrwjqc2EpSZgeChmM/w640-h480/20230516-IMG_9837.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A different Greenstone sunrise</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qB3i5x7rKE4iEOEmStf3L8tMley8lBvkP_v_VhHeQCAAN-gbM4K6_Br93W2FeGjbqvPvtKoGgoDFkr91h1CHFmbborKuBB1j7uWWCODdW9OR2PPMoR7PXnntobBE3_hn84fZr3iFqaoEtxo6U-2SQ4vrBkF_AcMqZ7lGmRMcETwAPBnjzELpFciPcYo/s4032/20230516-IMG_9839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qB3i5x7rKE4iEOEmStf3L8tMley8lBvkP_v_VhHeQCAAN-gbM4K6_Br93W2FeGjbqvPvtKoGgoDFkr91h1CHFmbborKuBB1j7uWWCODdW9OR2PPMoR7PXnntobBE3_hn84fZr3iFqaoEtxo6U-2SQ4vrBkF_AcMqZ7lGmRMcETwAPBnjzELpFciPcYo/w480-h640/20230516-IMG_9839.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenstone gorge from bridge, looking upstream</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaw5YFx2lhQgrCkCNHPJMjYQ6NDTqPrZxRHqdKl3lwLhyphenhyphenc4l6oTGZ7_xZhgWLUHV-J_g9rLGr9J6Ct1sTytFvpInm5rev9ypQF08tuyW5q-Z1GmV7KINnHzFRrmjk5Crh23EaJ9_Cb0fTcuiePqeERzwweumZf2UST_V_S3ECe7D18-jH-AEIImY1ptV4/s4032/20230516-IMG_9840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaw5YFx2lhQgrCkCNHPJMjYQ6NDTqPrZxRHqdKl3lwLhyphenhyphenc4l6oTGZ7_xZhgWLUHV-J_g9rLGr9J6Ct1sTytFvpInm5rev9ypQF08tuyW5q-Z1GmV7KINnHzFRrmjk5Crh23EaJ9_Cb0fTcuiePqeERzwweumZf2UST_V_S3ECe7D18-jH-AEIImY1ptV4/w480-h640/20230516-IMG_9840.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and downstream</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLDj3f0_mD7HEzsR2yvhlEPEMA0maQ1PExcQAJ4PQqM-RhURofIMOW7iXX2qFFekL0xgE7JEE4i_r4bS1sWPwZtTpf7hmWQYT86nFgNtRcZgNHio9SVyv31KOY1C7J3Avs0tTiEhTTIjl2-gOA-uRLifJ8clYxkYaTaH7nXr841VEmaTUApVXo6GXixk/s4032/20230516-IMG_9841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLDj3f0_mD7HEzsR2yvhlEPEMA0maQ1PExcQAJ4PQqM-RhURofIMOW7iXX2qFFekL0xgE7JEE4i_r4bS1sWPwZtTpf7hmWQYT86nFgNtRcZgNHio9SVyv31KOY1C7J3Avs0tTiEhTTIjl2-gOA-uRLifJ8clYxkYaTaH7nXr841VEmaTUApVXo6GXixk/w480-h640/20230516-IMG_9841.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqCLp7eR2amIUr1yoRSoLUvR_gE_tbb5UWTRJ3MaH0dsDPu-j9eN43R4Zfl2E52F4ORVOHoNAbZ7h2dcqDsTHzKU03HTA277tuKaENZ5mXQVT8tMAYGq91xEFpADMxKElfBG_ezGL1jPzFKFscSwRBttTaJQ38cD1P0JbsP80575yhob0-Avt1vLD-E0/s4032/20230516-IMG_9843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqCLp7eR2amIUr1yoRSoLUvR_gE_tbb5UWTRJ3MaH0dsDPu-j9eN43R4Zfl2E52F4ORVOHoNAbZ7h2dcqDsTHzKU03HTA277tuKaENZ5mXQVT8tMAYGq91xEFpADMxKElfBG_ezGL1jPzFKFscSwRBttTaJQ38cD1P0JbsP80575yhob0-Avt1vLD-E0/w640-h480/20230516-IMG_9843.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slip Flat Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTJ94HrlEIRQAwgMmCCs2TAWZzrGeCBd7OLRaJnbRi6uSmtB8uFooy56uYtWtMgR30aJQsyglYBrwN-XNjcxGHUhBEgeqEV8CMFasmiap7QqESBjCyBGpWkbmAZO-_GVQbW0WAdAqbO2Quhr-MyxYjGvV9Dxt4wu_O4H-OvagEbC1RXUkGGzvkBLej9Y/s4032/20230516-IMG_9842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTJ94HrlEIRQAwgMmCCs2TAWZzrGeCBd7OLRaJnbRi6uSmtB8uFooy56uYtWtMgR30aJQsyglYBrwN-XNjcxGHUhBEgeqEV8CMFasmiap7QqESBjCyBGpWkbmAZO-_GVQbW0WAdAqbO2Quhr-MyxYjGvV9Dxt4wu_O4H-OvagEbC1RXUkGGzvkBLej9Y/w480-h640/20230516-IMG_9842.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I met Sam and Charlotte, Arrowtown locals who work at Coronet Peak Ski Patrol in winter, who had enjoyed a night at Slip Flat knocking off most of a gifted bottle of Cardrona Distillery Whisky. We had a wee chat about the route via Lake Rere, which they had come in on, and which I was thinking of taking back out. In the end I decided to walk out along the faster main trail as the clouds were gathering again and the temperature dropping. And there's no huts to bag on that route, so I'll leave it for another day.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEPkyayFIdMrmgjyOoPuUMjRRT5j4Ndfh2-3E_NEfvzFpckLTyf7XqjpUrucNX9VOtE0DaWt3VfxpbmAd_t30vVzOECv7GCw0j7v-vl9O7dCKGEbw7Sb6V0i2fHgMiA1JDQvlJoBB_dm0mQC8mnj8xR8kFZafho2u9JxRrx92al6MvO2fN9DuTMUebmY/s3515/20230516-IMG_9847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3515" data-original-width="2637" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEPkyayFIdMrmgjyOoPuUMjRRT5j4Ndfh2-3E_NEfvzFpckLTyf7XqjpUrucNX9VOtE0DaWt3VfxpbmAd_t30vVzOECv7GCw0j7v-vl9O7dCKGEbw7Sb6V0i2fHgMiA1JDQvlJoBB_dm0mQC8mnj8xR8kFZafho2u9JxRrx92al6MvO2fN9DuTMUebmY/w480-h640/20230516-IMG_9847.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I was back at the carpark by 1 pm, where I met a Brisbane lady just off the Caples, who needed a lift back to Kinloch where she'd left her hire car. She was super chatty, after no doubt spending a lot of time by herself, but I did chastise her for not writing in the hut books. She had a hut pass and a PLB, but hadn't understood the importance of writing one's intentions in each book along the way.</div><div><br /></div> <div>I dropped her off at Kinloch then drove to Glenorchy for a late lunch at Mrs Woolleys, before heading to Queenstown to drop off the hut key, then over Crown Range and home. </div> <div><br /></div><div>Huts bagged: 8 including the two Greenstone Huts which I'd bagged before. Not a bad haul.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well that's my final tramp for the season, it's now time to get ready for the ski season....</div><div><br /></div><div>That's next!</div> </div><div dir="ltr"></div>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-80513413745186298342023-05-08T05:20:00.001+08:002023-09-30T08:38:19.728+08:00Silver Peaks Circuit<div dir="ltr"><div><div style="text-align: left;">A few months ago I heard about a new weather app called <a href="https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/week/wanaka_new-zealand_2184707" target="_blank">MeteoBlue</a> that was getting some traction amongst farmers, pilots and trampers alike. Of particular interest is a little option called "Where2Go" which shows you where the weather is going to be sunniest over the next day or so. You can customise the distance from where you are to give you more, or less, options. I like using 500km as I'm not fussed about a little travel for some fair weather tramping.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Imagine my surprise to discover that the area around Dunedin was due for some stellar weather. Given that the city and hills surrounding it seem to attract their own cloudy wet weather most months of the year, finding a dry spell to knock off the Silver Peaks circuit was an opportunity not to be missed. I asked Jude if she wanted to join me, and the two of us headed down to stay at Waikouiti on Thursday night for an early start on Friday.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Day 1</b></div> <div><b>Semple Road to Philip J Cox Hut via River Track 4 hours</b></div><div><b>PJC Hut to ABC Cave 2 hours</b></div> <div><br /></div><div>Local tramping clubs and volunteers have cleared a number of extra tracks in Silver Peaks, so it's well worth checking out the map on the <a href="https://www.otmc.co.nz" target="_blank">OTMC website</a> for a few more options than those listed in the <a href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/otago/silver-peaks-tracks.pdf" target="_blank">DOC brochure.</a> As a result I had devised a loop route utilising the lesser known River Track to avoid any road walking. We decided to walk in an anti clockwise direction as Day 2 promised to be sunny and clear for the more exposed section of the walk.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had a few issues getting my Inreach to work, and for my gaiters to fit my new tramping shoes, so we didn't get going until 9:20. It was rather cold up at the carpark but once we got moving we soon warmed up.</div><div><br /></div><div>We took the "old miners track" from the carpark down to Waikouiti River where we detoured up to visit Possum Hut. We were walking through Kanuka stands on well benched tracks. Possum Hut is derelict but someone had put a ground sheet down and covered the windows and door to make it usable in an emergency. We walked back down to the river, crossing it to follow the really well looked after "River Track" all the way to where we had to cross a branch of the river again to climb up to Philip J Cox Hut. That part of the track was steep and in need of maintenance with a bit of tree fall but nothing too hard. We were pretty sweaty by the time we got to the hut at 1:18pm.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZaa0fDVEdkQia8MY9lPQZBsPMt52n8GqfR2dQ2HSN93UbBnCVmzoMpElz01s6y3vLRmZif1lBI1AsnAc7PM0e0fEs1uJsUwa5HPQua9sxTL_AetLBL-U51vy6jpzfhyphenhyphentDSSf4I6gPiYG-FlPsO3VeEJ6WGtgkMh1qF-7HABPXWYmNiyfGEixfb4aMiQ/s3603/20230505-IMG_9703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3603" data-original-width="2700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZaa0fDVEdkQia8MY9lPQZBsPMt52n8GqfR2dQ2HSN93UbBnCVmzoMpElz01s6y3vLRmZif1lBI1AsnAc7PM0e0fEs1uJsUwa5HPQua9sxTL_AetLBL-U51vy6jpzfhyphenhyphentDSSf4I6gPiYG-FlPsO3VeEJ6WGtgkMh1qF-7HABPXWYmNiyfGEixfb4aMiQ/w480-h640/20230505-IMG_9703.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTxJnaIF-LOIEy2YNQAYaKHwrtx29KZb5r1AtuME3kJrd_EOZY7cXY3kTQu1vSFsrMlFMmAi3E_Kbv_mcDda397cvUJiFLRUgYOxoFW7X-T31AeTyGdW38a-jbRE_4P1P0EPifgghMYiuvgLhT9CKEb8HUxa8MVG25-m7yhMk2mBC0RfViJxZpXRYPJ0/s4032/20230505-IMG_9705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTxJnaIF-LOIEy2YNQAYaKHwrtx29KZb5r1AtuME3kJrd_EOZY7cXY3kTQu1vSFsrMlFMmAi3E_Kbv_mcDda397cvUJiFLRUgYOxoFW7X-T31AeTyGdW38a-jbRE_4P1P0EPifgghMYiuvgLhT9CKEb8HUxa8MVG25-m7yhMk2mBC0RfViJxZpXRYPJ0/w480-h640/20230505-IMG_9705.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1aKkvQdehiTBJgXsK_Irq0nFmsK6BvaRXa9dARh1jgYBIOV84rAaqbCqLp-qSGkoaiPfU_aIHdTRG-fs33l2nO7aDI3iDnrgRkM1jR0ryY3BX7uGcj8BzJSL7Kl2Sk9TjiH25q4meRvvtOwgWlXwS46AfSp__fU6V2xSiV78JCJBMoC8J5IQ0XPB-OE/s4032/20230505-IMG_9706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1aKkvQdehiTBJgXsK_Irq0nFmsK6BvaRXa9dARh1jgYBIOV84rAaqbCqLp-qSGkoaiPfU_aIHdTRG-fs33l2nO7aDI3iDnrgRkM1jR0ryY3BX7uGcj8BzJSL7Kl2Sk9TjiH25q4meRvvtOwgWlXwS46AfSp__fU6V2xSiV78JCJBMoC8J5IQ0XPB-OE/w640-h480/20230505-IMG_9706.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljbIx3nGfn47maBeM9hcZZ9ZFBdbhSCSM9zD73ubxA8h-8amA7KUh8zerSwvNA7e7HVrHtGgVNcjpJV_SVw5BE8OnwTzu0137v_gnqPsdxZ8IXzzwPKto_NOJClOvA6GAGmDcEEekGz7bTutKJZiDaxWTqcIVlwh4ftn0J585zlL0sAicxlFpEiS3O8k/s4032/20230505-IMG_9708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljbIx3nGfn47maBeM9hcZZ9ZFBdbhSCSM9zD73ubxA8h-8amA7KUh8zerSwvNA7e7HVrHtGgVNcjpJV_SVw5BE8OnwTzu0137v_gnqPsdxZ8IXzzwPKto_NOJClOvA6GAGmDcEEekGz7bTutKJZiDaxWTqcIVlwh4ftn0J585zlL0sAicxlFpEiS3O8k/w640-h480/20230505-IMG_9708.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h7zQZ7ODzqSfmaWc1flZ2plAgAtI7M4oXbhK2e_ClSacnc8tAJrQG5uysoYqGz4MBQsLLJyCZQ76EzGT5krYN4rVizsJiziOxcUUFL3lekL_xP8vInv_9hbYpEiF0SagTdzuwi2Q5ZfY677gVh7jFG9djOsjJJ_pUWvRGp6fxxTtBoPOnpRNEPNWlUs/s3603/20230505-IMG_9710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3603" data-original-width="2704" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h7zQZ7ODzqSfmaWc1flZ2plAgAtI7M4oXbhK2e_ClSacnc8tAJrQG5uysoYqGz4MBQsLLJyCZQ76EzGT5krYN4rVizsJiziOxcUUFL3lekL_xP8vInv_9hbYpEiF0SagTdzuwi2Q5ZfY677gVh7jFG9djOsjJJ_pUWvRGp6fxxTtBoPOnpRNEPNWlUs/w480-h640/20230505-IMG_9710.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoGt90f8TffpMqVCoa6Csz_tWg2FqS1JHtckSz-IjnV8I2J8KkXAqHKJKGUq1lXBefGZJ4h6eUaiIOsjtgKemsGyRD2LjORDCrP8xYn4c9wPpaI9g5hRmGTMLVa_P6jX6qnnP9bEDotgtmoQmShRbFVpzd6wIMGuPNpvErh2HrGbi2JoXfRcIZDKvXd8/s4032/20230505-IMG_9711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoGt90f8TffpMqVCoa6Csz_tWg2FqS1JHtckSz-IjnV8I2J8KkXAqHKJKGUq1lXBefGZJ4h6eUaiIOsjtgKemsGyRD2LjORDCrP8xYn4c9wPpaI9g5hRmGTMLVa_P6jX6qnnP9bEDotgtmoQmShRbFVpzd6wIMGuPNpvErh2HrGbi2JoXfRcIZDKvXd8/w480-h640/20230505-IMG_9711.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4x6CnFnw7OI46B0c-DTTj0n9hCTpzkdJW8FmUuWdUc33VlqVHuugghr94r0p1pACP3hrcOAwmtHFMIjq0LzYspbY5XDPjUffAm_FCiJdq5tQ2kkAgsLJ0uZ0HxoOyD8WSFmxAGRnSHXEDw__RJUK3bDfie3L0ALz5jgnLiRuWUEGRmU11EsSdgXkT4FE/s4032/20230505-IMG_9712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4x6CnFnw7OI46B0c-DTTj0n9hCTpzkdJW8FmUuWdUc33VlqVHuugghr94r0p1pACP3hrcOAwmtHFMIjq0LzYspbY5XDPjUffAm_FCiJdq5tQ2kkAgsLJ0uZ0HxoOyD8WSFmxAGRnSHXEDw__RJUK3bDfie3L0ALz5jgnLiRuWUEGRmU11EsSdgXkT4FE/w640-h480/20230505-IMG_9712.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7DqQRbjhvATAinTyH2gVuOruBmi5E2CaqkjZP3O81knktXR_FijwdK30BlqsKzn0s4tJTl4I0CclkAAS-MJadegY4tWTVqaUBbTIH2kdTOxGsF9U-1aQqsWZTzhyphenhyphenlliM6QzV_lHjjgcRj0RxT3ZKErxGWcrn7DnLFMVd4sE2X0JaxB0q69W5Tz7eiR4/s4032/20230505-IMG_9713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7DqQRbjhvATAinTyH2gVuOruBmi5E2CaqkjZP3O81knktXR_FijwdK30BlqsKzn0s4tJTl4I0CclkAAS-MJadegY4tWTVqaUBbTIH2kdTOxGsF9U-1aQqsWZTzhyphenhyphenlliM6QzV_lHjjgcRj0RxT3ZKErxGWcrn7DnLFMVd4sE2X0JaxB0q69W5Tz7eiR4/w480-h640/20230505-IMG_9713.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We had lunch at the hut and a hot cuppa (I'm tramping with Jude remember!) and then headed off at 1:53. I can't quite believe I wrote down the times so accurately but forgot to take a picture of the very tidy hut.<br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div>It was misty and foggy, with some gorse on the track but not bad at all. Some of the comments in the hut book complaining about the gorse were perhaps a bit precious. The wind wasn't too bad, but not for hanging around in. We definitely stayed rugged up all day. We got a few clearances to get some views but it was mostly clagged in. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlJDiKJtAZIqMyFd98NnOBHD0W1tpQxssqvKicHNMRKMR-x2wKp7rGZgufnxOhWRyH6_bO96MO3FNi3u2iQHNpi5Rzkwn10BoImF7QUy0YbMjg8A2lc2Tvjry1Gx4UQMIMFAxlwuvKbcCIQz-LMePijaysUvsR9SfqXn2vP-CAXV5KYsZM9axamnB6uU/s4032/20230505-IMG_9714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlJDiKJtAZIqMyFd98NnOBHD0W1tpQxssqvKicHNMRKMR-x2wKp7rGZgufnxOhWRyH6_bO96MO3FNi3u2iQHNpi5Rzkwn10BoImF7QUy0YbMjg8A2lc2Tvjry1Gx4UQMIMFAxlwuvKbcCIQz-LMePijaysUvsR9SfqXn2vP-CAXV5KYsZM9axamnB6uU/w480-h640/20230505-IMG_9714.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkp6NlgWSwIjAsTRfgloZ2nPThfjZdrhyTFNh53RgXUI1yFuwX3_scw1U6S0OCG5NMdliLhpM9Pcqmkor99MbKk0QU2xkRXU-3L-CjNqi8GE-uJU8ns7f5QgOpPmmL1OJrTHRBi3TNPNXNbI9VQNQRILOOBNK3EWM4B9oE8G7kSBKnn1NZMzSOQoxoho/s4032/20230505-IMG_9715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkp6NlgWSwIjAsTRfgloZ2nPThfjZdrhyTFNh53RgXUI1yFuwX3_scw1U6S0OCG5NMdliLhpM9Pcqmkor99MbKk0QU2xkRXU-3L-CjNqi8GE-uJU8ns7f5QgOpPmmL1OJrTHRBi3TNPNXNbI9VQNQRILOOBNK3EWM4B9oE8G7kSBKnn1NZMzSOQoxoho/w480-h640/20230505-IMG_9715.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DDp1YedJ9_paEg8mX1X3d8WZeZvzMnLtcto1aHYmGzm8Cr0AwdLri8QVOroQVynYtHmLt5wo4NWNjzvhpBU3uPbw3mLPCdH7bvzKO-glekfiOubhGq7iN48YrvkyJIukg0Xw9CevGsOvaL1TgZ6F3HJuTYjJ1NyP_77hLvtaQV0n0-NgR02qtOEQgiA/s4032/20230505-IMG_9716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DDp1YedJ9_paEg8mX1X3d8WZeZvzMnLtcto1aHYmGzm8Cr0AwdLri8QVOroQVynYtHmLt5wo4NWNjzvhpBU3uPbw3mLPCdH7bvzKO-glekfiOubhGq7iN48YrvkyJIukg0Xw9CevGsOvaL1TgZ6F3HJuTYjJ1NyP_77hLvtaQV0n0-NgR02qtOEQgiA/w640-h480/20230505-IMG_9716.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ3oa7TnPz1aMax554wpjj9V2TfazH2Cy_H2LD53hgl9M51w_l8I-JFttU7OG-6rNMwsPmGwkrUMXcIx39MV-bO-boeHiF4wosCCVDlQeO-EJihWB0YXucIG7EbN8juRS0r8Ei9GrqtR446rlGdJRj2h2r0-hFLt5rquCY3MA5eUJxRkAv0eje4lNOrY/w480-h640/20230505-IMG_9718.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicofX4f8sy9Cp8-l96gRicgI9sbEj0MCZvHZr1jrzeDy1PgNAtPOlokPGcWRcQ1ltDxNp2Ifvx2UsoKV2UNNbOs9CzkMwf8MY53nPovCG61lqkZC2g_VwsOkYOEk6xijsHEEfGyTaJ85v5m1mRiT-9pZ_IQDLfdmuYZZLGnvlqU_No40vP1xHAfoRK4u4/s4032/20230505-IMG_9719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicofX4f8sy9Cp8-l96gRicgI9sbEj0MCZvHZr1jrzeDy1PgNAtPOlokPGcWRcQ1ltDxNp2Ifvx2UsoKV2UNNbOs9CzkMwf8MY53nPovCG61lqkZC2g_VwsOkYOEk6xijsHEEfGyTaJ85v5m1mRiT-9pZ_IQDLfdmuYZZLGnvlqU_No40vP1xHAfoRK4u4/w480-h640/20230505-IMG_9719.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9pogB6cA_Whh3YTqBO09SYxvfFvFPn0uI7BylVR0t8-DN99ZzxHlS7_a76ogP4WXeBZDQLv6U7MPyPVgvNAgS-xEZgBxvbOucByDSm6Lg68Nvglt_95whogzP5xgRC4pe5OJfX6s0ZAkYL6PiiHjqGnfTyG5sYkxUwECI8TkO0KtrqNgbOksc_DJoUY/s4032/20230505-IMG_9720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9pogB6cA_Whh3YTqBO09SYxvfFvFPn0uI7BylVR0t8-DN99ZzxHlS7_a76ogP4WXeBZDQLv6U7MPyPVgvNAgS-xEZgBxvbOucByDSm6Lg68Nvglt_95whogzP5xgRC4pe5OJfX6s0ZAkYL6PiiHjqGnfTyG5sYkxUwECI8TkO0KtrqNgbOksc_DJoUY/w640-h480/20230505-IMG_9720.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrJPN_sz37QVDotOHfdTxzfWYMBQr1Nru_-5gysCsqoxyzHRcD8EWhDaimBsCAtqtanc0_TIqsNiv1XVg7WKFpzAaOGSAv_82vYlCFrBDqB07zccum5rOwiO8u2iT_SZSx6xhn43oiThy1FIM6EWyL_5h-un-_sGmDqNMAVJD0wf6fYyyLGHqpF24OlM/s4032/20230505-IMG_9721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrJPN_sz37QVDotOHfdTxzfWYMBQr1Nru_-5gysCsqoxyzHRcD8EWhDaimBsCAtqtanc0_TIqsNiv1XVg7WKFpzAaOGSAv_82vYlCFrBDqB07zccum5rOwiO8u2iT_SZSx6xhn43oiThy1FIM6EWyL_5h-un-_sGmDqNMAVJD0wf6fYyyLGHqpF24OlM/w480-h640/20230505-IMG_9721.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We arrived at ABC Cave at 4pm. It's an awesome dry spot with a wooden platform to sleep on and seating and a bench, and there's even a little fireplace in one corner. Jude discovered that she had not brought her bivy bag, but in fact had brought her Helinox chair instead. I had brought my bivy bag, so lent her my poncho tarp to use for a little bit more protection, though she had a much warmer sleeping bag than me. Despite being foggy outside, we were completely protected from the weather and wind and it was quite cosy in there. Overnight the clouds cleared and the night sky was stupendous.</div><div><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDCG2yg9iApHUOIsHswCkOf9wIspRoR9kw18yt8w0vOKjnM6schIWz20tgIOndUxpIx_GiOWiK6dQBNjL8Fkn2W0hgeMLJlw7vD-1y2BOESpvJVZxwpxKo1_ekvP_nHRX4diGa1kE9AdztO6h_7EVdbi4W0689V6Kex8vh1EjR_xVJE8kMOaZo4Xjug0/s4032/20230505-IMG_9722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDCG2yg9iApHUOIsHswCkOf9wIspRoR9kw18yt8w0vOKjnM6schIWz20tgIOndUxpIx_GiOWiK6dQBNjL8Fkn2W0hgeMLJlw7vD-1y2BOESpvJVZxwpxKo1_ekvP_nHRX4diGa1kE9AdztO6h_7EVdbi4W0689V6Kex8vh1EjR_xVJE8kMOaZo4Xjug0/w640-h480/20230505-IMG_9722.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYUTHfPoFpvDJ7ChsXuyVJX7fMfnD8Vh5WH6FWPhhQfqgHxE8z_JxRKrqa9JNboOhkEOl1rnP9HIoV4UjZEr3eayegNe9dp36NFM3HI44Aw-vWw4HI_2XCP5_Q54bYdFoN0o0FJHKh9K_YjFSpguGPi0qYAxTthIm4mmKzOPZUhCiJe-Exfx__ExTUyE/s4032/20230505-IMG_9723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexNlP9gIQ7ewFRcgIeKAvGJjK1uGb5hsiREpZLwUs7fXTT-ODp5EYaOFcGZ3NoQj-36RHxI_EepTpuZGMd7rAi8b-2m4Z7PgvtRoOsmxfkoxWz9HCjk_KSmlmsRNdHimBD-6-3biuaoT0MFqdY3ZGoF8s1MtVFRg0LfsiTKsqnz7fCYz1HpuxDz-6H7Q/w640-h480/20230505-IMG_9725.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzftNWhOQBLdjw0esy0sv-uwBdNiQOs8hj7zfutTcaj2RA7QAKQNFHCf7I-Okl_Xcw0U6qAh_G2foms_0a48Bh3ZRXVndFAnhU_3_5rizDSVPC8vCMDTnl20awCTj5rbHCQ2h1i4T20IIVDHb8IqyrwEkOLfiFvUrtZf1JndSsX5pa2hOC9cZ9OVVI6w/s4032/20230505-IMG_9726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzftNWhOQBLdjw0esy0sv-uwBdNiQOs8hj7zfutTcaj2RA7QAKQNFHCf7I-Okl_Xcw0U6qAh_G2foms_0a48Bh3ZRXVndFAnhU_3_5rizDSVPC8vCMDTnl20awCTj5rbHCQ2h1i4T20IIVDHb8IqyrwEkOLfiFvUrtZf1JndSsX5pa2hOC9cZ9OVVI6w/w640-h480/20230505-IMG_9726.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div><b>Day 2</b></div><div><b>ABC Cave to Jubilee Hut 1.5 hours </b></div> <div><b>Jubilee Hut to Semple Road 4 hours </b></div> <div><br /></div><div>We set off about 9 am, with me deciding not to have a morning coffee so that I didn't need to do a poo as the conditions, or rather, the topography, was rather dodgy for doing a squat. The trail went up and along the ridge before descending on a very steep and extremely muddy track to Cave Creek. This was the site of the old Jubilee Hut, in perpetual shade, unlike the new hut on a sunny terrace across from us. Crossing the creek the track climbed up to an intersection where we continued to climb to Jubilee Hut. There was a lot of damage from pig rooting but we saw no actual beasts.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05YZf1Y7osQshDP_2Lbl-O83QjeTcOhyphenhyphenfjWBrRpzbCfYUbHgWErlYE2hXeKfHPuSm7FDQgVrzWBxaLltMZo-NyJL7PfGYYjKMqpRPoZhswK0_eBm1ZKxHkp9J8hTnD7MuDWYQKj5Z2OdtPi3uRqFvb3dp7jAlWpCYon6XvGO7xtfnq4L-riHYXq2wuGs/s4032/20230506-IMG_9729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05YZf1Y7osQshDP_2Lbl-O83QjeTcOhyphenhyphenfjWBrRpzbCfYUbHgWErlYE2hXeKfHPuSm7FDQgVrzWBxaLltMZo-NyJL7PfGYYjKMqpRPoZhswK0_eBm1ZKxHkp9J8hTnD7MuDWYQKj5Z2OdtPi3uRqFvb3dp7jAlWpCYon6XvGO7xtfnq4L-riHYXq2wuGs/w640-h480/20230506-IMG_9729.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpeVE0Ar96Ncvw0F5mS39CN5jS2Pq-8cI9BvTpE7XOh4SzECMjKIRm04bnfCFBOVNRklBScOYaFu9Ju3qU-4_9KsbwOOC5S1bFmsCfydF8MN0wZsq2tijhr-hBUwSTzvYgNiSHRwKjo7aYjNuyRv8zjOHlLQ3pvEYY7uldNSe4qiG-72tURaNRzMwQj8/s4032/20230506-IMG_9730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPoIgtUs2A68EjDufnzV7BiAZHqaRRV3srkv_bac4dCE595Qj1LhsJnT8z9vAfZ8tywpA7CtsT0c6aURu930xL6KmfAaIKPeD8dpJHTQJxhODWbJMqzG2FN2ysStETYlz2570EvmmIO0JkI6gvUTa4Nlxd_WK1y4PzqsZD363XkNIc0_CCskGS6kpsDY/s4032/20230506-IMG_9732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPoIgtUs2A68EjDufnzV7BiAZHqaRRV3srkv_bac4dCE595Qj1LhsJnT8z9vAfZ8tywpA7CtsT0c6aURu930xL6KmfAaIKPeD8dpJHTQJxhODWbJMqzG2FN2ysStETYlz2570EvmmIO0JkI6gvUTa4Nlxd_WK1y4PzqsZD363XkNIc0_CCskGS6kpsDY/w640-h480/20230506-IMG_9732.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRmF3JckNMvt3f6Max99uECI_IwW5wmwYDFWrlKfg2F4ltra17vYAaEzcQ9h2hDHeGY2u2dA6xPo-QcH3l6LoY-YDR_KjNYEWIOvO2PNsfwUNtw8TE_V_5iSSmbpuMT4kqw6QBxBRz7qjztSeE-COBATLIIcdhwrezrFw74wLj-F10rvuqcEFnncrZkA/s4032/20230506-IMG_9733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRmF3JckNMvt3f6Max99uECI_IwW5wmwYDFWrlKfg2F4ltra17vYAaEzcQ9h2hDHeGY2u2dA6xPo-QcH3l6LoY-YDR_KjNYEWIOvO2PNsfwUNtw8TE_V_5iSSmbpuMT4kqw6QBxBRz7qjztSeE-COBATLIIcdhwrezrFw74wLj-F10rvuqcEFnncrZkA/w640-h480/20230506-IMG_9733.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcpJZ-iIvjwW0DQrppqfmhVUx7s3-e7AFwcnKNagErTNmQTGa06oKhABR539EqGLzvm4a4oYLyQh800C2x9YQsxmgBVCfs2cSk_zoj9DgsZlcuX6-pvYIOTBNGGORjkh3Yo62xnvORENtMDS-bTDbD_kyRgnOcHQ5izG93-r9C4KCeUOTX00J9MuIr8Q/s4032/20230506-IMG_9735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcpJZ-iIvjwW0DQrppqfmhVUx7s3-e7AFwcnKNagErTNmQTGa06oKhABR539EqGLzvm4a4oYLyQh800C2x9YQsxmgBVCfs2cSk_zoj9DgsZlcuX6-pvYIOTBNGGORjkh3Yo62xnvORENtMDS-bTDbD_kyRgnOcHQ5izG93-r9C4KCeUOTX00J9MuIr8Q/w640-h480/20230506-IMG_9735.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEIy4BshXE_djiCZknLSdfW6XZWS8O5VuWecy-U32nrKGxhrtyQxPKVuH5bejcvVUn6djVwtkSOxP-J6VWjg2ns1WZHDzwbAE4gLfkAOrDGcdKCHils5kEGlHzqs6xyB-KhuCH8jUeqiNf8MDD35ZJ6ZpkVoWmeNbd_paVvwt0CeAEzCSK29t8MWbf10/s4032/20230506-IMG_9734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEIy4BshXE_djiCZknLSdfW6XZWS8O5VuWecy-U32nrKGxhrtyQxPKVuH5bejcvVUn6djVwtkSOxP-J6VWjg2ns1WZHDzwbAE4gLfkAOrDGcdKCHils5kEGlHzqs6xyB-KhuCH8jUeqiNf8MDD35ZJ6ZpkVoWmeNbd_paVvwt0CeAEzCSK29t8MWbf10/w640-h480/20230506-IMG_9734.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Jude had second breakfast whilst I had my long anticipated coffee, and visited the loo, and then we headed off on the main track back to the car park. We met a local couple out for the day. They had a rifle and were looking for deer, unsuccessfully it transpired. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQ0sKHFnF8_kVSQ7B-Sl7mk3dkRokY_Ve9FDF3W1YQ-rP5hWkWgJ8ajc7fUtPcIXIqex6Ko9SWydgLVsRbdOmkriO9JEHVdET8k-4Qxng600YiJ2RXJeMhkptCSGLoUDHsG-MS583GwGlrTch5tnw-qNiN11XjfUpd5D-MPkMDB4bMuoJaPsHt-Etxv0/s4032/20230506-IMG_9736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQ0sKHFnF8_kVSQ7B-Sl7mk3dkRokY_Ve9FDF3W1YQ-rP5hWkWgJ8ajc7fUtPcIXIqex6Ko9SWydgLVsRbdOmkriO9JEHVdET8k-4Qxng600YiJ2RXJeMhkptCSGLoUDHsG-MS583GwGlrTch5tnw-qNiN11XjfUpd5D-MPkMDB4bMuoJaPsHt-Etxv0/w640-h480/20230506-IMG_9736.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After recrossing Cave Creek the track began the brutal climb up the Devils Staircase. The weather was amazing, bluebird and hardly any wind. We stopped for lunch somewhere near the top and continued the climb up to Pt 777 which was the highest point on the trip. The views were spectacular, right down to the coast both north and south. From Pt 777 the track descended onto a lower ridge, passing above the painted forest. I'm not sure why it is called that because there was nothing colourful about it. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1opaMS8MigNsq7zirYxWf6QUo5h9q9CvGKt97aRzgRB1XRFiowZ7Q9jQUmCXLBuB6_eIRedw62q0K8Euc7MqDE4jKXIgRUDzIMAtiG1wfZt9i50CzNsOlRjuR4lRqebCbtl0FpOt9RcvvsATgRoWUeGmqQiCu7mTdkYHXn7jSe92XhAblP46G3VfGMk/s4032/20230506-IMG_9737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1opaMS8MigNsq7zirYxWf6QUo5h9q9CvGKt97aRzgRB1XRFiowZ7Q9jQUmCXLBuB6_eIRedw62q0K8Euc7MqDE4jKXIgRUDzIMAtiG1wfZt9i50CzNsOlRjuR4lRqebCbtl0FpOt9RcvvsATgRoWUeGmqQiCu7mTdkYHXn7jSe92XhAblP46G3VfGMk/w480-h640/20230506-IMG_9737.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEP1AZ7DS9IxMaVSxExK3VVAhulc6s3wr65oV8wbBOE1SFt0sXL0SrnAh4eVcKeKbkuQpHccpdM6Vy61DiywGrkpKKdHC6KnL8sLBVAqIGuBzBfj3s-WpDCWnr8Fxw04GefYYDiMDzkQSBDb724qJoxTswBh3d7krNtkIK6SnwxIPPK5so-C_SLzm6moo/s4032/20230506-IMG_9738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pne8fjEIo2bGQkACg_SY37B02KOI87MK5-em-RyDItWJHjcAyum-8uFXWXPH5k8xtpmYPwpWTiSL2oh8nvHQrFjDlPmK32A6gzNkE-czHCmJN9o-So5sPnRU5I_ffQu3mPUtfmOG_KQKbwpihz2R9OWvILeXIPnywtQb1_0xv5rPlHXa0lvqe0o1AuU/w640-h480/20230506-IMG_9741.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO20hklelasGGXu-cW4o4HVjzn59O-p8p3qZH7FWa9IptBKAe4zcX1M77EsrJLwxrhlHVWmX9nqbjkHUrAInePA9NtdFfRMHqbot7Z-qvig3HszNDGEMWeoJZHuQlj2D9XlZUUifydg6U2OQMB7al4wQp6ID3Lbn_fyk9ortQH15wexviWF1Kk_-JL8A/s4032/20230506-IMG_9742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO20hklelasGGXu-cW4o4HVjzn59O-p8p3qZH7FWa9IptBKAe4zcX1M77EsrJLwxrhlHVWmX9nqbjkHUrAInePA9NtdFfRMHqbot7Z-qvig3HszNDGEMWeoJZHuQlj2D9XlZUUifydg6U2OQMB7al4wQp6ID3Lbn_fyk9ortQH15wexviWF1Kk_-JL8A/w640-h480/20230506-IMG_9742.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgoY5bEkxxJRVTp-T5pum8l8G5A6o3mkBQhM9gnBmJDUN5wA7Ava22OYiYHiIPe53rs22o9lbrLE5Rg8BVZIjncqWZFUVJ32YQXpOj489Lq2T_BTIrUYsq1WM6F7CQv1AuSwnssl1mdvI67M1ps7okEFfHOy_1KXifWezX0D4UZ3UAYzAtMuiwqC2yTI/s4032/20230506-IMG_9743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgoY5bEkxxJRVTp-T5pum8l8G5A6o3mkBQhM9gnBmJDUN5wA7Ava22OYiYHiIPe53rs22o9lbrLE5Rg8BVZIjncqWZFUVJ32YQXpOj489Lq2T_BTIrUYsq1WM6F7CQv1AuSwnssl1mdvI67M1ps7okEFfHOy_1KXifWezX0D4UZ3UAYzAtMuiwqC2yTI/w480-h640/20230506-IMG_9743.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0xeclspHL0nlPlPqpy9bZNzV5R2O1O_gZ_y1cHhZFCfkGidQNFjGkhhDNcuOxTOXAcAX7TqloqO0Ttbhwx2IaDXA9ZEEvlBH7Of5GoOFQwj6l7wjANixF2Hks0tBa1HFOZYNlDU9TQanrylZZJO670j63T3PzTY38lzjXsizuie5iK3IrbpxX_0pqOA/s4032/20230506-IMG_9744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0xeclspHL0nlPlPqpy9bZNzV5R2O1O_gZ_y1cHhZFCfkGidQNFjGkhhDNcuOxTOXAcAX7TqloqO0Ttbhwx2IaDXA9ZEEvlBH7Of5GoOFQwj6l7wjANixF2Hks0tBa1HFOZYNlDU9TQanrylZZJO670j63T3PzTY38lzjXsizuie5iK3IrbpxX_0pqOA/w640-h480/20230506-IMG_9744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The track continued across to Pulpit Rock and then to Green Hill before descending into the forest for the rest of the trail. Even though we were still following ridgelines, the track remains within kanuka forest with glimpses across to Swampy Summit (perhaps called that because of the perpetual clouds usually shrouding it). We met a track volunteer doing a hard cut with a chainsaw, and we also passed a few other trampers on their way to Jubilee Hut. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqusPl7g6RKRYjr9CTtbrOvQX-oCJYzfmhJIpyWUSw2b4pcweMoLTuTQjEZYoT9AJj65s8KGu5jsyVsa4BgCYnWnMW5JmEAXKsFvcmPv569JsbAKwEKwG8w_kgVUJMSwdUGZmDlBbVY9ozuO6pt-pOLO3uTP5xIbY7-taMcdC7deqykmcn4fxDi7vb9g/s4032/20230506-IMG_9745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqusPl7g6RKRYjr9CTtbrOvQX-oCJYzfmhJIpyWUSw2b4pcweMoLTuTQjEZYoT9AJj65s8KGu5jsyVsa4BgCYnWnMW5JmEAXKsFvcmPv569JsbAKwEKwG8w_kgVUJMSwdUGZmDlBbVY9ozuO6pt-pOLO3uTP5xIbY7-taMcdC7deqykmcn4fxDi7vb9g/w480-h640/20230506-IMG_9745.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPgblLHI6D2Jjp9lCl5zqU9oK7SNXoi_ayBspnoaNVre8FSSjmROKPksiwmz8xHIhLQBGzevkMZsw5uIaSet5xMvrbVkEVQPqWwiOFy97L0zYlvRY47RIlyPUaQpGYr98g_RYGHQAgv9A1MiD2ahV9f9mqYP6OTvdhJpcIzRqaakxbTsLscukXKn8NZU/s4032/20230506-IMG_9746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPgblLHI6D2Jjp9lCl5zqU9oK7SNXoi_ayBspnoaNVre8FSSjmROKPksiwmz8xHIhLQBGzevkMZsw5uIaSet5xMvrbVkEVQPqWwiOFy97L0zYlvRY47RIlyPUaQpGYr98g_RYGHQAgv9A1MiD2ahV9f9mqYP6OTvdhJpcIzRqaakxbTsLscukXKn8NZU/w480-h640/20230506-IMG_9746.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The final kilometre to the car park seemed to take forever, but at last we arrived back at the car around 3:30pm. The hunters we'd met earlier near Jubilee Hut passed us on the way back down, and when Jude found their wallet dropped in the carpark we recognised them from a picture. We knew they were going to a local pub for a beer, so we managed to reunite them with their wallet at the local brewery after contacting them on Facebook.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jude and I didn't stop at the brewery (though I suspect we may have got a free drink from our very grateful fellow trampers), preferring to continue driving, stopping instead at Wederburn Tavern for a meal and low alcohol beer before continuing our journey back to our Central Otago homes.</div> </div><div dir="ltr"></div>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-74343532805685505792023-05-07T07:29:00.000+08:002023-05-07T07:29:47.446+08:00Food for long hikes<p>I've been preparing dehydrated meals for my hikes for 8 years now, and I often get people asking about my meals so I thought I would write another post about food I take tramping.</p><p>My starting point was preparing to walk the Bibbulmun Track in WA. I wrote a post about the food I prepared for that trip <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2017/01/trekking-food.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>Since then I've had more practice, and I've changed my dietary habits, reducing carbs in my diet and moving to intermittent fasting, so I no longer eat breakfast, just surviving on a good cup of coffee. I've also become really good at finding suitable food in supermarkets and Asian shops that can be incorporated into recipes to take hiking.</p><p>The important issue for me (and it should be for anyone undertaking extended periods of hiking) is that hiking food MUST be healthy and nutritious. It's OK to eat a bit of junk if you only hike one week a year, but when it's your lifestyle for any longer than that you are not doing yourself or your long term health a favour by indulging in high fat, high sugar food. I may be accused of being an elitist, but if you can't afford to eat healthy food then perhaps you should save up a bit longer before going on a long hike. Don't just listen to me, read this <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/asmagazine/2021/03/30/junk-food-and-big-miles-may-not-add-how-thru-hikers-hope" target="_blank">anecdotal study</a> and this <a href="http://katiegerber.com/the-thru-hiker-calorie-myth-what-your-food-is-missing/" target="_blank">more detailed explanation </a>about why you should eat better. I've never experienced "hiker hunger", a phenomenon where you are so hungry you need to eat massive amounts of food on arriving in a town after days on the trail. Sure I'll eat a big meal, but not any larger than any other meal I would eat.</p><p>The easy, but expensive, option is to eat commercially prepared and nutritionally balanced freeze dried meals. In NZ where tramping and/or adventure racing are national pastimes for 20% of the population, there are an ever increasing number of options out there. You may have heard of <a href="https://backcountrycuisine.co.nz" target="_blank">Backcountry Cuisine</a>, but there's also <a href="https://radixnutrition.co.nz/?mdApp_countryCodeDomain=NZ&country=NZ" target="_blank">Radix</a>, <a href="https://realmeals.co.nz" target="_blank">Real Meals</a>, and <a href="https://www.localdehy.co.nz" target="_blank">Local Dehy</a>.</p><p>The cheaper option is to do it yourself, and for that you will need to get hold of a dehydrator, though you can use an oven on the lowest heat setting with the door propped open a little to allow airflow and the escape of steam.</p><p>For me, I like to have variety, so I've created a number of meals that I've found filling, tasty and nutritious. </p><p>The first is one of the meals I created for the Bibbulmun and I'm still eating it: </p><p><u>Miso soup with tuna and soba noodles</u>. Soba noodles take next to no time to cook, tuna dehydrates really well, and rehydrates as easily, miso sachets come in a packet of 12 for less than $2, and I now use half a sheet of nori per meal. This adds iodine and micronutrients. I also now add some dehydrated mushrooms (easily bought at most supermarkets) and dehydrated vegetables.</p><p>I've learnt to cook rice and then dehydrate it, (just add hot water and you're good to go) as a much cheaper option than buying those prepackaged rice meals so prevalent in supermarkets and on the menu of many budget minded trampers. I buy packets of frozen vegetables - the stirfry mixed veg are great because they are chopped already into bite sized pieces - and dehydrate them. Recently, when preparing for the AAWT, I found some frozen roast veg, so I dehydrated them and then incorporated them into a pasta dish.</p><p>For my <u>Pasta dish</u> I will use soba noodles, or, in an attempt to reduce my carbohydrate intake, vermicelli noodles, though they do have some corn starch in them. You can buy the vermicelli in packets of five. I no longer use dehydrated beef mince, because there are easier dried protein options available that taste just as good, and save time preparing. The obvious is TVP (textured vegetable protein) but I've recently discovered a lentil and walnut mix which is also excellent. Go check out the vegan section in the supermarket. One packet can be divided into individual meal portions, which hugely reduces the cost per meal. To my protein I add dried vegetables and dried mushrooms, and semi dried tomato strips (another thing I've found, usually somewhere near the olives, in the supermarket), and bind it all together with a sachet of pizza sauce. The pizza sauce sachets come in packets of four and are amongst the tomato paste options at the supermarket. I use the pizza base one because it's got some herbs added. More taste! I also bring a supply of dried onions and garlic to add, but often I forget.</p><p><u>Green chicken curry</u> is one of my favourite meals and I've found my current recipe to be perfect. I buy chicken mince and cook it in green curry paste (add as much or as little paste as your taste buds prefer) then dehydrate the curried mince. Once dehydrated I package individually, adding a heaped spoonful of coconut milk powder to each package. This little taste bomb gets rehydrated with your choice of mixed veg, mushrooms and choice of carb. It used to be rice for me, now it's usually the vermicelli.</p><p>I use a vacuum sealer for a lot of my meals, because removing the air not only prevents spoilage, it massively reduces the packed volume of the food. I always vacuum seal the dehydrated proteins, but I also seal the vegetables and soba/miso/nori packages, the latter because it stops the noodles disintegrating in my pack. In theory you should store the proteins in your freezer, but I don't anymore and haven't had a spoilt meal yet. I usually package up the dried vegetables and mushrooms in larger portion sizes because I'm using them in a number of meals on the same trip. I store the opened package in a ziplock bag. I just use ziplock bags for the vermicelli, though I always vacuum seal cooked and dehydrated rice, because rice can spoil.</p><p>I almost always take olive oil, or MCT oil, to add to my meals to give me healthy extra calories. No, fat isn't bad for you when eaten with whole foods and a fairly low carbohydrate intake. </p><p>I have a few more meal options that I've found tasty for me. I adore beef rendang (I really must get back to Indonesia) so I will cook up beef cubes in a rendang sauce and then dehydrate them. I've also found some spicy tofu slices in the snack section of asian supermarkets and have made up a concoction with them as my protein source instead. I once dehydrated sauerkraut which was a wonderful tangy accompaniment to my meals. A bit of creativity and you can make some really interesting and yummy meals.</p><p>I haven't dehydrated pesto for a while, but it's still a great option. Making your own pesto allows you to omit the oil and then just add it back in when cooking. Same with hummus.</p><p>I'm aware that dehydrating food does lose some nutrients, which is why most commercially available tramping food is freeze dried. It's also probably more cost effective. But even so, what I eat is always going to be better nutritionally than eating two minute noodles and junk food.</p><p>Since I've changed to intermittent fasting I make sure I have a nutritious first meal. My usual options these days are:</p><p><u>Low carb chia pudding</u> consisting of mixed nuts and seeds, dried cranberries, chia seeds, protein powder, milk powder and MCT oil. Just add water (and the MCT oil) in the morning and it's ready in a few hours.</p><p><u>Savoury mix</u> consisting of dried hummus, dried peas, dried mushrooms, semi dried tomato strips, dried tuna or cut up salami, and sometimes cheese as well. Again, add water and eat a couple of hours later. I will often bring fresh mushrooms and fresh baby spinach, because both keep well for a few days.</p><p>I always pack snacks to eat between meals, but I usually don't eat them unless I feel my energy sagging and it isn't time to stop for a real meal break. Aside from homemade sugar free chocolate I no longer make my own snacks, but try to purchase ones that are made of natural ingredients and not too high in sugar. Pic's Peanut Butter Slugs are a favourite, as are Choc and Manuka Honey One Square Meals. In Australia I just put peanut butter in a ziplock bag (messy though) and eat it by the spoonful. I'm yet to find an energy bar in Oz I like as much as the aforementioned OSMs. I've tried the keto bars and they not only don't taste great, I feel that they are just another type of processed food to be avoided. Same with protein bars.</p><p>From time to time I make beef jerky, which always tastes better than the store bought options. It gets consumed far too quickly though....</p><p>Dessert? Whittaker's Chocolate of course!!</p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-35186127531630924582023-04-26T12:17:00.396+08:002023-09-30T07:55:26.757+08:00Skipping along with wet feet<div dir="ltr"><div><div style="text-align: left;">The Skippers Canyon Road, just north of Queenstown, comes with a formidable reputation for being narrow, windy and exposed, and you are not allowed to take a hire car on it. I had been meaning to head up there to do some tramping, but had been put off a little by the hype. However, my friend Jude, who lives in Arrowtown and has been up Skippers many times, reassured me that the road is perfectly easy to drive in my wee Subaru. So with a 3 day weather window just before Anzac Day, I headed off.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div> <div><b>Day 1 Skippers Cemetery to Dynamo Hut</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div> <div>I got up early and drove through to Arrowtown and onto the Skippers Canyon Road. It is a spectacularly scenic drive, but sadly you can't just stop willy nilly to take photos, though I suspect some people do. Yes it's narrow but there are oodles of places where vehicles can pass (and probably stop for a photo op!) I passed 5-6 vehicles coming the other way, it was never a problem, and the dirt road was in good condition.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaxgOi_1uwwZl7FiS7WfPM34LrDkhFPyCPVX59rktKkRKqYwN7RUcpEY9_Gd8pNiwLnWXxcYXuxhwW3A_9euepu0yM1lA4-yO27gwhqKGvtNns7iUceiigFtPZKRUYV7J-uHnlc1UoUpFGWecd3v9FYeHDDtuXxJITzwZPMzZLwv681JRxheB4aqhHt4/s4032/20230424-IMG_9698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaxgOi_1uwwZl7FiS7WfPM34LrDkhFPyCPVX59rktKkRKqYwN7RUcpEY9_Gd8pNiwLnWXxcYXuxhwW3A_9euepu0yM1lA4-yO27gwhqKGvtNns7iUceiigFtPZKRUYV7J-uHnlc1UoUpFGWecd3v9FYeHDDtuXxJITzwZPMzZLwv681JRxheB4aqhHt4/w480-h640/20230424-IMG_9698.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggla8KDKuS5mWebReG2MhMM2QgPtn4mU0D40L7yFvQ391CqFfMXpOjEwyf9VXHTQz4S5Yp8tX781HnpcBrkyJagaQedmg3trDVOC8WgLQ8-l8P9g570-WUoFvhdfS7_KYcfiieBq68SF2TdRZJ5AXi8Uip2cED5JsFOGpXl96EnIdZ_NO3Wk2yJ3HBhao/s3094/20230424-IMG_9699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2385" data-original-width="3094" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggla8KDKuS5mWebReG2MhMM2QgPtn4mU0D40L7yFvQ391CqFfMXpOjEwyf9VXHTQz4S5Yp8tX781HnpcBrkyJagaQedmg3trDVOC8WgLQ8-l8P9g570-WUoFvhdfS7_KYcfiieBq68SF2TdRZJ5AXi8Uip2cED5JsFOGpXl96EnIdZ_NO3Wk2yJ3HBhao/w640-h494/20230424-IMG_9699.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once across the very picturesque swing bridge the road is quite narrow and a bit dodgy in places, and doesn't have many spots to pass another vehicle. Since I didn't meet another car on that short section it was fine. After having a quick look at the old schoolhouse and using the loo, I parked at the cemetery and headed off a bit before 11 am, just after a group of 3 dirt bikers. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkPqphenNoJEr_9wkczqZ5_z5_0zxUYzriNJZPW7WAldm58I1epDKawvbAw-oCslCQp8gTdXb4sXMwp9UwwoPEaD4KIMyOr6Vgv1oeahrXEHb1hhiPJ7gF4AwDGvGyJKrlhK3QdAEQ2vWyuQGeGU6o5HRR8wN3SMgbWWwbN39cj3ovC-vkf9NHyiJJx0/s4032/20230422-IMG_9583.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkPqphenNoJEr_9wkczqZ5_z5_0zxUYzriNJZPW7WAldm58I1epDKawvbAw-oCslCQp8gTdXb4sXMwp9UwwoPEaD4KIMyOr6Vgv1oeahrXEHb1hhiPJ7gF4AwDGvGyJKrlhK3QdAEQ2vWyuQGeGU6o5HRR8wN3SMgbWWwbN39cj3ovC-vkf9NHyiJJx0/w480-h640/20230422-IMG_9583.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhxLmCxhMJ_UClV1pYTFsbeW6HgMHeYwxxVokNxXFeWfC9KbdyTaX3ekwKvXG-zhYoXg3jaFgdQoqabZGkSiYmOzlqydPL289DXrGh06FyNutC_qieva49Hq56xAWrpJk2aOdXo2857F0Jz5mkPTPO85vs1B6vvy5tdpTRg3PfVwZEyNf24XgAMnECDk/s4032/20230422-IMG_9585.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhxLmCxhMJ_UClV1pYTFsbeW6HgMHeYwxxVokNxXFeWfC9KbdyTaX3ekwKvXG-zhYoXg3jaFgdQoqabZGkSiYmOzlqydPL289DXrGh06FyNutC_qieva49Hq56xAWrpJk2aOdXo2857F0Jz5mkPTPO85vs1B6vvy5tdpTRg3PfVwZEyNf24XgAMnECDk/w480-h640/20230422-IMG_9585.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XfD7ZNTrhFrI-1Dmbe5-KexP-gEnpqt6wktroSK-i5CyZH0KEdE7ukAnYEbPmb31kDvcz4fq3r5HKCJMI9zgtsuNAcgb91qP0zzNR5_-ZmGFN-apFJETNC6w1rnqiNuflkhR29UOS0hRfeYbxeh8KRfTP2xBK-_7Wk-4Yn9pSIU60Xu-7O2lN2Rvi2Q/s4032/20230422-IMG_9586.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XfD7ZNTrhFrI-1Dmbe5-KexP-gEnpqt6wktroSK-i5CyZH0KEdE7ukAnYEbPmb31kDvcz4fq3r5HKCJMI9zgtsuNAcgb91qP0zzNR5_-ZmGFN-apFJETNC6w1rnqiNuflkhR29UOS0hRfeYbxeh8KRfTP2xBK-_7Wk-4Yn9pSIU60Xu-7O2lN2Rvi2Q/w480-h640/20230422-IMG_9586.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The track followed a 4wd track, past the ruins of an old hotel and then when it hit the river it was time to get the feet wet. The track followed the river, sometimes in it, but mostly sidling above or next to it. I passed a nice waterfall and climbed up next to an old hydro dam and then the going was less steep. The track continued to follow the river upstream with wide swathes of dry land on each side as the valley opened up. There were still numerous river crossings though. Dry feet definitely not an option!!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBq8b9e_Fbe69VOV2Rlb0A-dnOO2djAhnRkKKPFIJozwDmzNW0ETVe8dS9DwTp0T5vQLV_dO4hylIDZxfsuDiB7LwVDdvU6yG9Ab4UGk0tidP-JUcXuR7XiXzLrVAw6cUo3c4cnZUKJKRV0a6Rtw79ZRzE3bUhKQok6VKe_KPCC_-8FiTQNxKg9GKuEQ/s4032/20230422-IMG_9588.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBq8b9e_Fbe69VOV2Rlb0A-dnOO2djAhnRkKKPFIJozwDmzNW0ETVe8dS9DwTp0T5vQLV_dO4hylIDZxfsuDiB7LwVDdvU6yG9Ab4UGk0tidP-JUcXuR7XiXzLrVAw6cUo3c4cnZUKJKRV0a6Rtw79ZRzE3bUhKQok6VKe_KPCC_-8FiTQNxKg9GKuEQ/w480-h640/20230422-IMG_9588.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2K-ysiuNyFGNgy4zJpAoWDgokJqwAv7zO5xrppnxTI5aJTW2DZY4t4lxd9-X9_aw20HxdcOGKDo5d8HmEYxBdhwNLtKLTIt6OrMP22De60779NpMnHYLhEwLDa9My_0BhL380MBU4R8qjj_kqDa4_lygZI1xsYvlYUYNmUazlA4aIAvvbAvpKn2Rur3w/s4032/20230422-IMG_9589.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2K-ysiuNyFGNgy4zJpAoWDgokJqwAv7zO5xrppnxTI5aJTW2DZY4t4lxd9-X9_aw20HxdcOGKDo5d8HmEYxBdhwNLtKLTIt6OrMP22De60779NpMnHYLhEwLDa9My_0BhL380MBU4R8qjj_kqDa4_lygZI1xsYvlYUYNmUazlA4aIAvvbAvpKn2Rur3w/w480-h640/20230422-IMG_9589.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8JYp7J8tSfZtSJjBqrOZeWEydj12fwNMD0oT9pEXL9HyQy4GSXN4_CG-snX9GKfr9c7v9sltDNwQgeatu1DqSpz-N3i61fRfo7f1_U2YY-0UkZEb33ToYc13idRuuDvenLxaykc1x9P0ZFWLxAFqX9dNEq-YDOFEk0neTr3oSzPEg5WJ9YgJ3H5zAgM/s4032/20230422-IMG_9590.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8JYp7J8tSfZtSJjBqrOZeWEydj12fwNMD0oT9pEXL9HyQy4GSXN4_CG-snX9GKfr9c7v9sltDNwQgeatu1DqSpz-N3i61fRfo7f1_U2YY-0UkZEb33ToYc13idRuuDvenLxaykc1x9P0ZFWLxAFqX9dNEq-YDOFEk0neTr3oSzPEg5WJ9YgJ3H5zAgM/w640-h480/20230422-IMG_9590.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQc0T-43k-U_A2dqdp8pqAl-iciJbzaxXSv9qpSTirkRKnX-MBug-YXpM9QlrZbq0g2JWxPKraG2ilKkvA05log2DRbZCJoBHxQnSTM2iutOOI7Xg0x2nH7CKDBEcdNZIuXffcS1D3NYtZIQURqRj7Zp766QnwYf5yuCBeEziDtI4LadIBB_Gqi5B6DY/s4032/20230422-IMG_9595.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQc0T-43k-U_A2dqdp8pqAl-iciJbzaxXSv9qpSTirkRKnX-MBug-YXpM9QlrZbq0g2JWxPKraG2ilKkvA05log2DRbZCJoBHxQnSTM2iutOOI7Xg0x2nH7CKDBEcdNZIuXffcS1D3NYtZIQURqRj7Zp766QnwYf5yuCBeEziDtI4LadIBB_Gqi5B6DY/w640-h480/20230422-IMG_9595.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I stopped for lunch and two day walkers with a dog passed me. I continued to where the track heads up Skippers left branch. The dirt bikers I'd seen back at the cemetery were there, having walked up to Dynamo Hut and return. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeRhwew12oCvfQVhh5-M-OgQzSec8mJox9uWco8zTc_3xgNXcwGUINs2bK_9y8jxVZWcJgsxJ352AJL4q2WRNPRVxdexFYk864Jr5Ns_tQrNl6MXAtIw6_EQ6oSJXUQyC72tF-u44huQMzsmvqrrPBhLhAJv9dzyb7wsk4dp-TETiUAO2Srvpn3rcnx8/s4032/20230422-IMG_9596.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeRhwew12oCvfQVhh5-M-OgQzSec8mJox9uWco8zTc_3xgNXcwGUINs2bK_9y8jxVZWcJgsxJ352AJL4q2WRNPRVxdexFYk864Jr5Ns_tQrNl6MXAtIw6_EQ6oSJXUQyC72tF-u44huQMzsmvqrrPBhLhAJv9dzyb7wsk4dp-TETiUAO2Srvpn3rcnx8/w480-h640/20230422-IMG_9596.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXdNUhmh7EtzeSSSn97dZT0lxa_xtA_xFBoXmSc_OUWVAZwBF2YJp7NfVzeXZuAx3m70cgfHgBvjLKQVUhcghINIlO-pKQDuV1O1oCSLicCnBoUYAsNk2oadU89q1A6hcxMXld6fceC3Czqfd-pb4ruSaOxSmLIduPAiq5UfksdGrouAhax7bqrW_NMU/s4032/20230422-IMG_9597.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvtvDMzubt2U_px7wiWh2Hm2U_ayZ_CwUcdIXknI1udRpWvNTpI9llzwTlqF1bVWcq8jzWqLR2Jg3B5SFlXY2u8xY-hU78t2OGd_CySTZxBivyI_VNsrSC7UgAKPhOUNSUtnmoiiYqxdBQar6UMx8yAvdLOneSNyxmls77kQ2KCy8tuFS9BnANsqj7is/w640-h480/20230422-IMG_9600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdomUfGXabQyNn6_B5lTKEknNcBFxAVP8BAd8zhBCnL9NMnWHh0b0X3a-LGrO9XKuMlcOnHoD8vF7dS9jdQyTaGilqW6JGpNzgI3zUzKlJQsSHWfVqnb8sm34TByxct_gZV2mm5dxtsHHyj8Uxro6PsmTcnVndgdO5elNShPtiMrGyhJLtTsPz64NQCI/s4032/20230422-IMG_9601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdomUfGXabQyNn6_B5lTKEknNcBFxAVP8BAd8zhBCnL9NMnWHh0b0X3a-LGrO9XKuMlcOnHoD8vF7dS9jdQyTaGilqW6JGpNzgI3zUzKlJQsSHWfVqnb8sm34TByxct_gZV2mm5dxtsHHyj8Uxro6PsmTcnVndgdO5elNShPtiMrGyhJLtTsPz64NQCI/w480-h640/20230422-IMG_9601.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJ8zlFd7jvTbo_rWkiikI1m7CDCb9QrGnzIkqwDwKA1ubL6hkozt0GbCvNFFvo5JF2k7ihO3MQDR1lWaO5MP2E7nA0TkMTNAvLlq-8R7-KJI7hQjRzskmml9uld4iQuvugUlc3RukhNnV1fmmvLwLZGlkcZ_BEeyKJYLtx0BCRYzjAfFwojMEpzxm2i4/s4032/20230422-IMG_9602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJ8zlFd7jvTbo_rWkiikI1m7CDCb9QrGnzIkqwDwKA1ubL6hkozt0GbCvNFFvo5JF2k7ihO3MQDR1lWaO5MP2E7nA0TkMTNAvLlq-8R7-KJI7hQjRzskmml9uld4iQuvugUlc3RukhNnV1fmmvLwLZGlkcZ_BEeyKJYLtx0BCRYzjAfFwojMEpzxm2i4/w480-h640/20230422-IMG_9602.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPYeHY_yOpfriWPwE0zyY-ecyjzS41Rud_yxVFRVPP7nCNYRVnVgA-KeNo33cEAyLI2mOXg6dj6n2JnmAG9bI21L73LAYy00niNfj745DeF9YroKccTbJO1r_KBmE26Ecd-wn-QW38IGlAFz9wIALTFaWwZu3T2Hv-1pWZ-WeR8HhjpNgJegqrFi6m-0/s4032/20230422-IMG_9603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPYeHY_yOpfriWPwE0zyY-ecyjzS41Rud_yxVFRVPP7nCNYRVnVgA-KeNo33cEAyLI2mOXg6dj6n2JnmAG9bI21L73LAYy00niNfj745DeF9YroKccTbJO1r_KBmE26Ecd-wn-QW38IGlAFz9wIALTFaWwZu3T2Hv-1pWZ-WeR8HhjpNgJegqrFi6m-0/w480-h640/20230422-IMG_9603.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Turning up the left branch I followed the narrow river valley, past spectacular cascades, water carved rocks and small pockets of beech forest. Even more numerous river crossings!! I met the couple of day trippers on their way out just before the final climb up onto tussock terraces with the hut perched well above the crashing river below. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuQyL0SA66kUPH6xWQJUY8M-czaK6RJVqlBWACfSEGZr2QOPeqWgX65lUekkSHNWbKHQZG4pkBk__B3A6rWxqObzBxCtNqHN9pioeYoV7n5i9avXfAuJVNl_pHMUV4rnpACnunZatnYgerGsB_O09tKPu5xho--kdovYsFnIXf--4_xtm7dNVWRFOaR4/s3519/20230422-IMG_9606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3519" data-original-width="2641" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuQyL0SA66kUPH6xWQJUY8M-czaK6RJVqlBWACfSEGZr2QOPeqWgX65lUekkSHNWbKHQZG4pkBk__B3A6rWxqObzBxCtNqHN9pioeYoV7n5i9avXfAuJVNl_pHMUV4rnpACnunZatnYgerGsB_O09tKPu5xho--kdovYsFnIXf--4_xtm7dNVWRFOaR4/w480-h640/20230422-IMG_9606.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BQh4MKukIrawlSg5WM_J0EZo2tw439bhT9u9b8JNbAp9ofnAyuoNybyV5a6Y4cBzRD70hanVbfxPugfN9fDMGfvOHzow_g6jE7TdZ1vVyI2oo0e7szMkznqOZHCLw5Y2kjdVM73JSaGu7YkEEphBXGgWMNi4rcafAs0-Ua1ykR4DS6lZuOwVbghxcVA/w640-h480/20230422-IMG_9614.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7604kW2UA9kPsExgCDnlbpOPj56fa7Sp8nBrwlCtpdnOYgWe1_6FwYr9yh41PwBComHAAX4FHQVsVRMul6_IxFF2AjdkixEoH7vzKlKAibmMohwFGf62WNK6HGR44DgW4NSQ1W9A7sb-fEhm0bYC7B4D-zm8swPtiWclXv0dfSFo377hA4n04yImxji0/s4032/20230422-IMG_9615.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7604kW2UA9kPsExgCDnlbpOPj56fa7Sp8nBrwlCtpdnOYgWe1_6FwYr9yh41PwBComHAAX4FHQVsVRMul6_IxFF2AjdkixEoH7vzKlKAibmMohwFGf62WNK6HGR44DgW4NSQ1W9A7sb-fEhm0bYC7B4D-zm8swPtiWclXv0dfSFo377hA4n04yImxji0/w480-h640/20230422-IMG_9615.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I arrived about 2 pm. It's a nice hut with a wooden floor, built from remains of the old hydroelectricity plant which was built nearby, to supply electricity to the Bullendale mine over the hill back in the 1860s. This plant was the first industrial hydroelectric plant in NZ, and possibly the world!!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeLttWrZOiIqDD_8tCp4cn-kLXy41zuNMffk0ddeU0Q9d342ESMklOpJXkQo6rZBY0q6bFStk8tpJRIyGSk2L-vOH4HDZFxZu2QnBeR8RBt9wt3n7zAi1aIotgLCT_zeoqnsziNnb7fcIzFzzPY2N1LRPBksJ8KiDM4MJWgjGd5ldSja895c2jlNBOJw/s4032/20230422-IMG_9616.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeLttWrZOiIqDD_8tCp4cn-kLXy41zuNMffk0ddeU0Q9d342ESMklOpJXkQo6rZBY0q6bFStk8tpJRIyGSk2L-vOH4HDZFxZu2QnBeR8RBt9wt3n7zAi1aIotgLCT_zeoqnsziNnb7fcIzFzzPY2N1LRPBksJ8KiDM4MJWgjGd5ldSja895c2jlNBOJw/w640-h480/20230422-IMG_9616.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Nearby I spied a new hut, that looked like a church! I went to investigate, and found that this new building housed what remains of this historic plant, along with some information panels. The building had only recently been finished, preserving what is a very cool piece of history.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-yDmxwolp4JaDJ24deA-qBNMrAZovj1B4RTuc2WiSC7VZDjoKpt3m283nhbBIN1Z7OUggVHNT2Bd9WIWMyiFyHyMMm5HOv59sQNY7C36QDZ1tB9xcx48bJeR8V_78FJ0S1lfEYddHElhj-PkWGQefEPsHqzDb3R0pjZnNBNNTRZAH1AoTBALWNXM07U/s4032/20230422-IMG_9632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-yDmxwolp4JaDJ24deA-qBNMrAZovj1B4RTuc2WiSC7VZDjoKpt3m283nhbBIN1Z7OUggVHNT2Bd9WIWMyiFyHyMMm5HOv59sQNY7C36QDZ1tB9xcx48bJeR8V_78FJ0S1lfEYddHElhj-PkWGQefEPsHqzDb3R0pjZnNBNNTRZAH1AoTBALWNXM07U/w480-h640/20230422-IMG_9632.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eIAn2Ki_AISMnQCx7a-6Pv3JclGccdo4BG1VGyrwcqtzkjgQ6LjdTSL0dnLN6_MNkhnsWNOwWrNTgABWX9WtL_0kwq2qfjY4gUNKNuhszCShGX3VmVQeGgVutxIjtcSVByJtNQptlilYJENyCbLORdIC1fAQPwM2LbZBzDxFG6SOLcrcYJ52t2qdwmY/s4032/20230422-IMG_9617.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXu6jWYobYzEJUdSBA7Xxs_7JsOsSOP2uHfTMcKYV7ZOivxIJGWgouFcUuX91BdGi03fi-CLM-rfiMNTkN3ldv9Qv1cd9vjXL77pi1dYKVAK1tFW07CJ1GmJCkJjBWpCkg64-1cC5U_QPloC7veVxZr0EeiDnObKJRx8f6WDv9NlJpTFObb-rEzZqPvA/s4032/20230422-IMG_9630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXu6jWYobYzEJUdSBA7Xxs_7JsOsSOP2uHfTMcKYV7ZOivxIJGWgouFcUuX91BdGi03fi-CLM-rfiMNTkN3ldv9Qv1cd9vjXL77pi1dYKVAK1tFW07CJ1GmJCkJjBWpCkg64-1cC5U_QPloC7veVxZr0EeiDnObKJRx8f6WDv9NlJpTFObb-rEzZqPvA/w480-h640/20230422-IMG_9630.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I thought I would have the hut to myself but around 4:30 three Queenstown locals with 2 dogs and a rifle turned up. They often come in here to go hunting and knew the area well. We spent the evening chatting, and Aston suggested going over the saddle from Archie's Hut tomorrow rather than going the long way around. He hadn't done the route, but was aware that it was easily doable, just not too sure what route to take down the other side. It certainly looked doable on the topo map.</div> <div><br /></div><div><b>Day 2 Dynamo Hut to Bullendale Hut</b></div><div> </div> <div>I was up and away by 8:45am. It wasn't far to Red Hut, reached by crossing the river within a charming pocket of beech forest and climbing up to the terrace on the other side. The hut is a bit more basic than Dynamo Hut, much more rustic, but it looks comfortable enough. On the table was a map with the route over the saddle and down into the right branch of Skippers Creek marked on it, so I took a picture for future reference. </div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXbca3e3KH9OeJeM5N8XeLlBSw0jg-Q7o_MUoEVGT_DaX1Igk3tgY6mARi3z3bqdd4TbeIjDte4alndT__WlY4OAz9Y9zr44_mCGYL7jAJDO8Mh6PY5RQuKrjapG-G5Xg8_9odeMruAqrgV1mXYBEiazHOXdfwTc63_xazCRn4XhWJxQexctklganMH0/s4032/20230423-IMG_9633.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXbca3e3KH9OeJeM5N8XeLlBSw0jg-Q7o_MUoEVGT_DaX1Igk3tgY6mARi3z3bqdd4TbeIjDte4alndT__WlY4OAz9Y9zr44_mCGYL7jAJDO8Mh6PY5RQuKrjapG-G5Xg8_9odeMruAqrgV1mXYBEiazHOXdfwTc63_xazCRn4XhWJxQexctklganMH0/w640-h480/20230423-IMG_9633.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaee8cfjO0pE8kEsb9RAjzylJd8Vf6ZKkbHrBNSBDAMD6Pqx-P_Va6pc7IoLkfm1f94qV0Hmzj2ECiAGviIkACoOq9VgHcsYXbmmnt3z38wvEHW7Vn5MTz3s92A50Gg8y7eENodtGSTQJ1fJ0k5pye_m-GYZLcQgofqdfbxcFAWPzBpdEnn4Omtjw9Rg/w480-h640/20230423-IMG_9651.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Back across the creek to where I'd left my pack, I took my shoes and socks off and wrung the socks out and tried to mop up some water from the boots, before heading up more tussock terraces to the water race. I followed the water race up to a series of waterfalls which the track sidled above before climbing steeply up into Aurum Basin. Then up more tussock terraces until suddenly there was Archie's Hut in front of me, arriving there at 11. It's a very basic 2 bunker, but adequate.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iySBkjjw2QPmZH7QO1BfGXJ8FhnQJKgynpUbc3Ke2EgVRAbV1y9qyWQ-cJXAaM9H-AA3NZN-1YtxVZhfSn1AkS6C-Lbp-4D2EDfxSHAib6jeNDc4HVlxOHV7KTyqBO6nXJScyYNZJqRbHZkUMSpuruQV_EkccfgnwMB6N2yQjyYdZ_5lbms-jUAhz_Q/s4032/20230423-IMG_9652.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iySBkjjw2QPmZH7QO1BfGXJ8FhnQJKgynpUbc3Ke2EgVRAbV1y9qyWQ-cJXAaM9H-AA3NZN-1YtxVZhfSn1AkS6C-Lbp-4D2EDfxSHAib6jeNDc4HVlxOHV7KTyqBO6nXJScyYNZJqRbHZkUMSpuruQV_EkccfgnwMB6N2yQjyYdZ_5lbms-jUAhz_Q/w480-h640/20230423-IMG_9652.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhranYWieNKBEwDRwJFKOs25ooj3lb_B6xg4xaJrwbc536HbHpEbIK5CWxIJD-kiaQSRD3_1YNIG1ARK8hAz2jftYeSFS7jkgLiw0HlWbOOpnsQgfYtIErmm9qet1m94cumtIO5dOJz0zh0jTMHTezSa8XzoUVGRyks7N1_zqxtyw3WRRSIIQ1O66PtCwo/s4032/20230423-IMG_9654.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3620" data-original-width="2717" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpzGLEjFsrUbmhQUnwRF_xpYTWWKVBSG4NX4VzpZXkqlk9un5VuE_ZNbihXZCfk7kNq_RkSTDG0MRfyA8fIbaIaG3JcGB1e0cyDSKVZw2TKSHOiHfoMK8jggd23yo15XdmofEGnMUYoeFdYbJklXXtDBtSys7vqbzKmTO38g-vGllx11vChbz6DN-Wjs/w480-h640/20230423-IMG_9657.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptJyDUhzJ6RucawRsRBoMWdnZ4GehV57GXBtYw3_SaCL0SkL_N_ORtdNJ1JQomwEGcgVFjdeUtufHqRBpUcYbURanRQeFAS5XOHPqcK6Np5iziTBDeCMTCrPUgCzsMSov5ngT_ukhzsvH8exVPt6KLfm0q-3USC_i4Ozvo09jdN53367CZXyNwu-qCtU/s4032/20230423-IMG_9658.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptJyDUhzJ6RucawRsRBoMWdnZ4GehV57GXBtYw3_SaCL0SkL_N_ORtdNJ1JQomwEGcgVFjdeUtufHqRBpUcYbURanRQeFAS5XOHPqcK6Np5iziTBDeCMTCrPUgCzsMSov5ngT_ukhzsvH8exVPt6KLfm0q-3USC_i4Ozvo09jdN53367CZXyNwu-qCtU/w480-h640/20230423-IMG_9658.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3iIGrzOrwjVapOPdVFjWqJAogMdN867DPB70oBcTWHDOkVQEi_pKiTxpjnnKtF7XdhJn4biHT00l0hDvrchGwqd6ncid7Ynyp_tqfPWldbILANG6Ts2ac-eT4REu3yujS0m7uZQOsEEh5P-zbjqyjrjFHhsGZeOBpOcrLTD5xKpkYQOgQ1rfX2hCw7E/s4032/20230423-IMG_9659.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3iIGrzOrwjVapOPdVFjWqJAogMdN867DPB70oBcTWHDOkVQEi_pKiTxpjnnKtF7XdhJn4biHT00l0hDvrchGwqd6ncid7Ynyp_tqfPWldbILANG6Ts2ac-eT4REu3yujS0m7uZQOsEEh5P-zbjqyjrjFHhsGZeOBpOcrLTD5xKpkYQOgQ1rfX2hCw7E/w480-h640/20230423-IMG_9659.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_l_0tiYahFTf2_ailUWwQF_V7sI3YS8F9UTQA21LjLhn5hEr37uMR8-wIBDBsCiLxk1OuLlgFo0OL67_mdI28A1po-577yox-bM43-pGme0qguiTZATL36Gi3b0F1tQsdb6CJR5vLC4aH3HfEgdweP2hbgVES_gAENJafCiHzmTuPIi6Cna8EXTWZr10/s4032/20230423-IMG_9660.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_l_0tiYahFTf2_ailUWwQF_V7sI3YS8F9UTQA21LjLhn5hEr37uMR8-wIBDBsCiLxk1OuLlgFo0OL67_mdI28A1po-577yox-bM43-pGme0qguiTZATL36Gi3b0F1tQsdb6CJR5vLC4aH3HfEgdweP2hbgVES_gAENJafCiHzmTuPIi6Cna8EXTWZr10/w480-h640/20230423-IMG_9660.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I decided to give the route a go, but I didn't get far as clouds were gathering and the wind was gusting. There had already been some light drizzle and I decided I didn't feel up to a dodgy climb and descent on potentially wet snow grass, so I turned around and headed back to Dynamo Hut. Although the sun came out again the wind continued to intensify, with gusts almost blowing me off my feet. In the valley!! I was glad of my decision to turn around as the wind would have been much stronger higher up. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfylgbRqdZ7m52ubeyHQd6-xI8m2sRrC2wTd2XRV1ql5JpJ40Phv-k62c4I6sDGLTuRxu-5C5-XU5Vr1EJSFlN1pzUnVG9E5lvHPYGLOz92nRqLSlPoc7QvXmp4GMBK5Vxn9XDpz33n1VKXkOlhuTb4zEHJrOkw8Z49YnowaKhOwnTlwZixZs9fkrB3Vs/s4032/20230423-IMG_9661.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfylgbRqdZ7m52ubeyHQd6-xI8m2sRrC2wTd2XRV1ql5JpJ40Phv-k62c4I6sDGLTuRxu-5C5-XU5Vr1EJSFlN1pzUnVG9E5lvHPYGLOz92nRqLSlPoc7QvXmp4GMBK5Vxn9XDpz33n1VKXkOlhuTb4zEHJrOkw8Z49YnowaKhOwnTlwZixZs9fkrB3Vs/w480-h640/20230423-IMG_9661.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I got back to Dynamo Hut a bit after 12:30, so had lunch then continued downstream.</div><div><br /></div> <div>The track to Bullendale doesn't follow immediately up the riverbed from the junction with the left branch (though you can if river levels are low) but heads up a track a bit further downstream at Ah Sing's Willow. It climbs brutally up and down a few times before doing a long traverse and then dropping down steeply back to the river. Not made easy by bikes causing track erosion. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LaADWF7ZdQ1Hzehyphenhyphen8ygovRRqWX2yWPyBgG2XkLnurNxa6lZSutV1u0SvBcEeIFStLuF1umfVYVOx5onlqfIe3JHzTxCyOTOrXuBBajEAbSsAICaA2QRwkvYWmDYiGNy0gz_VQfAfo92mGJdYUL-4vpUU-RdjEUMACTyLpq0UtfaRxOQWO9w8d7oE1mg/s4032/20230424-IMG_9684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LaADWF7ZdQ1Hzehyphenhyphen8ygovRRqWX2yWPyBgG2XkLnurNxa6lZSutV1u0SvBcEeIFStLuF1umfVYVOx5onlqfIe3JHzTxCyOTOrXuBBajEAbSsAICaA2QRwkvYWmDYiGNy0gz_VQfAfo92mGJdYUL-4vpUU-RdjEUMACTyLpq0UtfaRxOQWO9w8d7oE1mg/w480-h640/20230424-IMG_9684.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCpXh9gVbcCPiQJSir8ULGoXjDUx-AGqxhN9ruXnVUCuCea7_7ZBgWQcJYYfpQyAbg9XiFE1vEkqoewMpbRHHDZEe0McOHShUNz5T1TvHdAH_EzmMmWCyEhzRmIHx_7H56jpNaXg80MWzGQhUPwufVyMLtz6dgUTtZFyAZYov5W1mdnaL_sk8BVKMR-E/s4032/20230423-IMG_9662.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCpXh9gVbcCPiQJSir8ULGoXjDUx-AGqxhN9ruXnVUCuCea7_7ZBgWQcJYYfpQyAbg9XiFE1vEkqoewMpbRHHDZEe0McOHShUNz5T1TvHdAH_EzmMmWCyEhzRmIHx_7H56jpNaXg80MWzGQhUPwufVyMLtz6dgUTtZFyAZYov5W1mdnaL_sk8BVKMR-E/w480-h640/20230423-IMG_9662.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbL1_1qbaXjz1xbLl6CJS83r3w1mhWJwjI2tU5eCuftR8uVmLEcto1Q1lqoj2xfPcwcdbxKaqZYB58ptfBsPW2TkIjH7bWKPn0MGaX2WV1JLZ0UTLaBOaKQMopXRmqcvmc2AurPlX1ghR1BqsPYkd3vVFzlSQug_OXcbUYCgnvLyvBBUkV9iPP1Mr3biw/s4032/20230423-IMG_9664.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbL1_1qbaXjz1xbLl6CJS83r3w1mhWJwjI2tU5eCuftR8uVmLEcto1Q1lqoj2xfPcwcdbxKaqZYB58ptfBsPW2TkIjH7bWKPn0MGaX2WV1JLZ0UTLaBOaKQMopXRmqcvmc2AurPlX1ghR1BqsPYkd3vVFzlSQug_OXcbUYCgnvLyvBBUkV9iPP1Mr3biw/w480-h640/20230423-IMG_9664.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Then there are multiple crossings and walking up in the river itself until arriving at Bullendale Historic Site. It started drizzling again just as I got there, but I still had to do the hard grunt up the hill from the river to the hut, with the rain getting heavier but not drenching. I arrived at 3:30. No one else was there and I was pretty sure I would be unlikely to see anyone due to the weather. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuo-Xod-RWi7jzMMTImDOT3fVoTmXNRkBo1pTughjhMbYXzzAZJa-wxFb1PggcXxYHT1uTB6kz4BZnSKdLcdoNhHdj9J-v2MuKRmCu53W4dzNSxVWsWs_6g4tMHRKSEW4h4H-hZOjO0oj5ioBniWtPTzeVcGmN94_p616MS3j-KmnxEqxqrgiZbIxDg0/s4032/20230423-IMG_9665.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuo-Xod-RWi7jzMMTImDOT3fVoTmXNRkBo1pTughjhMbYXzzAZJa-wxFb1PggcXxYHT1uTB6kz4BZnSKdLcdoNhHdj9J-v2MuKRmCu53W4dzNSxVWsWs_6g4tMHRKSEW4h4H-hZOjO0oj5ioBniWtPTzeVcGmN94_p616MS3j-KmnxEqxqrgiZbIxDg0/w640-h480/20230423-IMG_9665.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhph6iejFTtVL4WCGH5VDF-xN6yaQexSMwoCZvi6ExkN5c1TZT4IUiZcx9whO_L8Mwftte5r_1ART4pReEBgOWKfJ0z1ci1XkWz5a48kBHFAZOlgJRb8mDdVQYbbke0ZYjLxbzWPJXDYQZdHTXrFsFvqr7Y91wxOmLGSZ9e6ps_N1rci6vEoW7Ml0I4y8U/s4032/20230423-IMG_9666.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhph6iejFTtVL4WCGH5VDF-xN6yaQexSMwoCZvi6ExkN5c1TZT4IUiZcx9whO_L8Mwftte5r_1ART4pReEBgOWKfJ0z1ci1XkWz5a48kBHFAZOlgJRb8mDdVQYbbke0ZYjLxbzWPJXDYQZdHTXrFsFvqr7Y91wxOmLGSZ9e6ps_N1rci6vEoW7Ml0I4y8U/w480-h640/20230423-IMG_9666.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9y14bxcN65KY4qV4InVHmVA3WvSr7JzW2SYjSXGQUBEmKuAdxmbD_l-kUkla6vE2-JW-4pcLpHun9tTAPH7Q7Duik1I5F_vBXUd0w-bau-Ggzn6iOXiQ9NOzOLQ9jZ3emR2cmvsw-w-wL1mW_gIsgC2yjgUPDs6VDaxX0ELRlgkIgLhcm9Yl0sl1EaB0/s4032/20230423-IMG_9667.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9y14bxcN65KY4qV4InVHmVA3WvSr7JzW2SYjSXGQUBEmKuAdxmbD_l-kUkla6vE2-JW-4pcLpHun9tTAPH7Q7Duik1I5F_vBXUd0w-bau-Ggzn6iOXiQ9NOzOLQ9jZ3emR2cmvsw-w-wL1mW_gIsgC2yjgUPDs6VDaxX0ELRlgkIgLhcm9Yl0sl1EaB0/w480-h640/20230423-IMG_9667.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmheUDsegY8_HvdoZVIy5ggMcVqQv8qUw_Kx9I9FwaTXRCgzXp34A1BH2bo6wqwoMLPkhPF4n6bVpaMlxoM-AQHJRUns13zReoitFRjYp5klg0GLKzuphqPMPx-d9jGhmnOsS3YxHHkWrxFrt4wLIGlQKFZIKvwSkN-jTkd-_JEbRVOOgDcjrp3mJcSGk/s4032/20230423-IMG_9668.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmheUDsegY8_HvdoZVIy5ggMcVqQv8qUw_Kx9I9FwaTXRCgzXp34A1BH2bo6wqwoMLPkhPF4n6bVpaMlxoM-AQHJRUns13zReoitFRjYp5klg0GLKzuphqPMPx-d9jGhmnOsS3YxHHkWrxFrt4wLIGlQKFZIKvwSkN-jTkd-_JEbRVOOgDcjrp3mJcSGk/w480-h640/20230423-IMG_9668.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9jmoEyoC5M5quf2Cs5Fyiy8ZCaI8UEi36WoULdNb-PMMUh7CWL2UovUqHIhCBY6e5ZheghudZnPBL8keKOhl5ugbx-LTz7-lTviZPgxrjCtOZ7hwjIGqVJ7H7RW8DNRicMhSCeP67DRkwUNy57ktgAY4hetJi595VrJxi1wSHvwFgCKwNruEDcEOymo/s4032/20230423-IMG_9669.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9jmoEyoC5M5quf2Cs5Fyiy8ZCaI8UEi36WoULdNb-PMMUh7CWL2UovUqHIhCBY6e5ZheghudZnPBL8keKOhl5ugbx-LTz7-lTviZPgxrjCtOZ7hwjIGqVJ7H7RW8DNRicMhSCeP67DRkwUNy57ktgAY4hetJi595VrJxi1wSHvwFgCKwNruEDcEOymo/w480-h640/20230423-IMG_9669.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiil4ewtQ9ElPQ5xjsJBOZL8fkSTQT8XZ9y6wJWTqrUJJN0xNFcwT7OF7q6KMAx9E36QAoMvF6bAxcH5AOnD0xfHsX1h5dNBARs_R8KnlZKQDA1KNzygWCqW2CigI_AG0cqUM50nVE_AqmEq49KlGDQGBKSGdvm5RySlJlMoMvoZozG0ztupuA0u_5CJWs/s4032/20230423-IMG_9670.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiil4ewtQ9ElPQ5xjsJBOZL8fkSTQT8XZ9y6wJWTqrUJJN0xNFcwT7OF7q6KMAx9E36QAoMvF6bAxcH5AOnD0xfHsX1h5dNBARs_R8KnlZKQDA1KNzygWCqW2CigI_AG0cqUM50nVE_AqmEq49KlGDQGBKSGdvm5RySlJlMoMvoZozG0ztupuA0u_5CJWs/w640-h480/20230423-IMG_9670.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It continued drizzling on and off, so I checked the forecast on my Inreach, which suggested light rain overnight, clearing in the morning. Rainfall totals weren't much, so I figured the river level wouldn't rise much and my walk out wouldn't be affected.</div> <div><br /></div><div><b>Day 3 Bullendale Hut to Skippers, plus Crystal Hut sidetrip</b></div><div> </div> <div>I was warm enough in the hut and though it rained a bit overnight the roof only leaked along the roof cap so I and all my gear stayed dry. It was clear in the morning but wet, and the temperature continued to drop. When I went to the toilet first thing there was no frost, however later I noticed that the wet grass had frozen. It was only then that I noticed that the surrounding peaks were covered in snow!</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCEsXky9IaMXCQaLQnjkHXVIFma0gtC2m3wVihSISHOer1wQ-xKR-kwjztH5l2RjRpTPH6lS6xaDrynQz_ZTni43o8sF8eEqrNmsjpmUPfP7JLBED_pnXJfP4NJts59qs7Xxr-oPGx5UIupBj_j37Rb_qHAZBU-TkL4OIabStJKCpU4XgUXgBOIwYwEY/s4032/20230424-IMG_9673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCEsXky9IaMXCQaLQnjkHXVIFma0gtC2m3wVihSISHOer1wQ-xKR-kwjztH5l2RjRpTPH6lS6xaDrynQz_ZTni43o8sF8eEqrNmsjpmUPfP7JLBED_pnXJfP4NJts59qs7Xxr-oPGx5UIupBj_j37Rb_qHAZBU-TkL4OIabStJKCpU4XgUXgBOIwYwEY/w640-h480/20230424-IMG_9673.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2tWuFZ0v04D8dEYcfTqW0dlIxWZzq_TiPsMwBSVWjPeGreaX3sHcXoc1qEzbhCl9KCsgOBH2aKLmxaX3eLNoRpEi86ufwb1eEhqS025R2ltfgX73IagejC4DvHUSNCR6_epdZcUipENvq02LvfSOMfN3Sd_zuYuipn2amEwTbdKYGCrzY1Ir7-vEZGg/s4032/20230424-IMG_9674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2tWuFZ0v04D8dEYcfTqW0dlIxWZzq_TiPsMwBSVWjPeGreaX3sHcXoc1qEzbhCl9KCsgOBH2aKLmxaX3eLNoRpEi86ufwb1eEhqS025R2ltfgX73IagejC4DvHUSNCR6_epdZcUipENvq02LvfSOMfN3Sd_zuYuipn2amEwTbdKYGCrzY1Ir7-vEZGg/w480-h640/20230424-IMG_9674.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJuW8Dk6vfe_M-AaX78mo9WpE3KbppSEBw0bfafJ0D8JixMKxZQAdBNkJT2ckbCzJBtNUL_rgoPeAmcpkAoLf5vn0caPss1j25LfI2LI6cXRXnsYcHLYZsREodc_QYIYcJbgNYaQr_81OrjZOwRKFl6igHLB6wd0jItgErgCRNYo2HpT1VJO4d7lY3l8/s4032/20230424-IMG_9675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJuW8Dk6vfe_M-AaX78mo9WpE3KbppSEBw0bfafJ0D8JixMKxZQAdBNkJT2ckbCzJBtNUL_rgoPeAmcpkAoLf5vn0caPss1j25LfI2LI6cXRXnsYcHLYZsREodc_QYIYcJbgNYaQr_81OrjZOwRKFl6igHLB6wd0jItgErgCRNYo2HpT1VJO4d7lY3l8/w640-h480/20230424-IMG_9675.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9nd3QVd8YTMOLAK0WIy0mGdJYdNP3OZt8CuxZYRXk2Lq5FKQk4o2xxDIFKKE4TqsZROE43hbWUiHuhPONiQXnQgB7emrCFdop9UoMBYfB_kggcSFWSD4ps2CYYUCvyloFohd4_fbN_h26DDwGN9hKvKtURQGfbQAS4h7aG_IUHMhhOhgfsRdzee3QRQ/s4032/20230424-IMG_9676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9nd3QVd8YTMOLAK0WIy0mGdJYdNP3OZt8CuxZYRXk2Lq5FKQk4o2xxDIFKKE4TqsZROE43hbWUiHuhPONiQXnQgB7emrCFdop9UoMBYfB_kggcSFWSD4ps2CYYUCvyloFohd4_fbN_h26DDwGN9hKvKtURQGfbQAS4h7aG_IUHMhhOhgfsRdzee3QRQ/w640-h480/20230424-IMG_9676.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I headed back down the steep hill to the river, and went to check out the other hut on a high terrace above the river. It's used by the current mining claimants, but it's open and is available to use. </div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMecNBsYRPn_SUo7K1lvzD7Q8ns7Er67YjS5gV1cVUdVGofSJS8gVwsIgySh7eQywX9Rfa99LOzW0GBQvWfhe289k7tO2JxvkXS-ffqcmPLlvLeNeXTFklH7z8ak0tv_03EEp4kpKfOMLcOlYMs7ySNULpKOGK7HVhD5pNKbIkuMRK0_ll6IUsPvdR5k/s4032/20230424-IMG_9678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMecNBsYRPn_SUo7K1lvzD7Q8ns7Er67YjS5gV1cVUdVGofSJS8gVwsIgySh7eQywX9Rfa99LOzW0GBQvWfhe289k7tO2JxvkXS-ffqcmPLlvLeNeXTFklH7z8ak0tv_03EEp4kpKfOMLcOlYMs7ySNULpKOGK7HVhD5pNKbIkuMRK0_ll6IUsPvdR5k/w480-h640/20230424-IMG_9678.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mxvMB0dyS2-HgFb7i9wQruzxsDcoMb7-fZVNruXR4jY_q4G81d6xKzKXjwnyIKD9-q3Fc_OSDR14N4o0Wzum-bdP151k6UAJJQMUezKipcQHtsT3gG_Tj9QiFLmJ7mV9Eez_PxcjasPxoTCkH5ULSdumyI-mh3KbmHiZ2Mg2M2teol1jyBi0mOktacY/s4032/20230424-IMG_9679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mxvMB0dyS2-HgFb7i9wQruzxsDcoMb7-fZVNruXR4jY_q4G81d6xKzKXjwnyIKD9-q3Fc_OSDR14N4o0Wzum-bdP151k6UAJJQMUezKipcQHtsT3gG_Tj9QiFLmJ7mV9Eez_PxcjasPxoTCkH5ULSdumyI-mh3KbmHiZ2Mg2M2teol1jyBi0mOktacY/w480-h640/20230424-IMG_9679.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwT5JNrtKdqsZVvrTf_Dbb9ohJcFiWUv6y1BwMWQ_Q6_uapIeywecdCoU-Gs2r9bZP9iV3o6DQEC9wTknaygFadlUfb6JKzpAVJyaSaoySFOZxd_rcG-ATp2fHmt-H_buPq-SPglsgXCmm5es8WDk1PA22En4p9CxjVGe07E6gYTUNZj4c-WlPH32AoHg/s4032/20230424-IMG_9682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwT5JNrtKdqsZVvrTf_Dbb9ohJcFiWUv6y1BwMWQ_Q6_uapIeywecdCoU-Gs2r9bZP9iV3o6DQEC9wTknaygFadlUfb6JKzpAVJyaSaoySFOZxd_rcG-ATp2fHmt-H_buPq-SPglsgXCmm5es8WDk1PA22En4p9CxjVGe07E6gYTUNZj4c-WlPH32AoHg/w640-h480/20230424-IMG_9682.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkchUm10-yLhCRTvTGG7DNJ44apkpkd2dCe7f5d170HlHhTAMPo6NpTARbnv30iYyMZTu5mv5DLDgVwbpg7Ad6zk0eB0Lou-AeTSwg7tqldAhX-EAVigdwmcECyPQWbd6rkYx41s1_lTuRYwDrdy5VrYKutqqWS-XmJODI122zjRDjMgrhGUUSvZo-z0/s4032/20230424-IMG_9683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkchUm10-yLhCRTvTGG7DNJ44apkpkd2dCe7f5d170HlHhTAMPo6NpTARbnv30iYyMZTu5mv5DLDgVwbpg7Ad6zk0eB0Lou-AeTSwg7tqldAhX-EAVigdwmcECyPQWbd6rkYx41s1_lTuRYwDrdy5VrYKutqqWS-XmJODI122zjRDjMgrhGUUSvZo-z0/w640-h480/20230424-IMG_9683.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I shouldered the pack and headed down river. A few people had noted in the hut book that following the river all the way was a possibility, so I did just that. All was going well until I hit a gorge where the river went under a rock and the scramble around was a bit too dodgy for me so I headed up and around through the bushes instead. That got me a bit further downstream until the next cascade under a rock and I couldn't see that it was going to get any better. So up I went, with lots of wee goat tracks to follow, to join the tramping track and return back to the carpark that way.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZvxe4wkoIG3Ofyz3AY2OdQk349aWP8sHQk2ZfzJa_qwKJCso9dzrBJMmlxKjojTbPkEqK5qId6mC2WSH2U0005DRclaRiGP5FSbL-qeQJDdUH4iFC6BgqHFYblSO1DZ65J3MGGn2E78dT5oLw_DJeUmwNHGMOCk_i34i_oHzlfN0hTVzb-Xd4nHvc4o/s4032/20230424-IMG_9686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZvxe4wkoIG3Ofyz3AY2OdQk349aWP8sHQk2ZfzJa_qwKJCso9dzrBJMmlxKjojTbPkEqK5qId6mC2WSH2U0005DRclaRiGP5FSbL-qeQJDdUH4iFC6BgqHFYblSO1DZ65J3MGGn2E78dT5oLw_DJeUmwNHGMOCk_i34i_oHzlfN0hTVzb-Xd4nHvc4o/w480-h640/20230424-IMG_9686.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />There was an icy wind blowing so I wore my jacket all day, and once back at the car I had lunch, ditched the big backpack and headed up to Crystal Hut. You follow a benched track, possibly an old water race, the entire way. It's a grand hut, with an old wood stove, some decent wood to burn, a wet back and shower. No loo though!!</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNuZsjp_WOW54vKh6xuYX92j2fXR841gpIFXB_y8y9tFd44QBo2_pNGtNaZ_PvARKwJqb7_4aObS-W2W_zdxtWxvCk0G_TeDOaIZSmSfF6n-DBWwaO90gxPtJO6lLw_Th8Qv14_-zKLS4pWCjUNK2xTXWfN8C5kaR1-7-NvfFioSkdIEf873_FHrHaHE/s4032/20230424-IMG_9694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNuZsjp_WOW54vKh6xuYX92j2fXR841gpIFXB_y8y9tFd44QBo2_pNGtNaZ_PvARKwJqb7_4aObS-W2W_zdxtWxvCk0G_TeDOaIZSmSfF6n-DBWwaO90gxPtJO6lLw_Th8Qv14_-zKLS4pWCjUNK2xTXWfN8C5kaR1-7-NvfFioSkdIEf873_FHrHaHE/w480-h640/20230424-IMG_9694.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ekbX-ZXMdsSs-cWKTkfDM1h5OC1DqAsaB023rb12MyZMJRqSVf1NxcqR4GCEtCm01sMghQO35U8joCTF2v6lLXM_ZQldWkUF9Ds89Yn9XwmYmHtRhv7Dv3i0y-R_2AoyuOpu3vp7GA0zuajzJD1Zp_HwF57NA1N4d9isYTYeci0OIdTII09if8_Oo0M/s4032/20230424-IMG_9689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ekbX-ZXMdsSs-cWKTkfDM1h5OC1DqAsaB023rb12MyZMJRqSVf1NxcqR4GCEtCm01sMghQO35U8joCTF2v6lLXM_ZQldWkUF9Ds89Yn9XwmYmHtRhv7Dv3i0y-R_2AoyuOpu3vp7GA0zuajzJD1Zp_HwF57NA1N4d9isYTYeci0OIdTII09if8_Oo0M/w480-h640/20230424-IMG_9689.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HBvnzA9a7i0WIja6gLECuH3e4kY25lbpTTstnWdxRY1om4_QiPB4py_M0SX3jDtPfyFye5sTicOoJ28NPqY3_dzDHODgrc6OMz1NDdZYBzfDRLzXClANc2l40kxuySUgmC54uczvZLGHfKV98shB1Mu5sXOokIjJVrNwdLjqtHZYOdhpAn28Tf3TD8Y/s4032/20230424-IMG_9690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HBvnzA9a7i0WIja6gLECuH3e4kY25lbpTTstnWdxRY1om4_QiPB4py_M0SX3jDtPfyFye5sTicOoJ28NPqY3_dzDHODgrc6OMz1NDdZYBzfDRLzXClANc2l40kxuySUgmC54uczvZLGHfKV98shB1Mu5sXOokIjJVrNwdLjqtHZYOdhpAn28Tf3TD8Y/w480-h640/20230424-IMG_9690.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Qh7BEIbEA1nEJSk6XbXzcqzkTI1LC9kKsE0CiHovfEmFkA3y92XtZAeT7WxvYrJliv1ZSQraqIjNTkT7rLfS_ypGbP6lL4rh_EYIOcpeqUpdGwmA3lT3WJ1esEIEc3Ij4PxnyNoCYz6Gf_goQnpwpIPvhdLGMoq18LnGvPfR8c98BkAERoC4iS8XFEs/s4032/20230424-IMG_9691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Qh7BEIbEA1nEJSk6XbXzcqzkTI1LC9kKsE0CiHovfEmFkA3y92XtZAeT7WxvYrJliv1ZSQraqIjNTkT7rLfS_ypGbP6lL4rh_EYIOcpeqUpdGwmA3lT3WJ1esEIEc3Ij4PxnyNoCYz6Gf_goQnpwpIPvhdLGMoq18LnGvPfR8c98BkAERoC4iS8XFEs/w480-h640/20230424-IMG_9691.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I didn't stay long, retracing my route back to the car in 40 minutes. </div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-udzWw9KKPBGxs3ErkgK6ng08wK1ohNVKw9ylvMbKtRKL2CZ98bdAtmGC0UgteSbqx1GzDwKiLsJV4PsZ4KWeqboAhPW32N0LM_vwamawlSmruLi4k3KThtytaJEgPhuwIsXbqiKQ4c4bcD9EXyqs_YZAAKFazo4LevwpST-SV-XMiFzrb_K3o6U9Oo/s4032/20230424-IMG_9695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-udzWw9KKPBGxs3ErkgK6ng08wK1ohNVKw9ylvMbKtRKL2CZ98bdAtmGC0UgteSbqx1GzDwKiLsJV4PsZ4KWeqboAhPW32N0LM_vwamawlSmruLi4k3KThtytaJEgPhuwIsXbqiKQ4c4bcD9EXyqs_YZAAKFazo4LevwpST-SV-XMiFzrb_K3o6U9Oo/w640-h480/20230424-IMG_9695.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I took off my shoes, and that's when I realised I had left my insoles at Bullendale Hut. No wonder my shoes felt so roomy!!After checking out the displays in the old schoolhouse I drove back along the Skippers Rd, and over the Crown Range home.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8WYO1HWwPTrS_GKAlBzzV9PSL_eEMbKEQV9eGD_KERkaZbiHNkunT-Kjj4oR97Sd6eR63ZOv2qCx8YLoFXHeYbl8yZmNWxiHxmBbg7e9uU6ijz1s-ImkgzU69PRPLJaUy6tyiaGGOto88a_9zOXbVb9tyt1U-Og2RDwK6pAIcIC7P_5I8lhltfAYbPE/s4032/20230424-IMG_9696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8WYO1HWwPTrS_GKAlBzzV9PSL_eEMbKEQV9eGD_KERkaZbiHNkunT-Kjj4oR97Sd6eR63ZOv2qCx8YLoFXHeYbl8yZmNWxiHxmBbg7e9uU6ijz1s-ImkgzU69PRPLJaUy6tyiaGGOto88a_9zOXbVb9tyt1U-Og2RDwK6pAIcIC7P_5I8lhltfAYbPE/w640-h480/20230424-IMG_9696.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div> </div><div dir="ltr"></div>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-33767672701274006262023-04-12T13:50:00.169+08:002023-06-06T11:05:55.217+08:00Busting it around Oteake on a hutbagging mission<div dir="ltr"><div><div style="text-align: left;">My hutbagging obsession is both a blessing and a curse. It makes me devise trips that incorporate visiting as many huts as possible in the region I'm visiting. That can often mean longer, more circuitous routes that might be less frequented, but it also means I may neglect visiting some places because there isn't a hut there to tick off. I need to stay aware of the latter bias in my trip planning, because there are so many stunning places in NZ to visit, and some of them don't have a hut anywhere to be seen. (Which is actually quite a feat really when there are so many of those wee homely structures scattered in the most unlikely places all over the country)!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For this trip I was visiting the southern end of Oteake Conservation Park. I'd visited the northern end many years ago when I'd tramped up to Omarama Saddle, <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2019/03/visible-yet-hidden.html" target="_blank">Hidden Lake</a> and up onto the St Bathans Ridgeline, and I'd also recently knocked off a couple more huts on a <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2023/02/oteake-overnight-bike-pack-trip.html" target="_blank">bike packing overnighter.</a> Within a four day weather window, which also happened to be Easter, I intended to tramp and visit nine huts in total.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I drove from Wanaka to Naseby and managed to get a cabin at the Naseby Motor Camp, enjoying a delicious late lunch/early dinner at the Black Forest Cafe. It was brutally cold in Naseby so I was glad to be warm in a heated cabin overnight.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRM_8FQK06V3xhSpRZa6JH3BBsnKuS2Wggp0da5h679R_vWIft4Fur3GlHyJLGYBQX6p1WyETXVNy86j7Icq9W47TPdc-7zP9C0cMInwOykQvJcjgV6zbQLylBNPsFyaBZnoO-9dvM7t6sa7JHZpNt6zTu1-fpUL7jxBXiqeWV92jR2URyvdPsL2Qj/s4032/20230406-IMG_9460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRM_8FQK06V3xhSpRZa6JH3BBsnKuS2Wggp0da5h679R_vWIft4Fur3GlHyJLGYBQX6p1WyETXVNy86j7Icq9W47TPdc-7zP9C0cMInwOykQvJcjgV6zbQLylBNPsFyaBZnoO-9dvM7t6sa7JHZpNt6zTu1-fpUL7jxBXiqeWV92jR2URyvdPsL2Qj/w480-h640/20230406-IMG_9460.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div> <div><b>Day 1 Mt Buster Rd to Brown Hut 6.5 hours</b></div> <div><br /></div> <div>My alarm went off at 7 and I was packed and on the road by 7:30, after defrosting the windscreen as there was a very hard frost in Naseby. The chap at the Motor Camp had advised taking the Kyeburn River Road which comes off the Danseys Pass Rd a bit further along. He said the ford on the Mt Buster Road was hard even for 4WDs! </div><div><br /></div><div>The first part of the road was in great condition, but the last section involved two river fords and a less maintained road surface, but it was all perfectly doable in my Subaru Outback. I got to the carpark in good time, setting off on foot at 8:30. First hut to be bagged were the two huts at the Kyeburn carpark. There were two vehicles with trailers parked at the huts, but no one around. One hut looked habitable with table and chairs but no bunks. The other was a bit too rustic with the bunks looking to be unusable.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JmhqSbLzJXgJyqR5nWkvMGwA4NOgR_tD7TrEQV-b4AQilzrKmUScRi2x2EhjAwSDzdP8X0-_zTQOezJGcIeV34MUhf-YKcVI0Eg-yihcraEHtMEVEilsROR0FzWId5CUwL5EBvJyoUBbDdJoqqiADHvk5VgP4fS4jsvEhPUM5zLV5Vuh0-E1v9Pr/s4032/20230410-IMG_9547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JmhqSbLzJXgJyqR5nWkvMGwA4NOgR_tD7TrEQV-b4AQilzrKmUScRi2x2EhjAwSDzdP8X0-_zTQOezJGcIeV34MUhf-YKcVI0Eg-yihcraEHtMEVEilsROR0FzWId5CUwL5EBvJyoUBbDdJoqqiADHvk5VgP4fS4jsvEhPUM5zLV5Vuh0-E1v9Pr/w640-h480/20230410-IMG_9547.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Little Kyeburn Track followed a 4WD track across the tussock bench above the river and then became a narrow track that sidled beside the river as it climbed beside a massive waterfall. There were numerous pools to swim in, though the one below the waterfall would be a tad difficult to get down to. I had no interest in going swimming, not least because it was freezing cold with a hard frost over everything!</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCJDgyXrwyVVHzLItIy3DhPeSOqCOgvhEtr-h73fkuKhAn2PrWidYt-hoNWzi2LO1Y8Nve5Jq5QHzi42ZGfWCFCPZlli6Ke4dz8bJQov3leFMmGOJozY64B5-Rkg-_VAuh9YefwSuZ1Ved3iGOpzWUPzT2e4U0CRi4oW9uHH_VVOmWoPwMuJglEb4/s4032/20230407-IMG_9461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCJDgyXrwyVVHzLItIy3DhPeSOqCOgvhEtr-h73fkuKhAn2PrWidYt-hoNWzi2LO1Y8Nve5Jq5QHzi42ZGfWCFCPZlli6Ke4dz8bJQov3leFMmGOJozY64B5-Rkg-_VAuh9YefwSuZ1Ved3iGOpzWUPzT2e4U0CRi4oW9uHH_VVOmWoPwMuJglEb4/w480-h640/20230407-IMG_9461.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_nsHqvapY-bCW2ePTt0wSFxWnKYP8KmoNJfKLQZGl2mAQ3iZRPEgXObX8S3OOq9Mo6_cZXj4QJTIEtZygA91c7tp6u0n5yruEa8wVBEpouQ266fDa7HEcJmTmbB6rewSk-vxDqqFoGrwRIo-qt2PqvFDQkuBNdo-IPjxMO4kCCjuRrtoX1xH-cSd/s3523/20230407-IMG_9465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3523" data-original-width="2641" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_nsHqvapY-bCW2ePTt0wSFxWnKYP8KmoNJfKLQZGl2mAQ3iZRPEgXObX8S3OOq9Mo6_cZXj4QJTIEtZygA91c7tp6u0n5yruEa8wVBEpouQ266fDa7HEcJmTmbB6rewSk-vxDqqFoGrwRIo-qt2PqvFDQkuBNdo-IPjxMO4kCCjuRrtoX1xH-cSd/w480-h640/20230407-IMG_9465.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The track sidled high above the river and required a lot of attention to where you put your feet. Sometimes you couldn't see where your feet were due to the overgrown nature of the track. Mostly tussock, but quite a bit of bashing through matagouri as well. The track was well marked with poles, so quite navigable.</div><div><br /></div> <div>After a while I crossed to the true right and followed the river up further before a zig zagging climb uphill to Buster Hut. Once the steep bit was done it was mostly a gentle climb up, sidling along above a side stream, before crossing the wee stream and making my way up the final hill to Buster Hut.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnZ0NU1pIXK5qS2-Scr1Pz1BExShV-9zmIgnoRkAkyz079X51Mv6OpFCts_D6xz7_XowdTc4KF404_2N1Wb435nbfg3GQaqnwSQIl_6Iuz1-V-6oS40boYKancAsZRt9_lt0Bn1OwkhtvxZQYJRRKHAfPQRY_sXklV9uicVy0yJz0-DX7h_oeoibh/s4032/20230407-IMG_9466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnZ0NU1pIXK5qS2-Scr1Pz1BExShV-9zmIgnoRkAkyz079X51Mv6OpFCts_D6xz7_XowdTc4KF404_2N1Wb435nbfg3GQaqnwSQIl_6Iuz1-V-6oS40boYKancAsZRt9_lt0Bn1OwkhtvxZQYJRRKHAfPQRY_sXklV9uicVy0yJz0-DX7h_oeoibh/w640-h480/20230407-IMG_9466.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DJ49n5bpaA8jhdgBqlFyThvmJqPhzUFkz24RHy_tiu-XuNKkS4LndKapKYfGyUveKF9RVzqiMBglZJlQqKdiqGdZ-Dxq7hlw6pyM4bvuHhRUhtZNSwZnFcjKFrdW1yL6qlozeiR-wB3CXodt_ncmwwZHUgZmgn2t7GXT7_ym3Ehp0ZrK35MrtU5b/s4032/20230407-IMG_9468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DJ49n5bpaA8jhdgBqlFyThvmJqPhzUFkz24RHy_tiu-XuNKkS4LndKapKYfGyUveKF9RVzqiMBglZJlQqKdiqGdZ-Dxq7hlw6pyM4bvuHhRUhtZNSwZnFcjKFrdW1yL6qlozeiR-wB3CXodt_ncmwwZHUgZmgn2t7GXT7_ym3Ehp0ZrK35MrtU5b/w480-h640/20230407-IMG_9468.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">frozen footprints</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_IQlGKa8oYRz8aKc5cZzwVpgttMNf1M4kUL9nEZshhqU1VY9baHAUiV3tI4aUGICuQ1xcH72HmZcLeWcBp4OF-65BB58_VMQPxb5tGi2J8q-7xCWNaZSY0zVYt71Jp1IQYMrJBallsKAXmQLM5WeQ8vQ85VbRRChwmXNQsJo9MISceDHXWXA3etG/s4032/20230407-IMG_9469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_IQlGKa8oYRz8aKc5cZzwVpgttMNf1M4kUL9nEZshhqU1VY9baHAUiV3tI4aUGICuQ1xcH72HmZcLeWcBp4OF-65BB58_VMQPxb5tGi2J8q-7xCWNaZSY0zVYt71Jp1IQYMrJBallsKAXmQLM5WeQ8vQ85VbRRChwmXNQsJo9MISceDHXWXA3etG/w480-h640/20230407-IMG_9469.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Buster Hut is a tiny thing, just off the main 4WD track that heads up to Mt Kyeburn. It looked like two people were staying there as there were boots, cooking gear and blown up mattresses and sleeping bags laid out. There were also fairly fresh tyre marks in the mud outside the hut. There was nothing written in the hut book regarding the current occupiers, and since there was no pen and I'd forgotten to bring one, I couldn't write anything in the book either.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7OOPIHPTLidtn7W5iTssva1y9DNsEvq-qo7MunD0DVNXzZGZaZooF8b_tSmmp0Me7cmornY2rqCaXiOve7w-DOgCK-nyKk1zoLr8YmRgVPtOVVftUz837APgEqsS4BRj1u0ERLuEL5hcIFbvvnBFMNLpUqDUSzZrUPuctqX_0ytdLo385WUpnvt9/s4032/20230407-IMG_9470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7OOPIHPTLidtn7W5iTssva1y9DNsEvq-qo7MunD0DVNXzZGZaZooF8b_tSmmp0Me7cmornY2rqCaXiOve7w-DOgCK-nyKk1zoLr8YmRgVPtOVVftUz837APgEqsS4BRj1u0ERLuEL5hcIFbvvnBFMNLpUqDUSzZrUPuctqX_0ytdLo385WUpnvt9/w640-h480/20230407-IMG_9470.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />A couple of motorcyclists rode by but I saw no-one else as I made my way along the 4WD trail which climbed relentlessly upward towards Mt Kyeburn. It had taken 3.5 hours to Buster Hut so I decided not to detour to climb Mt Kyeburn. The views were stunning already. I saw another vehicle heading up to Mt Kyeburn but it had come from a different direction so it didn't pass me.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijVqhTZ4cgiocJ6ECCsfuo5l8jo5RYlE9sRP2frIIOlsqaCSRBCbWzmhTRveUJq2Yv9geagei3GySqjMZbuBu0d6CEMgD-V3C1c2LdYMuwzCmxyEZtn6rMISFAlhWWjCJwyBRsC4esQSa4wFw52cLJx8LB0g165IIZxEgnzkzX6Yu5uSvRkBZkGCA/s4032/20230407-IMG_9472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijVqhTZ4cgiocJ6ECCsfuo5l8jo5RYlE9sRP2frIIOlsqaCSRBCbWzmhTRveUJq2Yv9geagei3GySqjMZbuBu0d6CEMgD-V3C1c2LdYMuwzCmxyEZtn6rMISFAlhWWjCJwyBRsC4esQSa4wFw52cLJx8LB0g165IIZxEgnzkzX6Yu5uSvRkBZkGCA/w640-h480/20230407-IMG_9472.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUq2TFnZnjlwfnc6vNgHrXFUMmoNVFDm26Pa1GEykCuzahIeJFOVixn0V5g2_5TSxYVHIbNii5fzfCXiUxVpzVXiZ28Sb1sWA0fUOd7ktjXQ-PsF3Jlvs5DXiCZEHEzpxvMWsXEjR2xe150v0JJIKOgBdz0bmOo-14RWct7p7CFM8CFBEmF5YVKrl/s4032/20230407-IMG_9473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUq2TFnZnjlwfnc6vNgHrXFUMmoNVFDm26Pa1GEykCuzahIeJFOVixn0V5g2_5TSxYVHIbNii5fzfCXiUxVpzVXiZ28Sb1sWA0fUOd7ktjXQ-PsF3Jlvs5DXiCZEHEzpxvMWsXEjR2xe150v0JJIKOgBdz0bmOo-14RWct7p7CFM8CFBEmF5YVKrl/w640-h480/20230407-IMG_9473.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk30Au7OQ-wSGL7Moovhbob-Vx-F9Sc6_xf-HIjQOyGdtOqUDQMOjuYgzrf9SovdFhJhpBfh8bVJuKgtB70IPOCzbrgRn59J0usJ06PSRHXpqoCgpUII1eL7OijPqkM_Cdvm9_Wx_Y3F4fMKyqEPHKk2o5eqRqIyGg669W1BeCGzG8BG9O6UCLofgb/s4032/20230407-IMG_9474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk30Au7OQ-wSGL7Moovhbob-Vx-F9Sc6_xf-HIjQOyGdtOqUDQMOjuYgzrf9SovdFhJhpBfh8bVJuKgtB70IPOCzbrgRn59J0usJ06PSRHXpqoCgpUII1eL7OijPqkM_Cdvm9_Wx_Y3F4fMKyqEPHKk2o5eqRqIyGg669W1BeCGzG8BG9O6UCLofgb/w640-h480/20230407-IMG_9474.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After a stop in the sun for a hard earned lunch I continued up the ridge to an intersection with the track to Mt Kyeburn. I turned left and headed back downhill, across onto another ridge where the views down to the east coast were spectacular. The distances as the crow flies aren't huge but it's a long way when following the high ridges around. I could see my destination most of the day, and when I stopped for lunch I could see Soldiers Hilton on Long Spur in the distance.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCthE9ZGEZNvBzLl9vzZo7bJLmpdif56JP3HeOUfsaun66KzSE1qSHReUXQn3XpZFAknGh1sN1ZJ8IPeandc2V1DAqI5tZGgh0tuPwfP_ivkuC_96MsXCQiYxUbqJkKWZIqKY-cIPNui9WZYjuTw5JulvYVuH_4Hknr_SknRbUquJhjwAHn5J9jleC/s4032/20230407-IMG_9475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCthE9ZGEZNvBzLl9vzZo7bJLmpdif56JP3HeOUfsaun66KzSE1qSHReUXQn3XpZFAknGh1sN1ZJ8IPeandc2V1DAqI5tZGgh0tuPwfP_ivkuC_96MsXCQiYxUbqJkKWZIqKY-cIPNui9WZYjuTw5JulvYVuH_4Hknr_SknRbUquJhjwAHn5J9jleC/w640-h480/20230407-IMG_9475.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I turned off the eastern spur to descend another ridge all the way to Brown Hut. I passed a side track that would take me past the next hut on my list tomorrow, but I was planning to go cross country instead.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimyRZhzNKAkcx3TlFH-SDO3m9ydpSuvKpy2vvHseatBTyjn48dJ-x75qdqg8FQ2NgQJiotA6-lNZbhbs6aKQjP39IGBuETxNJ9OGtoZ8cR9kXBtyYkmnZ2E5Q77kgpTEa1xcEFTw3WjmORPxYwPfqplV0-hNBbeBedHyZlptAXAdvQgBfdjAwQ12F/s4032/20230407-IMG_9476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimyRZhzNKAkcx3TlFH-SDO3m9ydpSuvKpy2vvHseatBTyjn48dJ-x75qdqg8FQ2NgQJiotA6-lNZbhbs6aKQjP39IGBuETxNJ9OGtoZ8cR9kXBtyYkmnZ2E5Q77kgpTEa1xcEFTw3WjmORPxYwPfqplV0-hNBbeBedHyZlptAXAdvQgBfdjAwQ12F/w480-h640/20230407-IMG_9476.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div> <div><br /></div><div>Brown Hut is hidden away in a tailings pit, but it's signposted from the trail. There's also a sign saying not to drive on the track I just walked on. Seemed everyone was ignoring that!</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGvWgQzYEhHNodkruSN57APN980QAM4XZYqH7CRXpsIjABKMhUboGn8KftzLBoY-7o-1gN-wfRBDB4STu7cZrfNyhh1br3eozsxhP-QMzudOs-DcZwjhccliXRy15JbUO3x3eoxQk7h4_C_C0Un9NY94g98rC-YXEwoveGOATH2p_han5vUTsXnJl/s4032/20230407-IMG_9477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGvWgQzYEhHNodkruSN57APN980QAM4XZYqH7CRXpsIjABKMhUboGn8KftzLBoY-7o-1gN-wfRBDB4STu7cZrfNyhh1br3eozsxhP-QMzudOs-DcZwjhccliXRy15JbUO3x3eoxQk7h4_C_C0Un9NY94g98rC-YXEwoveGOATH2p_han5vUTsXnJl/w640-h480/20230407-IMG_9477.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyj6vWoZKlsPfd0iXNtSWJJm3I0To0EQKx4OgMR6SDFKn-aUE9Ay0jQ-_cFm7Y1RnhXpeZPHxX3zA6plr-oB2SvTm-ZsITvqs405b5fwyX9u-kiWv6MYFiZ_bf4ILuXTRg4NoYKZ7O0sAgpWBWAmFRHA3vYEv5X0ot2wj-A9Ohrq0as3B-Y3iidj8/s4032/20230407-IMG_9480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyj6vWoZKlsPfd0iXNtSWJJm3I0To0EQKx4OgMR6SDFKn-aUE9Ay0jQ-_cFm7Y1RnhXpeZPHxX3zA6plr-oB2SvTm-ZsITvqs405b5fwyX9u-kiWv6MYFiZ_bf4ILuXTRg4NoYKZ7O0sAgpWBWAmFRHA3vYEv5X0ot2wj-A9Ohrq0as3B-Y3iidj8/w480-h640/20230407-IMG_9480.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROn_wRKh6he2r88BnEupPUvSoBKMaN0V8OMXUbTCNaXaOgWdz79DBh-ijvcAZfdVLFX5hgDH6uqLY9-kPv4TzX64h2ofe_ZfdVLUeO8Pzsn_Bg1He8DGFVMnAYBLUKoGP6RDK-Dxh4VVTgmiN2qOpYlQcOYZ_P_AJkvRzfY7_3IzdwqZf3Zq5k25f/s4032/20230407-IMG_9478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROn_wRKh6he2r88BnEupPUvSoBKMaN0V8OMXUbTCNaXaOgWdz79DBh-ijvcAZfdVLFX5hgDH6uqLY9-kPv4TzX64h2ofe_ZfdVLUeO8Pzsn_Bg1He8DGFVMnAYBLUKoGP6RDK-Dxh4VVTgmiN2qOpYlQcOYZ_P_AJkvRzfY7_3IzdwqZf3Zq5k25f/w640-h480/20230407-IMG_9478.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I was surprised to find bunks and mattresses in the hut. I had brought my tent expecting to camp, but I had the place to myself. I had arrived just before 3pm so I got to enjoy a cuppa and a lazy late afternoon watching the shadows on the hills and enjoying the serenity.</div><div><br /></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGb8N450E7-O9ScIzwoiE-tGwAutapDf1n4vY8TruL_wgR4HDaCOjZAoYjV-fCIKUeczD2Hs2XeIgr92KExRYAX7Z7MXLpzzltyMHuprPdkBmDYJxzX1aOhoVuTUoDCLDbYmJxrGELg6G5bHli8Asw3iB2L9-yfjtRz5T-H3nTELDZM8-zcQAl_VW/s4032/20230407-IMG_9481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGb8N450E7-O9ScIzwoiE-tGwAutapDf1n4vY8TruL_wgR4HDaCOjZAoYjV-fCIKUeczD2Hs2XeIgr92KExRYAX7Z7MXLpzzltyMHuprPdkBmDYJxzX1aOhoVuTUoDCLDbYmJxrGELg6G5bHli8Asw3iB2L9-yfjtRz5T-H3nTELDZM8-zcQAl_VW/w640-h480/20230407-IMG_9481.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My intended route in the morning</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H_xvPk2NzKDtYF46lKaauCCESiK3sTOjx3_pE0dJUNgov78AymgEnLfMjGa28oB-1XoHrC2TTzFOOrMQi6vXbIeq5Kr2ZbKrjwqGunOMIPcANn3avrw9N6qpfqXu_wMcXdaO6PXC5pQEGIP3FdooscxwEeQTo1mlZ_RqKbcvnofl6vq7PgRaEsI3/s4032/20230407-IMG_9482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H_xvPk2NzKDtYF46lKaauCCESiK3sTOjx3_pE0dJUNgov78AymgEnLfMjGa28oB-1XoHrC2TTzFOOrMQi6vXbIeq5Kr2ZbKrjwqGunOMIPcANn3avrw9N6qpfqXu_wMcXdaO6PXC5pQEGIP3FdooscxwEeQTo1mlZ_RqKbcvnofl6vq7PgRaEsI3/w640-h480/20230407-IMG_9482.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YXMTVPczKrxr5H4I6JJlxdvqIYp9A1o0tlaGwQgPQDyIsoiZ2Pj_ZigSovXM6JYI6AI0buZX4VJ2XH6ExxXL-D3f36B5dL18ZdA58r2lGIUHHmEEAWLlSiJpd0QDhEpspvHZxzPW8htsrj_Vit27ADygdrQlIXoFOW_q0n78klAqRzFnCh1VVF1k/s4032/20230407-IMG_9483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YXMTVPczKrxr5H4I6JJlxdvqIYp9A1o0tlaGwQgPQDyIsoiZ2Pj_ZigSovXM6JYI6AI0buZX4VJ2XH6ExxXL-D3f36B5dL18ZdA58r2lGIUHHmEEAWLlSiJpd0QDhEpspvHZxzPW8htsrj_Vit27ADygdrQlIXoFOW_q0n78klAqRzFnCh1VVF1k/w640-h480/20230407-IMG_9483.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div> <div><b>Day 2 Brown Hut to Green Gully Hut via Browns Creek 1.5 hours </b></div><div><b>Green Gully Hut to Pig Shit Inn via 4wd tracks 2.5 hours </b></div><div><b>Pig Shit Inn to Tailings Hut 3 hrs</b></div><div><br /></div> <div>My alarm woke me at 6:30, in time to see an amazing sunrise. There was a thick frost on the ground and over the hut and as the sun began to melt it, the condensation inside began to drip onto the mattresses below. I was already packed up by then, but I wouldn't recommend the place in a heavy downpour! Yet despite an unglazed window and minimal insulation I'd been perfectly snug and warm overnight. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkXEdYKcvKe_mmYMS44oZuCEasmyVkQM33vMFL63Y4JzYYQRoTlNMSERatHWs0ZZENLE1D2AM-FET7WieRIQH16bsLuh6WZ9MDoPxtd11y0ih-1NT6ivnAH2bnbTZo2dnO72kKpXl0FoxlU8IO_egoLeSw_iAS2uRrnK-jko9EvbzmZH85X7vJrwY/s4032/20230408-IMG_9485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkXEdYKcvKe_mmYMS44oZuCEasmyVkQM33vMFL63Y4JzYYQRoTlNMSERatHWs0ZZENLE1D2AM-FET7WieRIQH16bsLuh6WZ9MDoPxtd11y0ih-1NT6ivnAH2bnbTZo2dnO72kKpXl0FoxlU8IO_egoLeSw_iAS2uRrnK-jko9EvbzmZH85X7vJrwY/w640-h480/20230408-IMG_9485.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Also lacking integrity was my Platypus water bladder. I'd noticed a leak yesterday but had thought it was merely a result of me not screwing on the tubing properly. Unfortunately the actual bladder wall was disintegrating, which was not a total surprise as I'd had it a long time. Since I had no spare I would need to try and find an empty drink bottle at one of the more frequented huts I would be visiting. I wouldn't have a drinking supply problem today, as my route would be crossing a lot of streams, but tomorrow I planned a ridge walk, where water would be scarce. </div> <div><br /></div> <div>I headed off at 8, initially straight down from the hut and then crossed a gully over to the spur on the right and followed that down to Brown Creek. I passed some places where deer had been lying down, with very fresh poo and all. I didn't see any beasts though, and I also heard no roaring. Three weeks into The Roar I thought I might have heard something.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKs4QfZJ_JyFnF_hFB7GuUcG2pLeZQbK0GGM6NjU3ivL_wQvzposoIYrwwiYprmN6rzZv-3Gt7CInRgUfl0-QgYduIb4IzmhOUMtrB3AmPqWvE6b4fkt4L8D9eIYd6GlN9eQZiiW0ufF04ddtEvYaQl8kAbI6mcjhTrKVMHpeHplKwHW_3IodHbju/s4032/20230408-IMG_9486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKs4QfZJ_JyFnF_hFB7GuUcG2pLeZQbK0GGM6NjU3ivL_wQvzposoIYrwwiYprmN6rzZv-3Gt7CInRgUfl0-QgYduIb4IzmhOUMtrB3AmPqWvE6b4fkt4L8D9eIYd6GlN9eQZiiW0ufF04ddtEvYaQl8kAbI6mcjhTrKVMHpeHplKwHW_3IodHbju/w640-h480/20230408-IMG_9486.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimi5cQrinFHmd_VVExX0C2vkq7CkJyD-OpnlXRMcuvX5MaJvYUWuTF2gVvXe8YZXrkdEJsNsvXh2i6oLxpgLuciNJT-rLWKr1cp_2cMy4MPPOEZg5Ei9K3GBlEHGvhNweKSPzGXPSewlY-ngWC2vPtc7-JrlrbPK4SQ51m46bcYSwXOIKXhWRAlYqW/s4032/20230408-IMG_9487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimi5cQrinFHmd_VVExX0C2vkq7CkJyD-OpnlXRMcuvX5MaJvYUWuTF2gVvXe8YZXrkdEJsNsvXh2i6oLxpgLuciNJT-rLWKr1cp_2cMy4MPPOEZg5Ei9K3GBlEHGvhNweKSPzGXPSewlY-ngWC2vPtc7-JrlrbPK4SQ51m46bcYSwXOIKXhWRAlYqW/w480-h640/20230408-IMG_9487.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hBPYk6-ZQ-hIKph4zzAlM0ktKsiRrAAbwZ8yoSV9xurBlqjLvNAb6XWW6LwzQ0z-KNRqGhZVtHr1CDjQulwff1WCohwQNG7wVrtmjK54-xsx1yLJqmry_1q3SzQxWZo5UrA1fgIhBU6qNoAr0hYRRc3n7GXA5ByU7pPUXdsZpWdmzj3RLlrNLF8W/s4032/20230408-IMG_9488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hBPYk6-ZQ-hIKph4zzAlM0ktKsiRrAAbwZ8yoSV9xurBlqjLvNAb6XWW6LwzQ0z-KNRqGhZVtHr1CDjQulwff1WCohwQNG7wVrtmjK54-xsx1yLJqmry_1q3SzQxWZo5UrA1fgIhBU6qNoAr0hYRRc3n7GXA5ByU7pPUXdsZpWdmzj3RLlrNLF8W/w480-h640/20230408-IMG_9488.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I crossed Brown Creek then followed a spur up to a 4WD track, from where I could see Green Gully Hut in a green gully below me. It's a cute wee hut with stone walls and a fireplace, though no wood anywhere to be found up there!! Someone had left a mattress hanging up inside a plastic bag which suggested you could probably make it quite habitable. I had a snack whilst enjoying the view of Aoraki revealed in a gap between the hills.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuBYag0vHxSXt8OUsIQeRlFw6TG4H_ejoUuqjPwwfxGiArtwWhh4UkITZYgEXHIpJy1Kx2-jVOom5hMWG0jSldkONAEBqhmQ1X_t6gSuv10ukEggZw_M5A2i2glq3IaHMlWivT2roNfFPNtE3OB-NSyfKGSEO-pBjvWagHEWQ6_go1wjbefVDGSST/s4032/20230408-IMG_9489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuBYag0vHxSXt8OUsIQeRlFw6TG4H_ejoUuqjPwwfxGiArtwWhh4UkITZYgEXHIpJy1Kx2-jVOom5hMWG0jSldkONAEBqhmQ1X_t6gSuv10ukEggZw_M5A2i2glq3IaHMlWivT2roNfFPNtE3OB-NSyfKGSEO-pBjvWagHEWQ6_go1wjbefVDGSST/w640-h480/20230408-IMG_9489.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgJiC7v3u82h8Sv6Ty774fbI5IEBYChKM2BrPz_HchCNQaVyFVhKjNymOvdbQGrem3yAra1Ni7XXO7VqqMTUim22aYbjuh6noMoenmpXJyG9UoxPCQwh0S48ezP5fYEdfBlV6Bas6HPdyzQqv36Zg6LQ14SqvdSV18IBI23Xe0zk71O0Iq0esCHnu/s4032/20230408-IMG_9490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgJiC7v3u82h8Sv6Ty774fbI5IEBYChKM2BrPz_HchCNQaVyFVhKjNymOvdbQGrem3yAra1Ni7XXO7VqqMTUim22aYbjuh6noMoenmpXJyG9UoxPCQwh0S48ezP5fYEdfBlV6Bas6HPdyzQqv36Zg6LQ14SqvdSV18IBI23Xe0zk71O0Iq0esCHnu/w640-h480/20230408-IMG_9490.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgao4L0QycJ5JbFt4K-zCKifJVjidfW9fg_Q-eIayPnvqF7C0te9j6nc4hU-kCDVLjXecQocbJedUWSt5AzDptSnmugvuG93aTPBJGxXuviLPj2u_qQPgKEmJ8ooW2rG4KOzL2ymtveiiFp8Wyofyh8ex3aj0T_Iy4DMp1OR6NJGnsN8PZ2tujcN5Ug/s4032/20230408-IMG_9494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgao4L0QycJ5JbFt4K-zCKifJVjidfW9fg_Q-eIayPnvqF7C0te9j6nc4hU-kCDVLjXecQocbJedUWSt5AzDptSnmugvuG93aTPBJGxXuviLPj2u_qQPgKEmJ8ooW2rG4KOzL2ymtveiiFp8Wyofyh8ex3aj0T_Iy4DMp1OR6NJGnsN8PZ2tujcN5Ug/w480-h640/20230408-IMG_9494.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1tNDz-kyfHlyMwqoegNt0MDbzIXuj5GxfqVbmY6-R-XkWeaPuiD2phZ8MWwWCotrD-z3vrlVQVNJt51hEJE4aM6DlKhYpzxo6UUflpHTsAC3lDcJA9eNi5bcdEZAlSdiJzJ8YtEFUD7YrqrrRKPX2N4qVonDLDffP0vUqIW-6E0asXPYyPBEf5vi/s4032/20230408-IMG_9495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1tNDz-kyfHlyMwqoegNt0MDbzIXuj5GxfqVbmY6-R-XkWeaPuiD2phZ8MWwWCotrD-z3vrlVQVNJt51hEJE4aM6DlKhYpzxo6UUflpHTsAC3lDcJA9eNi5bcdEZAlSdiJzJ8YtEFUD7YrqrrRKPX2N4qVonDLDffP0vUqIW-6E0asXPYyPBEf5vi/w480-h640/20230408-IMG_9495.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAhptO7EmqupRKIHgB4l-1yRdZyLZGF6c7BTiZKY4v6xk_HSuveuwIiF_fRfTFrF3wXk7-GCz3jvvppr-JF2T6BnjWUBpto-VQU1kL2CfeTIAylhLUTnaRYjqGPwiT3RhgD1JiOEh_j0Xj5LKrwx5BPFGKhMcDWm1DoiaQXuqZLpQ7KMwms2Z_SNO/s4032/20230408-IMG_9491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAhptO7EmqupRKIHgB4l-1yRdZyLZGF6c7BTiZKY4v6xk_HSuveuwIiF_fRfTFrF3wXk7-GCz3jvvppr-JF2T6BnjWUBpto-VQU1kL2CfeTIAylhLUTnaRYjqGPwiT3RhgD1JiOEh_j0Xj5LKrwx5BPFGKhMcDWm1DoiaQXuqZLpQ7KMwms2Z_SNO/w480-h640/20230408-IMG_9491.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizCAr0oH-z2faPTAazkVDAihuAR5kk25UqQ2IXSnrStSSUVP-mf366ruZ1XTOvtajwO6NLO6n1rnSQ8rWkvjStWzq3Bp4LKXMbdvGqpZcftvKq-WkbksOuxb0FWCIdjeULzv4zIOuR7p7auEVXYf16FVAKDCc0cgADpAjap4TLBgq-KirwT5XbM3c/s4032/20230408-IMG_9492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizCAr0oH-z2faPTAazkVDAihuAR5kk25UqQ2IXSnrStSSUVP-mf366ruZ1XTOvtajwO6NLO6n1rnSQ8rWkvjStWzq3Bp4LKXMbdvGqpZcftvKq-WkbksOuxb0FWCIdjeULzv4zIOuR7p7auEVXYf16FVAKDCc0cgADpAjap4TLBgq-KirwT5XbM3c/w480-h640/20230408-IMG_9492.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is that Aoraki in the distance?</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I left Green Gully Hut to walk across to another 4WD track descending a spur to a substantial river crossing. It was a pleasant spot that would make a great campsite but I had many more kilometres to go.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmXFFoL_NaOOrLGNTlVUhM8loOBQ3Oh-N1bhIzyOwJPHEmp9RpXXuhr7A0wze8hH5nUHpaj-J67uhCljotmCeEJ346aQ7vZEMu4uJ4w522tmHxZbs470aORya_y5nV8dF1mdIrMPfFOvU7GG_8cEH1qKN6zd98NsLxj24xxSeyma7g73PJtmyvLA1/s3482/20230408-IMG_9493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3482" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmXFFoL_NaOOrLGNTlVUhM8loOBQ3Oh-N1bhIzyOwJPHEmp9RpXXuhr7A0wze8hH5nUHpaj-J67uhCljotmCeEJ346aQ7vZEMu4uJ4w522tmHxZbs470aORya_y5nV8dF1mdIrMPfFOvU7GG_8cEH1qKN6zd98NsLxj24xxSeyma7g73PJtmyvLA1/w556-h640/20230408-IMG_9493.jpg" width="556" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-BePP-m51AevBBz2CgOa2X6VARc2JUOqV_gqvKe7jVWyEy7onl-ESWVYcAnXblg2egiy8FGGKMsij1IMmuavrFZOaeeQ1bkIOGnglnDe_2mmFQwpT3N5YUsudq0KUy9RIsBS5PUHdk2TQTwSpWn7-Vlp1wMIeJJYsRwrDCpXMWS7x8VoKdROoqtK/s4032/20230408-IMG_9496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-BePP-m51AevBBz2CgOa2X6VARc2JUOqV_gqvKe7jVWyEy7onl-ESWVYcAnXblg2egiy8FGGKMsij1IMmuavrFZOaeeQ1bkIOGnglnDe_2mmFQwpT3N5YUsudq0KUy9RIsBS5PUHdk2TQTwSpWn7-Vlp1wMIeJJYsRwrDCpXMWS7x8VoKdROoqtK/w640-h480/20230408-IMG_9496.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61iPTV9e6-eVoMZOOq2qG87jjxOFkAgGgXKqkb3ZnJI19w1LA9iYuC29BnS1m0yVTeSJS3OBAUsc6BYa9K4Jq5jpbg53MdCeCU82Ded_Uf6iBluHdpc0dkeI_YKl_3OfY2yOMorwe5vWuYnwQgVVZv5l4bUmY-UgtmcPp2-g41yl9YPjlWvI5SakT/s4032/20230408-IMG_9497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61iPTV9e6-eVoMZOOq2qG87jjxOFkAgGgXKqkb3ZnJI19w1LA9iYuC29BnS1m0yVTeSJS3OBAUsc6BYa9K4Jq5jpbg53MdCeCU82Ded_Uf6iBluHdpc0dkeI_YKl_3OfY2yOMorwe5vWuYnwQgVVZv5l4bUmY-UgtmcPp2-g41yl9YPjlWvI5SakT/w480-h640/20230408-IMG_9497.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCMJXtxYxL62sLyfZFMIHAkArt5ByPM947DD9WaIGZXnh_Ryp61_vdqQwHVSi5SVv1x0_yecA8wpdn35tX_oWquW7RFIJMF5Uc3JsC9OgOPDQnzYDC3MucVMOsBmIvN4etexrrgc-53USWGDcdTMimyyDp5X6e_DSzT_Mmfm23ziBncI8QmnLz694/s4032/20230408-IMG_9498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCMJXtxYxL62sLyfZFMIHAkArt5ByPM947DD9WaIGZXnh_Ryp61_vdqQwHVSi5SVv1x0_yecA8wpdn35tX_oWquW7RFIJMF5Uc3JsC9OgOPDQnzYDC3MucVMOsBmIvN4etexrrgc-53USWGDcdTMimyyDp5X6e_DSzT_Mmfm23ziBncI8QmnLz694/w640-h480/20230408-IMG_9498.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWn-5MPEfUbeR_LKaTJSrSMowctpBg7JbkeoKCPG6nExCNmk1FbYjBmwBFo0HTh9JySno7YXHInI2I7lIDegayg7yk9QKH8wIE82vYfsNrP3g0lytUVIJ5jRcnpEjt0tAZxXeduHq1Q0rf6xWLmdUPuVKxQjLZdinHXV1ZEYZXNCjDD8JGcA_4vGou/s4032/20230408-IMG_9499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWn-5MPEfUbeR_LKaTJSrSMowctpBg7JbkeoKCPG6nExCNmk1FbYjBmwBFo0HTh9JySno7YXHInI2I7lIDegayg7yk9QKH8wIE82vYfsNrP3g0lytUVIJ5jRcnpEjt0tAZxXeduHq1Q0rf6xWLmdUPuVKxQjLZdinHXV1ZEYZXNCjDD8JGcA_4vGou/w480-h640/20230408-IMG_9499.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />It was now much warmer, so I took my shoes and socks off for the easy river crossing, taking the opportunity to remove my leggings and continue the day walking just in shorts. After my recent walk on the AAWT I'd needed to purchase new walking shoes, as the terrain had shredded the uppers of my Hoka Speedgoats. I had elected to replace them with Hoka Kahas, which have an all leather upper, but unfortunately they are also goretex lined which means they are waterproof until the water flows into the big hole where your feet go in! Once wet, they don't dry out, so if the river crossing is easy, I'm doing them in Crocs instead!!</div><div><br /></div> <div>Shoes back on, the track climbed out of the river valley and across to descend into a second valley, cross another river before climbing again and a long traverse to intersect with the trail down to Hut Creek Hut, previously known as Pig Shit Inn before DOC changed its name. The track was steep, but a second track next to the old one made it easier walking, though the last bit was just steep as, and rocky. In a 4WD you'd need low range first gear!</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdg_jUyHkLQDlaZR2kwQPUp-gHjP-74tkxg3IIVHaXO6aHHLJ_nyAE5v0jjhyoteHxIMcAJg4R1-mIVDXZn_TmZYMOA-Lehw_N0Gor_HYtvevIAYSvcnTzt9saQLGIUn0UysW4ojE2KU41vEQ74qdZwjx6OEGi21aqNdPlVMrggauEpgbgGN8rU7V/s4032/20230408-IMG_9500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdg_jUyHkLQDlaZR2kwQPUp-gHjP-74tkxg3IIVHaXO6aHHLJ_nyAE5v0jjhyoteHxIMcAJg4R1-mIVDXZn_TmZYMOA-Lehw_N0Gor_HYtvevIAYSvcnTzt9saQLGIUn0UysW4ojE2KU41vEQ74qdZwjx6OEGi21aqNdPlVMrggauEpgbgGN8rU7V/w480-h640/20230408-IMG_9500.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_rf9tqw4tRHzm5RIYxntiZlOin9NCikYSUKnVwtObZW4naJSqMIiRQI4DBxuZNFLknVhPruEZbc-NoJcOHAAZJQKarZyx6yvQq17jjPZhZRc3vffgwjm8zRD6DSXHbHw61LnmCjT0MruGDpv5Y72sElVBP5JmJY09QOKNr3q3YjRpNX63aS5drJc/s4032/20230408-IMG_9501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1842" data-original-width="4032" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_rf9tqw4tRHzm5RIYxntiZlOin9NCikYSUKnVwtObZW4naJSqMIiRQI4DBxuZNFLknVhPruEZbc-NoJcOHAAZJQKarZyx6yvQq17jjPZhZRc3vffgwjm8zRD6DSXHbHw61LnmCjT0MruGDpv5Y72sElVBP5JmJY09QOKNr3q3YjRpNX63aS5drJc/w640-h292/20230408-IMG_9501.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vnMH1BwT9t0I81OEROdLKtPl8gTR3hgJ7V_2w-_-kFS8EGsl081zactTGafJbbyGRO1I4V3oyKfDogUd8bcDQ7X0OW4seAPWugrwNqMuzan7nftLBu_eYJyge_dX2MSaaEAHA5bUnulY09VCuEb3wi_KjygmWEB38aNPDOqpCn-EJ3nhFxCqRLLg/s4032/20230408-IMG_9502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2027" data-original-width="4032" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vnMH1BwT9t0I81OEROdLKtPl8gTR3hgJ7V_2w-_-kFS8EGsl081zactTGafJbbyGRO1I4V3oyKfDogUd8bcDQ7X0OW4seAPWugrwNqMuzan7nftLBu_eYJyge_dX2MSaaEAHA5bUnulY09VCuEb3wi_KjygmWEB38aNPDOqpCn-EJ3nhFxCqRLLg/w640-h322/20230408-IMG_9502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Pig Shit Inn was a pearler. Stone walls, flagstone floor, wood box, clean cooking bench, good bunks and mattresses, toilet and river out front. It even had a couple of folding chairs, one of which I took outside to sit in the sun and eat my lunch. It was too early to stop, so I reluctantly left to head to Tailings Hut.</div> <div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VMDqzAMzDJcAgK4osqVpkw5RHS34aCCoaUUEQ-WILInFV-j_wkVHptlURcE9rYZSPWEhB2RBL2U2g83xSYHxSYP72N2iB9NYPClw-iQCrQVBeU_0sAVnVC3yjV97Tn4ArUN5ojcjrnhEpn-nebVt6QgyIY22N0HO2ayS-yFNugOcltgFZDE_kd8h/s4032/20230408-IMG_9504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VMDqzAMzDJcAgK4osqVpkw5RHS34aCCoaUUEQ-WILInFV-j_wkVHptlURcE9rYZSPWEhB2RBL2U2g83xSYHxSYP72N2iB9NYPClw-iQCrQVBeU_0sAVnVC3yjV97Tn4ArUN5ojcjrnhEpn-nebVt6QgyIY22N0HO2ayS-yFNugOcltgFZDE_kd8h/w640-h480/20230408-IMG_9504.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEprycPAIVyzyHzlnB3lTgxnAfp2QYIY8KV6xjQw8G2pYhBxixVjtCYCzuCEkj8EyLc1exXZ-JRUFhqRyot11CSDv2Js4rcZsoLgqpd6QXNIRHwAGt74i0Hsj5pP5oPvQ-xEopspc1ELC6H2e6wJv45hQd2WidD7VorBQVjj_vWEaodLfZf_bFBO3p/s4032/20230408-IMG_9505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEprycPAIVyzyHzlnB3lTgxnAfp2QYIY8KV6xjQw8G2pYhBxixVjtCYCzuCEkj8EyLc1exXZ-JRUFhqRyot11CSDv2Js4rcZsoLgqpd6QXNIRHwAGt74i0Hsj5pP5oPvQ-xEopspc1ELC6H2e6wJv45hQd2WidD7VorBQVjj_vWEaodLfZf_bFBO3p/w640-h480/20230408-IMG_9505.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ScOpklokf91tMBtrU0KYfp242r-d_94ijEyZh1Qrfa7-Zjt43CVvpmvCn8eQEZtcEn_R1_7z_udYbXQmf18IjBttDoFl8gJ5aPsg1RSD3NAn0m5i535tfZqYg4nNtpxbD0riGlDKgbzGskFqaYLlnab505MgBNRzGU2YjFleBpJVk-8IIM7UZ0-c/s4032/20230408-IMG_9506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ScOpklokf91tMBtrU0KYfp242r-d_94ijEyZh1Qrfa7-Zjt43CVvpmvCn8eQEZtcEn_R1_7z_udYbXQmf18IjBttDoFl8gJ5aPsg1RSD3NAn0m5i535tfZqYg4nNtpxbD0riGlDKgbzGskFqaYLlnab505MgBNRzGU2YjFleBpJVk-8IIM7UZ0-c/w640-h480/20230408-IMG_9506.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once the steep climb back to the intersection had been accomplished I headed straight on. Down to another river crossing and then a long climb up to the top of a ridge which I then followed along until the long descent to Guffies Creek. I could see lots of vehicles travelling up and down the road to the Hawkdun Range and even more vehicles down in the main valley as I descended. I would be joining the main route through the conservation area so I was expecting I wouldn't be alone. Especially at Easter!!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUzjVNi7R4wIoQ27kCOjHm94oPE6VzK_XvyJww4ftvpNnJheff7vyd9hn7Fl0mc4bDqU9G8Q-Jvb2nwt8RJIkUYJJsg1xXlbwgZauQc2BYMYRc-SpJVz4nqN9qr1O_QZppicsRJGQBOzjlXivPueXHIvNuE1Sk_WqLUuGHabOcXlguiCCK94GtjGW/s3309/20230408-IMG_9507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3309" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUzjVNi7R4wIoQ27kCOjHm94oPE6VzK_XvyJww4ftvpNnJheff7vyd9hn7Fl0mc4bDqU9G8Q-Jvb2nwt8RJIkUYJJsg1xXlbwgZauQc2BYMYRc-SpJVz4nqN9qr1O_QZppicsRJGQBOzjlXivPueXHIvNuE1Sk_WqLUuGHabOcXlguiCCK94GtjGW/w584-h640/20230408-IMG_9507.jpg" width="584" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steep rocky track to/from the hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxmrLTbnOUYCWdIBB3lkM1MldWwEOiXShOBqbhelqQ68Ssb9jNCztqScwBKEPOmnkoTKKoKLLCrE-PeeQ_pQfj3aCKjPKiKL87fdHOiznI3fEw4MvJnpVnUsC3OKb8aa_CVij9wKq_oeUH6xMM9pbNKBEfPTMzwchPf0Fj8yG7kDVtybcMKMRsvGg/s4032/20230408-IMG_9508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxmrLTbnOUYCWdIBB3lkM1MldWwEOiXShOBqbhelqQ68Ssb9jNCztqScwBKEPOmnkoTKKoKLLCrE-PeeQ_pQfj3aCKjPKiKL87fdHOiznI3fEw4MvJnpVnUsC3OKb8aa_CVij9wKq_oeUH6xMM9pbNKBEfPTMzwchPf0Fj8yG7kDVtybcMKMRsvGg/w480-h640/20230408-IMG_9508.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />It was a long winding descent and my feet started to feel sore. I crossed a tributary and then climbed back up a steep hill to descend into Guffie Creek itself, passed by two 4WDs heading to Pig Shit Inn. The final bit of track to Tailings Hut involved a number of river crossings, and despite my efforts all day to stay dry I ended the day with wet feet. I could have taken my shoes off but I was too tired by then. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-uCxebVbVIaVe7VDNTem8sCQVZkwFqpoQkIO0NaE4V9QiEeuYGA3ZC2cErQNQ-1cHkzv4kWykY0kDlo4YmpWYHU6bowPFacf7By6ADijkru7mY3JqBvMSPztiNYgE2wDZODR8oLD2hfi6huy84lJ9x5_5SgxdIuynhduhC6KrKXEwHcNsG_ei1aK/s3861/20230408-IMG_9509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3861" data-original-width="2896" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-uCxebVbVIaVe7VDNTem8sCQVZkwFqpoQkIO0NaE4V9QiEeuYGA3ZC2cErQNQ-1cHkzv4kWykY0kDlo4YmpWYHU6bowPFacf7By6ADijkru7mY3JqBvMSPztiNYgE2wDZODR8oLD2hfi6huy84lJ9x5_5SgxdIuynhduhC6KrKXEwHcNsG_ei1aK/w480-h640/20230408-IMG_9509.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SCnRWuXkas8po7fjm9TUdI-0weEkY7fRKxLKEJUuvm0g2yxqXHyHO3x579Hi6r60p3_2tvkf38LJLwHqvlH9XsOiPD33wUVFooIBfQ6Z3tLRQBa617Sx9a-_-588_OL1YzlHVZQU4AkqMYiyOfs4M1vxkQt3ISvwI4szwNiaCGI2UFBiQF1u0nk0/s4032/20230408-IMG_9510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SCnRWuXkas8po7fjm9TUdI-0weEkY7fRKxLKEJUuvm0g2yxqXHyHO3x579Hi6r60p3_2tvkf38LJLwHqvlH9XsOiPD33wUVFooIBfQ6Z3tLRQBa617Sx9a-_-588_OL1YzlHVZQU4AkqMYiyOfs4M1vxkQt3ISvwI4szwNiaCGI2UFBiQF1u0nk0/w480-h640/20230408-IMG_9510.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJ0ixof9g_LGs5oAtR1PFGbSjUMpa3u6FZlYY0LUnR4SB0VR1zCGjbUz_g6QPCYC1FK4kHxYWSx1yRMPt3LKFG8RV7Gxs11WeZ6zqzxH8EptVBmA6svXperdYiZ1s5rbirM2nRgWVO3sohhcp5owUeY8C8EGQgKoE5PmMV5TSmQwrZ4RG_TAnVfdA/s4032/20230408-IMG_9511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJ0ixof9g_LGs5oAtR1PFGbSjUMpa3u6FZlYY0LUnR4SB0VR1zCGjbUz_g6QPCYC1FK4kHxYWSx1yRMPt3LKFG8RV7Gxs11WeZ6zqzxH8EptVBmA6svXperdYiZ1s5rbirM2nRgWVO3sohhcp5owUeY8C8EGQgKoE5PmMV5TSmQwrZ4RG_TAnVfdA/w640-h480/20230408-IMG_9511.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZo-Um3oeR4byLyQRw7j4nU5I8Dr7x5XPL4_3Imt895zWjxJBL4EnmyKPZmsH_qUe5s4LmNz5F0Sg_N7YTRv8rPSe1RXXV9dgA2CtmhyZkvZJl_38-DkNhVkAEM_CSjFD7cevFHR26rL2XS79rn6rllNCmwqBEGpFd4odszbHIuchcNV2bel6H3bl/s4032/20230408-IMG_9512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZo-Um3oeR4byLyQRw7j4nU5I8Dr7x5XPL4_3Imt895zWjxJBL4EnmyKPZmsH_qUe5s4LmNz5F0Sg_N7YTRv8rPSe1RXXV9dgA2CtmhyZkvZJl_38-DkNhVkAEM_CSjFD7cevFHR26rL2XS79rn6rllNCmwqBEGpFd4odszbHIuchcNV2bel6H3bl/w480-h640/20230408-IMG_9512.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I arrived at Tailings Hut about 4pm. A family group of six who had tramped from Ida Hut, and a group of four hunters on ATVs were already there. There was one bunk free in the hunters' room so I grabbed that rather than putting the tent up, though I was warned they snored. A few more 4WD groups came and went, electing to go elsewhere to camp the night.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1Uy73fr0d1hb9OSdD8OVl7ZDI1aPH_sSlhjtXPY3-Hjt0YCVN2ZWLAuWLqS0IRdNhmTf_nkGKc6Zgu7IYJ7fHdxr78YZNNhH3RSORuk0ZsePaz-O6YufakVZqaVOgrTwrqDEo74PdjakFxjskOClTCfh5YXLvs2cJ5bbKyyt8GzWnrL1_EkKsd_9/s4032/20230409-IMG_9514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1Uy73fr0d1hb9OSdD8OVl7ZDI1aPH_sSlhjtXPY3-Hjt0YCVN2ZWLAuWLqS0IRdNhmTf_nkGKc6Zgu7IYJ7fHdxr78YZNNhH3RSORuk0ZsePaz-O6YufakVZqaVOgrTwrqDEo74PdjakFxjskOClTCfh5YXLvs2cJ5bbKyyt8GzWnrL1_EkKsd_9/w480-h640/20230409-IMG_9514.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The hunters were generous with their beverages, offering me a beer or a gin and tonic mixed drink. I went with the gin. They didn't seem all that keen to go looking for deer, saying it was too windy and the deer would just lie down in the tussock and you wouldn't be able to see them.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had mentioned that I was planning to change my route for the next day as I not only didn't have a usable water bladder, but I hadn't checked how much gas was in my canister before packing it on the trip. I was concerned I wouldn't have enough gas to get me through another full day, so had decided to miss Long Spur and just walk up Guffies Creek and back to the car via Buster Diggings. This was the route the family of six were planning to take. There were a number of old water bottles at the hut so the water situation was solved, but my gas anxiety wasn't. To my surprise, and relief, one of the hunters gave me a small gas canister which was full, and surplus to his needs, and then gave me his water bladder as well. I protested, but he claimed he didn't drink much water anyway (just beer!) and he was planning on throwing it away when he got home. I gratefully accepted his generosity.</div><div><br /></div><div>After dinner I headed early to bed. The hunters went out on their bikes but weren't gone all that long. I had put my earplugs in so the snoring wasn't too bad, and I slept fairly well.</div> <div><br /></div> <div><b>Day 3 Tailings Hut to Blue Duck Creek Hut via Long Spur 5 hours </b></div> <div><br /></div> <div>I got up at 6, and left at 8. </div><div><br /></div><div>The hunters, who had initially got up before sunrise, had gone back to bed, claiming it was too windy and the deer just stay lying down in the tussock. They had offered to cook me a big breakfast but they didn't get going on their cooking until I was almost ready to leave, so it was just my usual coffee and on the road. I farewelled the family, who left a good 30 minutes before me.</div><div><br /></div> <div>I headed off up the hill and then began the long long climb up the spur. It was mostly not too steep, with even some flat bits and a few puddles to walk around and the views were stupendous. I got even better views of Mt Cook.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJCR4qwCsxbdmvy86Epp7j4GlkfVKcirg-dkOKVA18PIgXSdThnC7bUCvtkKprYWn8z6IaxlfDq690Mu-kyDFF6Y0RRsxpMNN0Db2P35MsS23GDhVfbVSUuWC96HyY1mVjgOVwrmKkWs-D7ANwyvF0f_RzYwwUaKaZ8BLpXCcp7OfXwaJiVZZdMD7/s4032/20230409-IMG_9515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJCR4qwCsxbdmvy86Epp7j4GlkfVKcirg-dkOKVA18PIgXSdThnC7bUCvtkKprYWn8z6IaxlfDq690Mu-kyDFF6Y0RRsxpMNN0Db2P35MsS23GDhVfbVSUuWC96HyY1mVjgOVwrmKkWs-D7ANwyvF0f_RzYwwUaKaZ8BLpXCcp7OfXwaJiVZZdMD7/w480-h640/20230409-IMG_9515.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2D3PuP-Ua3l-NwZxRcHHdpbjA8T0aT5Z5TB_hbJO-ioN9WheAH262Qjwa0-jDIk5p9ucdteHBUBzNnJJoVmd789NAeCs5_pw5TEHXKcgE5Ij3JswZQ0eQb5Isx7uyW3hglafpY-nro9wijlAh4DktHty8X3I3ixTdvzByYF1_QgS1AssjI5nRhNDY/s4032/20230409-IMG_9518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2D3PuP-Ua3l-NwZxRcHHdpbjA8T0aT5Z5TB_hbJO-ioN9WheAH262Qjwa0-jDIk5p9ucdteHBUBzNnJJoVmd789NAeCs5_pw5TEHXKcgE5Ij3JswZQ0eQb5Isx7uyW3hglafpY-nro9wijlAh4DktHty8X3I3ixTdvzByYF1_QgS1AssjI5nRhNDY/w640-h480/20230409-IMG_9518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSiPefVlHZQ0Kut_nkVVFmWLRZ939PwmNEs6bJYB9yiRzbio3V7XoYgl09LDbjixPE4jM6iGVwLwCqgTblmzIu9ws8eM4Rf2kN7G8096EvSneOQzxKhhqpNygq3T6LqvJGLucVOhf6Wl05AKWCUugLsAg4vQcv263rNkserhXFBK7Uol9mGHWiJid/s4032/20230409-IMG_9519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSiPefVlHZQ0Kut_nkVVFmWLRZ939PwmNEs6bJYB9yiRzbio3V7XoYgl09LDbjixPE4jM6iGVwLwCqgTblmzIu9ws8eM4Rf2kN7G8096EvSneOQzxKhhqpNygq3T6LqvJGLucVOhf6Wl05AKWCUugLsAg4vQcv263rNkserhXFBK7Uol9mGHWiJid/w640-h480/20230409-IMG_9519.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I popped over to see Long Promise Hut, then continued along on the track just above it. </div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-NQFcXzFXn09T_kAz2SHTmQ5OR8PZPhcK9YHB0wc6k0yWdZv8jLkyrVC7wZkAVOwJTMe4GPS-cXsd97ZFXiKSM7TKf6UPCiSSS0dssGFV-ztPRCTf5TnG6jXC43rbC3l1CLO-NFEM-93hj9jlYy3cxbOoW1lmUzaYFcZUlrAyBGiqZy85TJQVo4r/s4032/20230409-IMG_9520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-NQFcXzFXn09T_kAz2SHTmQ5OR8PZPhcK9YHB0wc6k0yWdZv8jLkyrVC7wZkAVOwJTMe4GPS-cXsd97ZFXiKSM7TKf6UPCiSSS0dssGFV-ztPRCTf5TnG6jXC43rbC3l1CLO-NFEM-93hj9jlYy3cxbOoW1lmUzaYFcZUlrAyBGiqZy85TJQVo4r/w640-h480/20230409-IMG_9520.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />There was a cold wind blowing so I stayed rugged up in rain trousers and jacket all day, climbing without feeling sweaty. My beanie came on and off, my liner gloves stayed on all morning yet my hands still felt a bit cold. </div><div><br /></div> <div>I surprised a Karearea gliding low along the track towards me. It veered off into the tussock just before he reached me. Pretty cool!</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbT6hue0IbWpcT4DJh0YROu_BN2slyy_To3GdtReQ1n0lVOTneiXD9igbioy6QHK7zT-xWPHmEuqEq_ZpbrLjeSm-VpsoUcaXTtgNvI6oNRZC7HujpKIv4uHwdk31dpeL1LIax3ivoteXQZs5PzqEtuI7c6PFyi2j6HNrSF9ViH9E6LreX9mpNgkpR/s4032/20230409-IMG_9521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbT6hue0IbWpcT4DJh0YROu_BN2slyy_To3GdtReQ1n0lVOTneiXD9igbioy6QHK7zT-xWPHmEuqEq_ZpbrLjeSm-VpsoUcaXTtgNvI6oNRZC7HujpKIv4uHwdk31dpeL1LIax3ivoteXQZs5PzqEtuI7c6PFyi2j6HNrSF9ViH9E6LreX9mpNgkpR/w640-h480/20230409-IMG_9521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkklYiYgPVZUPJ-TrIqCq_2B8IgzAFKFpIBEGEG43tAhsCHMdTuOESTel7YaKFlBUKJr4qT4U8wz9jG3MSslZpNeoFZQX53oNjMUk4fbvmhBPqtjhzllmPUojXTaFvIBh-6nnwdCvqZn2xzuAzemn5DLKWtiY3XEJogYygKR0O_3PW0wookYNSnYO/s4032/20230409-IMG_9522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2331" data-original-width="4032" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkklYiYgPVZUPJ-TrIqCq_2B8IgzAFKFpIBEGEG43tAhsCHMdTuOESTel7YaKFlBUKJr4qT4U8wz9jG3MSslZpNeoFZQX53oNjMUk4fbvmhBPqtjhzllmPUojXTaFvIBh-6nnwdCvqZn2xzuAzemn5DLKWtiY3XEJogYygKR0O_3PW0wookYNSnYO/w640-h370/20230409-IMG_9522.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I got up to a large cairn with a stick in it, and could see the turnoff to Soldiers Hilton so I walked down to that and on to the hut. It wasn't locked so I had a look inside and wrote in the visitor book then ate lunch outside in the sun, even though it was only 11:30.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WWG6opPexlM5NyD3yLkqjz1WXNLCHXQqFyoDEPjMo492kE6AIpwxgKuC12F2Ivc-hkDJ84BIHf56VxSq_M9EUlYGb_gh_BNiRdH2T4ZDwyB62Gfo3t5uoeOsOglkKqQWlPypMIEhLcPmYP3qMeDExMkLt8nCVWqVARQttE6yR9L1SIJ2pdTThGBW/s4032/20230409-IMG_9523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WWG6opPexlM5NyD3yLkqjz1WXNLCHXQqFyoDEPjMo492kE6AIpwxgKuC12F2Ivc-hkDJ84BIHf56VxSq_M9EUlYGb_gh_BNiRdH2T4ZDwyB62Gfo3t5uoeOsOglkKqQWlPypMIEhLcPmYP3qMeDExMkLt8nCVWqVARQttE6yR9L1SIJ2pdTThGBW/w480-h640/20230409-IMG_9523.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFOZhjrV8oBxY5xhOvb-ooRtBVMa5JvAJDNK2gHQkYgSwdPfLtmGoOOAPnpAUXq2N5H3SwvwS6QEepa5vb1c66zXewNM1E001_IJPJ6E1GNd1ho43GMXp1DW1FomNsXLlQ3RkUjH6x00hR0ZUYwNsyylZAZL8tWrdFx_nC2RAzr3_s0GZEvjy4Pe8/s4032/20230409-IMG_9524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFOZhjrV8oBxY5xhOvb-ooRtBVMa5JvAJDNK2gHQkYgSwdPfLtmGoOOAPnpAUXq2N5H3SwvwS6QEepa5vb1c66zXewNM1E001_IJPJ6E1GNd1ho43GMXp1DW1FomNsXLlQ3RkUjH6x00hR0ZUYwNsyylZAZL8tWrdFx_nC2RAzr3_s0GZEvjy4Pe8/w640-h480/20230409-IMG_9524.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eJx46U4TTv59hjbVcRqAEcObJmcSRy0Q3UGlvhX_tvgNHEQxcIbLmzSNXC1ywuOY2mxAzhYXbMcreWmpgKyTzIzVHmjnaKpBULv2dprMgG4dZEwfYvE_1Q8pRa6QK0cYPPhIRvTZfZQNueYB8V6rfuu4UhYG7Tzo66NymkSlBkXsLvt8yi8p9HxZ/s4032/20230409-IMG_9525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eJx46U4TTv59hjbVcRqAEcObJmcSRy0Q3UGlvhX_tvgNHEQxcIbLmzSNXC1ywuOY2mxAzhYXbMcreWmpgKyTzIzVHmjnaKpBULv2dprMgG4dZEwfYvE_1Q8pRa6QK0cYPPhIRvTZfZQNueYB8V6rfuu4UhYG7Tzo66NymkSlBkXsLvt8yi8p9HxZ/w480-h640/20230409-IMG_9525.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZRwruPMAoBsSEoIcwD8pDjry3Y-p-hT6IX4DCv58DrByjhXjBKp2Q57S9tH7zPKXDbnPY4-NCQQkdEDJJ-nMXGUug15wJK55lBv4IKrZb7tOyiPE6EDTBUkJvvXZ2aFMOSyAGKXMBOPt-0ODxwRNIw52X0dByj782fBcwBX7T7M-arEur2dObvw4/s4032/20230409-IMG_9526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZRwruPMAoBsSEoIcwD8pDjry3Y-p-hT6IX4DCv58DrByjhXjBKp2Q57S9tH7zPKXDbnPY4-NCQQkdEDJJ-nMXGUug15wJK55lBv4IKrZb7tOyiPE6EDTBUkJvvXZ2aFMOSyAGKXMBOPt-0ODxwRNIw52X0dByj782fBcwBX7T7M-arEur2dObvw4/w480-h640/20230409-IMG_9526.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uj1bSJhcSnC4o_O_sDyjRWWXbUVHW3O94YAkwY2W0JRbPB38j3hNkIx4ucAED1Gecd8teM2qefVbqA7ZLuFXVO-7uZvRAWqUl0nhz0qglmquf-kY7Zoa9r5lHjtnzQJgAtsbHOc2e7XBNb-QdxUjf5n-5oEBF-OZiqhIgpyPdk9ZD6DFOdYfAt26/s4032/20230409-IMG_9527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uj1bSJhcSnC4o_O_sDyjRWWXbUVHW3O94YAkwY2W0JRbPB38j3hNkIx4ucAED1Gecd8teM2qefVbqA7ZLuFXVO-7uZvRAWqUl0nhz0qglmquf-kY7Zoa9r5lHjtnzQJgAtsbHOc2e7XBNb-QdxUjf5n-5oEBF-OZiqhIgpyPdk9ZD6DFOdYfAt26/w640-h480/20230409-IMG_9527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I walked straight up the hill behind the hut to rejoin the main track, continuing its relentless climb upward. The views were stunning but the wind seemed to be getting stronger. I'd put my waterproof gloves on over the glove liners and was much warmer.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvPSc77gYLPqZFuNpvwOdXHrWNpW5-1TPSLx7G27ErZEGsEhGvo6jiPGCQ3km92xANaiWMk8OU5EfwSUUucoHlqPy-EOAIjoX6oIH4g8GAB6Wbu7co_dhgT-wl4II941tgmS0o-2MJ0vHpZQbbjUleMihgzye52mpDErRGHv-ZrSt3esRPE5OLHr9/s4032/20230409-IMG_9528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvPSc77gYLPqZFuNpvwOdXHrWNpW5-1TPSLx7G27ErZEGsEhGvo6jiPGCQ3km92xANaiWMk8OU5EfwSUUucoHlqPy-EOAIjoX6oIH4g8GAB6Wbu7co_dhgT-wl4II941tgmS0o-2MJ0vHpZQbbjUleMihgzye52mpDErRGHv-ZrSt3esRPE5OLHr9/w480-h640/20230409-IMG_9528.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxDtJx5AAjbYwf5livBeCaL0OkSzSoB6hRfm8nVEHYTzcSi_aB38r7d3FY84Fc6uanxrX68_OyFR8UFSO-Y630xWCTMbdBIljQHdgBbUsJMrJepHLjqjaD8UgvE5tnlekH2cZ4Mitwlyn1oPGgSeZnD4ifWtAXI4dO0mFB1rLgGBbfG_G3EP5fHP8/s4032/20230409-IMG_9529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxDtJx5AAjbYwf5livBeCaL0OkSzSoB6hRfm8nVEHYTzcSi_aB38r7d3FY84Fc6uanxrX68_OyFR8UFSO-Y630xWCTMbdBIljQHdgBbUsJMrJepHLjqjaD8UgvE5tnlekH2cZ4Mitwlyn1oPGgSeZnD4ifWtAXI4dO0mFB1rLgGBbfG_G3EP5fHP8/w480-h640/20230409-IMG_9529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNc8NWDXTpv_YMnhY_Letc1dvRHigFc3pmloS23_gL7TMbLDWkYkQ6HDk66FuAnXZlegVtAaTFra3PVnxyb8Ez7Rq_aLYIT5tq7EGOenocj1YawIlbzqpKtwLa0-lSGzDxSINWlNypBvPzeYt9dQwp7Bd7HYdgmQ_WcI0Q3triA5lMawF2O6oialT/s4032/20230409-IMG_9531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNc8NWDXTpv_YMnhY_Letc1dvRHigFc3pmloS23_gL7TMbLDWkYkQ6HDk66FuAnXZlegVtAaTFra3PVnxyb8Ez7Rq_aLYIT5tq7EGOenocj1YawIlbzqpKtwLa0-lSGzDxSINWlNypBvPzeYt9dQwp7Bd7HYdgmQ_WcI0Q3triA5lMawF2O6oialT/w480-h640/20230409-IMG_9531.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxy9YSEy-SzFt6erxLRB6Jm9Tae5ViZoBMoeR6ewf5Tkp73S_AfaidxJX01HjB9oxCclJ-Yz_On5NqZNodB514qOC8i91vbe0ETPQMAnEvw0GPFTDt7O6LiMkQJPRDWLt-vcO7sTLM_g344XAULFvNXD4eMLY5PrExCsgiR8REiipyDrImvqOgUagT/s4032/20230409-IMG_9532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxy9YSEy-SzFt6erxLRB6Jm9Tae5ViZoBMoeR6ewf5Tkp73S_AfaidxJX01HjB9oxCclJ-Yz_On5NqZNodB514qOC8i91vbe0ETPQMAnEvw0GPFTDt7O6LiMkQJPRDWLt-vcO7sTLM_g344XAULFvNXD4eMLY5PrExCsgiR8REiipyDrImvqOgUagT/w480-h640/20230409-IMG_9532.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />From the end of the ridge the track sidled across under a peak to a saddle, with views down into the Maniototo. Below the saddle, in a wee gully, was Blue Duck Creek Hut. It was a steep descent to a pretty spot, but not as sheltered from the wind as I thought it would be. I arrived at 1pm and decided to call it a day. 5 hours walking in the cold wind was quite enough for one day.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdpH-Q0A6iB0epseqL5Auech32idnqWzbSIADXrOXMpJQDLRxxi2Iji-8YuQfWGMHgduoO6OqnTvHTkSbT2xYPLkXyMQw7Zaz3zr-WSj77V_UMADARPXOWi-yE94WfxPaHgddDYR7GLq9Bew4WTLkYuIQchewiEoflCZ7FhqYDSCBLC9zJzmv9Xrs/s4032/20230409-IMG_9533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdpH-Q0A6iB0epseqL5Auech32idnqWzbSIADXrOXMpJQDLRxxi2Iji-8YuQfWGMHgduoO6OqnTvHTkSbT2xYPLkXyMQw7Zaz3zr-WSj77V_UMADARPXOWi-yE94WfxPaHgddDYR7GLq9Bew4WTLkYuIQchewiEoflCZ7FhqYDSCBLC9zJzmv9Xrs/w480-h640/20230409-IMG_9533.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GI8ZrTRtZeza68qpBGFKZjAc3yua87NGCZ71djBmRz-pfhNHMTqOC2KMidKJ9fa6RZo0OcIBL5J_H7N-3_XFi_bHVXfhf1vLSK-IR2ZCiasXckJhBoptDuiAN5CbRblMvQVOe2m7FQQ-YhNJrj8OP2aUvpABa4zO71ZEf0PrO3ooR2v62DVz_rAm/s4032/20230409-IMG_9534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GI8ZrTRtZeza68qpBGFKZjAc3yua87NGCZ71djBmRz-pfhNHMTqOC2KMidKJ9fa6RZo0OcIBL5J_H7N-3_XFi_bHVXfhf1vLSK-IR2ZCiasXckJhBoptDuiAN5CbRblMvQVOe2m7FQQ-YhNJrj8OP2aUvpABa4zO71ZEf0PrO3ooR2v62DVz_rAm/w480-h640/20230409-IMG_9534.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxna8MqebnYDlVmwUgUbTbtHH89mX6TaRsl6b12hTHh7AKPx2y2tlRhIZYjQi5WBn8c7STG2CN3sQypGir_bjWI_pfraBD5nIdMsmGNbRQv4sJV2gjhavkGupKkAXpxCTqgXTtv908DS6Q4uCfn1WlnhMPr-15GKmmp6gZmDsIwbS_9HjDHYO2KbZo/s4032/20230409-IMG_9535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxna8MqebnYDlVmwUgUbTbtHH89mX6TaRsl6b12hTHh7AKPx2y2tlRhIZYjQi5WBn8c7STG2CN3sQypGir_bjWI_pfraBD5nIdMsmGNbRQv4sJV2gjhavkGupKkAXpxCTqgXTtv908DS6Q4uCfn1WlnhMPr-15GKmmp6gZmDsIwbS_9HjDHYO2KbZo/w480-h640/20230409-IMG_9535.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The hut was in poor shape. The door was secured with a wire but you needed to lift the door to open it. A damp dirt floor, bunks in disrepair, kapok mattresses mostly buggered, but two decent one's hanging from beams, a partially glazed window, and a fireplace that had almost been burnt itself. And lots of rubbish. Not very salubrious at all!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfemMqVrmiz5t2vt6r7ZGmjRvXtE2UkenCov4K5rn9Gf3U9zyBsMXzw2JvHVcnCWOBhBceK0fFYdmR9_ImE-M4ROXb8KkpTpYzRkSzqCGKNeFE9r3vHegvMrJSQHvIgVHdOg_71U8aptybUzSWkSMQgxrzC-8b70iRlIXCdI52Zr6YBl1AM6k9vGR_/s4032/20230409-IMG_9536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfemMqVrmiz5t2vt6r7ZGmjRvXtE2UkenCov4K5rn9Gf3U9zyBsMXzw2JvHVcnCWOBhBceK0fFYdmR9_ImE-M4ROXb8KkpTpYzRkSzqCGKNeFE9r3vHegvMrJSQHvIgVHdOg_71U8aptybUzSWkSMQgxrzC-8b70iRlIXCdI52Zr6YBl1AM6k9vGR_/w480-h640/20230409-IMG_9536.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhU5Fd6msWL35yEcG6rlh5SzEik2I81Ow5HPiilhPrb2NWkliqUgk3AYk07esYXLctqy8elXj8hxjAVJLR3dwqWjBRDSN87oQhut3H9UUlk7pY8DJRPmBQOFRNRS1JCKPPp3VGV-iDFqKesAGz7yQJYcsNRg6SLUUlbSbQc63pdDa4QM6Syyk426w/s4032/20230409-IMG_9538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhU5Fd6msWL35yEcG6rlh5SzEik2I81Ow5HPiilhPrb2NWkliqUgk3AYk07esYXLctqy8elXj8hxjAVJLR3dwqWjBRDSN87oQhut3H9UUlk7pY8DJRPmBQOFRNRS1JCKPPp3VGV-iDFqKesAGz7yQJYcsNRg6SLUUlbSbQc63pdDa4QM6Syyk426w/w480-h640/20230409-IMG_9538.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I looked around for a flat tent site. The area was really boggy, and nowhere was totally flat, so I decided to make do with sleeping in the hut. I pulled down one of the good mattresses and threw it on top of one of the ruined mattresses. A bit lumpy, but surprisingly comfortable. I patched up the broken window with a large builders bag I found on one of the bunks and found a couple of biscuit tins to use for a cooking platform. I'd brought my camping chair so I now had a fairly weather tight and comfortable place for the evening and night. I sat out in the sun to read for a while, but the cold wind had me retreating inside once the sun left the valley.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtMThGUs5X-_gVH7wonK8kaVQ6zgPM3Lrb-bUBt3_hBY0AUaA59xoKfP0Nc7XBKBqm4mmEYK_f6b1ho-gQMNIyRfr9wgZn_LkZQlz-6sFDvH-3t7kUB3S2Z7Cpn9Ss_OM6JeHfjE0J8kfcbRr4CDXuZMXsFpB4qmnKYxcxKE_AbX4Uy3pfrWFh3zh/s4032/20230410-IMG_9540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtMThGUs5X-_gVH7wonK8kaVQ6zgPM3Lrb-bUBt3_hBY0AUaA59xoKfP0Nc7XBKBqm4mmEYK_f6b1ho-gQMNIyRfr9wgZn_LkZQlz-6sFDvH-3t7kUB3S2Z7Cpn9Ss_OM6JeHfjE0J8kfcbRr4CDXuZMXsFpB4qmnKYxcxKE_AbX4Uy3pfrWFh3zh/w480-h640/20230410-IMG_9540.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmU9C5rQm_AsvfkXD_zN-rdCprUt8jdKfUdQCw5lPAeS3SzKRl__XBjL6TWtuyMxG70BW5cBO-MbfkYyB-lCW12XGgdBmM1m4v19HJMgjAD1slt7PuI6C9w_-pxXR99P-tBtiRg-nKyIw9UPt-1vEzao5Ddps-w8U1EQKSwB-6Rle2J3iCvhtKN23x/s4032/20230409-IMG_9539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmU9C5rQm_AsvfkXD_zN-rdCprUt8jdKfUdQCw5lPAeS3SzKRl__XBjL6TWtuyMxG70BW5cBO-MbfkYyB-lCW12XGgdBmM1m4v19HJMgjAD1slt7PuI6C9w_-pxXR99P-tBtiRg-nKyIw9UPt-1vEzao5Ddps-w8U1EQKSwB-6Rle2J3iCvhtKN23x/w640-h480/20230409-IMG_9539.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Even after a cuppa, soup, a cooked dinner, then heating some water to get burnt food off the bottom of my pot I still had some gas left!! Perhaps my gas anxiety was unwarranted....</div> <div><br /></div><div>I was in bed by 6pm, reading a while before getting some sleep.</div> <div><br /></div> <div><b>Day 4 Blue Duck Creek Hut to Mt Buster Rd 3.25hrs</b></div> <div><br /></div> <div>I slept okay considering my accommodation! The mattress was lumpy but not musty or damp and I got a reasonable amount of sleep. There were a few rain showers overnight but I stayed perfectly dry in the hut. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a much warmer morning, and though the rain cleared it remained overcast. It was still windy but the wind direction had changed so it wasn't cold like the day before. I walked in shorts and my rain pants, leaving at 7:40 for the big climb back up to the saddle and then a further climb from the saddle up to the next ridge. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlg46oxuf73x9i_7RbUuPl_mgL21_XGhQofFydPLkd_gUA9VFVkCApn47yRUc2jjo0I3KO3OQZ55sPsg0OFtgP11LeVHOXJdVAO63o82-a3srpZt7n2ilgdbYLG6lXKgxnIar3vUkORRwYophg_FqG4TQn8KyV5clz5nv0Bp52p1U5JZZUIGhCQcn_/s4032/20230410-IMG_9541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlg46oxuf73x9i_7RbUuPl_mgL21_XGhQofFydPLkd_gUA9VFVkCApn47yRUc2jjo0I3KO3OQZ55sPsg0OFtgP11LeVHOXJdVAO63o82-a3srpZt7n2ilgdbYLG6lXKgxnIar3vUkORRwYophg_FqG4TQn8KyV5clz5nv0Bp52p1U5JZZUIGhCQcn_/w640-h480/20230410-IMG_9541.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jlWLvVCRFp2Xo_yuZQClPVysfVnrE-7J5bKlejLPV9yR8fAWRdAZ0SESUx_5Lv2vQ-jpoRfchjB3zpuVkxlA8Gmk1ESnPVNcPGVTwLg65vziePOsDMRFwHIOhU3tOdKpJqB13MAWwX2Fl2svaPZp_FqyE76JG16PUpipzx7la-h3DyX5yC3AFINc/s4032/20230410-IMG_9542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jlWLvVCRFp2Xo_yuZQClPVysfVnrE-7J5bKlejLPV9yR8fAWRdAZ0SESUx_5Lv2vQ-jpoRfchjB3zpuVkxlA8Gmk1ESnPVNcPGVTwLg65vziePOsDMRFwHIOhU3tOdKpJqB13MAWwX2Fl2svaPZp_FqyE76JG16PUpipzx7la-h3DyX5yC3AFINc/w640-h480/20230410-IMG_9542.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uweibxT3DxX-8kqIw9E3p8wj-oNe5zExWlsBHcpBhGD3437ZtWWSNSviZe2drWrS2x32JjaCSEkfHUMe9cNx1r26LOTHsOKCHr-Vyuc4wYxj93yLOz7bh_inUAV6lUXEdqVbC95ltIyV-Wu643bzxJhuqhZLQMqB6H1CTQGeDc7VlsvCZy2cgAhk/s4032/20230410-IMG_9543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uweibxT3DxX-8kqIw9E3p8wj-oNe5zExWlsBHcpBhGD3437ZtWWSNSviZe2drWrS2x32JjaCSEkfHUMe9cNx1r26LOTHsOKCHr-Vyuc4wYxj93yLOz7bh_inUAV6lUXEdqVbC95ltIyV-Wu643bzxJhuqhZLQMqB6H1CTQGeDc7VlsvCZy2cgAhk/w640-h480/20230410-IMG_9543.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The ridge track went up and down and then across to Mt Buster, with great views across to the diggings, and down into the Maniototo. I saw no-one, and no vehicles either. I joined the main track where it began its descent to the Kyeburn River. The clouds were clearing, with more blue sky appearing, and once I was heading downhill I was out of the wind and able to remove my rain pants and just walk in my shorts. It was grand to be walking downhill, on an admittedly steep track and enjoying those massive vistas that are unique to the Maniototo.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmugxdWwVcV3vbJHwvy85OEdig1PQFMypAoTyROKUF-Dn4PJ8-OZHwBEhB90OGRZ8-yL8ut3anbac4pmxsehbLI55wHePN_g3ji7VDK2VQgpkTrnBB5m0Q2Heb-Jwutg89tSwXKeMNY6JheUeWOLU5IQAZay2Xcy9mfvPOuIzZPNELDk1XUIiJQ-7/s4032/20230410-IMG_9544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmugxdWwVcV3vbJHwvy85OEdig1PQFMypAoTyROKUF-Dn4PJ8-OZHwBEhB90OGRZ8-yL8ut3anbac4pmxsehbLI55wHePN_g3ji7VDK2VQgpkTrnBB5m0Q2Heb-Jwutg89tSwXKeMNY6JheUeWOLU5IQAZay2Xcy9mfvPOuIzZPNELDk1XUIiJQ-7/w640-h480/20230410-IMG_9544.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was only when I was removing my shoes at Kokonga Hut to cross the Kyeburn River that I saw my first 4WD vehicle of the day. Once over the shallow crossing I walked the couple of hundred metres back to the car in my Crocs.</div> <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkOGPTwxLUr7T4k2vo965hteUB0UkgHSrT__dRcI3fCRfhsLcQW1DXPjsFqxvzhFxb5XaUgleWQEG6tbKEPE_rx21jhwablEb61DfJNbb_RxcMX7uleyUMzNJ4sj7oyS-VK0eISMyNoPp8HyzdxGi5OBGQ5LbNUJvxSSuuw1kxCGY9fP18kOqGDA6/s4032/20230410-IMG_9546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkOGPTwxLUr7T4k2vo965hteUB0UkgHSrT__dRcI3fCRfhsLcQW1DXPjsFqxvzhFxb5XaUgleWQEG6tbKEPE_rx21jhwablEb61DfJNbb_RxcMX7uleyUMzNJ4sj7oyS-VK0eISMyNoPp8HyzdxGi5OBGQ5LbNUJvxSSuuw1kxCGY9fP18kOqGDA6/w640-h480/20230410-IMG_9546.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN330SBeaohQLI3sBKD7RJEgCoEyDO_-GTDeeFB0wMNJd0uhX5XMlxo6VG9QU-0mqoQw_WCkbqSo2nLUHJl7LdqM7vCTYXJDSHGLdJdzaxMdwh63oVVqfAMnnNm4FVDUzuEHzZRz2gZSnYqTerU3wHiwU0me5d3dJKfTj20brK69dJY1uitkhQnwDi/s4032/20230410-IMG_9545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN330SBeaohQLI3sBKD7RJEgCoEyDO_-GTDeeFB0wMNJd0uhX5XMlxo6VG9QU-0mqoQw_WCkbqSo2nLUHJl7LdqM7vCTYXJDSHGLdJdzaxMdwh63oVVqfAMnnNm4FVDUzuEHzZRz2gZSnYqTerU3wHiwU0me5d3dJKfTj20brK69dJY1uitkhQnwDi/w640-h480/20230410-IMG_9545.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />There was no problem crossing the fords back to Danseys Pass Rd. I headed back to Naseby for a well earned Eggs Benedict with bacon and avocado, then drove home to Wanaka.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuUQ1Uif1JoVFSBDc1Md3Sm3LVJyUzUuCLMC5LR4f0SGLWzZJysPRh9ALq1AjoJFkZK1nwGP7DOcOph2uCCqtnThXcYf0iCrWkmvZqZsXvFx4Tip-QouhPyE-0yFCG4Mzd_rh_qAoOofs05jawhsrA_9kDmj0IlZDpzUr0tmwfOw_X5CTlMqh9ZiY/s4032/20230410-IMG_9548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuUQ1Uif1JoVFSBDc1Md3Sm3LVJyUzUuCLMC5LR4f0SGLWzZJysPRh9ALq1AjoJFkZK1nwGP7DOcOph2uCCqtnThXcYf0iCrWkmvZqZsXvFx4Tip-QouhPyE-0yFCG4Mzd_rh_qAoOofs05jawhsrA_9kDmj0IlZDpzUr0tmwfOw_X5CTlMqh9ZiY/w480-h640/20230410-IMG_9548.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div> </div><div dir="ltr"></div>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-50763695812520677172023-03-20T08:07:00.002+08:002023-05-04T07:53:23.625+08:00Between the ski fields: AAWT Hotham to Thredbo<div dir="ltr"><div><div style="text-align: left;">Just over 6 months since I'd broken my pelvis in 3 places, my forearm in so many pieces it took four hours to piece together, and 6 ribs just to round it out, I headed off on a 3 week unsupported bushwalk through the Aussie bush.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's been 5 years since we walked the last section (<a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2018/03/walking-nsw-high-country-dead-horse-gap.html" target="_blank">Dead Horse Gap to Kiandra</a>) of the Australian Alps Walking Track. Eye injuries, bushfires and Covid had got in the way of completing another section, so this year we had decided to combine two 10 day sections into one long hike. Iain was keen, but my brother was hesitant, and due to a few life issues and injuries, decided to pull out. Which left just two...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are no towns between Hotham and Thredbo, though Bright isn't that far away from Mt Bogong. There's some roads that are crossed, and a few 4WD tracks frequented by enthusiasts but otherwise it's remote and there's no plan B. Committing to 20 days of walking in remote areas is exactly that: a commitment. And I knew it was going to be harder than the NSW sections we had already covered.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had designed a conservative itinerary. There was a lot of elevation gain and loss, and unknowns as far as track quality was concerned. The 2019/20 bushfires had affected some of the areas we were walking through, much of it on marked foot trails rather than fire trails, so regrowth and tree fall would potentially make following a trail difficult. I'm not into epic walking days, and with those uncertainties built into the itinerary I opted for shorter walking days rather than fitting in too much. I also added in the side trips to the many interesting huts in the high country, be they old stockmen's huts from when the high country was grazed in summer, or ski lodges run by various alpine clubs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the last 5 years technology had caught up. There was a Facebook group dedicated to the walk, which provided some recent updates to track conditions and water sources, and a few trip reports and pictures to enjoy whilst preparing for our own walk. It's still a niche thru-walk, due to the difficulties of resupplying, but it's definitely seeing a few more people on it than 5 years ago.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Map technology has also improved. Last time I had relied on my not very good InReach maps for navigation, as well as some paper maps printed out beforehand. This time I would be using offline maps downloaded onto my phone using the Avenza App. Iain had also downloaded them. Little did I know how essential they would be during our trip....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With Matt no longer joining us it took me a couple of days to cook and dehydrate the food I would need for the trip. I'm a sucker for individually packaging everything, using the vacuum sealer. First remove water, secondly remove air. Makes for much smaller packages.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9IkOLpocHytVxlGaaJEWPws2jWsdpaCsCHpIvtyPUkP-tYanwqIj6kbE2t6TuQKiMoZzRj6XtI4XoBCjjH1TmghXkJb7psx4aqGFODO22yOcQheUSexCVDP2cafM36blu7eSgWeY_mGdK3xEbbsHgyKJTbfPyUDk1l6JDCiY9Y2jeOZyvKmuAph4/s4032/20230217-IMG_9010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9IkOLpocHytVxlGaaJEWPws2jWsdpaCsCHpIvtyPUkP-tYanwqIj6kbE2t6TuQKiMoZzRj6XtI4XoBCjjH1TmghXkJb7psx4aqGFODO22yOcQheUSexCVDP2cafM36blu7eSgWeY_mGdK3xEbbsHgyKJTbfPyUDk1l6JDCiY9Y2jeOZyvKmuAph4/w640-h480/20230217-IMG_9010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Iain provided the drums for our food drop. Although there were options to do more frequent resupplies, we opted to just do the one, meaning each segment we would be carrying approximately 10 days' food. I popped in a shop bought Indian curry with naan bread for my dinner at the food drop, and Iain added a six pack of beer. He would be returning to pick up the drums so we could also leave our trash in them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The other logistic challenge of doing a long walk in the wilderness was keeping our electronics powered. Rather than bringing multiple power banks I elected to purchase a folding solar panel that we could both use. At 28W it could charge up to 3 devices at once, with a maximum output of 4.8V. I elected to therefore take only a small 8000MAh power bank, what I would normally take on a 4-5 day trip. It garnered excellent reviews on the internet, but it was still a leap of faith.....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The rest of my gear was my standard tramping kit. The Helinox chair made the cut, because I'd reduced the weight of my tent by 800g changing to the Tarptent. Besides, camping with a chair is soooo much more comfortable than sitting on the ground.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9Wg715Qvw6KKWto4XVdZvQyv3nYpt3SPSoMIacKNWH-7C2HQLlRr34xOrKzFrUkIDDPxX733hoCwgccWIr5DsV1sPLWrezD1UsrIgF_oA-a-vYC3jhWt-YA_QeDYbX8p8JK7-akgk7JDAeO_Frw3OFubAeri0G6vYAb5RTB5efj06Wgu9e_Lt06S/s4032/20230225-IMG_9014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9Wg715Qvw6KKWto4XVdZvQyv3nYpt3SPSoMIacKNWH-7C2HQLlRr34xOrKzFrUkIDDPxX733hoCwgccWIr5DsV1sPLWrezD1UsrIgF_oA-a-vYC3jhWt-YA_QeDYbX8p8JK7-akgk7JDAeO_Frw3OFubAeri0G6vYAb5RTB5efj06Wgu9e_Lt06S/w480-h640/20230225-IMG_9014.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We left Canberra on Sunday morning for the drive down to Omeo where we had booked an AirBnB for the night. This allowed us to do the food drop along the Benambra-Corryong Rd and still enjoy a meal at the local pub. Sandra would drive us to Hotham the next morning and then continue over to Bright and back home via Albury/ Wodonga.</div> <div><br /></div> <div><b><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKyL_dFSf9abvN1QG5tX7pTDQuYx-ZsnPc6FT5nHlU-vT9sLpRooZy9T-_Q8xeC7mLz5bIesU2RTQsHU_RQ66mhzUG3Dn-E-pAPwtjgJGKJVXY4vIQsjKpbD9D_pBKZ9GolmcjhKPIk0YFOscn5dNZhjho0L6Bf3X2baRCBn3lYd223icaF6pAw_0/s4032/20230226-IMG_9018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKyL_dFSf9abvN1QG5tX7pTDQuYx-ZsnPc6FT5nHlU-vT9sLpRooZy9T-_Q8xeC7mLz5bIesU2RTQsHU_RQ66mhzUG3Dn-E-pAPwtjgJGKJVXY4vIQsjKpbD9D_pBKZ9GolmcjhKPIk0YFOscn5dNZhjho0L6Bf3X2baRCBn3lYd223icaF6pAw_0/w480-h640/20230226-IMG_9018.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyrebird sculpture </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzmFjP17FQUyJQyfoyGuzbk7jMH9Bc40oyqHAWcwZV51RGCr8mgVf__IjlexWg9fLG2j7W08s5FfSgCPWU5rG1VAkqILjO2qMnyqaz9IVQ-WjnLV6ue6tqTl0HzSwy5D6Xj9iTIdq5DPxOXbwcY5oG7TC16ENCZsDUPucWxAxPjXxYSGE6UaoVfht/s4032/20230226-20230226_165936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzmFjP17FQUyJQyfoyGuzbk7jMH9Bc40oyqHAWcwZV51RGCr8mgVf__IjlexWg9fLG2j7W08s5FfSgCPWU5rG1VAkqILjO2qMnyqaz9IVQ-WjnLV6ue6tqTl0HzSwy5D6Xj9iTIdq5DPxOXbwcY5oG7TC16ENCZsDUPucWxAxPjXxYSGE6UaoVfht/w480-h640/20230226-20230226_165936.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food drop hidden somewhere in this photo, Benambra Corryong Rd</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Day 1 Hotham to Ryders Yards (19.1 km, 635m👆 </i></b><b><i>775m</i></b><b><i>👇 max elevation 1892m)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div> <div>We left Omeo at 7:30am for the one hour drive to Hotham where we stopped in at The General for coffee and a bacon and egg wrap. Then we drove up to the start of the track at Mt Loch carpark. The carpark was a construction site so we pulled in to the verge, hoisted packs, took obligatory photos and then we were off.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB6X_szaoyDHsd7mGBh6uc8eTpwKblNww3_1GzG0KBQ6lJH-NTuX3dunkbS39f9vanA6YRK7vebWXpFEp9f-5IDCRZMIVPThy4ZjkELaVuBX7zB_JK7CdNAUaqEL-CFgY_h9icSwtPSzqmaLiFT-kdwkR6I-IVBSJZtcChfXFT1jeTN3Xmu-v7zM3/s4000/20230227-20230227_093121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB6X_szaoyDHsd7mGBh6uc8eTpwKblNww3_1GzG0KBQ6lJH-NTuX3dunkbS39f9vanA6YRK7vebWXpFEp9f-5IDCRZMIVPThy4ZjkELaVuBX7zB_JK7CdNAUaqEL-CFgY_h9icSwtPSzqmaLiFT-kdwkR6I-IVBSJZtcChfXFT1jeTN3Xmu-v7zM3/w640-h480/20230227-20230227_093121.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte2cuR-WL7XEQn6JF59687fcAeMWkKHT1gXZ1aUS5eUKgssEk73dNnyCpz26qKLnymEj_0Pg-BqApH8VAIJmqo8HujdMVRd18EAmB6ZK9Nb5moyGTgz18fC-LiIYwb_kSU1Ff9xEs8uAPW-q915ltjD4nvWxZOIFpWl1dsyviyzx0IOoKhsAWrrgw/s4000/20230227-20230227_093606%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte2cuR-WL7XEQn6JF59687fcAeMWkKHT1gXZ1aUS5eUKgssEk73dNnyCpz26qKLnymEj_0Pg-BqApH8VAIJmqo8HujdMVRd18EAmB6ZK9Nb5moyGTgz18fC-LiIYwb_kSU1Ff9xEs8uAPW-q915ltjD4nvWxZOIFpWl1dsyviyzx0IOoKhsAWrrgw/w480-h640/20230227-20230227_093606%20(1).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And we're off!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The track skirted around Mt Hotham ski field so we walked past chair lifts and the occasional memorial cairn to someone who had died up on the range.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaj-pykMVOtQrb9jbFbRnpXy3eyuIuvO5m2zssltst7Wg0-QplPzioCLfCBnqQzdSipDiNW6hW-342bisebZsuc8wI4zE7mjnf8Ln1hK851chCAxPuhFh1Y3Y6KdtWc63-lKujogGz2UiqH3Ezv-OLvYICA0wv-P6YleRCFKJ6exd8niXOQY2bJyUi/s4032/20230227-IMG_9023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaj-pykMVOtQrb9jbFbRnpXy3eyuIuvO5m2zssltst7Wg0-QplPzioCLfCBnqQzdSipDiNW6hW-342bisebZsuc8wI4zE7mjnf8Ln1hK851chCAxPuhFh1Y3Y6KdtWc63-lKujogGz2UiqH3Ezv-OLvYICA0wv-P6YleRCFKJ6exd8niXOQY2bJyUi/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9023.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZLYOJ5poFY3TgIs25V6HDqkO8nObd_X2g5_IB-FiBPuAztf7fQ8Hf0gVC6zNmAcjpE7I3g_Max0IM8P-J_vdUBrMlWWWSdbQMVroOWWuBtLi2qVxJVYOLDRH-R5YaW5NqE6eovHSLVWLop0XlHm9KOvYO4XYPwtv6SgYPOMyU64vksvtesJ4-ii5/s4032/20230227-IMG_9024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZLYOJ5poFY3TgIs25V6HDqkO8nObd_X2g5_IB-FiBPuAztf7fQ8Hf0gVC6zNmAcjpE7I3g_Max0IM8P-J_vdUBrMlWWWSdbQMVroOWWuBtLi2qVxJVYOLDRH-R5YaW5NqE6eovHSLVWLop0XlHm9KOvYO4XYPwtv6SgYPOMyU64vksvtesJ4-ii5/w640-h480/20230227-IMG_9024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS05cNpN97KUaVBGG2ZgF8xuq8lrly31eep7yOpPWWeS1G90zw4CYC21lntR497wSvj4EDRITC_lBMrP4eXM8G_QDIeU5yx8_3gIiAEdy1ZO-quI6DGQ-IXuDhRX4a3-Ffcdka_WeY9Y1iHvVUW6ODP-lfCvLTypYqCzCVlO-TBTr5_J2pQCdcE-G3/s4032/20230227-IMG_9025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS05cNpN97KUaVBGG2ZgF8xuq8lrly31eep7yOpPWWeS1G90zw4CYC21lntR497wSvj4EDRITC_lBMrP4eXM8G_QDIeU5yx8_3gIiAEdy1ZO-quI6DGQ-IXuDhRX4a3-Ffcdka_WeY9Y1iHvVUW6ODP-lfCvLTypYqCzCVlO-TBTr5_J2pQCdcE-G3/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9025.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial to Derrick, perished doing something he loved...</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once we left the ski field behind we continued following the numbered snow poles for the rest of the day,</div> <div>through snow gum forest or across alpine tundra, following ridge lines.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxspCUJXSqP-UTjud04iNDYzP-eLV9SxZa0IibNgwExwPfysRaqWUc8UPKXB5bZU5TjCl06M5lMDI6_esUp2UqXmdMWdfAQ33mAwtKki91c_tZ4UWapX1y6qsZdhLK8wKhPv_tySO1HDDSQQV7wRfOE_yPq5Cetmr6M1phG4rSVUqF6_Dk7X3VX0D/s4032/20230227-IMG_9026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxspCUJXSqP-UTjud04iNDYzP-eLV9SxZa0IibNgwExwPfysRaqWUc8UPKXB5bZU5TjCl06M5lMDI6_esUp2UqXmdMWdfAQ33mAwtKki91c_tZ4UWapX1y6qsZdhLK8wKhPv_tySO1HDDSQQV7wRfOE_yPq5Cetmr6M1phG4rSVUqF6_Dk7X3VX0D/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9026.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xupypFXwLUe7xv079zteAL4TNDZYF207ay_ZgNMAuF5gy0j8Cs9Qz8ACF1uP-1euoLUQooJHbKF4ter6fMZM0HSsQNUngbnBHv9iyKnM9r7BbB9HQ6Xi35LcXXildtuVQKH9zxxZaj1bYRrsLcP6bRvNOZIhoF5oo23oUuwgWdYdFwd9E1nj8oJS/s4032/20230227-IMG_9028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vfflLKzN9XLnwgauuFakqRVsGNoH8gzNltayI9yy1xtZRdJIKuujSRuUHYamvPIfvRG0BBHeaiwb_YxJ98r_Nj0OWwP6PQhGzk5WIpq_QiFV7n1eLbkGkG7VDKl2yxcvw1tl6EVf2Qyfc6P9UNNpQHl5lDgEwLxvIKEqIxKUpTO_2vjQ9q8UKnb3/s4032/20230227-IMG_9030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vfflLKzN9XLnwgauuFakqRVsGNoH8gzNltayI9yy1xtZRdJIKuujSRuUHYamvPIfvRG0BBHeaiwb_YxJ98r_Nj0OWwP6PQhGzk5WIpq_QiFV7n1eLbkGkG7VDKl2yxcvw1tl6EVf2Qyfc6P9UNNpQHl5lDgEwLxvIKEqIxKUpTO_2vjQ9q8UKnb3/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9030.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgXM2D3pSaNZKGvWRG91hy--utMR91IBYAXVLYUb2G2nC1afSLkBIvy2okzOAmcJ0WXHIftayhIYfO3mZQOVuRzG51mdT5W_xW40agZHaL3nAx4euzVZKwTv2Rsz6VCgqnqxtzuJK1ptxpaYZARQL8ESMWCPxyNFnCG5YCqch-uYihpLfEFbHUODw/s4032/20230227-IMG_9032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgXM2D3pSaNZKGvWRG91hy--utMR91IBYAXVLYUb2G2nC1afSLkBIvy2okzOAmcJ0WXHIftayhIYfO3mZQOVuRzG51mdT5W_xW40agZHaL3nAx4euzVZKwTv2Rsz6VCgqnqxtzuJK1ptxpaYZARQL8ESMWCPxyNFnCG5YCqch-uYihpLfEFbHUODw/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9032.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5bW2XcnqHVIAndspQl4AL5zjDbSP12SFUqN9dJg7OYzA2dD-Q9UaJopcr_WNQ0lCDi2HMjqZgAvZdREKoAT5OqtIXqTA3mYsdsCj1UGDIr6p_QY1qlLx89yuTMvqcVNncK4Agsyt8rH4kQveSUvwiMh_xMx0bMwrODQxJcMFvUG93M9JNWOnx_MM/s4032/20230227-IMG_9033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5bW2XcnqHVIAndspQl4AL5zjDbSP12SFUqN9dJg7OYzA2dD-Q9UaJopcr_WNQ0lCDi2HMjqZgAvZdREKoAT5OqtIXqTA3mYsdsCj1UGDIr6p_QY1qlLx89yuTMvqcVNncK4Agsyt8rH4kQveSUvwiMh_xMx0bMwrODQxJcMFvUG93M9JNWOnx_MM/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9033.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXVI0cLlHOPFWx0xF1AEGtkoP--TZJORShlHIp-EVWedjzJ-GwAqa5nvltEQI4EgpyGZ9b8TKqHOdffPIB-eysG984lX0EG9tOGnL_WCX9aAch2zy0rPMr_-SSNzS2OZI4BK_pmmSk1b94Bjn_vMLCX9Dxe3v6DCdohRYmFanMSl2jFMsURTGvtoI/s4032/20230227-IMG_9034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXVI0cLlHOPFWx0xF1AEGtkoP--TZJORShlHIp-EVWedjzJ-GwAqa5nvltEQI4EgpyGZ9b8TKqHOdffPIB-eysG984lX0EG9tOGnL_WCX9aAch2zy0rPMr_-SSNzS2OZI4BK_pmmSk1b94Bjn_vMLCX9Dxe3v6DCdohRYmFanMSl2jFMsURTGvtoI/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9034.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Derrick Hut was a cute diversion but we didn't stay long, continuing on to another ridge which we followed before descending steeply to Dibbins Hut.</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT54THzni_GrYOrpwW9xS4WNSdTTBYPLyMnYex7N4iFcrga4-WWiuX2pmUw6Dvzr_kFNl57ucrRkWXRQc6GEsZysWPzlPt_GJmeqsIbKapTZGRWTvGQb_JsE9FRddX5TR0eOD03CozgKcbuwmyVMyC1ov_sQV4s89TWFjeYvqWxmC5jtjNQQ3juCgU/s4032/20230227-IMG_9036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT54THzni_GrYOrpwW9xS4WNSdTTBYPLyMnYex7N4iFcrga4-WWiuX2pmUw6Dvzr_kFNl57ucrRkWXRQc6GEsZysWPzlPt_GJmeqsIbKapTZGRWTvGQb_JsE9FRddX5TR0eOD03CozgKcbuwmyVMyC1ov_sQV4s89TWFjeYvqWxmC5jtjNQQ3juCgU/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9036.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derrick Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtblUAbEUYm4Ao61fbfE-gjPkRyXxZzs9AR8Wo8eTCycaTLTOmLDTVRBQn7fIhhlaKcfBWTg84R7ssmgCgamnQR8J3qislyvD2ywmdpw4mMMgzQx2vdqE4zGFOi0cIadpfLYzoJxDRqeCYKCArqdtwqFOwDyqEx2xbd2gLAdfse_tiFh_07IkJs_sq/s4032/20230227-IMG_9037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtblUAbEUYm4Ao61fbfE-gjPkRyXxZzs9AR8Wo8eTCycaTLTOmLDTVRBQn7fIhhlaKcfBWTg84R7ssmgCgamnQR8J3qislyvD2ywmdpw4mMMgzQx2vdqE4zGFOi0cIadpfLYzoJxDRqeCYKCArqdtwqFOwDyqEx2xbd2gLAdfse_tiFh_07IkJs_sq/w640-h480/20230227-IMG_9037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2fcsySYPUq0Rcps9mY0Av72oY_WQuLDq7iIACuSxqNdZN1tuXL3p-zXAvDy6I3DYoSt2JFAaC1OTeW1zx-B0VYHNiAYGpLVFZjIQ0VddCzh84Q0zBB2-3cxISBMb6EqFNsjqLLNh96rskZDx6CNvLu2l1ppL75eDQOCK0P8BgLF29fMu5Vh_m-PK/s4032/20230227-IMG_9038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2fcsySYPUq0Rcps9mY0Av72oY_WQuLDq7iIACuSxqNdZN1tuXL3p-zXAvDy6I3DYoSt2JFAaC1OTeW1zx-B0VYHNiAYGpLVFZjIQ0VddCzh84Q0zBB2-3cxISBMb6EqFNsjqLLNh96rskZDx6CNvLu2l1ppL75eDQOCK0P8BgLF29fMu5Vh_m-PK/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9038.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1gtr0Gp9eWRAgSKvitZGiJFWxuN_litAfhSNQ4SuMulagpmAewgMk5pXwbeyVsnqDhl4xkM3ZbDIiDLZnMn3bOdSuaRHR08clxL8g5w0BCWBN5LE1iYRW-SugixHYSHVTCMtjO3YXr54TEVA3SMHzisx_M9AKaH27R_JYzDyW2Ud256JSgTL2_jp/s4032/20230227-IMG_9040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1gtr0Gp9eWRAgSKvitZGiJFWxuN_litAfhSNQ4SuMulagpmAewgMk5pXwbeyVsnqDhl4xkM3ZbDIiDLZnMn3bOdSuaRHR08clxL8g5w0BCWBN5LE1iYRW-SugixHYSHVTCMtjO3YXr54TEVA3SMHzisx_M9AKaH27R_JYzDyW2Ud256JSgTL2_jp/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9040.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbFWmPyeVnq1wMsBRShDNRQ4DsHn8PVtxXaWb-cpS6Va4lefN2O43gC5T2aiPdnXYaOVR8l_KY41-x9DheFmXFyr91YP0zwCuhekjOm99A-kTkRsWTk3sKBHHxhE5E5tGg3obi3C8z9ANCSpfxeRt83SJOMkR2MhtLgqZtGi7_q5o2TJELOYJfsPK/s4032/20230227-IMG_9041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbFWmPyeVnq1wMsBRShDNRQ4DsHn8PVtxXaWb-cpS6Va4lefN2O43gC5T2aiPdnXYaOVR8l_KY41-x9DheFmXFyr91YP0zwCuhekjOm99A-kTkRsWTk3sKBHHxhE5E5tGg3obi3C8z9ANCSpfxeRt83SJOMkR2MhtLgqZtGi7_q5o2TJELOYJfsPK/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9041.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmrJLTuLGp9VkIu0uFjPXi--ihQVELcy27Y4neOkOcSZkSXUp7JxVwJfL4e8cQLKszcTxJIvju4kqy5W7lHVkJsyQ_zXRWPFfZpEVMuVEbxI5-yIbKMjtOHaoT3mzS2mp0SPzu6VNG_oyXJPieRB1xoI2YM60qUAUs0-BhbYToCXA3mTrfeQbD30M/s4032/20230227-IMG_9042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmrJLTuLGp9VkIu0uFjPXi--ihQVELcy27Y4neOkOcSZkSXUp7JxVwJfL4e8cQLKszcTxJIvju4kqy5W7lHVkJsyQ_zXRWPFfZpEVMuVEbxI5-yIbKMjtOHaoT3mzS2mp0SPzu6VNG_oyXJPieRB1xoI2YM60qUAUs0-BhbYToCXA3mTrfeQbD30M/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9042.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75EPeEAE1_viyewc4won_q75fDH60gNMG_Ffd_D8hVY8baRcONeHrs_JnQo2vWqj1bQvNLA1jrDPfkfFxwXrS7AHWBqoyNBtJDXDalU6j_5iDCBubV612aGCq16sWPgoWmR1tk5TpJlc4BXSnd8K5aCRJlGjS5K_sfNQ6Ei8eu4_8a8R-il0ULjwP/s4032/20230227-IMG_9044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75EPeEAE1_viyewc4won_q75fDH60gNMG_Ffd_D8hVY8baRcONeHrs_JnQo2vWqj1bQvNLA1jrDPfkfFxwXrS7AHWBqoyNBtJDXDalU6j_5iDCBubV612aGCq16sWPgoWmR1tk5TpJlc4BXSnd8K5aCRJlGjS5K_sfNQ6Ei8eu4_8a8R-il0ULjwP/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9044.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFFqKlQYCsjZFZti_0XT9Pc_c8CWxI6gra_cHvPdkJ8R-g0hizC0dzM2lvsh93Mt9gpYDqFunAY93GEvlZASgtY5uXeKvaT_AgHIq-WM1cl0OnGG2OHjfCwGzaeaJ1NWKIJMFPU9cS0MQsL0B41U6bxUxisN10Hm8pnP_mL6dQyu_Un19fLl2hEB7/s4032/20230227-IMG_9045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFFqKlQYCsjZFZti_0XT9Pc_c8CWxI6gra_cHvPdkJ8R-g0hizC0dzM2lvsh93Mt9gpYDqFunAY93GEvlZASgtY5uXeKvaT_AgHIq-WM1cl0OnGG2OHjfCwGzaeaJ1NWKIJMFPU9cS0MQsL0B41U6bxUxisN10Hm8pnP_mL6dQyu_Un19fLl2hEB7/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9045.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qER6IInUK8HLHNwo02gp9C6JCQ6VskOtSVCq6u_ZDLCeqc28XHtl7sGAAi5pNf3l_18qbNVxZuIK9zyF0iGdvupGXfsexehxIESi-JT7FM4joklbWNbHI0w7YtJQmuJZW-15P4rgZoaqVZ0pL52DeAX-D-aIDdA6QRCYMDdXzHFuT8XYPgMky1pP/s4032/20230227-IMG_9047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qER6IInUK8HLHNwo02gp9C6JCQ6VskOtSVCq6u_ZDLCeqc28XHtl7sGAAi5pNf3l_18qbNVxZuIK9zyF0iGdvupGXfsexehxIESi-JT7FM4joklbWNbHI0w7YtJQmuJZW-15P4rgZoaqVZ0pL52DeAX-D-aIDdA6QRCYMDdXzHFuT8XYPgMky1pP/w640-h480/20230227-IMG_9047.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dibbins Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Iain was feeling quite poorly, with light headedness and was unsteady on his feet. We had to stop a number of times and I was really concerned he was going to pass out. Every time he took his pack off he would soon come good. But it wouldn't be long before he'd be dizzy and keeling over again. At one point I had to grab him to stop him falling off the side of a steep bit of track!!</div><div><br /></div> <div>We made it to Dibbins Hut, and I noticed that Iain's unsteady gait improved almost instantaneously when he walked the last bit to the hut without wearing his pack. I postulated that the symptoms might be due to the waist belt being too tight and restricting blood flow back to his heart. Not only had he recently lost a lot of weight, he was using a 38L backpack which may not have had a waist belt rating for the 18 plus kilos he was carrying in it. He was wearing a bumbag as well and that may have been pushing the belt too high.</div><div><br /></div> <div>After a good rest, some lunch and refilling the water supplies, we headed off, this time with a looser belt. Problem solved!</div><div><br /></div> <div>We had a long climb from Dibbins Hut, to Cobungra Gap, up Basalt Temple then the final push to the main range at 1700m. With heavily laden packs that was a bit of a struggle, all forgotten once we reached the tops.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLO7spyT7gOimJpOSU2FV_tRGtx_sibVoi0cRCWMmFqHYD7d5L7mM64mdmJ0lSzvFBHfjriE5RqB6vphoUoo1dphC8eiUM5Pm7d3mcIBj4dNbmnk91A4wOZNUmKCdg7k6a_GdVJ5xDyu-spN70EVMTyA_oOHqJsc6427aDM-OcEc4zgKNnSMdhHkiz/s4032/20230227-IMG_9049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLO7spyT7gOimJpOSU2FV_tRGtx_sibVoi0cRCWMmFqHYD7d5L7mM64mdmJ0lSzvFBHfjriE5RqB6vphoUoo1dphC8eiUM5Pm7d3mcIBj4dNbmnk91A4wOZNUmKCdg7k6a_GdVJ5xDyu-spN70EVMTyA_oOHqJsc6427aDM-OcEc4zgKNnSMdhHkiz/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9049.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Once up on the high plains we followed the poles over alpine bogs with carefully placed stones to keep our feet dry. Not that it was very wet anyway.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82URhjAjgJR415_aVy8AtK6h8ILfUjUnssz7ZBpuq7lRiHT5FcXjLZkXwPDjZBLQoF3ojgMbQCMluEVs5LypyFS_VCWzdILAzvEYoPjUCyO8GOc_PSEksHlPvptbw_po77r56a3zHnaGMEUO0Kn41qp_8PT1Qx-Q-a-iDhaNZmyj9eDjBW8xw0GiC/s4032/20230227-IMG_9050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82URhjAjgJR415_aVy8AtK6h8ILfUjUnssz7ZBpuq7lRiHT5FcXjLZkXwPDjZBLQoF3ojgMbQCMluEVs5LypyFS_VCWzdILAzvEYoPjUCyO8GOc_PSEksHlPvptbw_po77r56a3zHnaGMEUO0Kn41qp_8PT1Qx-Q-a-iDhaNZmyj9eDjBW8xw0GiC/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9050.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We had about 6 kms to walk, and although there was little elevation gain or loss, it was still tough walking on a narrow rocky track with lots of scratches from the bushes overhanging the path.</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdeaKoVuz35eZw20hEQWGTC7XRIXQPZlgVp0wjDct_4vBfQIeszf2voUCRqNntQjUP4QD2zLQR531Z4Fn-nJdB96Y6f0d479ltm1SpRTyLc2DpdkE9TlVBlXOhWo-kSuuWUqoPyf5cKZAS2HHQtgIwqBQ0xHJn606HboM0U9Ccg0ZB8dtlIZqaPq9/s4032/20230227-IMG_9051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdeaKoVuz35eZw20hEQWGTC7XRIXQPZlgVp0wjDct_4vBfQIeszf2voUCRqNntQjUP4QD2zLQR531Z4Fn-nJdB96Y6f0d479ltm1SpRTyLc2DpdkE9TlVBlXOhWo-kSuuWUqoPyf5cKZAS2HHQtgIwqBQ0xHJn606HboM0U9Ccg0ZB8dtlIZqaPq9/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9051.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky, desolate, but quite beautiful...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9litb9GS0e2o6UY_MNB4jEdvpICPRPx1eRI3WRMSo8vdnqw7H3Lm2jimjMUjHsyAR_NOVEopxKOezzKt9EVcdKSfLdEYnqOgUjPSkw_8obOSYuu6jnAfpfwjQjpoe8Y3hLzn_eufYXkX0LmjEqoFkb09L-u6-9n4iod94kSYjNJ4lx63GogF2AIN3/s4032/20230227-IMG_9052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9litb9GS0e2o6UY_MNB4jEdvpICPRPx1eRI3WRMSo8vdnqw7H3Lm2jimjMUjHsyAR_NOVEopxKOezzKt9EVcdKSfLdEYnqOgUjPSkw_8obOSYuu6jnAfpfwjQjpoe8Y3hLzn_eufYXkX0LmjEqoFkb09L-u6-9n4iod94kSYjNJ4lx63GogF2AIN3/w480-h640/20230227-IMG_9052.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4xFYRJBabIpX3hyGjg42WsGFcwqTf4ohEQvWln6wKhJ_e7ZnjuOZeZDLX5_dpTYDIW5UJCCUWSvvBNW-0Mqub_OMVxv4w0mA43e12KzFmNeEduGwYdE5E7tv-L5KR-ipJP7rMahbXAmU7qFrRFDfRpo20pCl8UxCyJ8pAr35_8Z8hTiJCYY5Sfe0/s4032/20230227-IMG_9053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4xFYRJBabIpX3hyGjg42WsGFcwqTf4ohEQvWln6wKhJ_e7ZnjuOZeZDLX5_dpTYDIW5UJCCUWSvvBNW-0Mqub_OMVxv4w0mA43e12KzFmNeEduGwYdE5E7tv-L5KR-ipJP7rMahbXAmU7qFrRFDfRpo20pCl8UxCyJ8pAr35_8Z8hTiJCYY5Sfe0/w640-h480/20230227-IMG_9053.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />At Cope Saddle we stocked up on water supplies and walked the short distance to Ryder's Yards, which was used for cattle until 2003 when all cattle grazing in the park was banned. The buildings were in good condition so we camped and cooked in them rather than putting up tents. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSA6LwpOf8a92BysG60XqjDuIS0GLKk-0UlskLQmDO2lVePCWrVpDabjl1wxf_ySLjWeXX3KXAmq6BnQgY_IMcHgH4fFKxvK3A2aj5NUqdnoT1DUgbxmV2dXLLX8AoS-OQttnaWn9uDtKO3CzMwN2Pg-72LRXl6ChGoBM7kial6AkyqTZXsfHFSPi/s4032/20230228-IMG_9057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSA6LwpOf8a92BysG60XqjDuIS0GLKk-0UlskLQmDO2lVePCWrVpDabjl1wxf_ySLjWeXX3KXAmq6BnQgY_IMcHgH4fFKxvK3A2aj5NUqdnoT1DUgbxmV2dXLLX8AoS-OQttnaWn9uDtKO3CzMwN2Pg-72LRXl6ChGoBM7kial6AkyqTZXsfHFSPi/w640-h480/20230228-IMG_9057.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryder's Huts (photo taken in the morning)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It got quite cold overnight though.</div><div><br /></div> <div><b><i>Day 2 Ryders to Fitzgerald Hut (16.18 km, 210m👆 270m👇 max elevation 1721m)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div> <div>I got up around 6 for a firey sunrise and we were away by 8. A cold breeze was blowing which kept things comfortable, although I wore my new polypro gloves all morning. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmj3GRJvT-E-1_dLEbjLxjb7ZWx8EA4rzJ0tRVVkAeitSZzN3PXR3aVQQjLRVolGIe7wAHVSWrfdAWQ-uFTFPTMQLqZQdd53cy0MZz6Ka6QxWLGtjiPUHLVV9hO2IDg4BQwBVGIjLYAK0_1g52mxYslnXO7kztlrIyyMZvW-i3Zkon5hAfsIz4EFcf/s4032/20230228-IMG_9055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmj3GRJvT-E-1_dLEbjLxjb7ZWx8EA4rzJ0tRVVkAeitSZzN3PXR3aVQQjLRVolGIe7wAHVSWrfdAWQ-uFTFPTMQLqZQdd53cy0MZz6Ka6QxWLGtjiPUHLVV9hO2IDg4BQwBVGIjLYAK0_1g52mxYslnXO7kztlrIyyMZvW-i3Zkon5hAfsIz4EFcf/w640-h480/20230228-IMG_9055.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3GuyKchAZUElwyG_ou0LgSFBUOQEQvNUZUj7IhTjafrM5HDVKPvXAuzz-dk6UwNBNxspzPW0W_smm8b9HNj4RS3E5X_2q_PODcOSWqvE1vmUMNrsSPsh40D1s8ubqjkel8ALgqDsueEX1suJvNRq0C1ZsdjPgxcTrN7kEnVjZ5delR1SW-Z94jV0/s4032/20230228-IMG_9060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3GuyKchAZUElwyG_ou0LgSFBUOQEQvNUZUj7IhTjafrM5HDVKPvXAuzz-dk6UwNBNxspzPW0W_smm8b9HNj4RS3E5X_2q_PODcOSWqvE1vmUMNrsSPsh40D1s8ubqjkel8ALgqDsueEX1suJvNRq0C1ZsdjPgxcTrN7kEnVjZ5delR1SW-Z94jV0/w640-h480/20230228-IMG_9060.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsThQYhe0hUpRoUdf5vZe28v0T3J4IOMuauUnpCrCHSm6UcAI86wg78_By--B6nZFQK94hkPmL3sW8RELSpIH1NFgl3EjYqan-xJDPLvyW042xCZc1wEPyWI_AxTsKtBaxqlpoS_uTqHEru0HjTdBwI8fhS8p8YG2ozkU2ePkQLXbncFcNBQofnB9/s4032/20230228-IMG_9061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsThQYhe0hUpRoUdf5vZe28v0T3J4IOMuauUnpCrCHSm6UcAI86wg78_By--B6nZFQK94hkPmL3sW8RELSpIH1NFgl3EjYqan-xJDPLvyW042xCZc1wEPyWI_AxTsKtBaxqlpoS_uTqHEru0HjTdBwI8fhS8p8YG2ozkU2ePkQLXbncFcNBQofnB9/w480-h640/20230228-IMG_9061.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />It was easy walking all day beside aqueducts. We crossed Bogong High Plains Rd and walked down to Cope Hut, the first hut to be specifically built for tourists. It was a lovely place with room for lots to sleep there but you are expected to camp instead, so that day visitors don't feel they are imposing. This is quite different to NZ where sharing of public facilities by all visitors is a given. There were heaps of campsites, which you need to pay for, the same as at Dibbins Hut.</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBqMDRLCB2BhbQcvdr9KGHzypTHc1gjrH60Ztnlsg_RmWnKk9sHd2xSX_FaOg-p7ZhScCmFyRjV_LkXYA6WGF9jZdrrCObnEf4RTh-_WTrAMX91FDn5pQayLlmZVY3AT1ukcyu_-NBvpE3H1_txfI6X9i6nHA7_h_iJ1N67H5sLAK29XsG8lStnXZ/s4032/20230228-IMG_9062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBqMDRLCB2BhbQcvdr9KGHzypTHc1gjrH60Ztnlsg_RmWnKk9sHd2xSX_FaOg-p7ZhScCmFyRjV_LkXYA6WGF9jZdrrCObnEf4RTh-_WTrAMX91FDn5pQayLlmZVY3AT1ukcyu_-NBvpE3H1_txfI6X9i6nHA7_h_iJ1N67H5sLAK29XsG8lStnXZ/w640-h480/20230228-IMG_9062.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The iconic Cope Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnoltZGHZMDow7lxu_Q3L3SU4f4JXGCUWZRBa0UQskwTgXE3GVTwENIrbCHlFjzNjPshzO1WLx-LUb2lPBEcRwvcKqoRkFOSsIdaFJP1fF9znah6rIzdLR0_PV88y2-if8Eqdh2LmOSvaqc_039K-Llblsp5kw24v7E4x3qMacbcNT3jAryOftyrJ/s4032/20230228-20230228_101236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnoltZGHZMDow7lxu_Q3L3SU4f4JXGCUWZRBa0UQskwTgXE3GVTwENIrbCHlFjzNjPshzO1WLx-LUb2lPBEcRwvcKqoRkFOSsIdaFJP1fF9znah6rIzdLR0_PV88y2-if8Eqdh2LmOSvaqc_039K-Llblsp5kw24v7E4x3qMacbcNT3jAryOftyrJ/w640-h480/20230228-20230228_101236.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bit basic inside though...</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We continued on down the gully and then back onto another aqueduct which we followed all day. We passed Rovers Chalet, and then detoured to Wallace's Hut, another old cattlemen's hut, but this one constructed of wood slabs and shingle roof, though the shingles had been covered with corrugated iron roofing.</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBl425813aCmnuS7qaUDY_FMjbn9fQE7qISSCMp80fc0Tvzm3GosAJlZTTWmycWCInVbQ2gnPC4tlgT6JZDqaRUHwTiu8mDV59rUeLYI-_1E7C67WbYezs97k2jE4lxZFbIMLuG4ev7SXvRzxEo0ki8MW18dHKcEgvSouDWZK8BL4B_MJcdTwwvqY/s4032/20230228-20230228_112627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBl425813aCmnuS7qaUDY_FMjbn9fQE7qISSCMp80fc0Tvzm3GosAJlZTTWmycWCInVbQ2gnPC4tlgT6JZDqaRUHwTiu8mDV59rUeLYI-_1E7C67WbYezs97k2jE4lxZFbIMLuG4ev7SXvRzxEo0ki8MW18dHKcEgvSouDWZK8BL4B_MJcdTwwvqY/w640-h480/20230228-20230228_112627.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wallace's Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9SMnBAqhHXf-VIxlvV9fKi5Yz6UiAo2NsbUQK7wlZoOdOdlD3U9B7kZTAEp4Hs5hC5eXSQ7A6KMDcqCwRxoHkohNLsR7xpRS3Ri4gKnd4JyGaiAhnnbibxcYmikci2T7B1OgrNOq4aUtQgZF0GEanFZQID20Bo3NYTM0SWFf9z19s_ArhDy4bl6u/s4032/20230228-IMG_9066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9SMnBAqhHXf-VIxlvV9fKi5Yz6UiAo2NsbUQK7wlZoOdOdlD3U9B7kZTAEp4Hs5hC5eXSQ7A6KMDcqCwRxoHkohNLsR7xpRS3Ri4gKnd4JyGaiAhnnbibxcYmikci2T7B1OgrNOq4aUtQgZF0GEanFZQID20Bo3NYTM0SWFf9z19s_ArhDy4bl6u/w640-h480/20230228-IMG_9066.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodgy floorboards and wooden shingled roof (covered over with tin)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zzk_DWkVM0acNBGPo6qoYlSRWzjbuH-eEOQ9WR8LdrQKtUAYLBQy7704mCkbgCQdOlOG0-98M4hG4bwOHqlZ8XpFpD7uSjFF0bC15gOB9EuVV4IU9nnsSyHLhIraHqJwZxSVAf9l3lN9VTfitcWBrX5os4pHaaqmXJ3QV5yKfYnaJu8Hqt5YEnQZ/s4032/20230228-20230228_113553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zzk_DWkVM0acNBGPo6qoYlSRWzjbuH-eEOQ9WR8LdrQKtUAYLBQy7704mCkbgCQdOlOG0-98M4hG4bwOHqlZ8XpFpD7uSjFF0bC15gOB9EuVV4IU9nnsSyHLhIraHqJwZxSVAf9l3lN9VTfitcWBrX5os4pHaaqmXJ3QV5yKfYnaJu8Hqt5YEnQZ/w480-h640/20230228-20230228_113553.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tastefully built shingle roofed loo</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We had lunch back at the track junction and set out the solar panel to recharge our phones. It worked really well and charging was very quick. Iain was suitably impressed.</div><div><br /></div> <div>Onward following the aqueduct with a short stop to soak our feet in a dam, using the panel again whilst lying around, then off again. </div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-P5_PDaQmeVzA-Pb6N0iCO-R2pcjeyqbcbeY4uj5p-Ay-v7c35JNUNI7ySssa_uCSduLHR-hfNkosXyPlTSQC7tInoTqDftI9b7Pv_nrq84z3IrwhJmPLFgMNGNvoezJ10552X7JDNrZwnM390xcsn02NmPB6ACofjagVAZCgG7EZIOKYuC-ysaE/s4032/20230228-IMG_9070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-P5_PDaQmeVzA-Pb6N0iCO-R2pcjeyqbcbeY4uj5p-Ay-v7c35JNUNI7ySssa_uCSduLHR-hfNkosXyPlTSQC7tInoTqDftI9b7Pv_nrq84z3IrwhJmPLFgMNGNvoezJ10552X7JDNrZwnM390xcsn02NmPB6ACofjagVAZCgG7EZIOKYuC-ysaE/w480-h640/20230228-IMG_9070.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPD0keYBu2CiJxYZ-h94RaPX0sxXBE3OTKdpCkmkwMv70FbUjBj-lR_-4EvrZgDajf0w6g9V9bB2194eQXn_3HWzAaCJWMdFrg3F3428TLTgXobG3M3rfaj39xkG--u2OXaEBBkpEEuiR0lKTNaOmP9_j5vObw0keR1ChEtqCYbjWuQbhdd0spFzw/s4032/20230228-IMG_9072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPD0keYBu2CiJxYZ-h94RaPX0sxXBE3OTKdpCkmkwMv70FbUjBj-lR_-4EvrZgDajf0w6g9V9bB2194eQXn_3HWzAaCJWMdFrg3F3428TLTgXobG3M3rfaj39xkG--u2OXaEBBkpEEuiR0lKTNaOmP9_j5vObw0keR1ChEtqCYbjWuQbhdd0spFzw/w640-h480/20230228-IMG_9072.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />At a covered bridge the AAWT left the aqueduct but we continued along the aqueduct instead, until a small horse trail took us up a creek line to Fitzgeralds Hut.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E2ozrWqBgPxEXQpU-Dsq8tYm4_Qlg5ywdaavibo3WJxTtXaWV69sm6MsXNcToHnEISBkBp1amzr80QYhZND8jaZC_kzd2EwkbMp4FUMZWPt2LdDlJNVCkCdAdRRIyrueQupF_4rPuv6R6rk7cxiIToCQfHO1L8UhKmrEI_GfUssJMTXfMERBpszO/s4032/20230228-IMG_9073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E2ozrWqBgPxEXQpU-Dsq8tYm4_Qlg5ywdaavibo3WJxTtXaWV69sm6MsXNcToHnEISBkBp1amzr80QYhZND8jaZC_kzd2EwkbMp4FUMZWPt2LdDlJNVCkCdAdRRIyrueQupF_4rPuv6R6rk7cxiIToCQfHO1L8UhKmrEI_GfUssJMTXfMERBpszO/w480-h640/20230228-IMG_9073.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WZAPIznC-tEkIAUGO16hI9ZXniP6xaFZxL5amZF2JL2oWw9pctWgul7j2nFJcggCKnuC8hDzJq-hJSWbW7z4C11G7MbvUZCGZWxQ-EXfPlO2KIY12XR1XWmGRvDD8CWyDWFfI_A8g3Wi45rLno94RMZTKovO_9G4oaKFt87JG57VYA7f1ZHXbwsr/s4032/20230228-IMG_9074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WZAPIznC-tEkIAUGO16hI9ZXniP6xaFZxL5amZF2JL2oWw9pctWgul7j2nFJcggCKnuC8hDzJq-hJSWbW7z4C11G7MbvUZCGZWxQ-EXfPlO2KIY12XR1XWmGRvDD8CWyDWFfI_A8g3Wi45rLno94RMZTKovO_9G4oaKFt87JG57VYA7f1ZHXbwsr/w640-h480/20230228-IMG_9074.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covered bridge, we kept on along the aqueduct as we were heading for Fitzgerald Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXEuz5VMlAOABxXt85SdlLVenr53elWiGTMs1SLsfebseudN1uE679w_SvUvu_dl4hweHVOqrYM0Pay5xblThZWx0v9pLXOP2rSwNnQBoxOkkJ8RZHnCGrhBfb4OTpYye_UKP-9zRlV-BM7x7arins3qTY2jogbitzqIZ7JYaNsQpxJuQo_DC6c8h/s4032/20230228-IMG_9076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXEuz5VMlAOABxXt85SdlLVenr53elWiGTMs1SLsfebseudN1uE679w_SvUvu_dl4hweHVOqrYM0Pay5xblThZWx0v9pLXOP2rSwNnQBoxOkkJ8RZHnCGrhBfb4OTpYye_UKP-9zRlV-BM7x7arins3qTY2jogbitzqIZ7JYaNsQpxJuQo_DC6c8h/w640-h480/20230228-IMG_9076.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following the horse trail up the gully, the track we had followed in background</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSX0iptOr-lO8il-14E2Fi0l4IxLQiqdS7Fhpwm8r4ZXg9VnivKDh5_9X5CoC3u7doMIMh7jdIW6Qnn-lWXxJy-G1JOJ5ERMc5dDipRx3IHb2Gy3jAvL1YEttR7IpTQk7O43n8KpHw9fgd6zLP4ZjseoqnXrc51kQ-mEcwemyTjt_rahp6prNGsd3z/s4032/20230228-IMG_9079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSX0iptOr-lO8il-14E2Fi0l4IxLQiqdS7Fhpwm8r4ZXg9VnivKDh5_9X5CoC3u7doMIMh7jdIW6Qnn-lWXxJy-G1JOJ5ERMc5dDipRx3IHb2Gy3jAvL1YEttR7IpTQk7O43n8KpHw9fgd6zLP4ZjseoqnXrc51kQ-mEcwemyTjt_rahp6prNGsd3z/w480-h640/20230228-IMG_9079.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Fitzgerald's Hut was another wooden beauty in a lovely clearing. It had burned down accidentally a few years ago and been rebuilt by the community. A sign requested people not stay in the hut itself, so we dutifully pitched our tents and just did our cooking inside. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTqee8RjNQls0RtNNpikzy01-OIYCi0NmMAV3Wwuf8dwJB24NXYR7IUpjPyrTrzUtDIrVlqNPDHHry-HSKiel9SPjyetAsggzqwvH7srYXCLuojWEemJAKipeK38-p7NP4E_QOmRDyy13f6gFxhz1ydFuoAA5sZ9O9UV4PqDGZGEda92WOhdJUiL8/s4032/20230228-IMG_9080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTqee8RjNQls0RtNNpikzy01-OIYCi0NmMAV3Wwuf8dwJB24NXYR7IUpjPyrTrzUtDIrVlqNPDHHry-HSKiel9SPjyetAsggzqwvH7srYXCLuojWEemJAKipeK38-p7NP4E_QOmRDyy13f6gFxhz1ydFuoAA5sZ9O9UV4PqDGZGEda92WOhdJUiL8/w640-h480/20230228-IMG_9080.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAR1lQ4AELF9M_0tY9CFh62E3siW2Gg0s6SJbFwjvT7EemfoDAfvRd_PvwvEUpxxG8f0dcpcFRjBkDEp0Uuw-X3MYxcyaziDJNYEA9tFAU4SZ4Rs3XDTWI6_Nlh1FhgMZdxDb1JaHwDLFVkWf3XAXxlhzNouOsOCfTmuC4i2eKR8PMXjgpujMIkAK/s4032/20230228-IMG_9081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAR1lQ4AELF9M_0tY9CFh62E3siW2Gg0s6SJbFwjvT7EemfoDAfvRd_PvwvEUpxxG8f0dcpcFRjBkDEp0Uuw-X3MYxcyaziDJNYEA9tFAU4SZ4Rs3XDTWI6_Nlh1FhgMZdxDb1JaHwDLFVkWf3XAXxlhzNouOsOCfTmuC4i2eKR8PMXjgpujMIkAK/w640-h480/20230228-IMG_9081.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7B9nnjnPbXmjI8-2kAQBhv5-gqY6VLmnm0bHIHoajJCOeYIOto8azgzyvadADpc2FRTw-kFr3kvtVKqN8oeoGRyfA_7ERcddjdlzM38Dqcx7ysSKcLxj_n-5k_xgwp-jFuBofcm9G4Q4u1Nda7fjgAfN7rWQ2s7CeTs8TpiV2yu0h0fl0eSZCxpxu/s4032/20230228-IMG_9082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7B9nnjnPbXmjI8-2kAQBhv5-gqY6VLmnm0bHIHoajJCOeYIOto8azgzyvadADpc2FRTw-kFr3kvtVKqN8oeoGRyfA_7ERcddjdlzM38Dqcx7ysSKcLxj_n-5k_xgwp-jFuBofcm9G4Q4u1Nda7fjgAfN7rWQ2s7CeTs8TpiV2yu0h0fl0eSZCxpxu/w480-h640/20230228-IMG_9082.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMNbB43Ctgz9-7I16LBlp0U8OAFtGkuwLpQidfFdTlMkYn6g0O0LEoMLk1xnGX_DmyXUpve3kJiq5QpE8_y9N-G8AktvNf7YiiG0SnMLOoBFCvyOzhSMfqa_x3pZMzPzJAH9fOk2TNVZcMF-uyg_E9mbQ-Uh7EOALKB80M07tXkgA24o3K7bHdjv7/s4032/20230228-IMG_9084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMNbB43Ctgz9-7I16LBlp0U8OAFtGkuwLpQidfFdTlMkYn6g0O0LEoMLk1xnGX_DmyXUpve3kJiq5QpE8_y9N-G8AktvNf7YiiG0SnMLOoBFCvyOzhSMfqa_x3pZMzPzJAH9fOk2TNVZcMF-uyg_E9mbQ-Uh7EOALKB80M07tXkgA24o3K7bHdjv7/w640-h480/20230228-IMG_9084.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Although it had been a much easier day than yesterday it was still tiring towards the end. After dinner we were both early to bed.</div><div><br /></div> <div><b><i>Day 3 Fitzgerald Hut to Big River (21.37 km, 400m👆 790m👇 max elevation 1866m)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div> <div>We rose to misty foggy conditions and wet tents, but we had the dry hut to have breakfast in and pack. We headed off around 9 in misty weather, following snow poles to the track and then down to check out Kelly's Hut. This was another old cattlemen's hut. Not as nice as Fitzgerald's though.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBl7fBPP_y_lGe6oPtkugN1KrFSn_EVlS2yNTzTOg0BhKTWYcFi_e02GxRuouKXCMCp8o5QkFrokUTm4hJFfcFDeLtLTM2eiU1McF68eiUtc-qTjZw3EyVOXp9v4EqaDiGiO-H4X2p1R7RlTeoItdK13PRpvCk-ZGoF-jvQhMj1W3NT_QpOrquqdD/s4032/20230301-IMG_9085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBl7fBPP_y_lGe6oPtkugN1KrFSn_EVlS2yNTzTOg0BhKTWYcFi_e02GxRuouKXCMCp8o5QkFrokUTm4hJFfcFDeLtLTM2eiU1McF68eiUtc-qTjZw3EyVOXp9v4EqaDiGiO-H4X2p1R7RlTeoItdK13PRpvCk-ZGoF-jvQhMj1W3NT_QpOrquqdD/w640-h480/20230301-IMG_9085.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50NeLEL6E5B_4i6E-FPZ0yJ0X2t-BeOgfjDeFzwq233EPj9f5Gaz_I40vSNfsawm310aXdNGUyS52SGLLfkX4OFIoEMDwb33Bbxt82IG0jjUncEQyLJpUBpYMzzyxdhu8JND2O2MGLY9gzzxwBtzBDMgvrSxFnlswWj-j1MWAB_lkEczviH_N65gi/s4032/20230301-IMG_9088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50NeLEL6E5B_4i6E-FPZ0yJ0X2t-BeOgfjDeFzwq233EPj9f5Gaz_I40vSNfsawm310aXdNGUyS52SGLLfkX4OFIoEMDwb33Bbxt82IG0jjUncEQyLJpUBpYMzzyxdhu8JND2O2MGLY9gzzxwBtzBDMgvrSxFnlswWj-j1MWAB_lkEczviH_N65gi/w640-h480/20230301-IMG_9088.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly's Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We returned to our packs and a few kilometres of walking in the fog, following a track back to the main trail and then soon veering off again to Johnstone Hut which is a ski club hut. Some workers were replacing the hearth so we got to have a wee look inside. </div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggCKE0fpIR_i8bvHqtIRGrV0f14TSxKWzCNk9RdiVpCG1kXoObT3YZP-q1OOPt9c_y0-__yYdNmdjgoynr_5PFN_fdakYyk8LEh9P18KZKJ_AzyVMJvz29VQzfolW6_o70kniNTOA-TPYSgQY4QAisVM32OcFodNAS6BlNkWBFzYxYAt_F9Xi2EGx/s4032/20230301-IMG_9089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggCKE0fpIR_i8bvHqtIRGrV0f14TSxKWzCNk9RdiVpCG1kXoObT3YZP-q1OOPt9c_y0-__yYdNmdjgoynr_5PFN_fdakYyk8LEh9P18KZKJ_AzyVMJvz29VQzfolW6_o70kniNTOA-TPYSgQY4QAisVM32OcFodNAS6BlNkWBFzYxYAt_F9Xi2EGx/w480-h640/20230301-IMG_9089.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKqP2J7N23YTYO2kidOAU8ZcD_9fP6s7E9qnxdZJdiJ673fXqvi-YE2ih2UdP3sFPaaGqqEk6rhasjrU53OXLoqreY32cOnrg1d33Xh81tVmke0dy6DrzAcc5oQiRwSn41jRzyBwqSGxGVpnVxytl8kdAwA1bylUPlv_ymNOvrMpT0UoGNA2V9RoE/s4032/20230301-IMG_9091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKqP2J7N23YTYO2kidOAU8ZcD_9fP6s7E9qnxdZJdiJ673fXqvi-YE2ih2UdP3sFPaaGqqEk6rhasjrU53OXLoqreY32cOnrg1d33Xh81tVmke0dy6DrzAcc5oQiRwSn41jRzyBwqSGxGVpnVxytl8kdAwA1bylUPlv_ymNOvrMpT0UoGNA2V9RoE/w480-h640/20230301-IMG_9091.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2-rBKkzFWrR9PuXXvDUyKxuUX_0_S0jxeKvysETlzuw1Z20lxa9cfWKm-nQlxlxlvJzxSBqvcyUzamL_Fbu7G6V2Dig5rYF6ioVi3Sq-57a5bq3vH04ABiRofbtdm2H_jsoN2ViZc2T-Skzn5DEmSeHg0Ddi_vf9I02AM1R5RD2kVynoywjm-Ldp/s4032/20230301-IMG_9093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2-rBKkzFWrR9PuXXvDUyKxuUX_0_S0jxeKvysETlzuw1Z20lxa9cfWKm-nQlxlxlvJzxSBqvcyUzamL_Fbu7G6V2Dig5rYF6ioVi3Sq-57a5bq3vH04ABiRofbtdm2H_jsoN2ViZc2T-Skzn5DEmSeHg0Ddi_vf9I02AM1R5RD2kVynoywjm-Ldp/w640-h480/20230301-IMG_9093.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAA_IQ8W5TEvJaKrkq35mxMcdkj69m8wK7Phn4CgxjxglE0zBCVDKWIg_Z_JmroymDKSu1xIH6efbEnuJZ_Mx4CXz5v1isSIIBDfiVndAvtlcdWWpZh1nBNJnKYy76Bm19ZeQgWPCKC61mwC81cc2K4glplnxU5zgUK9SgWohYm7U3TCqP8C-f76xl/s4032/20230301-20230301_094040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAA_IQ8W5TEvJaKrkq35mxMcdkj69m8wK7Phn4CgxjxglE0zBCVDKWIg_Z_JmroymDKSu1xIH6efbEnuJZ_Mx4CXz5v1isSIIBDfiVndAvtlcdWWpZh1nBNJnKYy76Bm19ZeQgWPCKC61mwC81cc2K4glplnxU5zgUK9SgWohYm7U3TCqP8C-f76xl/w640-h480/20230301-20230301_094040.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMxWQz9ja12ZmSTZ3fyNWArT8wLdfWFt9_vmZVz6OWbNfrhJ_xHo7GEeZDWmgQ-qEh4KYFrNqucIsBn1-qcHFKhB-hfdjQN1rMb-xTAVOxnpBODZNfzt-iAkIAtEDRAvwptLHBnhd2zbfqARJUnkcdTICw0rStAdUqhadNC9phraKoHI1PnZZ01QF/s4032/20230301-20230301_104904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMxWQz9ja12ZmSTZ3fyNWArT8wLdfWFt9_vmZVz6OWbNfrhJ_xHo7GEeZDWmgQ-qEh4KYFrNqucIsBn1-qcHFKhB-hfdjQN1rMb-xTAVOxnpBODZNfzt-iAkIAtEDRAvwptLHBnhd2zbfqARJUnkcdTICw0rStAdUqhadNC9phraKoHI1PnZZ01QF/w640-h480/20230301-20230301_104904.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johnstone Ski Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2ShEocbcVViTS2923uv-CcaBltHEJndlQIsdmPAbRzMSddDtwT-kWRAbrFhbw4UA2Q061GgIwhjOMCPeGrqtgqgK2MHPlbQGoqrP0xqc5eMP7K-X3RlAKGyCnHOYHLhx328N-rCEu3MCfUTJlQgMBPeYZZuX5y-XrkGFpHWeiqOE_ERch038TNs3/s4032/20230301-IMG_9095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2ShEocbcVViTS2923uv-CcaBltHEJndlQIsdmPAbRzMSddDtwT-kWRAbrFhbw4UA2Q061GgIwhjOMCPeGrqtgqgK2MHPlbQGoqrP0xqc5eMP7K-X3RlAKGyCnHOYHLhx328N-rCEu3MCfUTJlQgMBPeYZZuX5y-XrkGFpHWeiqOE_ERch038TNs3/w640-h480/20230301-IMG_9095.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1peunnfgyL8gSTsLxjIGwbwmYaPgBltvCKx2Kl87zT1H07L-3WFEs50x50la7B0I5HzmjSOtYp5MayKAIF7V3lxrPBWxOp2-ZmXL746NGEH9nvDvekKJOgrNJevtwmCJu0HmT1XcFawRXgVDFsUAuObHhe3RXmehpBC8lYiqCSJgyBsOH4vQGNAoL/s4032/20230301-20230301_104936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1peunnfgyL8gSTsLxjIGwbwmYaPgBltvCKx2Kl87zT1H07L-3WFEs50x50la7B0I5HzmjSOtYp5MayKAIF7V3lxrPBWxOp2-ZmXL746NGEH9nvDvekKJOgrNJevtwmCJu0HmT1XcFawRXgVDFsUAuObHhe3RXmehpBC8lYiqCSJgyBsOH4vQGNAoL/w640-h480/20230301-20230301_104936.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I dropped down to the creek to get water as I was out. There had been no water at either of our campsites so far, meaning we had to carry in enough for the evening's meals and morning coffee fix.</div><div><br /></div> <div>It was a steep walk back from Johnstone Hut to the packs and I was struggling. Although I had been confident I could physically do this walk I was still struggling with both fitness and endurance. But there's one thing I know: the only way to get tramping fit is to go tramping...</div><div><br /></div><div>Edmonson Hut was just off the main track on the other side from Johnstone Hut. It was a public hut, but had little character though a welcome shelter if inclement weather. The composting toilets were high spec though!</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpTEpWqMLfZGZgP6T0O5fghcpRvmtdShYF_Lz3ym7bGUGU2kCk9QaxNrDj678ZRpOm3pSdcIey9xITSCRVHiTX6uwSoirP3--yoodyZhogidrlHVFOEeS4ZqdvwlP4yGIM_pCzWPdvvo3Cf7fDC-9iWgMjscV1DdH16ZnbwKGej9t_ZZYk4J9UvIQ/s4032/20230301-20230301_115221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpTEpWqMLfZGZgP6T0O5fghcpRvmtdShYF_Lz3ym7bGUGU2kCk9QaxNrDj678ZRpOm3pSdcIey9xITSCRVHiTX6uwSoirP3--yoodyZhogidrlHVFOEeS4ZqdvwlP4yGIM_pCzWPdvvo3Cf7fDC-9iWgMjscV1DdH16ZnbwKGej9t_ZZYk4J9UvIQ/w640-h480/20230301-20230301_115221.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edmonsons Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NZiWdKPHG5VxrRpP4330EkzXinDrexirYfiRC-UUghO7Et6b7aPhPrWHKBpdBAQIlH-pEGNqEJ3k0yvjcCFQUPgd6dZILNnd7SA9bBfprc91smmYn64jQHa6kYmOI627VWZTFQNor0AKi2rQ0C0-_qaPtM_Wr8HEw673TuBVGzVrSAXDVRvXIBmR/s4032/20230301-IMG_9099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NZiWdKPHG5VxrRpP4330EkzXinDrexirYfiRC-UUghO7Et6b7aPhPrWHKBpdBAQIlH-pEGNqEJ3k0yvjcCFQUPgd6dZILNnd7SA9bBfprc91smmYn64jQHa6kYmOI627VWZTFQNor0AKi2rQ0C0-_qaPtM_Wr8HEw673TuBVGzVrSAXDVRvXIBmR/w640-h480/20230301-IMG_9099.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8dCkLAzd1MXtO6luKBUHbX55BgjIJ6xrgoOOkRzW-6ZgFgfHUFB5ekHZ0hOMt6b200OtzsiN8bm02D0CAAuUpP4J_tDm506nQWfzUu4DW0OK1ZcUWdVrfxzniY5syJ4CySc1Y1E6JONuKFSFDH9uabV9kF-iiYw3kx-MPnigws9VIlpgyZNwoEns/s4032/20230301-20230301_115700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8dCkLAzd1MXtO6luKBUHbX55BgjIJ6xrgoOOkRzW-6ZgFgfHUFB5ekHZ0hOMt6b200OtzsiN8bm02D0CAAuUpP4J_tDm506nQWfzUu4DW0OK1ZcUWdVrfxzniY5syJ4CySc1Y1E6JONuKFSFDH9uabV9kF-iiYw3kx-MPnigws9VIlpgyZNwoEns/w480-h640/20230301-20230301_115700.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High spec composting toilets in the Alpine National Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN4__Wa-Ss4jqkSsGbA6JpEftuYQfTsnRYWk_GxrvcIacxplapOBtG1Q20rtXpE7l-8k4-9vBZSka-tt_SS_3rCk8OVr1PlokfKwPTuy_dkpvVLQb2lw_g1Fd5L-8V7thdUqBkIfmrb578bvI9F2CGmAxw62Ap3C96go1FKm3q08zwJvBp919POfH/s4032/20230301-IMG_9100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN4__Wa-Ss4jqkSsGbA6JpEftuYQfTsnRYWk_GxrvcIacxplapOBtG1Q20rtXpE7l-8k4-9vBZSka-tt_SS_3rCk8OVr1PlokfKwPTuy_dkpvVLQb2lw_g1Fd5L-8V7thdUqBkIfmrb578bvI9F2CGmAxw62Ap3C96go1FKm3q08zwJvBp919POfH/w480-h640/20230301-IMG_9100.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly huntsman spider in the flash loo</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We had lunch back at the main track then continued up to Langford Gap and then along to where the track heads down to Roper Hut and Big River. The fog had at last cleared and we could see Falls Creek in the distance. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpC9euFe0HZzcstfTvLlkVdbFf_PUMbcA3nHcSMZM2MSMotFCqnt_hcaI_xBFkVDyL2NM1uRjSkdsm_r3pNLc7s5GVbAIBPZcWGNUFiMiF5QupYimCTfLfdCM9IzC7KWG8oalNQbqMeQQMpR63bVFQTLks6EwIoJilpTXi_E5z4Uz6PPW9D7aSCQY/s4032/20230301-IMG_9103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpC9euFe0HZzcstfTvLlkVdbFf_PUMbcA3nHcSMZM2MSMotFCqnt_hcaI_xBFkVDyL2NM1uRjSkdsm_r3pNLc7s5GVbAIBPZcWGNUFiMiF5QupYimCTfLfdCM9IzC7KWG8oalNQbqMeQQMpR63bVFQTLks6EwIoJilpTXi_E5z4Uz6PPW9D7aSCQY/w640-h480/20230301-IMG_9103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrPpB39FkuSu9RP2Crcxor_psK9pdXEVoVfXU-XNTWjBqa74cIWWRNzZeBSnXiIp1sVVzNmr_AIEZTU_vZIVwjiih-akwTxn9YSFlnEX4IShIriKc7Oidha0r5i2aD3jr6XdYOp8CsNV59AG-Y9BOqr_CEREWROIW40AA0eAFfMWzpC2YcbuC-ssc/s4032/20230301-IMG_9105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrPpB39FkuSu9RP2Crcxor_psK9pdXEVoVfXU-XNTWjBqa74cIWWRNzZeBSnXiIp1sVVzNmr_AIEZTU_vZIVwjiih-akwTxn9YSFlnEX4IShIriKc7Oidha0r5i2aD3jr6XdYOp8CsNV59AG-Y9BOqr_CEREWROIW40AA0eAFfMWzpC2YcbuC-ssc/w480-h640/20230301-IMG_9105.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentians</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Rather than head down to Roper Hut on the official AAWT route, we had planned to take the alternative route up Timms Spur and then down to Big River further up stream, in order to do a full traverse of Mt Bogong. Due to some confusion as to whether there was a hut in existence (the sign said hut site) we didn't take the short detour down to visit Roper Hut.</div><div><br /></div> <div>The landscape changed suddenly from treeless alpine terrain to a few trees and some scree, and then into more usual eucalyptus forest as we descended down the ridge. It was tough walking with no shade and no cooling breeze like up higher. The ground was hard underfoot so we both stopped a few times to take our shoes and socks off for some respite.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIfyFkqY39aqejWKfSOx04bTuIRh7pyHr9894rtMe4Yjlj70pzGipcrrwjVj5kFbJZvBsANsyF6x70yCTjxJuPEIcMg-3OUSKPmuXk9vlZrtOB50s9J6K4930fvBX8LqS74kb_aj_p4fJDrb5VcrbJDLJ1onirb6u0W0h0MbqyYG9DDoMu-ynuVG7/s4032/20230301-IMG_9108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIfyFkqY39aqejWKfSOx04bTuIRh7pyHr9894rtMe4Yjlj70pzGipcrrwjVj5kFbJZvBsANsyF6x70yCTjxJuPEIcMg-3OUSKPmuXk9vlZrtOB50s9J6K4930fvBX8LqS74kb_aj_p4fJDrb5VcrbJDLJ1onirb6u0W0h0MbqyYG9DDoMu-ynuVG7/w640-h480/20230301-IMG_9108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGyLO75WoYzsxoOvdwslDdf6pfR3L9gZOJWIyy2jYS9n4bqF1djsOoMAG1kGB7r9XhncvZ4Jw9wxqncJdFeVwtiAjJN0rL2xWm2JF5vq2qYnwdNtyeeXjgUmGgDcbOSIIbsvuI9hFEYYfZB3jg807F3-QKcTcP9lW9_hMMLYegv7nx09y99Yy33nc/s4032/20230301-IMG_9109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj20-r_U5qeM5ujigA-mGjn8KFPUIcaNJJn8RjQCSk1VLXDOnxIovJQ2SJxa1goBkRd-EyjJp_71TT0IkaELM8uGOJmoRin1Al1cPUMWA8BwQmYEylzO3LK0HF2W-Uoy7c8-nxCxgR5UM8Rc3yANxDDAAOkKdL1LeehXY-Ab9rhrZrJsWHcMRps6tW/s4032/20230301-IMG_9114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj20-r_U5qeM5ujigA-mGjn8KFPUIcaNJJn8RjQCSk1VLXDOnxIovJQ2SJxa1goBkRd-EyjJp_71TT0IkaELM8uGOJmoRin1Al1cPUMWA8BwQmYEylzO3LK0HF2W-Uoy7c8-nxCxgR5UM8Rc3yANxDDAAOkKdL1LeehXY-Ab9rhrZrJsWHcMRps6tW/w480-h640/20230301-IMG_9114.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0I7VIULuUXzZ8WA5biU63a2psp8sBHoDZdCMBi5AlH8BNA0vBhMpxK42CMJ7EZYsgxrNEnGavggRrijz7RRmAYhWPQjik4vNWwTwtChdmGK9NxgfAHeUqXYQP5MihUQ2OrRFP3-OVrL4ZGW7Zq_VfB8BZP0xKpgJZz7nbYNk8VtynuJgQh7_5Raw/s4032/20230301-IMG_9115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0I7VIULuUXzZ8WA5biU63a2psp8sBHoDZdCMBi5AlH8BNA0vBhMpxK42CMJ7EZYsgxrNEnGavggRrijz7RRmAYhWPQjik4vNWwTwtChdmGK9NxgfAHeUqXYQP5MihUQ2OrRFP3-OVrL4ZGW7Zq_VfB8BZP0xKpgJZz7nbYNk8VtynuJgQh7_5Raw/w480-h640/20230301-IMG_9115.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB32n1JznQsp-uidY7h1eV9qJMVBTvgqYVH0sBaWysZCnaCZj6RvbvojY-83Kg6s1Q2IckRg_zGu17gRkuOHFQkRhTdQGSf5EV_NOiYwntGpHMcsl2blEh2wB36WeTc2MtOb3wWB0oKi8CoCdVmd_f13v5GMNU3pi8DWisQBGRHHq_WiygQvQvi62U/s4032/20230301-IMG_9116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB32n1JznQsp-uidY7h1eV9qJMVBTvgqYVH0sBaWysZCnaCZj6RvbvojY-83Kg6s1Q2IckRg_zGu17gRkuOHFQkRhTdQGSf5EV_NOiYwntGpHMcsl2blEh2wB36WeTc2MtOb3wWB0oKi8CoCdVmd_f13v5GMNU3pi8DWisQBGRHHq_WiygQvQvi62U/w480-h640/20230301-IMG_9116.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunhat anyone?</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We finally arrived at Big River around 5pm. The sun had left the valley by then but it was a warm evening and nice to have a wash with plenty of water in the river. </div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbeGoaUr0CoSyPnxWcA3AfaZnt0X5pazu5OGl-JGasyriqPTM5QfVDxAadFHQbzL3WDy0J5wcORC5oDJNHTDg2LKP57bDbYhoIXEGeDEPJqHtybG4suuyrtKJgZq94kTgdfvNxNMlm__jLMZ3GLu3fk0wHT4JESfFwabvmGB2vPZSryl3gHa5XQ2z/s4032/20230301-20230301_170231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbeGoaUr0CoSyPnxWcA3AfaZnt0X5pazu5OGl-JGasyriqPTM5QfVDxAadFHQbzL3WDy0J5wcORC5oDJNHTDg2LKP57bDbYhoIXEGeDEPJqHtybG4suuyrtKJgZq94kTgdfvNxNMlm__jLMZ3GLu3fk0wHT4JESfFwabvmGB2vPZSryl3gHa5XQ2z/w640-h480/20230301-20230301_170231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Our damp tents dried quickly, dinner was had, a little laundry and then bed.</div><div><br /></div> <div><b><i>Day 4 Big River to Cleve Cole Hut (10.85 km, 740m👆 340m👇 max elevation 2101m)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div> <div>With good weather forecast for what was the crux of the trip we decided not to take a rest day and continue on. Due to the nearby ski fields of Hotham and Falls Creek there's pretty good mobile coverage up on the Bogong High Plains. I'm not that bothered about keeping up with social media, but it's nice to get a more accurate weather forecast than the one I can get on the InReach. Yeah, I'm a fussy tramper....</div><div><br /></div><div>We were up around 6:15 to dry tents but for some condensation as it had been another warm still night. Though I'd woken myself up during the night after dreaming something rather large was pushing against my tent!</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CJQCS9KOPFQFjPWO3bJGMu63n69YMfzQ2NwiS7ZI0vNg-h4QCG4hEEoYHz_FyddOKE1XYajnCSQ5JKh5H6FUWoZHx97aj1F8HAt2MPUmhRh3PQazWNLqlKi5NCcRZIf42J9z4SXlSV_c6dp20VKElZs2vP-Sn5L7XCjOFgEkIIhZmIO92h2eqLp4/s4032/20230302-20230302_074158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CJQCS9KOPFQFjPWO3bJGMu63n69YMfzQ2NwiS7ZI0vNg-h4QCG4hEEoYHz_FyddOKE1XYajnCSQ5JKh5H6FUWoZHx97aj1F8HAt2MPUmhRh3PQazWNLqlKi5NCcRZIf42J9z4SXlSV_c6dp20VKElZs2vP-Sn5L7XCjOFgEkIIhZmIO92h2eqLp4/w640-h480/20230302-20230302_074158.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After coffee (me) and breakfast (Iain) it was a quick crossing of the stream and then up the hill into a sunny spot to put on shoes and socks for the long climb to Mt Bogong. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhchjKntxDZMsJh9UU51_Uq9earRi228JFPBd6vTY6RQqiv2X28Lk9EUBt-nwdGnma6VRPl1nPmkFVkkiQIZs_rXH-8-UkALebspWkNdPY1QBztYcFAHrvhOuk0bHmKBxdWYzNjerC-VHzH3rV3AKqodyIWRNTl0zpiCE6SUHJbBefDm0r9SxzTxi/s4032/20230302-20230302_082359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhchjKntxDZMsJh9UU51_Uq9earRi228JFPBd6vTY6RQqiv2X28Lk9EUBt-nwdGnma6VRPl1nPmkFVkkiQIZs_rXH-8-UkALebspWkNdPY1QBztYcFAHrvhOuk0bHmKBxdWYzNjerC-VHzH3rV3AKqodyIWRNTl0zpiCE6SUHJbBefDm0r9SxzTxi/w640-h480/20230302-20230302_082359.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the not so Big River</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Me9wvkWG5tVSN8boWB6JPxr-UCusHKHtUSJnFa9yWwsxVxCvKUst70FSocLMtiZ17--2iMTbKM6IFRwAA9aXvo6anWV1umulJkxbrSA7iVM8dxnLerpmTj02KMKyuaRcRHkNx8THtIc-ZyDptlIJg2NtAZzQCl0dngRgrIN1Vr1VG82AeDbLdwaD/s4032/20230302-IMG_9119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Me9wvkWG5tVSN8boWB6JPxr-UCusHKHtUSJnFa9yWwsxVxCvKUst70FSocLMtiZ17--2iMTbKM6IFRwAA9aXvo6anWV1umulJkxbrSA7iVM8dxnLerpmTj02KMKyuaRcRHkNx8THtIc-ZyDptlIJg2NtAZzQCl0dngRgrIN1Vr1VG82AeDbLdwaD/w640-h480/20230302-IMG_9119.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black cockatoos</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55pvC0efpPaXGY9TmcKD1IhC1H2Asv3jaMu-K2-DbmWKdjY5KYtr6fZKsZA-yy37M-8YMvkm1P9FJ62lUte-z5I7HyheOIrWnE8Z7MygVfWmWQwcUTN5SfaTBIqt4-Gt_ughz1NuuCjit7ImER1BPBRex-wAQP7wBsnZh7lZj0eOZrAkl1V3U1aNw/s3591/20230302-IMG_9117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3591" data-original-width="2692" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55pvC0efpPaXGY9TmcKD1IhC1H2Asv3jaMu-K2-DbmWKdjY5KYtr6fZKsZA-yy37M-8YMvkm1P9FJ62lUte-z5I7HyheOIrWnE8Z7MygVfWmWQwcUTN5SfaTBIqt4-Gt_ughz1NuuCjit7ImER1BPBRex-wAQP7wBsnZh7lZj0eOZrAkl1V3U1aNw/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9117.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The Quartz Ridge Trail was a really pleasant narrow track through trees and low undergrowth which wound it's way higher. There was one steep scramble down to a saddle and then the climb continued until coming out of the trees and following a rocky ridge line up to Quartz Knob. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggl7YzkN83B54xJviyJduDyYjU2b5HWr67dvvgvQsJVZAcEx5TQN-xHDq3ccjkJHgmFA5m5s1P9-Cu08MAqrhRgAHWuvAZH57wv12VoKcSuzV28hxPGbeYeyuUvGYyrGAPeDlMw8Hqp2D_DeIMMMTUv6bsEj-cMgIUgsZSTQDE_glJZYjk_D1j6P4j/s4032/20230302-IMG_9120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggl7YzkN83B54xJviyJduDyYjU2b5HWr67dvvgvQsJVZAcEx5TQN-xHDq3ccjkJHgmFA5m5s1P9-Cu08MAqrhRgAHWuvAZH57wv12VoKcSuzV28hxPGbeYeyuUvGYyrGAPeDlMw8Hqp2D_DeIMMMTUv6bsEj-cMgIUgsZSTQDE_glJZYjk_D1j6P4j/w640-h480/20230302-IMG_9120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBOnXuu8UxSsDE4IH0HAZAHpIlhmbDPhZLmwHn8C9ukGvu2Ofl3fsxjIPgThL2M-ki8u37y_DQY61GIbnm5ty94eb23m_Hxp0uriYdA5Dmh9rKniDj1Oh_PgG1Nf8ONKP1ygfSA59lPrcGolskjNraBQYSmefjuBb5G8r31JnRmyQhtCGAppv6C_t/s4032/20230302-IMG_9128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBOnXuu8UxSsDE4IH0HAZAHpIlhmbDPhZLmwHn8C9ukGvu2Ofl3fsxjIPgThL2M-ki8u37y_DQY61GIbnm5ty94eb23m_Hxp0uriYdA5Dmh9rKniDj1Oh_PgG1Nf8ONKP1ygfSA59lPrcGolskjNraBQYSmefjuBb5G8r31JnRmyQhtCGAppv6C_t/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9128.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzPKXAjFCHbaRpKOMZ9HhDVPs2HL1Ya5mHDr9ruS89qy6YUPMsXas1dlFXoBz-Obgl3qpzrEoL1n7VyddOO7N5nh85TSpZz--F8wL671cMK3rhRCDWmynRTCPqVJCpvXENsbWU679jq6o335b89wmGL5odXGm4BF0_09rcFU03tIKheZqFaTGVxgz/s4032/20230302-IMG_9130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzPKXAjFCHbaRpKOMZ9HhDVPs2HL1Ya5mHDr9ruS89qy6YUPMsXas1dlFXoBz-Obgl3qpzrEoL1n7VyddOO7N5nh85TSpZz--F8wL671cMK3rhRCDWmynRTCPqVJCpvXENsbWU679jq6o335b89wmGL5odXGm4BF0_09rcFU03tIKheZqFaTGVxgz/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9130.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKbv0EDDSGuinqPfmFQ0zy6_IYyMI94Ma1Nb2ea2mzhoLtyIux-GyilJx1HOGFkLBxWTCO4SyLT5lp3Mrv7TiJhDdS3bciX61mGUsk5BVVAKFM4ZzvXLIqLglCLk4UU9yT1mKrV-6cSyP5RTe1WbpnLwMIdaeCcyl4a_VTWw6deoHwRh95-mMNc6M/s4032/20230302-IMG_9129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKbv0EDDSGuinqPfmFQ0zy6_IYyMI94Ma1Nb2ea2mzhoLtyIux-GyilJx1HOGFkLBxWTCO4SyLT5lp3Mrv7TiJhDdS3bciX61mGUsk5BVVAKFM4ZzvXLIqLglCLk4UU9yT1mKrV-6cSyP5RTe1WbpnLwMIdaeCcyl4a_VTWw6deoHwRh95-mMNc6M/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9129.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the zigzagging track we descended down yesterday?</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We stopped for lunch on some rocks above the tree line but a little short of Quartz Knob, marvelling at the nearby rocky gulches (remnants of glacial action many thousands of years ago) and the mist coming and going from Bogong's summit.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymSX0yaVJEIZFR-CIvMe-m4lqi6Rys0EFLP0aWNEcdkTFXBi_-tKp5oVe2Sajp-LVlOrz00pdETHGbqubGZHxBmtvgmNFtSwwL9v7YoMp6XhuLParTJDMmwypJmSO32DQY9-vZc65Mr5EnH6ZGAk21nY3DIw0DhW7zKxjnxFjoTLWptInGKKDePqQ/s4032/20230302-IMG_9131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymSX0yaVJEIZFR-CIvMe-m4lqi6Rys0EFLP0aWNEcdkTFXBi_-tKp5oVe2Sajp-LVlOrz00pdETHGbqubGZHxBmtvgmNFtSwwL9v7YoMp6XhuLParTJDMmwypJmSO32DQY9-vZc65Mr5EnH6ZGAk21nY3DIw0DhW7zKxjnxFjoTLWptInGKKDePqQ/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9131.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I heard later it was a controlled burn on the ridge the other side of Bright (top right)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxnXMlDw50Vh9HUJh2FRt0cFFHBnTvsldLxE642S6UOkwTFsn54vdirjHztU1wlraaOvrYlu1UxMMY7AbBfq3lBZ_Q6Nfx-dY_-Gn-OS6_DgMWpo7EAX1HpDfntwh9VqVeHwCLNBh3r-DAvaZ4YtJqOQgIc5oAvumX4AlF4EkqPWBt-bxl9BNOVnd/s4032/20230302-IMG_9133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxnXMlDw50Vh9HUJh2FRt0cFFHBnTvsldLxE642S6UOkwTFsn54vdirjHztU1wlraaOvrYlu1UxMMY7AbBfq3lBZ_Q6Nfx-dY_-Gn-OS6_DgMWpo7EAX1HpDfntwh9VqVeHwCLNBh3r-DAvaZ4YtJqOQgIc5oAvumX4AlF4EkqPWBt-bxl9BNOVnd/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9133.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3AzRPwW0VdtqsrRjcHZPoAVVEgMdT7dw6FktRUQA_9sZdGniBVjJoM1XpRN1GKDYFbrpK4BuNI_DCwimBk9GJmkmlq91RXL5q82kalPY7uJvEi_krmhPVgkECoWo5b9-I4UrBVGPVKmD0xFywh5F_DANtBHhiIBX7B_N8ztHvIFa-fS9ogXNNORd/s4032/20230302-IMG_9134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3AzRPwW0VdtqsrRjcHZPoAVVEgMdT7dw6FktRUQA_9sZdGniBVjJoM1XpRN1GKDYFbrpK4BuNI_DCwimBk9GJmkmlq91RXL5q82kalPY7uJvEi_krmhPVgkECoWo5b9-I4UrBVGPVKmD0xFywh5F_DANtBHhiIBX7B_N8ztHvIFa-fS9ogXNNORd/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9134.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAKi1DBQp6Bsxteb5mlBXFsFxqGfD5WGiD-VTtAUhLBVtmcxcEG77rEsrwD8OglHv-d1CoMdBuzShBv8xbKdULfKIq8zAgWSZiuIuPNMEBcWG6-3G-VidcqU8wqtst5CyHUkD0O2edUq0d_dNGKRO9WLdu65likprmci-xanEDoqQSPR4FVqPSwI_/s4032/20230302-IMG_9132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAKi1DBQp6Bsxteb5mlBXFsFxqGfD5WGiD-VTtAUhLBVtmcxcEG77rEsrwD8OglHv-d1CoMdBuzShBv8xbKdULfKIq8zAgWSZiuIuPNMEBcWG6-3G-VidcqU8wqtst5CyHUkD0O2edUq0d_dNGKRO9WLdu65likprmci-xanEDoqQSPR4FVqPSwI_/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9132.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Continuing our climb to Quartz Knob</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpva3NK15SI8r2_ZCFsceIQO7KWwz1xeUBhBixTfA8p4FgDSy5tPu-iY4XqsxtFAjjjlmrPON5ANxTZbrYQt9U0nlQEE4J7p83TSXsfRYPSuGW7_Q1UnUo8H81JMugNvTIPEUuPD46epTTZgrHcwapMlxS96adMr5S_QDKw9mkTGmNoHTfMOXSmcg/s4032/20230302-IMG_9135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpva3NK15SI8r2_ZCFsceIQO7KWwz1xeUBhBixTfA8p4FgDSy5tPu-iY4XqsxtFAjjjlmrPON5ANxTZbrYQt9U0nlQEE4J7p83TSXsfRYPSuGW7_Q1UnUo8H81JMugNvTIPEUuPD46epTTZgrHcwapMlxS96adMr5S_QDKw9mkTGmNoHTfMOXSmcg/w640-h480/20230302-IMG_9135.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxU9Me-ZT8fJLr6t6-18eszGTe8v5Ae0TZolpFz6ky442utK40tpsnYYO7p6JU00OwVFEnYhwSjKKxre21qp0XLyKrr8Y4Fx4P8IJdjmbTIhD977RZChbpiG6ABLFfUZkeBsUwKsGGeRlBphAy2xRSnY_V_8wPct3XfE4ibZVuqVP-qeosa-bHqRT/s4032/20230302-20230302_131506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxU9Me-ZT8fJLr6t6-18eszGTe8v5Ae0TZolpFz6ky442utK40tpsnYYO7p6JU00OwVFEnYhwSjKKxre21qp0XLyKrr8Y4Fx4P8IJdjmbTIhD977RZChbpiG6ABLFfUZkeBsUwKsGGeRlBphAy2xRSnY_V_8wPct3XfE4ibZVuqVP-qeosa-bHqRT/w640-h480/20230302-20230302_131506.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quartz I'm assuming....</td></tr></tbody></table><br />From Quartz Knob the track got easier, crossing across the massive plateau that is Bogong, with West Peak to our left. We could see Bright down in the valley and as we climbed up to the summit could see right down the Goulburn Valley. There was a fire burning on the ridge on the other side of Bright from us so not of concern for our trip.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3WkXZoSB_i6OQoGsz8I-6h6YXMr_qwuwZd7dtlp8g5SDEMuCuzoYpq8hLbKaIW0XjNJBB_1vdkUMLgr599dE2ZrqTR1C6jMt17r5Hc-KuPGBKTeM64BTBZzIH3pCP_yQzHaI0KmH_U7U_Evtw1rQ2ythKwehxT_UMeEHGCRJlakjO5ARZG-oJEZY/s4032/20230302-IMG_9136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3WkXZoSB_i6OQoGsz8I-6h6YXMr_qwuwZd7dtlp8g5SDEMuCuzoYpq8hLbKaIW0XjNJBB_1vdkUMLgr599dE2ZrqTR1C6jMt17r5Hc-KuPGBKTeM64BTBZzIH3pCP_yQzHaI0KmH_U7U_Evtw1rQ2ythKwehxT_UMeEHGCRJlakjO5ARZG-oJEZY/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9136.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaFD67FwN1a74XtkFuA_YAGeOygRBMAejyyUf3Gix1eV6Lo4-J5d7TGOAXTN6Y_v6qbfzf1R0i1cWyDuiTZnNVLyB1bUcSyFkNzb4c1oG-sk_OD55UxXYef9YPSDACJjZ_I2Ltt6zYUl2RkTpZXkJYIrwzlDKwLo4BItsZh8B1wnBNlYUvHiIpwPN/s4032/20230302-IMG_9137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDI7GZOVDDW6nEx2kWefAyykeKHLK8cpeP-lxYMz9TEWonu2UfaiBTFuMxhB5FZ_dr0lNCcG59qvjcfQ7y9hsGFIcxOVSruKozmoHkAUJVLYFdhEWxUnOvPEqBjJiFuvtiZTvK8-mfUeRH8mW5nywbw3omeQx50G-5e9dYbLqfzIuyH0-FiaZLfd8M/w640-h480/20230302-IMG_9142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqF5NZ9AeLpC25U3UuqVVW20aixhMevDO2Dht3QS3Zm7S2PiyZEkHiBVXXOXtx81TxQiQke0LTOSA1CCmBV--sDkWNmNZ9P9RwbsqJZWDH7S33Q181oQWqGNiIPynPa35Vzs6zkBsDS47-scHdAXglL9T1YV4vBwnWuwdvuf6-4TaTpozP2CL1opx0/s4032/20230302-IMG_9143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqF5NZ9AeLpC25U3UuqVVW20aixhMevDO2Dht3QS3Zm7S2PiyZEkHiBVXXOXtx81TxQiQke0LTOSA1CCmBV--sDkWNmNZ9P9RwbsqJZWDH7S33Q181oQWqGNiIPynPa35Vzs6zkBsDS47-scHdAXglL9T1YV4vBwnWuwdvuf6-4TaTpozP2CL1opx0/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9143.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0b7ODiY_zBAHGCLYfg13rghmpAKsbvmfzsae1gMZBfDSxTmDk4_jmPe6IYvK2cfIAshyHbu0t4Qf30h5TDncw6iQBEzXZ85133Lp1O68USBOIw_YypR1EfPWjFR1-eJCv9ZRzI_yStSoK6GBT-9XNXiC010w7Gqlj-VjYteFmZwro9rnq74BlKdG5/s4032/20230302-20230302_141833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0b7ODiY_zBAHGCLYfg13rghmpAKsbvmfzsae1gMZBfDSxTmDk4_jmPe6IYvK2cfIAshyHbu0t4Qf30h5TDncw6iQBEzXZ85133Lp1O68USBOIw_YypR1EfPWjFR1-eJCv9ZRzI_yStSoK6GBT-9XNXiC010w7Gqlj-VjYteFmZwro9rnq74BlKdG5/w480-h640/20230302-20230302_141833.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6p3LQwwi12QVWq2IihWRQV-xe2scZwsz60Lg3acgmZVQi5qsaS6S3NTrnslXB0goBxGY4gJRTbcbvmcIDSEZ7Y7mexcF0DZA_SmG3KHx0v5dDID4o5jRnbb2hG8G1WPGKOov5xkbyZb85RHCD0ouDyTb4W7LsrFgKLVpzGh-RVSOfV9wFs8LJp62s/s4032/20230302-IMG_9144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6p3LQwwi12QVWq2IihWRQV-xe2scZwsz60Lg3acgmZVQi5qsaS6S3NTrnslXB0goBxGY4gJRTbcbvmcIDSEZ7Y7mexcF0DZA_SmG3KHx0v5dDID4o5jRnbb2hG8G1WPGKOov5xkbyZb85RHCD0ouDyTb4W7LsrFgKLVpzGh-RVSOfV9wFs8LJp62s/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9144.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />At last we reached Mt Bogong, where we took obligatory pictures and posted to Facebook whilst we had cell coverage, and then it was back to following snow poles as we descended around to the northern side and down to Cleve Cole Hut. Across Hell Gap, which was actually quite sheltered and not living up to it's name, and back into the snow gum forest surrounding the hut.</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNFetiRf92K-YF23UTjzm2scKWsUvt4XMQGfJWOTf8-Llo0LdLtPhArc3VGZ5KdlCT04NwLvQYBE8RKu7XqDS0Z9q6c2OFM_o0sj4ddLjnkEvwE2lSVktgIauuAEPDYGP-8ugfGubzUpdvu9i6KbWlKCyeK5BLuyCMMBlrEYtrUmPcJ2aAWJZiJFb/s4032/20230302-IMG_9148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNFetiRf92K-YF23UTjzm2scKWsUvt4XMQGfJWOTf8-Llo0LdLtPhArc3VGZ5KdlCT04NwLvQYBE8RKu7XqDS0Z9q6c2OFM_o0sj4ddLjnkEvwE2lSVktgIauuAEPDYGP-8ugfGubzUpdvu9i6KbWlKCyeK5BLuyCMMBlrEYtrUmPcJ2aAWJZiJFb/w640-h480/20230302-IMG_9148.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ant's eye view of the big Bogong cairn</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8i2lo26zDNhICD9qS45Ddlv1i0HRg9I3APt5lGcEtlRA6jsdNZf1QtR_kvO8bkRX_N0evwFSQqDitZMBY5GfwHPIYK35h2_PpCWUsNHtJyEf5Lrc2od_BJGLOHiQGB-gjQ6dxmHmEuGvykhNKKAkqX4P1bNWD3N7AODzSS07yqZDwjX7eIJMpdor/s4032/20230302-IMG_9156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8i2lo26zDNhICD9qS45Ddlv1i0HRg9I3APt5lGcEtlRA6jsdNZf1QtR_kvO8bkRX_N0evwFSQqDitZMBY5GfwHPIYK35h2_PpCWUsNHtJyEf5Lrc2od_BJGLOHiQGB-gjQ6dxmHmEuGvykhNKKAkqX4P1bNWD3N7AODzSS07yqZDwjX7eIJMpdor/w640-h480/20230302-IMG_9156.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEY8pp48Mw3CjYujN33pf83SZZQygFJl0iil2xgrYkHPBZMooKLlAP1XvaaDN-vG6Kvw3AabqPgyS6VnnJwJzlxfiv1MB9DbNpVUwGQ8uUHRurmHF4wmz4Xuczh1acYNw71jWs7XkZ7rg_xPvXs3Qfu_SPw3hQKgPUqmio7yf6U4cGDHDGTXud4Zqf/s4032/20230302-20230302_154433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEY8pp48Mw3CjYujN33pf83SZZQygFJl0iil2xgrYkHPBZMooKLlAP1XvaaDN-vG6Kvw3AabqPgyS6VnnJwJzlxfiv1MB9DbNpVUwGQ8uUHRurmHF4wmz4Xuczh1acYNw71jWs7XkZ7rg_xPvXs3Qfu_SPw3hQKgPUqmio7yf6U4cGDHDGTXud4Zqf/w640-h480/20230302-20230302_154433.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrSEbprPjuRSGftx_QiGhF4AUAQHMzglKyNQolz0FP4gh_QkjEVFjr1JZGlkn09zjnHL9iz62UfMPTeAi3n-eXds_QnCj3jb_WRURfpwvtYspj1H_DTdJdVw2DT4IqArUbNhZA7b4v2gAYqbcoU00pO-fCQMIEIT3Q_h3pZAV0hX_uQ_jDl5tTLe5/s4032/20230302-IMG_9157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrSEbprPjuRSGftx_QiGhF4AUAQHMzglKyNQolz0FP4gh_QkjEVFjr1JZGlkn09zjnHL9iz62UfMPTeAi3n-eXds_QnCj3jb_WRURfpwvtYspj1H_DTdJdVw2DT4IqArUbNhZA7b4v2gAYqbcoU00pO-fCQMIEIT3Q_h3pZAV0hX_uQ_jDl5tTLe5/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9157.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnificent weather, but tough on the feet</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2z1j6W4Z0rcCffMFqqxSpin-Ls5jPNMik2ERlo2OCMYjPB-0Fj-dyD-riTF1fVOxrYcQPzJzIQFHadI1VCNGkxlEI_FheBwD3vrBkXfi5lJWAw3Lq__91PJ2NLQOBS4rfa-aa-OYb6eU6g4uT2EoCSsQPLZTIm2HR--4gBC-HwBP0cZ9CLedxEZR/s4032/20230302-IMG_9158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2z1j6W4Z0rcCffMFqqxSpin-Ls5jPNMik2ERlo2OCMYjPB-0Fj-dyD-riTF1fVOxrYcQPzJzIQFHadI1VCNGkxlEI_FheBwD3vrBkXfi5lJWAw3Lq__91PJ2NLQOBS4rfa-aa-OYb6eU6g4uT2EoCSsQPLZTIm2HR--4gBC-HwBP0cZ9CLedxEZR/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9158.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2P_Vh2d9JzvfJB4mihRXIpwtjqF9j61N5-FFVglE_8XMO0HYcJQOzVF2b3j2k3nIYVuhbw3A9IwSlDfTis1_OO0m0MUAq7tOqYN-p4K-XZVt1H9SEp3_3X7evnDLfI3A4FId4jNR60pExYmhmoMW9DKQmNdcMwzGrVxMoyySxg8B9rVvhgvCMlTOJ/s4032/20230302-IMG_9159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2P_Vh2d9JzvfJB4mihRXIpwtjqF9j61N5-FFVglE_8XMO0HYcJQOzVF2b3j2k3nIYVuhbw3A9IwSlDfTis1_OO0m0MUAq7tOqYN-p4K-XZVt1H9SEp3_3X7evnDLfI3A4FId4jNR60pExYmhmoMW9DKQmNdcMwzGrVxMoyySxg8B9rVvhgvCMlTOJ/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9159.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGDe4_Y0LA40mPgmyQehNyx5qsoJAHd4ZvKB5v3WGAMMU8JCCyREyDChadVSUx1_QxRDSvFXYC-5JfNQGaV0oS1FlQJxg0retUVUuLyXs1px_mtoYFvYrJF5wGyENjGbh9xK_Qa0l9ZGDYLiAVS1TWsjk1Gy9sNS19kkkx0MrEXiH8OR0Hf9lyRlN/s4032/20230302-IMG_9160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGDe4_Y0LA40mPgmyQehNyx5qsoJAHd4ZvKB5v3WGAMMU8JCCyREyDChadVSUx1_QxRDSvFXYC-5JfNQGaV0oS1FlQJxg0retUVUuLyXs1px_mtoYFvYrJF5wGyENjGbh9xK_Qa0l9ZGDYLiAVS1TWsjk1Gy9sNS19kkkx0MrEXiH8OR0Hf9lyRlN/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9160.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow pole number 1200</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmA0Fjhc3VS_6KkGXyP2QyMG9Od7ZAnOp7V0QXCO0WDPZnu0OwC22cXUz_-FXGWwQBzfzmsXn6VsdCfDqnUIsXuL1cByRCheip_-jIYrsWfRCv4nOkAQAUvi7-wdFDFHdJMzNxqJ6M0-6dt98Fw6gX2VHPN4K-tSlU32JizAXKlxLWluA_Xd22fp-/s4032/20230302-IMG_9161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmA0Fjhc3VS_6KkGXyP2QyMG9Od7ZAnOp7V0QXCO0WDPZnu0OwC22cXUz_-FXGWwQBzfzmsXn6VsdCfDqnUIsXuL1cByRCheip_-jIYrsWfRCv4nOkAQAUvi7-wdFDFHdJMzNxqJ6M0-6dt98Fw6gX2VHPN4K-tSlU32JizAXKlxLWluA_Xd22fp-/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9161.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDZc28cfk-FbABCVr2S0S0rB-mp5OTqmdBF0gDus27OLh670Z91LqOdgdgZPmCnRy0cBCASEubpm_JTimRRMztHWZhI1gsI8uIQNYtVfdW12Un9fi35Ky99FUHgXn4nKZQujr0bLzYQl27fuI1Rx6u6CpnER0ZzjPnMetM0IfFo-pNINhe_BHFDdE/s4032/20230302-IMG_9162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDZc28cfk-FbABCVr2S0S0rB-mp5OTqmdBF0gDus27OLh670Z91LqOdgdgZPmCnRy0cBCASEubpm_JTimRRMztHWZhI1gsI8uIQNYtVfdW12Un9fi35Ky99FUHgXn4nKZQujr0bLzYQl27fuI1Rx6u6CpnER0ZzjPnMetM0IfFo-pNINhe_BHFDdE/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9162.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Cleve Cole is a fabulous stone hut with a firebox and running water, and mattresses! I opted to sleep in the hut, but still erected my tent just to dry it out before packing it away again. Iain camped in his tent, though we both cooked in the hut, and took advantage of the running water to have a decent wash of both ourselves and our hiking clothes.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoMgLZ2DrSEMFA644rVWXnGnLI6oHW_0MbKIyWGJO06iYONaRmvql9iKJLQYIgB1UQmCL1uVpCjpbWy4Ma-14r4Az99oT0Mw66YigDMR-Bno_J8vPP1QMYc6hmcP0aGw-GiEVfzsjDCQ9vUmeqTYI7COI5o64bmMHtjbAJH6rvbjHrqUEzCKw1Wxq/s4032/20230302-IMG_9163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoMgLZ2DrSEMFA644rVWXnGnLI6oHW_0MbKIyWGJO06iYONaRmvql9iKJLQYIgB1UQmCL1uVpCjpbWy4Ma-14r4Az99oT0Mw66YigDMR-Bno_J8vPP1QMYc6hmcP0aGw-GiEVfzsjDCQ9vUmeqTYI7COI5o64bmMHtjbAJH6rvbjHrqUEzCKw1Wxq/w640-h480/20230302-IMG_9163.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20zME_46Bxahm_56Rd1jYHmi6PtG5f-TxtQJ1ncTpifAjJQY-9bCS1qpGORt77zPBkHEASF3tEd0m2itsKgNeu9pqnTEngcGf9Q3jztozR2iahXuFX5rpK93os-83Wo7dNXNEPjPe2GiZQcZaMnJt-aeUUIjryfSRndHRCPG_TI_mWfh_Oe8od9Sc/s4032/20230302-20230302_161903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20zME_46Bxahm_56Rd1jYHmi6PtG5f-TxtQJ1ncTpifAjJQY-9bCS1qpGORt77zPBkHEASF3tEd0m2itsKgNeu9pqnTEngcGf9Q3jztozR2iahXuFX5rpK93os-83Wo7dNXNEPjPe2GiZQcZaMnJt-aeUUIjryfSRndHRCPG_TI_mWfh_Oe8od9Sc/w640-h480/20230302-20230302_161903.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCJNQB8xiQiM9ZUxkfx0kihhvDADS8HnMnHDSZbmwIULATIx-tudvKZr150Ae-cwqNDaDXb8x5imaSDkeoNhl5N2LRxQupO7TigdGAp8S27K0TKLKltucOYity4Snon5PJnot5GrqsbvvtrkEB-iER5ORTCRD5BBGf7yHAr3AVrG2lmbjFtaIiKu5/s4032/20230302-IMG_9164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCJNQB8xiQiM9ZUxkfx0kihhvDADS8HnMnHDSZbmwIULATIx-tudvKZr150Ae-cwqNDaDXb8x5imaSDkeoNhl5N2LRxQupO7TigdGAp8S27K0TKLKltucOYity4Snon5PJnot5GrqsbvvtrkEB-iER5ORTCRD5BBGf7yHAr3AVrG2lmbjFtaIiKu5/w640-h480/20230302-IMG_9164.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2lvB-ka2Pv6clZqRe3lc1YWEtbVFf_98xtXcZ_1IG8FARMnEZGBuZrUyy7mLJE-0HfjY6wYyUErPPYaPzeCPhC_OtIGWURxR5tSAq2ANJC-za5Xyaxh4ysy0h_ztUP8dGYigDROe7Ny0s9m8apHER8mYNEgbAgkhpxWeCHLrJ2tNOBWosO-2gaf8/s4032/20230302-20230302_161940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2lvB-ka2Pv6clZqRe3lc1YWEtbVFf_98xtXcZ_1IG8FARMnEZGBuZrUyy7mLJE-0HfjY6wYyUErPPYaPzeCPhC_OtIGWURxR5tSAq2ANJC-za5Xyaxh4ysy0h_ztUP8dGYigDROe7Ny0s9m8apHER8mYNEgbAgkhpxWeCHLrJ2tNOBWosO-2gaf8/w640-h480/20230302-20230302_161940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaNtbJh88kmCPY6zjsX6wztXSB8Gfbdo4Exuri_RMKg7z7pnnOSbEgvFFotUvhMtIuByhzcUA0YhOCmOt3OVpXvjmZut6JKiwkg6qeWfeaSI3s_vDILz37aHGWN_2wxwVbl55-xwB0kit0Q0NKYrajuSFDjPDFmvLJfc4BxSjUgV0hl1MUlHqo5sQ/s4032/20230302-IMG_9165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaNtbJh88kmCPY6zjsX6wztXSB8Gfbdo4Exuri_RMKg7z7pnnOSbEgvFFotUvhMtIuByhzcUA0YhOCmOt3OVpXvjmZut6JKiwkg6qeWfeaSI3s_vDILz37aHGWN_2wxwVbl55-xwB0kit0Q0NKYrajuSFDjPDFmvLJfc4BxSjUgV0hl1MUlHqo5sQ/w640-h480/20230302-IMG_9165.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB52SApGT6ofLxvX4rSYG2Ag0E3XC6kaB7NVLyokY4Aj0PIEcuKhsmD_eBBuXXI3L5jwPaHh-zMV2ZnFa1hg5rOW1un8fmdaV25eGZZN7T4QVI4G3k7r8pO6ygFro2Orehq0ruIgUqk-NJDw8iMVVvtiGb5m6HlPcmfpAj52RDKxagc0sYGWvh1e1N/s4032/20230302-20230302_161950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB52SApGT6ofLxvX4rSYG2Ag0E3XC6kaB7NVLyokY4Aj0PIEcuKhsmD_eBBuXXI3L5jwPaHh-zMV2ZnFa1hg5rOW1un8fmdaV25eGZZN7T4QVI4G3k7r8pO6ygFro2Orehq0ruIgUqk-NJDw8iMVVvtiGb5m6HlPcmfpAj52RDKxagc0sYGWvh1e1N/w640-h480/20230302-20230302_161950.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIB-PrJ7ZT7Jq7XxW1t9QdN06rIDxOSx0nnCSIAJ2worJKLdf_e3jpPAGXROtyq_Q36uqghHcWaJLiqT6GVGkHprB4ogaPxoPnaLcSy4dK7rm_hjVgnX694HPfGXQCuWuC0myWsVjECjufSA7JK80L7_Se7NwrEqXJpVZ7lDva6u7qGkqbzjfUz2M/s4032/20230302-IMG_9166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIB-PrJ7ZT7Jq7XxW1t9QdN06rIDxOSx0nnCSIAJ2worJKLdf_e3jpPAGXROtyq_Q36uqghHcWaJLiqT6GVGkHprB4ogaPxoPnaLcSy4dK7rm_hjVgnX694HPfGXQCuWuC0myWsVjECjufSA7JK80L7_Se7NwrEqXJpVZ7lDva6u7qGkqbzjfUz2M/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9166.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9cyg__sc-UdLFY1wviLuUp6qsUCJXiIdhSLOLLxmHeOY0ttrt1mO78vpZv82QRC3tIzVVxJvSaTg_PtuFCIJQXbQZkAtduOS42k8AFjJDai7Lg5elH3s1EbVRZVHPdYlI_zNlIwXt6R6K54HrJE8hqWOX5A-U9LnQcP39ijCeSKUd5BTkwuKdWDI/s4032/20230302-20230302_181829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9cyg__sc-UdLFY1wviLuUp6qsUCJXiIdhSLOLLxmHeOY0ttrt1mO78vpZv82QRC3tIzVVxJvSaTg_PtuFCIJQXbQZkAtduOS42k8AFjJDai7Lg5elH3s1EbVRZVHPdYlI_zNlIwXt6R6K54HrJE8hqWOX5A-U9LnQcP39ijCeSKUd5BTkwuKdWDI/w640-h480/20230302-20230302_181829.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of those high tech composting loos, with views!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The solar panel was doing a stellar job of keeping everything well charged, with Iain and I yet to use our power banks. Although I can attach the panel to my backpack, our leisurely pace and numerous breaks allow us to just put the panel out for short periods and still get adequate charging.</div><div><br /></div> <div>A large snake was sunning on the steps in the late afternoon. It seemed to be used to human visitors and neither of us disturbed it's evening dose from the sun warmed stone steps.</div> <div><br /></div> <div><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qMK9k1c8eQEE4jOvziEoIQy2R3aP5mACsTncQp-7fH4Cx_aYZ65htFJgN0xSH2q6_Dy4gz_FuPuSUQzCVUHX4C_N0rRkrcPx2SJBz8p-uZp52oM0ivomOJN3aksQ3a-E1uJ3ST0WqAQWmrROyiLzPF6DFl-ZNBbMtF90AQSoEL3yxz6R-gBbewjl/s4032/20230302-IMG_9167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qMK9k1c8eQEE4jOvziEoIQy2R3aP5mACsTncQp-7fH4Cx_aYZ65htFJgN0xSH2q6_Dy4gz_FuPuSUQzCVUHX4C_N0rRkrcPx2SJBz8p-uZp52oM0ivomOJN3aksQ3a-E1uJ3ST0WqAQWmrROyiLzPF6DFl-ZNBbMtF90AQSoEL3yxz6R-gBbewjl/w480-h640/20230302-IMG_9167.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQV_FfjIDrmPQOBCi79_8guzo-ZpgA6wtwTO-pjUPZWJtgDjmmF8foSMzaDtX4_RejJtf1if2tdvITDt6qx4H-DxIfx4raoga_vzEVb7jrNgt0S9eSbB8gyyNlCf4AfRC4POcdlELG51q7LNTD6rR-NiQoc01UUkhHplnorEPnY8Dt4gvNuTp_Ru7/s2678/20230302-IMG_9169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2056" data-original-width="2678" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQV_FfjIDrmPQOBCi79_8guzo-ZpgA6wtwTO-pjUPZWJtgDjmmF8foSMzaDtX4_RejJtf1if2tdvITDt6qx4H-DxIfx4raoga_vzEVb7jrNgt0S9eSbB8gyyNlCf4AfRC4POcdlELG51q7LNTD6rR-NiQoc01UUkhHplnorEPnY8Dt4gvNuTp_Ru7/w640-h492/20230302-IMG_9169.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this is a copperhead snake, it certainly wasn't aggressive</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Day 5 Cleve Cole Hut to Maddison Hut site (2.34 km, 150m👇 max elevation 1796m)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>We had decided to have a rest day as we were already one day ahead on our itinerary. Which was a good thing, as I'd slept poorly overnight and wasn't up to what we knew would be one of the harder days of the trip.</div> <div><br /></div><div>There was a thick mist in the valleys but bluebird up where we were. We waited for our clothes to dry and charged up our electronics, then headed off just after 11. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQAfR4N2d42cpW54tITOBIy7lDR7xwd63Ja6OhXXN-5CpCN_5kRKSp7grpXrrNVCUzbP2iYp69SM6ByX6rOE6Pbp2GeWnQP1tL2Q8mjRQZl7aqGd39Wd59EmDiTDRTKiQW3hGtosatfiqt8P2fFvUtIKtm8PDHwLy_bNsf_owi5Agdmi9u-h9SslG/s4032/20230303-IMG_9173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQAfR4N2d42cpW54tITOBIy7lDR7xwd63Ja6OhXXN-5CpCN_5kRKSp7grpXrrNVCUzbP2iYp69SM6ByX6rOE6Pbp2GeWnQP1tL2Q8mjRQZl7aqGd39Wd59EmDiTDRTKiQW3hGtosatfiqt8P2fFvUtIKtm8PDHwLy_bNsf_owi5Agdmi9u-h9SslG/w640-h480/20230303-IMG_9173.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We went down to visit Howman Falls, definitely a lovely spot to linger for a swim on a hot day.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_p77u8PID__txMDn18VlmYd3MzDol8_cpH_qQzvFXMYzCqWfm-H-wxhAIckkJwAZMahFfrlYIRmcWRr3XoCaceJoHWC7Ed0veh1FUa6RdFkF3ouTNh9e4VtLWqg6XQjjDqJj3AjHkkna6KeYvousvdWlwhieI6lAnY5FywGj1k0bBjYl_2OMtZ1H7/s4032/20230303-IMG_9172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_p77u8PID__txMDn18VlmYd3MzDol8_cpH_qQzvFXMYzCqWfm-H-wxhAIckkJwAZMahFfrlYIRmcWRr3XoCaceJoHWC7Ed0veh1FUa6RdFkF3ouTNh9e4VtLWqg6XQjjDqJj3AjHkkna6KeYvousvdWlwhieI6lAnY5FywGj1k0bBjYl_2OMtZ1H7/w480-h640/20230303-IMG_9172.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0suj-fPhcJNzZOr4pqaLuJmT1hsgQzWHx3AFnL9rtvf3lDByn1kXv3exdar_vWK4gycCUW3aL46AsHCQUpVR1BAWnom9BhBNbop8SgRs17Ab2KmQuZ_rSxj-F8czkHiCGsJZy3YdLcUlY_BMUKqEG-KNkke6t6A3fdFyfHOXWy3sLTZq6_iWga_bP/s3637/20230303-IMG_9178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3637" data-original-width="2730" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0suj-fPhcJNzZOr4pqaLuJmT1hsgQzWHx3AFnL9rtvf3lDByn1kXv3exdar_vWK4gycCUW3aL46AsHCQUpVR1BAWnom9BhBNbop8SgRs17Ab2KmQuZ_rSxj-F8czkHiCGsJZy3YdLcUlY_BMUKqEG-KNkke6t6A3fdFyfHOXWy3sLTZq6_iWga_bP/w480-h640/20230303-IMG_9178.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0JUzUj2aO-JxFUWPvf1mqP-DFaKcOt3DDp2e9kOF6fX41B3UmlP0Fz5ARtbhQ1WC5FjXzyqQOvBrIBsIJkKShf2TR1g5PV7bFHg95MjoviXqKDNkl_zYgI4HRKTA6NxIKTHNIjPkcWoo3_pOiuSdR36N2l04JVoiUFj7ifcS_yIrJpf_Omm1H5wH/s3553/20230303-IMG_9176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3553" data-original-width="2667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0JUzUj2aO-JxFUWPvf1mqP-DFaKcOt3DDp2e9kOF6fX41B3UmlP0Fz5ARtbhQ1WC5FjXzyqQOvBrIBsIJkKShf2TR1g5PV7bFHg95MjoviXqKDNkl_zYgI4HRKTA6NxIKTHNIjPkcWoo3_pOiuSdR36N2l04JVoiUFj7ifcS_yIrJpf_Omm1H5wH/w480-h640/20230303-IMG_9176.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF2bF80qIkuReuhsduN-tCzqnVWVHwbQSPqb6XIlPMZ9dCixmX0QQBZZE3XPtUilBGxALWPQaT76NIh3lnWe4bBowkeFuWyY-u8mDBwXVe1X0OHJjzvi-hOgWiyiPBgj9ebxbBna1vMcraFv_ZRcu-ESTjPmLjHlRwZQzeB9ag48g_Vvk5XGAfnAn/s4032/20230303-IMG_9179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF2bF80qIkuReuhsduN-tCzqnVWVHwbQSPqb6XIlPMZ9dCixmX0QQBZZE3XPtUilBGxALWPQaT76NIh3lnWe4bBowkeFuWyY-u8mDBwXVe1X0OHJjzvi-hOgWiyiPBgj9ebxbBna1vMcraFv_ZRcu-ESTjPmLjHlRwZQzeB9ag48g_Vvk5XGAfnAn/w480-h640/20230303-IMG_9179.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />On the walk back we noticed a wallow hole. Deer are being actively culled in the high country as they cause considerable damage to delicate alpine ecosystems.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4QbGeseFCinLukS_ivRbAasWx4cIzzKlr5_CF-4ZEwwXjZQLSv9-V5zemkpBGY89zIntKmEpymL5pToL819LBacUWy_70BP0c8nxz6XSJ6NLWhadSRgWa2HNStUbTbggPqzg-0mivMX_E-IPaf49VJBWHmjqEbE_-YzgKjYK4GL_T0zDp34GP37e/s4032/20230303-IMG_9174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4QbGeseFCinLukS_ivRbAasWx4cIzzKlr5_CF-4ZEwwXjZQLSv9-V5zemkpBGY89zIntKmEpymL5pToL819LBacUWy_70BP0c8nxz6XSJ6NLWhadSRgWa2HNStUbTbggPqzg-0mivMX_E-IPaf49VJBWHmjqEbE_-YzgKjYK4GL_T0zDp34GP37e/w480-h640/20230303-IMG_9174.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHOkplNaWwUkPdZ3YeSw0TN3xwHWJ7capadix0Qz7Rak2XR2JfNxd8nPZhtForj8HJTkP-MapdXX_rV530nNDtkegMdzEtyNLvbu1q1IivCOc16xyFrrUCfjv0OXTfECDCDgib41Ioc_m3Y_gY_53CsfkKkQXJlRkLDPWlR1qvICMhg5iEJ90CdW5/s4032/20230303-IMG_9182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHOkplNaWwUkPdZ3YeSw0TN3xwHWJ7capadix0Qz7Rak2XR2JfNxd8nPZhtForj8HJTkP-MapdXX_rV530nNDtkegMdzEtyNLvbu1q1IivCOc16xyFrrUCfjv0OXTfECDCDgib41Ioc_m3Y_gY_53CsfkKkQXJlRkLDPWlR1qvICMhg5iEJ90CdW5/w640-h480/20230303-IMG_9182.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big mud hole, courtesy of wild deer</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hoisting the packs we walked up to a saddle where the AAWT from Roper Hut meets up again. A mere 3 km from Cleve Cole Hut, but a lower elevation beside a small stream. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Lus2fBmn17VW19KA3hL89alZyYMYwwfeytBpA8_5kZBOXzann_MccP4lWAjJqLV8zm1xZsPgtuo5aaenmgvk-ljz34vFrYYRt-zg9Szhztc6LCPXsagFVVEfoAqMhs0c24Oar78uT5MdKSu3V8b6yxCZVqIB0oXGphxSpaq7v_Il2qX0jP3ro0-q/s4032/20230303-20230303_121722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Lus2fBmn17VW19KA3hL89alZyYMYwwfeytBpA8_5kZBOXzann_MccP4lWAjJqLV8zm1xZsPgtuo5aaenmgvk-ljz34vFrYYRt-zg9Szhztc6LCPXsagFVVEfoAqMhs0c24Oar78uT5MdKSu3V8b6yxCZVqIB0oXGphxSpaq7v_Il2qX0jP3ro0-q/w480-h640/20230303-20230303_121722.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Striking pattern on this snow gum</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gSnBhBqHrQHercxvYK2ZMwX387izZUIxUnS62fSJm1vcAIdeCAvg7kNB5lI0pqnSplSDY-4T_cc4dUObKxkW96z1jNDkwjMwU5PecCCc8RpiXX97oa0b-p72nF0v_VbMhFd7O4e9qQz7Eduo4Cc-VDeABc1OTdnLf63gJ3BzosS19iStpHk8MQpw/s4032/20230303-IMG_9186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gSnBhBqHrQHercxvYK2ZMwX387izZUIxUnS62fSJm1vcAIdeCAvg7kNB5lI0pqnSplSDY-4T_cc4dUObKxkW96z1jNDkwjMwU5PecCCc8RpiXX97oa0b-p72nF0v_VbMhFd7O4e9qQz7Eduo4Cc-VDeABc1OTdnLf63gJ3BzosS19iStpHk8MQpw/w480-h640/20230303-IMG_9186.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The AAWT heading towards Big River, pretty flowers...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPgH4TiHYEemb9t5VOfheIudc_cQHeHpIoc0Ch4wEAVs46-1jXXcrXliTWI49sC_iLM08rS354aWz_ZIifmo-JgYcyvZBU0mZMNizGUnKk-V4fcGDPFEmg3kmnRTZ9FDAaMzMbKtM2bGHS6jgRoEB_alnb4zgXIK3si-zMi1LIu7he9TMQDbICjch/s4032/20230303-IMG_9187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPgH4TiHYEemb9t5VOfheIudc_cQHeHpIoc0Ch4wEAVs46-1jXXcrXliTWI49sC_iLM08rS354aWz_ZIifmo-JgYcyvZBU0mZMNizGUnKk-V4fcGDPFEmg3kmnRTZ9FDAaMzMbKtM2bGHS6jgRoEB_alnb4zgXIK3si-zMi1LIu7he9TMQDbICjch/w480-h640/20230303-IMG_9187.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I had brought a tiny folding tripod so made a small twig fire to boil up water for a cup of tea for both of us and we had lunch. Two girls came down the track from Ropers Hut who were heading up to Cleve Cole Hut and Mt Bogong. Then they planned to walk to Mt Wills tomorrow too.</div><div><br /></div> <div>After lunch we pitched our tents and had a lazy afternoon reading. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94c13s20zqyEHnAWHDU5IMkhFyRg1888nWAW0invR4mEsDiVk4ccmsQ63EzWIvjVUwpqR4ccZo4acqaaOBh96SREsMqpNf0yvbrBijcJzbwLimIAN1Nq0RMVLek2Jjjp7pBsfe1gC0UXwIZkbniFlcNung0c9yuFVe4SSWUtLNNDxAzz_yFzt7rva/s4032/20230303-IMG_9184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94c13s20zqyEHnAWHDU5IMkhFyRg1888nWAW0invR4mEsDiVk4ccmsQ63EzWIvjVUwpqR4ccZo4acqaaOBh96SREsMqpNf0yvbrBijcJzbwLimIAN1Nq0RMVLek2Jjjp7pBsfe1gC0UXwIZkbniFlcNung0c9yuFVe4SSWUtLNNDxAzz_yFzt7rva/w640-h480/20230303-IMG_9184.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bushwalking isn't always about moving</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_Xg99C4v6CrWIeV5-LTwPKEM__3aPSD1rJwNfvtcgENqRrk7KCvKWi41Ro8sBZG2bpdb1QqzDfwI2QA_8NLTjCAFZSfGqRl2AQeCGsSb_P1Ub5VibB9rGPDouWKedGVqiEgVpmGWyGmKSJqn0wC1cr32zAerQAcOh_G7OLTJdPuRWpYiyunB-Fwp/s4032/20230303-20230303_174951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_Xg99C4v6CrWIeV5-LTwPKEM__3aPSD1rJwNfvtcgENqRrk7KCvKWi41Ro8sBZG2bpdb1QqzDfwI2QA_8NLTjCAFZSfGqRl2AQeCGsSb_P1Ub5VibB9rGPDouWKedGVqiEgVpmGWyGmKSJqn0wC1cr32zAerQAcOh_G7OLTJdPuRWpYiyunB-Fwp/w480-h640/20230303-20230303_174951.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Again early to bed.</div><div><br /></div> <div><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2fBMuP9Qew-K-osJmq0nSqQ7MYP8s3GegM25VpLrBAPGCQUNlnHPGkpNsN_XhiEAfV7Mn0hgd_9bwgXTSConQkE3XwqL7NQqvfjQh2ZlAC0u9HqRPAXjimORnGSUlvggAxfrJKy0zBn7o-uyAXvvqs2hFqFzgeCN0HNouuFOrIQoQ5oJWXsHKneZ/s4032/20230303-IMG_9189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2fBMuP9Qew-K-osJmq0nSqQ7MYP8s3GegM25VpLrBAPGCQUNlnHPGkpNsN_XhiEAfV7Mn0hgd_9bwgXTSConQkE3XwqL7NQqvfjQh2ZlAC0u9HqRPAXjimORnGSUlvggAxfrJKy0zBn7o-uyAXvvqs2hFqFzgeCN0HNouuFOrIQoQ5oJWXsHKneZ/w640-h480/20230303-IMG_9189.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Day 6 Maddison Hut site to Mt Wills Hut (16.23 km, 915m👆 855m👇 max elevation 1781m)</i></b></div> <div><br /></div><div>I slept really well, waking up at 6:30! Away at 8:15, we headed up Long Spur. This is a ridge walk which is undulating and very long, amongst regenerating snow gums, but we encountered 3 picnic tables along the way, each in a nice clearing in the middle of nowhere! The track was just a narrow path but easy to follow. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpdc9ghcaXVjFSoikH5B3t6FrAtMuIDQRz4-33IOXfs4KAkjT6IAYirEmrnXIsCbvFcLpg6IEs0fGhufcGUGrYY1H0fygfl6Nzxn96qptRzn6_LlSDwEF7sh4tACNN66W8ulCpFSCX0byG_QNp_GWdEjX0wPr7NAVgkb3qfFZ9S9ezS1c5xqDR6iZ/s4032/20230304-IMG_9191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpdc9ghcaXVjFSoikH5B3t6FrAtMuIDQRz4-33IOXfs4KAkjT6IAYirEmrnXIsCbvFcLpg6IEs0fGhufcGUGrYY1H0fygfl6Nzxn96qptRzn6_LlSDwEF7sh4tACNN66W8ulCpFSCX0byG_QNp_GWdEjX0wPr7NAVgkb3qfFZ9S9ezS1c5xqDR6iZ/w640-h480/20230304-IMG_9191.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rFI27D9jsAyQtJ8p_sgRrI4Tlr-OUq3UHYVJ1cNLtyXvQWYBvVlueSKnvLmlA5rFwySKDq1SmsSm51SSaoaQElSUnYvbMHz-zXxlKxBurMMDnYeN8syoDDzMpHUMg_gZxkPlpG6HP3YNV4rwmEFx0j1PTeI8fn4szaCGQvRJYl-UFl0iQHYzBjVe/s4032/20230304-IMG_9192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rFI27D9jsAyQtJ8p_sgRrI4Tlr-OUq3UHYVJ1cNLtyXvQWYBvVlueSKnvLmlA5rFwySKDq1SmsSm51SSaoaQElSUnYvbMHz-zXxlKxBurMMDnYeN8syoDDzMpHUMg_gZxkPlpG6HP3YNV4rwmEFx0j1PTeI8fn4szaCGQvRJYl-UFl0iQHYzBjVe/w640-h480/20230304-IMG_9192.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJEEEVXYibwtDYj_8UsKynbXdiIChgLsi7UTLaEKDySMXxUUpHU-mXWiyhUZ10qxQuz_hTqvjG0mZzpdia6LGzfdYlNMlVdfgpaT7v4lNmyGpfZ88u-TkqEaUpuSQryhBnp5NtGjYSF60tJt8iFofJOvABqrMjjuS3Yy13O_F420HzjrUFKdtUo8p/s4032/20230304-IMG_9194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJEEEVXYibwtDYj_8UsKynbXdiIChgLsi7UTLaEKDySMXxUUpHU-mXWiyhUZ10qxQuz_hTqvjG0mZzpdia6LGzfdYlNMlVdfgpaT7v4lNmyGpfZ88u-TkqEaUpuSQryhBnp5NtGjYSF60tJt8iFofJOvABqrMjjuS3Yy13O_F420HzjrUFKdtUo8p/w640-h480/20230304-IMG_9194.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheazccyBPtHhPNvB8lbcbsl40ruEOChxtbbMnMkeEO_pXxp_R1pE7RPIGabBJvqn6CIV3qrwBxj6SfDTCtemRVQ9Z5hOLa5ejZlPZp76WKpWFg4jQ4VP9i-hn5FQFsqsRxoMe5k3Emnulr_PMDb1zPn3VqojpXUNQmxJ_vP_Ee-ydec2E3_Xx1HlzS/s4032/20230304-IMG_9196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheazccyBPtHhPNvB8lbcbsl40ruEOChxtbbMnMkeEO_pXxp_R1pE7RPIGabBJvqn6CIV3qrwBxj6SfDTCtemRVQ9Z5hOLa5ejZlPZp76WKpWFg4jQ4VP9i-hn5FQFsqsRxoMe5k3Emnulr_PMDb1zPn3VqojpXUNQmxJ_vP_Ee-ydec2E3_Xx1HlzS/w480-h640/20230304-IMG_9196.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The snow gum forest is showing signs of regenerating, it just takes many years..</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhqufNEmKMiS4EevZsyvq7pQuToxGEsbANJ6VIFsp8npHxEEPUp4j1GDJDBXHuMWtKmX2qMbjLBM8M_zJG7CxTRuMdgQCCwUGjiO45rhD1mQHQBvVvzK1xY3PsSoKa5kxCxtrFBG13SqeuktiiyamNQzWQ7pq4gFq_iFUDBGmmIlAXLzdPMcqgC7T/s4032/20230304-20230304_085958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhqufNEmKMiS4EevZsyvq7pQuToxGEsbANJ6VIFsp8npHxEEPUp4j1GDJDBXHuMWtKmX2qMbjLBM8M_zJG7CxTRuMdgQCCwUGjiO45rhD1mQHQBvVvzK1xY3PsSoKa5kxCxtrFBG13SqeuktiiyamNQzWQ7pq4gFq_iFUDBGmmIlAXLzdPMcqgC7T/w480-h640/20230304-20230304_085958.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcetehnOpsyA6yTIjW5KWTmK1fSFZgHVDWptaTLPwV7J7fvQJG5d81NtmRJHJ-u5C97bpGBebLZxIvzKAzwRYC__UKXAj3E45H1nsfuaR291Abea7wfFIIJ7lEu2Rx-ReEHnxHTqhPpOvogxTA_Yj6bb8rouVbdB0wWLwoM1Uur1WqMz02UFFLKs6/s4032/20230304-IMG_9198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcetehnOpsyA6yTIjW5KWTmK1fSFZgHVDWptaTLPwV7J7fvQJG5d81NtmRJHJ-u5C97bpGBebLZxIvzKAzwRYC__UKXAj3E45H1nsfuaR291Abea7wfFIIJ7lEu2Rx-ReEHnxHTqhPpOvogxTA_Yj6bb8rouVbdB0wWLwoM1Uur1WqMz02UFFLKs6/w640-h480/20230304-IMG_9198.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic table #1 was in a fine clearing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY82T8H-uKI35tLvAufEeft3Adih7hynUA1TjSI9anqzk_wrB1gvLLZM7tm_ZHbPzsJkOhfVFq-R_W3uncF34PJXFp4lejoxVTyWd1MpGKnvJnb5ccLRO0sBMJuHwkZJ4RBhbPWakYqmvIv9EwALm3Z8UUMDt2V-j5MFM1F0hUC5ZMhMSS1GHY6XiV/s4032/20230304-20230304_110106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY82T8H-uKI35tLvAufEeft3Adih7hynUA1TjSI9anqzk_wrB1gvLLZM7tm_ZHbPzsJkOhfVFq-R_W3uncF34PJXFp4lejoxVTyWd1MpGKnvJnb5ccLRO0sBMJuHwkZJ4RBhbPWakYqmvIv9EwALm3Z8UUMDt2V-j5MFM1F0hUC5ZMhMSS1GHY6XiV/w480-h640/20230304-20230304_110106.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcFDagOdacfOWd-qGFfnEMoEpxyVdsMJY7INXdXw-LDxfROchZICGjQd1G__owe6rHIVcBe0Im0KF10QjXytO38qfjVKMC9GevreU8UWhoRRX3TKQ6w1i40flPdERa-Dp_WYp-THOURooQfg4bcRD2CSEtgO_4ZkLPcJJiSp78YpeFp9fqFagPgaO/s4032/20230304-20230304_110702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcFDagOdacfOWd-qGFfnEMoEpxyVdsMJY7INXdXw-LDxfROchZICGjQd1G__owe6rHIVcBe0Im0KF10QjXytO38qfjVKMC9GevreU8UWhoRRX3TKQ6w1i40flPdERa-Dp_WYp-THOURooQfg4bcRD2CSEtgO_4ZkLPcJJiSp78YpeFp9fqFagPgaO/w480-h640/20230304-20230304_110702.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic table #2 on a saddle at a track junction, our track heads straight up...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrYjl2WLS41gwI3hYTjVrQz-TNaT5bOSy8LXhBcdcqLGjbB96qbSG1uhFzTDVcg0cz7Xm3Q7Nz5EwOwAe0bUjbayQy1mgGmlUflHFQllX1BF7Mz9LvnaeFDILO7T3VGK3NXoAuXq5pnAi1rfZksIHOvU1g_ue7vLiMMLvQHpARhf5pL4yFpAdlHdy/s4032/20230304-IMG_9199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrYjl2WLS41gwI3hYTjVrQz-TNaT5bOSy8LXhBcdcqLGjbB96qbSG1uhFzTDVcg0cz7Xm3Q7Nz5EwOwAe0bUjbayQy1mgGmlUflHFQllX1BF7Mz9LvnaeFDILO7T3VGK3NXoAuXq5pnAi1rfZksIHOvU1g_ue7vLiMMLvQHpARhf5pL4yFpAdlHdy/w480-h640/20230304-IMG_9199.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old track marker from before it extended into NSW and ACT</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpaspcDG2rWF_mUWuylAHu9A1bhiNLyn-I7JzYG050BAPLT-l_nX1FSQAA23PFCnicX1UiD4B7uBLHpehUyY-3LgFH7x7UUEz-qL2wSE5IUXDUfVUbzZA4DXkV2Mvdgyy09tnqa5yHZxFXnKxZf66d2pxY6F-CqthDHevrRlxhexu_nU0a-Kis8CI/s4032/20230304-IMG_9201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpaspcDG2rWF_mUWuylAHu9A1bhiNLyn-I7JzYG050BAPLT-l_nX1FSQAA23PFCnicX1UiD4B7uBLHpehUyY-3LgFH7x7UUEz-qL2wSE5IUXDUfVUbzZA4DXkV2Mvdgyy09tnqa5yHZxFXnKxZf66d2pxY6F-CqthDHevrRlxhexu_nU0a-Kis8CI/w480-h640/20230304-IMG_9201.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2HRpt4DHFd9ZIR_xu3xqzvF70uJhBFTGy_kmerpJRxUEqduD76_zVa1Q77kT4xgR1uIYlmyJfmZ3zFlITqNpZsjs5yCyabf-OGoQ-u2-8TUi85dwvGAgwmfRtFiWERRUBsiVwCdbrWb2lyR6AGl3cyf1n-NsW-Xekn8QTPcCGlpLauUgTDW4Sfix/s4032/20230304-IMG_9202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2HRpt4DHFd9ZIR_xu3xqzvF70uJhBFTGy_kmerpJRxUEqduD76_zVa1Q77kT4xgR1uIYlmyJfmZ3zFlITqNpZsjs5yCyabf-OGoQ-u2-8TUi85dwvGAgwmfRtFiWERRUBsiVwCdbrWb2lyR6AGl3cyf1n-NsW-Xekn8QTPcCGlpLauUgTDW4Sfix/w480-h640/20230304-IMG_9202.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfmVIh2P8f8Wsep3iUYBxZyZ_oiZujVy0r2TCuvg5XbLLZ_iGIOqhD2Kg4ToLjUSwZtBoP8MRQm1HPBt_xdH5eXPlMY6AsAnr7eliDCVjqzZEda_joPNU3Zy7HoLBF2YQX8kwDpB4aplleGxjTto_rnbcZa4hiqsws45LRf-k9x_tGxEmOwiEulw4/s4032/20230304-20230304_113222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfmVIh2P8f8Wsep3iUYBxZyZ_oiZujVy0r2TCuvg5XbLLZ_iGIOqhD2Kg4ToLjUSwZtBoP8MRQm1HPBt_xdH5eXPlMY6AsAnr7eliDCVjqzZEda_joPNU3Zy7HoLBF2YQX8kwDpB4aplleGxjTto_rnbcZa4hiqsws45LRf-k9x_tGxEmOwiEulw4/w640-h480/20230304-20230304_113222.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic table #3 was over to the right. The 4WD track starts here</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We encountered our first uncleared tree fall of the trip. Someone had been through doing some clearing but blackberries were already growing back. A snake crossed the path in front of me, too fast for a photo. I guess I disturbed his sunbaking!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9dyTO5C0bjv6rnin9aCNsS82YSwr2Qd0rwzShjQoc5AAcZySZ09FWe4qVUXFmvfeHgnrDWNHH51Xqp-n5Q4r-xaFhmwDu9M8X57CVbL_MLdLBJ30m3Q5yVkO-p9YWvX-SwIdvBzgA7QbaLBqvHvPMEKdd6K__ezRlx_-I-97O8jfM-0mpdLHg5jf/s4032/20230304-IMG_9203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9dyTO5C0bjv6rnin9aCNsS82YSwr2Qd0rwzShjQoc5AAcZySZ09FWe4qVUXFmvfeHgnrDWNHH51Xqp-n5Q4r-xaFhmwDu9M8X57CVbL_MLdLBJ30m3Q5yVkO-p9YWvX-SwIdvBzgA7QbaLBqvHvPMEKdd6K__ezRlx_-I-97O8jfM-0mpdLHg5jf/w480-h640/20230304-IMG_9203.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG48oJ9aPfaQ0crOfvjWH0auxPEXTp7TuicEFj-PaPhS8kvh5G_5HXM_r_VZCcfWdsGt1RPjE3AX25ZKC8cf0X3_gFJVRb9CjMgiBrLdMh3KaOAZNtcmnvOXMKPGX6BynDdkyhZToJ55qvYIDhj3Syp_FtcIyuayl2OsaMqabEjT-VCKaOhYREPJV7/s4032/20230304-IMG_9204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG48oJ9aPfaQ0crOfvjWH0auxPEXTp7TuicEFj-PaPhS8kvh5G_5HXM_r_VZCcfWdsGt1RPjE3AX25ZKC8cf0X3_gFJVRb9CjMgiBrLdMh3KaOAZNtcmnvOXMKPGX6BynDdkyhZToJ55qvYIDhj3Syp_FtcIyuayl2OsaMqabEjT-VCKaOhYREPJV7/w640-h480/20230304-IMG_9204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCXt3szcST99ITRp1lANPbIyvX6jy1X0I2hpirQ5QRvIBVXeLupfqZPpe3nXf3uB3-AUWN0WJkPseN6JGawLBfu-zR4-zYB-70nz2_Ww0xgkcg7XS505RCudZANFdWq40VvpwV-AXRFuLU3sfomOzbQJBCRlwI8WZ0JLLIosb_rpjPEy4YH6nKfIC/s4032/20230304-IMG_9206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCXt3szcST99ITRp1lANPbIyvX6jy1X0I2hpirQ5QRvIBVXeLupfqZPpe3nXf3uB3-AUWN0WJkPseN6JGawLBfu-zR4-zYB-70nz2_Ww0xgkcg7XS505RCudZANFdWq40VvpwV-AXRFuLU3sfomOzbQJBCRlwI8WZ0JLLIosb_rpjPEy4YH6nKfIC/w480-h640/20230304-IMG_9206.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6RdRhJE3V8ERcLkQGZY4MbE3HSXe-cKvcr7_PTJldu0ZSe_IwbRnWyNKXqMdUi9zNx4oxYxL3fBA479Dca-ssjQ8pOp4kbyCpjDHihSM4DFzlyefZAagkKci3gklc9oRAUuWuVe5rQ9eQDOUy0OGw51hmSZSxKaXdM02_dih-RnuidHP5Y5-60Qd/s4032/20230304-IMG_9208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6RdRhJE3V8ERcLkQGZY4MbE3HSXe-cKvcr7_PTJldu0ZSe_IwbRnWyNKXqMdUi9zNx4oxYxL3fBA479Dca-ssjQ8pOp4kbyCpjDHihSM4DFzlyefZAagkKci3gklc9oRAUuWuVe5rQ9eQDOUy0OGw51hmSZSxKaXdM02_dih-RnuidHP5Y5-60Qd/w480-h640/20230304-IMG_9208.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />At the last of the 3 picnic tables began a 4WD track which continued to undulate but trended down hill. The trees changed from snow gums to woollybutt forest and some wattles and tree ferns in the damper valleys. We stopped for lunch and the girls we'd met yesterday passed us.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAdzwcf9_uWDCHjRMNHc3b234nSM8LRKlERxsOG7z_-_2PNAyaJg-LnHIRxY0ksS7utA3J6wmBojK0nS-wYehzCLS5vaTkfUN7ln7kzaynT8BHm2hEChjiXeNPYSQH2sLhwQpK37rnrvdgabqk5VzsuizRxTQWN5xcWKDBNddwPrz3ZIl-8jCd_BE/s4032/20230304-IMG_9211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAdzwcf9_uWDCHjRMNHc3b234nSM8LRKlERxsOG7z_-_2PNAyaJg-LnHIRxY0ksS7utA3J6wmBojK0nS-wYehzCLS5vaTkfUN7ln7kzaynT8BHm2hEChjiXeNPYSQH2sLhwQpK37rnrvdgabqk5VzsuizRxTQWN5xcWKDBNddwPrz3ZIl-8jCd_BE/w480-h640/20230304-IMG_9211.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DUe_7zDe4mcYzQ1BUPAxigblSRTkke9Itr6si9WgILYkxpMA-BzDOsD_M6VLAND_i9e23oA4mcul64kllaoOJHrdHNF7L2j6PfHQHu2aBQlKFXhotoDd7XtnKEPjmvoosDFY3wtJpHKEDarCB9vQnFUvOrnhPs2n_ltzhJOCHjwV2do_H4ZMTj9_/s4032/20230304-20230304_133739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DUe_7zDe4mcYzQ1BUPAxigblSRTkke9Itr6si9WgILYkxpMA-BzDOsD_M6VLAND_i9e23oA4mcul64kllaoOJHrdHNF7L2j6PfHQHu2aBQlKFXhotoDd7XtnKEPjmvoosDFY3wtJpHKEDarCB9vQnFUvOrnhPs2n_ltzhJOCHjwV2do_H4ZMTj9_/w480-h640/20230304-20230304_133739.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXJba97DeixxVvVmUKjqdcplJdVzC7s8BIrqox-bUvl33FIchXPtHMOqKuwXl-2rgrt90ILSObpyZKg6ewMdlgrDi7qdXXAO3W4WXxN7P4bC6L94C14ooPNk8fU34sFNes0SwrTTVaFJRSb4i08FpCBg6qWEn3vunY8LzAp70z1OY5yrGA26dXEj6/s4032/20230304-IMG_9213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXJba97DeixxVvVmUKjqdcplJdVzC7s8BIrqox-bUvl33FIchXPtHMOqKuwXl-2rgrt90ILSObpyZKg6ewMdlgrDi7qdXXAO3W4WXxN7P4bC6L94C14ooPNk8fU34sFNes0SwrTTVaFJRSb4i08FpCBg6qWEn3vunY8LzAp70z1OY5yrGA26dXEj6/w480-h640/20230304-IMG_9213.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7dlToZyVbH-09mHvqMXv1agbyAh3ZuN5zKuJpt490xc45pT0dzAu1YNfqzNyyw6VBOt7ZkDv0G2I91itggoikUhnrumRlB1QShTI15wzexn_HQQOuH_NLVEZtsG729HHKQYMMlDIpb6lKdzIBeI-tOx4zJorCjLMpESI2X-NXu9SqUZT6bRORphM/s4032/20230304-IMG_9214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7dlToZyVbH-09mHvqMXv1agbyAh3ZuN5zKuJpt490xc45pT0dzAu1YNfqzNyyw6VBOt7ZkDv0G2I91itggoikUhnrumRlB1QShTI15wzexn_HQQOuH_NLVEZtsG729HHKQYMMlDIpb6lKdzIBeI-tOx4zJorCjLMpESI2X-NXu9SqUZT6bRORphM/w480-h640/20230304-IMG_9214.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />As we descended and joined other 4WD tracks we could hear dirt bikers hooning around a circuit but we thankfully didn't cross paths with them. It felt an unwelcome intrusion after being in remote high country for six days.</div><div><br /></div> <div>A faint path left the 4WD track, initially through a blackberry thicket which was somewhat unpleasant and left us with scratches all over any exposed skin. We stopped to chat with the girls having their lunch before beginning the nasty steep climb up to Mt Wills 4WD track. That climb seemed to go on forever. We took lots of stops, the girls obviously soon overtook us, as we slowly struggled up that hill. There were no track markers and only a faint foot pad to follow but it was easily navigable.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYd8bdnfo6sRTiCIF9OqQhbCVDJdE6HHGIj-023glcA3UgPgJ57s-wFsYd76b8LPbsfCYDpKp81dohUFNzYG4pLbgn061U88OV1cX_VtaQjj0M2Y2iG91G5Z7t76xeEm7bI3f_4ggT9iCo37U0bMyhYP-suDNerDj9dByPxDPIwNH20ShJ-ZWKD_P/s4032/20230304-IMG_9215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYd8bdnfo6sRTiCIF9OqQhbCVDJdE6HHGIj-023glcA3UgPgJ57s-wFsYd76b8LPbsfCYDpKp81dohUFNzYG4pLbgn061U88OV1cX_VtaQjj0M2Y2iG91G5Z7t76xeEm7bI3f_4ggT9iCo37U0bMyhYP-suDNerDj9dByPxDPIwNH20ShJ-ZWKD_P/w480-h640/20230304-IMG_9215.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch break just after the nasty blackberry patch, and before the nasty hill climb!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYvFa6SCGu8TgcWkFjWPKCXNdl4Tg9KA220UCLsMiVOrANuyxyQ3vg9gFage-wdISCeDQUmLk3MJHyLPwL3nKjmAoDFiGvgo_GjIThM_qUnd0VJqAh5g78oGFJ5uySn2mMA-gBLkqCxqXuyHNLaclum0mxhQ8XNb7zBGUvf3kO9NJtdARF1fNlAZI/s4032/20230304-IMG_9216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYvFa6SCGu8TgcWkFjWPKCXNdl4Tg9KA220UCLsMiVOrANuyxyQ3vg9gFage-wdISCeDQUmLk3MJHyLPwL3nKjmAoDFiGvgo_GjIThM_qUnd0VJqAh5g78oGFJ5uySn2mMA-gBLkqCxqXuyHNLaclum0mxhQ8XNb7zBGUvf3kO9NJtdARF1fNlAZI/w480-h640/20230304-IMG_9216.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not so steep now</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIRSt99yJ94DPWAP0h6B8lYkzMmVi-J2DODvXrOznrfxK_wK3qjTbP0bxMpqPBgPNoBJGHlDBq8tjUocoIYf3b77Vjx0BR4ZNKt28PNwxsgi2jnF3IvcfU2590YaXDn10MDkMsmQu4RqwgpK5a7Wx0iCBvZEbksCU6oKRkeOqFgbmH7mnb4q8kss-/s4032/20230304-IMG_9217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIRSt99yJ94DPWAP0h6B8lYkzMmVi-J2DODvXrOznrfxK_wK3qjTbP0bxMpqPBgPNoBJGHlDBq8tjUocoIYf3b77Vjx0BR4ZNKt28PNwxsgi2jnF3IvcfU2590YaXDn10MDkMsmQu4RqwgpK5a7Wx0iCBvZEbksCU6oKRkeOqFgbmH7mnb4q8kss-/w640-h480/20230304-IMG_9217.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />At last we reached the 4WD track and followed that up to the hut. Mt Wills Hut reminded me of a fairly typical NZ hut, with 2 bunk rooms and a central wood stove, water tank and toilet. I put my tent up to dry, but planned to sleep in the hut, as were girls, Iain again opting to sleep in his tent. I was absolutely bushed, as was Iain.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUsQUcCCtNvJX7HwMXJt4zLP-tyMYziSfuQIPFN-rStN_HOolO8TRMEAki8RCizTJVN7q-agUaU4DQewhvnavF3BbSNr5U3so7WqfW27tvYxq0HOgJWbOC2g4NDtOJ8BU422JsKRYEMeMwGiOW_9LFCigwOPS7J6eyVGf2XI1n2ycQ97CsHDBdnPN/s4032/20230304-IMG_9218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUsQUcCCtNvJX7HwMXJt4zLP-tyMYziSfuQIPFN-rStN_HOolO8TRMEAki8RCizTJVN7q-agUaU4DQewhvnavF3BbSNr5U3so7WqfW27tvYxq0HOgJWbOC2g4NDtOJ8BU422JsKRYEMeMwGiOW_9LFCigwOPS7J6eyVGf2XI1n2ycQ97CsHDBdnPN/w480-h640/20230304-IMG_9218.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Iain had initially thought my conservative itinerary was a bit too conservative, but he had now changed his mind. Although he had been doing regular walks prior to this trip he had done next to no hill climbing, and not with a heavy pack either. He was also having trouble with his feet, possibly shoe related, and I suggested he try different lacing to stop his feet sliding forwards in the toe box. Despite my recent injuries, Iain seemed to be suffering more than me. I was finding the climbs hard, but I just needed to keep plodding.</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaXCXJsiYG47PG6KfprMp2pVdNqMZe_bKV-ihAdT9F28wyHCq1q_Xfdv9yfleEasmF63GmWosyLVrTpq6x14CWq6zmKNAqgB5keCVaXmyv77COIP-J_HyCgl2orY8Oz8fyfwuipK2Ms9Jxo4PATN7kqWrhTbp30-sMUhgRvXY9mi0LvGeQe0-8v2e/s4032/20230304-IMG_9220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaXCXJsiYG47PG6KfprMp2pVdNqMZe_bKV-ihAdT9F28wyHCq1q_Xfdv9yfleEasmF63GmWosyLVrTpq6x14CWq6zmKNAqgB5keCVaXmyv77COIP-J_HyCgl2orY8Oz8fyfwuipK2Ms9Jxo4PATN7kqWrhTbp30-sMUhgRvXY9mi0LvGeQe0-8v2e/w480-h640/20230304-IMG_9220.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worth climbing the rocks for some great views (and cell reception)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We cooked dinner then took it out to enjoy, sitting on the rocks near the hut watching the sunset, then I wasn't long to bed, feeling quite sore and shattered.</div><div><br /></div> <div><b><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TCaArVaGR0BETOo4PiPCq2jWL5XV3lmER4gGeYKCv-DELwE4QmHI7vf06Gz08Z-TBK01djmWckjgR0NAthWFXohpzc-LKyU2ZMG6ajjFGqvIsyuAaxD3OCYo1v-G4WV2YgwjH07InieQ0YyHFFaAcAZx2qQhcye57G9ZQHh3jcchgbh9TJubeH7C/s4032/20230304-IMG_9219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TCaArVaGR0BETOo4PiPCq2jWL5XV3lmER4gGeYKCv-DELwE4QmHI7vf06Gz08Z-TBK01djmWckjgR0NAthWFXohpzc-LKyU2ZMG6ajjFGqvIsyuAaxD3OCYo1v-G4WV2YgwjH07InieQ0YyHFFaAcAZx2qQhcye57G9ZQHh3jcchgbh9TJubeH7C/w640-h480/20230304-IMG_9219.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That mountain in the centre distance? Mt Bogong.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KcAGPqCOrrAVmwur4_iCcUnUF5jtUE9eD0pAV_NpsVZisPUMGeK4zsCrCCnt0D-vTgZm84CdLy3Cv_wSJyg_ha-0WWLZdNCqFczM9WGxhda4iuvOsYoUAFBw4d7hIbuMBkuURsNCaUOUHqZ8lUy4WkjvwG-nHFWhAc8iPM-7kVQ5VRLqbGW1VSPV/s4032/20230304-20230304_195158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KcAGPqCOrrAVmwur4_iCcUnUF5jtUE9eD0pAV_NpsVZisPUMGeK4zsCrCCnt0D-vTgZm84CdLy3Cv_wSJyg_ha-0WWLZdNCqFczM9WGxhda4iuvOsYoUAFBw4d7hIbuMBkuURsNCaUOUHqZ8lUy4WkjvwG-nHFWhAc8iPM-7kVQ5VRLqbGW1VSPV/w640-h480/20230304-20230304_195158.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Day 7 Mt Wills Hut to Wombat Divide Track (15.49 km, 675m👆 1185m👇 max elevation 1776m)</i></b></div> <div><br /></div><div>There was quite a storm overnight but I was cosy inside the hut. I think Iain's night was a bit more interrupted!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFDGDUTpz6y8pRG72pFs_kbQD4zV-FZehihfiCVqHeN1CxbzzigoOlwk0HsSkeo5j4aCG0ZpPYjHHF_hBcK0s5wr_1zxWPjoflCI4kG2IgS8AqNXNal5MzZiL_NBqeymFO9CN-IOysi_PdOIB0Rm628B8NYL6s-Pb4pZKS9m-2KsqoBlTqH7ZWSjL/s4032/20230305-IMG_9221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFDGDUTpz6y8pRG72pFs_kbQD4zV-FZehihfiCVqHeN1CxbzzigoOlwk0HsSkeo5j4aCG0ZpPYjHHF_hBcK0s5wr_1zxWPjoflCI4kG2IgS8AqNXNal5MzZiL_NBqeymFO9CN-IOysi_PdOIB0Rm628B8NYL6s-Pb4pZKS9m-2KsqoBlTqH7ZWSjL/w640-h480/20230305-IMG_9221.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Wills Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5j3qYy0ck4DZ7DcqT3adJSIWcFLXj6Y5bU8_PumgBREfheXqhbUj6uQhd1Q4twKtQ9zs0okw7VPJg5xxmq59F3S6bNBPyVcgH_Ty0nq0JkPNGlBlsaaVVjBrSW65KNR-M7Qj0pvytsTeNRFLLGYbCHTT7T51MPl43NiGBYZyhkqqA5iNtERSC-_r/s4032/20230305-20230305_081139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5j3qYy0ck4DZ7DcqT3adJSIWcFLXj6Y5bU8_PumgBREfheXqhbUj6uQhd1Q4twKtQ9zs0okw7VPJg5xxmq59F3S6bNBPyVcgH_Ty0nq0JkPNGlBlsaaVVjBrSW65KNR-M7Qj0pvytsTeNRFLLGYbCHTT7T51MPl43NiGBYZyhkqqA5iNtERSC-_r/w640-h480/20230305-20230305_081139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was still windy and all misty in the morning when we headed off. The path off Mt Wills wasn't easy to find at times, with not a lot of markers, and lots of animal tracks to confuse us. Luckily the Avenza map was helpful for keeping us on track, and as we got lower the mist cleared. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1QfdTfL2wUD_w8SVBgTYfEIZ-12F4bAInS3MFsBRa527RYDKLQEPlTPmYyrNd75hGsbARic83Uf1VxrD8IDByNrvgFA-HhoilLMJVLQPUSUu1GF693a3_69csMNAcheHUqf8ZKvy-l2HpGOanPhxfRnJGGEkq3hptzNXGAO6Aha6bJluoUlfHboy/s4032/20230305-20230305_083503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1QfdTfL2wUD_w8SVBgTYfEIZ-12F4bAInS3MFsBRa527RYDKLQEPlTPmYyrNd75hGsbARic83Uf1VxrD8IDByNrvgFA-HhoilLMJVLQPUSUu1GF693a3_69csMNAcheHUqf8ZKvy-l2HpGOanPhxfRnJGGEkq3hptzNXGAO6Aha6bJluoUlfHboy/w640-h480/20230305-20230305_083503.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well marked right there...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IZinj9pfwsPioUaZPfK2IvPDiHRyMZtGtYpIaKyscGVX3-GYDEar9iC0MeYb9uiANcwC4AlaGsihFaoNNkQ_SMB3yGKoatoLQK5nQPRU3yLbiD92IlZV19q2yEmvQBcV-FSE7dPRcJFwyfW2VlVUiTs_hyME-yYUOyXzhN5dd74Y7HS34d9BKlEk/s4032/20230305-IMG_9222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IZinj9pfwsPioUaZPfK2IvPDiHRyMZtGtYpIaKyscGVX3-GYDEar9iC0MeYb9uiANcwC4AlaGsihFaoNNkQ_SMB3yGKoatoLQK5nQPRU3yLbiD92IlZV19q2yEmvQBcV-FSE7dPRcJFwyfW2VlVUiTs_hyME-yYUOyXzhN5dd74Y7HS34d9BKlEk/w640-h480/20230305-IMG_9222.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFn4F2kroqSpVuAJu4GLGf9PzpQ73PfAuud36frWS-VC88TSPM1-8q56yjr_D1U6dOUGE4bZDwTMUGNuagaSk12eeKlmDoh8pNwfd1sB5X7xQ3Ruhkq0uZ8_a9Kq8239QbqtIfUtGrWtJ24dpKbA4HgB-PyF_ikZ4XdfVyqc4SkTTHxQekBCnCy6A/s4032/20230305-IMG_9224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFn4F2kroqSpVuAJu4GLGf9PzpQ73PfAuud36frWS-VC88TSPM1-8q56yjr_D1U6dOUGE4bZDwTMUGNuagaSk12eeKlmDoh8pNwfd1sB5X7xQ3Ruhkq0uZ8_a9Kq8239QbqtIfUtGrWtJ24dpKbA4HgB-PyF_ikZ4XdfVyqc4SkTTHxQekBCnCy6A/w480-h640/20230305-IMG_9224.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spy a marker!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The track descended steeply after Mt Wills South and after a while we joined an old road that was easy to follow all the way to Omeo Highway. The highway has been sealed since Chapman's 2nd edition was published, but I'm told is very windy so isn't heavily used.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoHf1VlcjO63Jd4MUShcSfZvBOB0b5nV2vzAkmLyw5UYovCQMeOAm3iIhiNVBcL9lc0JVEFvh9BLbifE1CrN20enmsbQrbgpdCzBuOGDR8GRGGkjyu5D1L0nnWw2xyxhwzz3Ter414j9tP2Gp8DhPGxlkjQu_ARYfiz9XEygDVUliAd5UenW8uhGr/s4032/20230305-IMG_9225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoHf1VlcjO63Jd4MUShcSfZvBOB0b5nV2vzAkmLyw5UYovCQMeOAm3iIhiNVBcL9lc0JVEFvh9BLbifE1CrN20enmsbQrbgpdCzBuOGDR8GRGGkjyu5D1L0nnWw2xyxhwzz3Ter414j9tP2Gp8DhPGxlkjQu_ARYfiz9XEygDVUliAd5UenW8uhGr/w480-h640/20230305-IMG_9225.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Omeo Highway!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After removing our rain gear we walked down the road to the track along Gill Spur. It was heavily overgrown though easy enough to follow, stopping for lunch on a log crossing the track. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTcp15XxFMLax9SRWCKxrbhuYlXwqCPoSGydRExVF9mLI-w2qefVgxgVSPO7MQyKjVBHYXT8gnjPNG1ZkEAsWJhNUToj9SsAUTNxHU0vi9mnX8hH-y3llIB7oBzSLYhaOm6R9pe9phRw1wKmReJwjngT4_L65fRQUIsv9VaylTd9N2Efaq0m9H_Kb/s4032/20230305-IMG_9226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTcp15XxFMLax9SRWCKxrbhuYlXwqCPoSGydRExVF9mLI-w2qefVgxgVSPO7MQyKjVBHYXT8gnjPNG1ZkEAsWJhNUToj9SsAUTNxHU0vi9mnX8hH-y3llIB7oBzSLYhaOm6R9pe9phRw1wKmReJwjngT4_L65fRQUIsv9VaylTd9N2Efaq0m9H_Kb/w480-h640/20230305-IMG_9226.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flax Lily fruit, edible apparently</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeAu2OQyE0Etz8pu8pZVOXLHlEJqdhPti035gMy7vlVjaId2qLD1EKNA8ADIudJ_HUM6_WdDK74NLJQ-HAhvastlNHT7Ak1IPKpvs7pqQby33aCOyXnocTmWHogV_Z84lLbdgzzKampDD5LDcTxs6lZtWvRZkwfAN7Kni_W2fTZpX6CpX8fkbbkxa/s4032/20230305-IMG_9227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeAu2OQyE0Etz8pu8pZVOXLHlEJqdhPti035gMy7vlVjaId2qLD1EKNA8ADIudJ_HUM6_WdDK74NLJQ-HAhvastlNHT7Ak1IPKpvs7pqQby33aCOyXnocTmWHogV_Z84lLbdgzzKampDD5LDcTxs6lZtWvRZkwfAN7Kni_W2fTZpX6CpX8fkbbkxa/w480-h640/20230305-IMG_9227.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This 4WD track hasn't seen a vehicle for a long time....</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Despite Chapman's notes suggesting otherwise there was only one path down to Gill Creek though the track had lots of wind fall and was like an obstacle course. We had to climb over and through a few big trees!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwhR0SfeXAOf06D2PChqD7OO8wkvUtG3XxerxPuklCKxv0a8jGheUGpa5rVv0ENL0EOnO7m5ZM0wHwZp097KRfXmsVaUEzga4QeAwxvDgEKF_urFjhmKlIFzL1P_Xk8ubHZzm7y066N1JqmMJONrCy_a04QZnJBpEjm9-UPzFlZd99Gxxs7hUjjgS/s4032/20230305-20230305_133117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwhR0SfeXAOf06D2PChqD7OO8wkvUtG3XxerxPuklCKxv0a8jGheUGpa5rVv0ENL0EOnO7m5ZM0wHwZp097KRfXmsVaUEzga4QeAwxvDgEKF_urFjhmKlIFzL1P_Xk8ubHZzm7y066N1JqmMJONrCy_a04QZnJBpEjm9-UPzFlZd99Gxxs7hUjjgS/w480-h640/20230305-20230305_133117.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuHFRudihxErKOV-qvBDMJFMJVR-i0aDKymbEbNfTDdiLeDuDKRBtUt4emHVGsu-FoK7gLJbyUWWpLBIUhigS0j3jWRJaQ5vc9k5S91Hl8WrxwRUae23_TkabSYOw2BYTNezAO7m5tR71IfKQAFoexo2H2KWL4YmO8ivXKt3AWSBYFPZrojlBVpyg/s4032/20230305-20230305_133125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuHFRudihxErKOV-qvBDMJFMJVR-i0aDKymbEbNfTDdiLeDuDKRBtUt4emHVGsu-FoK7gLJbyUWWpLBIUhigS0j3jWRJaQ5vc9k5S91Hl8WrxwRUae23_TkabSYOw2BYTNezAO7m5tR71IfKQAFoexo2H2KWL4YmO8ivXKt3AWSBYFPZrojlBVpyg/w480-h640/20230305-20230305_133125.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvHJiMcTDsPfjw-B_t82mzTF-dK1Q5QypH0V2Y6uTBYd1sSB0gCkfrWzwqMcoKuO25ejlZJJylEOkLvglHFxo-_TV6OaRkglMw9OblM9tbT2uFznyV1CPgxcYnSihOEnt51PcrfA7F7FTIEy2O9NZjH47mXEHcJxEskjZSK2O7XQ-MHQZELgctAw1/s4032/20230305-20230305_133922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvHJiMcTDsPfjw-B_t82mzTF-dK1Q5QypH0V2Y6uTBYd1sSB0gCkfrWzwqMcoKuO25ejlZJJylEOkLvglHFxo-_TV6OaRkglMw9OblM9tbT2uFznyV1CPgxcYnSihOEnt51PcrfA7F7FTIEy2O9NZjH47mXEHcJxEskjZSK2O7XQ-MHQZELgctAw1/w480-h640/20230305-20230305_133922.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQedtbtEcULtt7GsRoNXxRBOzJnd7YzCADMozACPYn7R32rbcTbLN0tQ3xut0zRO20pw365_EHKBBAJhq2wf-MrxOc_AZ5LCsodhqufQLMKTXbfPIT2NvBNObs5_eql02fbR-QJyHUdUFMdt2bHV0s1_gzIJpdnWFY-bJN3APaN1fQIzAicgeMuNWQ/s4032/20230305-20230305_133934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQedtbtEcULtt7GsRoNXxRBOzJnd7YzCADMozACPYn7R32rbcTbLN0tQ3xut0zRO20pw365_EHKBBAJhq2wf-MrxOc_AZ5LCsodhqufQLMKTXbfPIT2NvBNObs5_eql02fbR-QJyHUdUFMdt2bHV0s1_gzIJpdnWFY-bJN3APaN1fQIzAicgeMuNWQ/w480-h640/20230305-20230305_133934.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQd987sfYL40NmeQur0rijI2UXiHq6sRenHnfKJ210L7jArQ58OvtEnzUYLw3RF4RLAZGH2X3JVhR72ZpHcwpZXSx25SsZKT_nymp5M7AGCcdCwrBpCFAV2t6OQYsP16i7L_22g1n_gCdiO5wi-PaeVMC_ZJrH1vRB-Fs_I_gb1xzX8JrQhFAi4-z/s4032/20230305-20230305_141817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQd987sfYL40NmeQur0rijI2UXiHq6sRenHnfKJ210L7jArQ58OvtEnzUYLw3RF4RLAZGH2X3JVhR72ZpHcwpZXSx25SsZKT_nymp5M7AGCcdCwrBpCFAV2t6OQYsP16i7L_22g1n_gCdiO5wi-PaeVMC_ZJrH1vRB-Fs_I_gb1xzX8JrQhFAi4-z/w480-h640/20230305-20230305_141817.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93sJ4SniOKqc0LcFj9y0Hr7zn3cmods6BzAeDhJ3emRdSFhI73I8VUuxHQw_5FPPy1AB3CZDXWQtySgFmXu_srwlj6ZSFBagfxYNpuRg-p9cfiDPoCVSUEK5YF-Y4xtWjuJ2HQaZJH0q3j7ThsO0KRz0c0FsnSCEP9Zdq2hYiYjceHuDAvFFx3rwN/s4032/20230305-IMG_9228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93sJ4SniOKqc0LcFj9y0Hr7zn3cmods6BzAeDhJ3emRdSFhI73I8VUuxHQw_5FPPy1AB3CZDXWQtySgFmXu_srwlj6ZSFBagfxYNpuRg-p9cfiDPoCVSUEK5YF-Y4xtWjuJ2HQaZJH0q3j7ThsO0KRz0c0FsnSCEP9Zdq2hYiYjceHuDAvFFx3rwN/w480-h640/20230305-IMG_9228.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2qU5IaYn79Vu1CuQT8U74DM1pXkFYhaMkhQ6TdVuquM4ArohrhmsSWIIQHg5cevZaoKAggXkIkBqqS0IAq0RktgosuocoW9nEOX8-hC8VUzVaK8E7yU6S1UqEV5ZvTwMQcDtwGchHUVkte_ypgcmJJqO1LjGRMjdFx6v-LvOUfc4DDm5JRZp_A7i/s4032/20230305-IMG_9229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2qU5IaYn79Vu1CuQT8U74DM1pXkFYhaMkhQ6TdVuquM4ArohrhmsSWIIQHg5cevZaoKAggXkIkBqqS0IAq0RktgosuocoW9nEOX8-hC8VUzVaK8E7yU6S1UqEV5ZvTwMQcDtwGchHUVkte_ypgcmJJqO1LjGRMjdFx6v-LvOUfc4DDm5JRZp_A7i/w480-h640/20230305-IMG_9229.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a marker, must be the track....</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As we got lower we began to encounter a lot more ferns and a thick under story. Gill Creek was pretty with a deep pool you could swim in, but it also had leeches and mossies galore. We had also been warned that there were bull ants, but we didn't see any ourselves. The camping area was tiny, room for one tent but a squeeze for two. We filled up with water, took our shoes and socks off for a rest and decided to continue on.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbk1ftJVW4bZ44aRhFPCVW-UbgiE_VKp5IUdBS_nCp3_bijjBBYGm19b89tRc08AAgjuuCguXCAYI5GLc_kVriPoZSxAxZTgRlOzPQ73BhWK1yBsKI2BfWBIyPGoNTEPuwYU9Kz1WPrtbnGIXqFZlCmITMlt8UcldSywojkxdovjiJkiHbxO9gYLoI/s4032/20230305-20230305_145422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbk1ftJVW4bZ44aRhFPCVW-UbgiE_VKp5IUdBS_nCp3_bijjBBYGm19b89tRc08AAgjuuCguXCAYI5GLc_kVriPoZSxAxZTgRlOzPQ73BhWK1yBsKI2BfWBIyPGoNTEPuwYU9Kz1WPrtbnGIXqFZlCmITMlt8UcldSywojkxdovjiJkiHbxO9gYLoI/w480-h640/20230305-20230305_145422.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a lot of room for tents, but many leeches....</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Iain had pulled off quite a few leeches whilst sitting at Gill Creek. I had no leeches until I crossed the creek, picking them up as I scrambled up the steep bank on the other side. I pulled off 7 or 8 of the blood suckers.</div><div><br /></div> <div>The track wasn't where it was marked on the Avenza map, but corresponded with Chapman's notes. The climb went up and up, with nowhere suitable to camp, as the bush was too thick. We had our daily snake sighting, disturbing him sunning on the track. </div><div><br /></div><div>A last we made it to the fire track at the top of the hill. It had recently been bulldozed as there were notices proclaiming they would be doing a controlled burn in the near future. We figured the likelihood of encountering any traffic was about zero, so we pitched our tents on the road where it was flat and hoped nobody would drive through overnight! </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3jVkTyiB7U5a2CNl6VjWw0ZC4ELMg9E5_UiMAZMtv8P-xskl3t-5ke5RhTSHjPnDhcYBL70g3MYilLyF9bnJu95gbPj_x8jzPKcYhEZlURON-Q7sMDxy_PYQ_KRmCmRIeeASo67qQYKpgNXqkY0h7LILnQs7mEsUVTHURR_iCSVl1oK-DF8kGcR_/s4032/20230305-IMG_9230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3jVkTyiB7U5a2CNl6VjWw0ZC4ELMg9E5_UiMAZMtv8P-xskl3t-5ke5RhTSHjPnDhcYBL70g3MYilLyF9bnJu95gbPj_x8jzPKcYhEZlURON-Q7sMDxy_PYQ_KRmCmRIeeASo67qQYKpgNXqkY0h7LILnQs7mEsUVTHURR_iCSVl1oK-DF8kGcR_/w480-h640/20230305-IMG_9230.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camped on a fire trail...</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Another day of being shattered, though we would have a shorter day tomorrow since we hadn't camped at Gill Creek as originally planned.</div><div><br /></div> <div><b><i>Day 8 Fire Trail to Kennedys Hut (10.15 km, 60m👆 820m👇 max elevation 1250m)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div> <div>Three thunder storms passed over overnight, with not a lot of rain, but enough to splash dirt all over the bottom of my tent. I tried wiping off as much dirt as I could, in an effort to treat my ultralight tent a bit better than I've treated previous tents. It's not quite so robust, the tradeoff for saving on weight.</div><div><br /></div><div>We headed off along fire trails which had recently been cleared, making for fairly easy walking. Aside from one small section through bush on an overgrown track, where I saw a wallaby, we were on good roads all the way. However, after a couple of tough days I found the uphill sections difficult, like there's no fuel in the tank. This lack of endurance is definitely a result of enforced inactivity for a couple of months post accident, and is perhaps the most frustrating part of my recovery. Let's hope it improves as the months pass...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraNtCn_Kfbvknxnjb35D9NVwiobz4d5pUA9s41X09hvRt86lZIUY41QZvnqzWevnVoZIMQticU1xhBVAhbJCiNkxanKW-CESdPK90HZvftAaG-6_uDOGD_jeZuSG1LQCeH49ha3T2aI6gfiCMum-amVHBdzPybQfr_bew3p4u6acTJR7cASzBSO4x/s4032/20230306-IMG_9231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraNtCn_Kfbvknxnjb35D9NVwiobz4d5pUA9s41X09hvRt86lZIUY41QZvnqzWevnVoZIMQticU1xhBVAhbJCiNkxanKW-CESdPK90HZvftAaG-6_uDOGD_jeZuSG1LQCeH49ha3T2aI6gfiCMum-amVHBdzPybQfr_bew3p4u6acTJR7cASzBSO4x/w480-h640/20230306-IMG_9231.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6h-CmU8F8tsNdMprDYbD0ZStMGxHdz8x6TetoplJUy3DsSVoTudC3bir89O1GB1qGo37HBe2FdrKsFFgXCTzzRJOf8TXNObTAM-adiE76pOpAS_vStI-7oM00bCAKHxfwgqLs0ya6PIFAHfoBbwbaUL3rMye4wmyquyOV0wn-KPh5N2Xva2fXZeHd/s4032/20230306-IMG_9232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6h-CmU8F8tsNdMprDYbD0ZStMGxHdz8x6TetoplJUy3DsSVoTudC3bir89O1GB1qGo37HBe2FdrKsFFgXCTzzRJOf8TXNObTAM-adiE76pOpAS_vStI-7oM00bCAKHxfwgqLs0ya6PIFAHfoBbwbaUL3rMye4wmyquyOV0wn-KPh5N2Xva2fXZeHd/w480-h640/20230306-IMG_9232.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Kennedy Hut is set by the Mitta Mitta River with a picnic table and a toilet so we decided to camp there and spend the afternoon doing all the chores, like washing clothes and charging power banks, and cleaning off as much dirt from my tent as I could. After a few cups of tea and a chilled afternoon reading I felt much better.</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_eR3ypHO5E5Kvqc6a_hnd7pMq4WEb8WmP4xN9y-QAKDHhtlUBGAkRDLkXBSznkQ3pvYemcWG-azN1Ghca0jZ_UrtsJORiYtg5XA2fvtBgtI8JGSZ1A7roLbrghs4EmDXWlq3X0bvVGwFo_YO1BmMBGpNPjSMllWV9dvr3JwSyyctsR1W7Sfe4aBb/s4032/20230306-IMG_9233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_eR3ypHO5E5Kvqc6a_hnd7pMq4WEb8WmP4xN9y-QAKDHhtlUBGAkRDLkXBSznkQ3pvYemcWG-azN1Ghca0jZ_UrtsJORiYtg5XA2fvtBgtI8JGSZ1A7roLbrghs4EmDXWlq3X0bvVGwFo_YO1BmMBGpNPjSMllWV9dvr3JwSyyctsR1W7Sfe4aBb/w640-h480/20230306-IMG_9233.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kennedys Hut (and if you zoom in you'll find out what Lloyd is...)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7puQhhZm-XAYZOYn-airEmqstbqehvYmTQVgZzB2dbVLvrqyrHhjtYPx-AE74qQkOY8nZxu6dkp2sHVTjqK9Ebcb9VqMCXQ5C2U8i0qLiLRrDHrCmgPZlafwXLAgjJd6zbDDwxm_msfaS8sEUYM7dekQq67oWXbl3qa7aiyMCa4Mlkx5RYXxuonxM/s4032/20230306-IMG_9234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7puQhhZm-XAYZOYn-airEmqstbqehvYmTQVgZzB2dbVLvrqyrHhjtYPx-AE74qQkOY8nZxu6dkp2sHVTjqK9Ebcb9VqMCXQ5C2U8i0qLiLRrDHrCmgPZlafwXLAgjJd6zbDDwxm_msfaS8sEUYM7dekQq67oWXbl3qa7aiyMCa4Mlkx5RYXxuonxM/w480-h640/20230306-IMG_9234.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzZYsIUFv4dk9BOgGPyATManOrALV13QPk1JHjF4T2HkcE4y2T9kvCBpmKGaM2YlDlft-MC-dqHNJr9xj5RB3A7NRAR6fekwOeStdZCfraSsFl5GS8wOW4X5VSInjFE3oETrPmp_LIMkSblDhXMgmj3DXF-JDpDJzDNkkLtA1fLVUPuoD3To73bmS/s4032/20230306-20230306_130936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzZYsIUFv4dk9BOgGPyATManOrALV13QPk1JHjF4T2HkcE4y2T9kvCBpmKGaM2YlDlft-MC-dqHNJr9xj5RB3A7NRAR6fekwOeStdZCfraSsFl5GS8wOW4X5VSInjFE3oETrPmp_LIMkSblDhXMgmj3DXF-JDpDJzDNkkLtA1fLVUPuoD3To73bmS/w640-h480/20230306-20230306_130936.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I would have liked to go for a swim, but the river bank was too muddy to be able to get out without getting completely filthy in the process. Getting water was a challenge, I ended up sinking to above my knees in mud trying to collect it, but then walked up the track to where a side stream crossed a smaller track and got water there without any problem.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJER05HpK6RJgEcaTz4UV9fLnaba2q0rNzE1N1b7uDSQ19yt8Hs4FjSNKk-eeaAgRNm0iNtTrpmCrLTJrOxn_ARQKwOBkpwfwZAsdVSEwImhQ-M0XJ5DGEYu3duSxoAJvvmwfY7q7fTfosriXp4D2wEPnjspkTjzMnB0OhW172jyysjPiusmjWaLk/s4032/20230306-20230306_185739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJER05HpK6RJgEcaTz4UV9fLnaba2q0rNzE1N1b7uDSQ19yt8Hs4FjSNKk-eeaAgRNm0iNtTrpmCrLTJrOxn_ARQKwOBkpwfwZAsdVSEwImhQ-M0XJ5DGEYu3duSxoAJvvmwfY7q7fTfosriXp4D2wEPnjspkTjzMnB0OhW172jyysjPiusmjWaLk/w480-h640/20230306-20230306_185739.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XPhkC4wJgu-wy_4qOdgx9xY0l0V6_P46Jxum9StbgtGzzsEwfPx6JXI-LURbpJ_NtPiIvko8TB-THumFazQziLFcRpBBq_M6pFgH4FojEs-WrzjEOYLlyZbNK1kJiJ2PaL-JOlDRHoI49gX4mDXUThrgjVmgE78eghQDoCcnwXcSVKqCvyG5NiqF/s4032/20230306-20230306_185815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XPhkC4wJgu-wy_4qOdgx9xY0l0V6_P46Jxum9StbgtGzzsEwfPx6JXI-LURbpJ_NtPiIvko8TB-THumFazQziLFcRpBBq_M6pFgH4FojEs-WrzjEOYLlyZbNK1kJiJ2PaL-JOlDRHoI49gX4mDXUThrgjVmgE78eghQDoCcnwXcSVKqCvyG5NiqF/w640-h480/20230306-20230306_185815.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic tables make camping just that little bit more comfortable</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNKmfTUos-egYAbRyUoiennfPzm6edC2vfaBN4liwhD_s2u8kvaP3Q3Rz05R8AnbJwQB2AqjUNMF7uiBUg0bCfrE3HzbENyH6_G5j6iXsSEFBMGDWYdXjDIYhRTwNwL7nNbcF8a1fg2fu1VVhm94jMVefAAJCHnaiwEOvGS-_Y3yNALxxrRZqK1ek/s4032/20230306-IMG_9235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNKmfTUos-egYAbRyUoiennfPzm6edC2vfaBN4liwhD_s2u8kvaP3Q3Rz05R8AnbJwQB2AqjUNMF7uiBUg0bCfrE3HzbENyH6_G5j6iXsSEFBMGDWYdXjDIYhRTwNwL7nNbcF8a1fg2fu1VVhm94jMVefAAJCHnaiwEOvGS-_Y3yNALxxrRZqK1ek/w640-h480/20230306-IMG_9235.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mighty Mitta Mitta is actually an extension of Big River, we've met before...</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Aside from a couple of 4WDs visiting the hut, we saw no-one else all day.</div><div><br /></div> <div><b><i>Day 9 Kennedy Hut to Benambra Corryong Road (9.34 km, 465m👆305m👇 max elevation 841m)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div> <div>I slept really well, waking up at 6:30 and heading off a bit after 8. We walked to Taylor's Crossing, which has a nice campground by the river with a pretty substantial footbridge. It's a bit more public than where we camped. One 4WD passed and crossed the river at a ford above the bridge and there was another car parked on the other side of the river. I don't think I would have felt all that confident to leave an unattended tent to wander down to Kennedy's and back so I think our choice not to stay there was good. Plus the toilet at Kennedy's didn't require crossing the river to get to!!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hlFat1Ty6L0Kf30jovygiFFVl0lDkjq4UhwWLQ-0GRRocLO04RheZTMeW45SApn_WRlxfUFVuyfm3ZZAhw2xZBh7gBbg_8ITzRpnOYAK7OPEP8xdXSNv8PthcIPe6UlsOftkOOfreC1xLFDgqU9fN6VA3FXnIR85o6BI1X64xzLQZ1_hQsziwa3f/s4032/20230307-20230307_081653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hlFat1Ty6L0Kf30jovygiFFVl0lDkjq4UhwWLQ-0GRRocLO04RheZTMeW45SApn_WRlxfUFVuyfm3ZZAhw2xZBh7gBbg_8ITzRpnOYAK7OPEP8xdXSNv8PthcIPe6UlsOftkOOfreC1xLFDgqU9fN6VA3FXnIR85o6BI1X64xzLQZ1_hQsziwa3f/w640-h480/20230307-20230307_081653.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGA-wgS1ZrjnJPE9n7z1WuR4dJerW_1c_C-BpO84o8_rN3Aq3raG1XreNTEQIoHMbpUJDQDT3fsgUdCK9CBsFjb8lL_hF7RbxG3jtSeNmz89u5W-Jvj5ReCO9OPSj6NsaPSqwGifMhfENOdMlf2xsyo330w7S5xulapYMRoGcUnC5SCEiJgttUAIt/s4032/20230307-20230307_081710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGA-wgS1ZrjnJPE9n7z1WuR4dJerW_1c_C-BpO84o8_rN3Aq3raG1XreNTEQIoHMbpUJDQDT3fsgUdCK9CBsFjb8lL_hF7RbxG3jtSeNmz89u5W-Jvj5ReCO9OPSj6NsaPSqwGifMhfENOdMlf2xsyo330w7S5xulapYMRoGcUnC5SCEiJgttUAIt/w640-h480/20230307-20230307_081710.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUC8C6fopf71z9iMHdZ_mGn8EOC8-STco98fSopU6HnjDMYqqBM-ohO1G-OSud0O-TYcgn2l9iDNVSd2MODZyQaN6t0T2M-ztcvriGOAP1c_0bwEDwOu2QF4LTzVJ9I6lMtVliut_SM-L5txFyIrVeg6ehaFlcjRUpT1OHkULyft9eRFOuACu-17L/s4032/20230307-20230307_081737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUC8C6fopf71z9iMHdZ_mGn8EOC8-STco98fSopU6HnjDMYqqBM-ohO1G-OSud0O-TYcgn2l9iDNVSd2MODZyQaN6t0T2M-ztcvriGOAP1c_0bwEDwOu2QF4LTzVJ9I6lMtVliut_SM-L5txFyIrVeg6ehaFlcjRUpT1OHkULyft9eRFOuACu-17L/w640-h480/20230307-20230307_081737.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LXhuD2RGVY-LRGwgtFUSNiEfJ9eYCnrPj6FD2FniYSLxLVs7Djoi3eConG5JO_cABd6SYD6Ku2iXC1Zdu0VIPgROUOKNc1jM_5zHRlDaOm2HSx9vzLd4D9pZm4gdovSuYtA8Ljaj9brV6FLVMXXK7mrrLvL8h5irUVhNQgR3jSBz-6NmcUJLxYNT/s4032/20230307-IMG_9236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LXhuD2RGVY-LRGwgtFUSNiEfJ9eYCnrPj6FD2FniYSLxLVs7Djoi3eConG5JO_cABd6SYD6Ku2iXC1Zdu0VIPgROUOKNc1jM_5zHRlDaOm2HSx9vzLd4D9pZm4gdovSuYtA8Ljaj9brV6FLVMXXK7mrrLvL8h5irUVhNQgR3jSBz-6NmcUJLxYNT/w480-h640/20230307-IMG_9236.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-2zi5PdwOvSCE3nwOL4Mhv4SgSWGS5wWzN8FJda3ai70YfbIdXBqXEW7b9Q_cs6DdzJCBlkr8MiAeGU88of2VjHhNGlj62IML29aF-IIXWloGZL51iFGfeQMmIEcUpaI4sxDOQJHsK9DL6nTUn6zP3470s8K-TnL2XW2R3S2SLw2ujrgNC2vP8NK/s4032/20230307-20230307_084550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-2zi5PdwOvSCE3nwOL4Mhv4SgSWGS5wWzN8FJda3ai70YfbIdXBqXEW7b9Q_cs6DdzJCBlkr8MiAeGU88of2VjHhNGlj62IML29aF-IIXWloGZL51iFGfeQMmIEcUpaI4sxDOQJHsK9DL6nTUn6zP3470s8K-TnL2XW2R3S2SLw2ujrgNC2vP8NK/w640-h480/20230307-20230307_084550.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2vqsgdeWuIdi4-f8MkbdX4rOgRZ_4oXKeT0oq4OwzWlhLbkdMkhVw_tA_pzgreC2NkHdo0nNC2VI52RXL2-Vh_MiOR0y30_4LLlyQ8C0F0ZwXrUwSq6Lg-ywWl7A3YJmTYAyyB4eZTevy3bPalN6-gOZ99TTJeGzwI_I7wjM1OG0vsp-UFkMFi9R/s4032/20230307-IMG_9237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2vqsgdeWuIdi4-f8MkbdX4rOgRZ_4oXKeT0oq4OwzWlhLbkdMkhVw_tA_pzgreC2NkHdo0nNC2VI52RXL2-Vh_MiOR0y30_4LLlyQ8C0F0ZwXrUwSq6Lg-ywWl7A3YJmTYAyyB4eZTevy3bPalN6-gOZ99TTJeGzwI_I7wjM1OG0vsp-UFkMFi9R/w640-h480/20230307-IMG_9237.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor's Crossing is at the lowest elevation on the entire Australian Alps Walking track (507m ASL)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIS7xA6F74znznAQQehpCaLybCXGnhrUj2r1P8hxOGPh2yhimcDtedbQ2h6VeKMIz0jcEtO5Xklr-FxYNY9OTrKT1R6zXEPnCFZSO70K9YHO--89E0bmyHPYGC2YIp8EswHOl3CSnjTbsYvnEuOEe9pI4cmw6r4P1PMtdS4o7DLh4Bq7IysY6xHNWl/s4032/20230307-IMG_9240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIS7xA6F74znznAQQehpCaLybCXGnhrUj2r1P8hxOGPh2yhimcDtedbQ2h6VeKMIz0jcEtO5Xklr-FxYNY9OTrKT1R6zXEPnCFZSO70K9YHO--89E0bmyHPYGC2YIp8EswHOl3CSnjTbsYvnEuOEe9pI4cmw6r4P1PMtdS4o7DLh4Bq7IysY6xHNWl/w480-h640/20230307-IMG_9240.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTYjw2d88XoC3kG1y3Ua7LYjNy3KnhUx4vAx-1qyvQfFfW-lyd8BPLrbMU71KGl55k-fHLtq3SWZb01O4PoCgsyb-23Azg7QjlJqXqcQuH2b-48F1PrjJc8CcKKsQgEpkiJZZ9H2bBP-2TtMn4D5uwsBfprvMbLN7JyBVGVQlgD9jhDIwHrO3fFmF/s4032/20230307-IMG_9241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTYjw2d88XoC3kG1y3Ua7LYjNy3KnhUx4vAx-1qyvQfFfW-lyd8BPLrbMU71KGl55k-fHLtq3SWZb01O4PoCgsyb-23Azg7QjlJqXqcQuH2b-48F1PrjJc8CcKKsQgEpkiJZZ9H2bBP-2TtMn4D5uwsBfprvMbLN7JyBVGVQlgD9jhDIwHrO3fFmF/w480-h640/20230307-IMG_9241.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motorbike bar</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK88WwKmNEksNJCknfXPPXMRzgOG7ZeznDXD9M5-jVDp0RIlj51QhEj-775U1Ry5ByyQtueyGpl6WV-Aa_Q3sbPM-SCqZ8ZwRKfOHewk9WC1IW49ohwzoTRxLjS6unG-SloVFqmTOw9JxgU57cu7SyhzCV9ZWf5epN8GRDBE9jKwUE0O20Qk80a1C-/s4032/20230307-IMG_9242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK88WwKmNEksNJCknfXPPXMRzgOG7ZeznDXD9M5-jVDp0RIlj51QhEj-775U1Ry5ByyQtueyGpl6WV-Aa_Q3sbPM-SCqZ8ZwRKfOHewk9WC1IW49ohwzoTRxLjS6unG-SloVFqmTOw9JxgU57cu7SyhzCV9ZWf5epN8GRDBE9jKwUE0O20Qk80a1C-/w640-h480/20230307-IMG_9242.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once over the bridge we followed the river downstream on a fairly indistinct path that wound through broom and thistle and blackberries. Yummy blackberries! This section had been cleared since the publication of my edition of Chapman's book, which had given an alternative route along dirt roads. The track seemed to be on private land, as we passed a number of shacks along the way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once through the broom and blackberries the path got easier to follow, mostly sidling high above the river through fairly dry open eucalyptus forests. There were numerous ups and downs crossing side creeks which were mostly dry. A few windfalls made going a little tough at times but overall it was good, if slow, travel. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6fK7cWieB9mK5mHHoRdYkQ16qFx77sGtGV_mLRub-4vCgzRwBZ0fGItbblKkVVbAIbeIbTVC3H0z1rnWuZyenISRKGhdX4VqCe42MoLCm0jQt2eXc6YfVL0tWTYa8T64naToIT5rgMBhHy8k-JYApwZv1R5oLRQLVCMwHxi1Fgt33Jsoe3kJy53f/s4032/20230307-IMG_9243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6fK7cWieB9mK5mHHoRdYkQ16qFx77sGtGV_mLRub-4vCgzRwBZ0fGItbblKkVVbAIbeIbTVC3H0z1rnWuZyenISRKGhdX4VqCe42MoLCm0jQt2eXc6YfVL0tWTYa8T64naToIT5rgMBhHy8k-JYApwZv1R5oLRQLVCMwHxi1Fgt33Jsoe3kJy53f/w480-h640/20230307-IMG_9243.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSc-TfC1L0_W1Pk68p8kkyp6gh-wVY8AlmcYVJmY6sBQglxatFLO5XZ4TnCCxK0vy6cuZ634lpFc6_GqorOFu9hC-XKDKYfklIGyabXaDfYetQOWX0d3sHSotEtoU3rjM3PuJofDAM7eEcIv5cau74HZP2RK1K7kDjbB07FB3xYe3-MUQmMsJA-ufB/s4032/20230307-IMG_9244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSc-TfC1L0_W1Pk68p8kkyp6gh-wVY8AlmcYVJmY6sBQglxatFLO5XZ4TnCCxK0vy6cuZ634lpFc6_GqorOFu9hC-XKDKYfklIGyabXaDfYetQOWX0d3sHSotEtoU3rjM3PuJofDAM7eEcIv5cau74HZP2RK1K7kDjbB07FB3xYe3-MUQmMsJA-ufB/w480-h640/20230307-IMG_9244.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We stopped at a crossroad at 12 for a snack/lunch then there was a bit more climbing before a long and very steep descent to Morass Creek. Iain's shoes needed readjusting a few times, whereas my feet were fine. Saw another wallaby. </div><div><br /></div><div>At Morass Creek there were nasty prickly bushes similar to matagouri and lots of cotoneaster, the berries of which the local rosellas were feasting on. We crossed the creek and found a nice spot in the shade to relax for an hour. I had a late lunch and then went for a swim. Bliss to wash the sweat away!!</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvoxc-RqR5VZ-xyjOZIOzhTneXFWcJBmAD9LdMeqnpfddSivcQNjaX-5l3o5Oj4ff6BvXhcI_qqpQi768grhZrCiXoTuQKmJHBP5CE2-nOQKYmGyeGw34LEXcC6jXW9lXRMYpiprCzvxe8OCPUr0sm48dnSIw9shx89sMGMW7ZjHKeMbyIwjCr2tU/s3586/20230307-IMG_9245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3586" data-original-width="2688" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvoxc-RqR5VZ-xyjOZIOzhTneXFWcJBmAD9LdMeqnpfddSivcQNjaX-5l3o5Oj4ff6BvXhcI_qqpQi768grhZrCiXoTuQKmJHBP5CE2-nOQKYmGyeGw34LEXcC6jXW9lXRMYpiprCzvxe8OCPUr0sm48dnSIw9shx89sMGMW7ZjHKeMbyIwjCr2tU/w480-h640/20230307-IMG_9245.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morass Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The climb up to Benambra Corryong Rd only took half an hour. We grabbed our food canisters, found a campsite and had a beer, which were surprisingly fairly cold. Then we put up tents etc before walking the one kilometre down the road to Stony Creek to get water. I got 8 litres, much more than I needed but better to have too much than have to go down and get more water in the morning.</div><div><br /></div> <div>Back at camp we had another beer whilst sorting our food supplies, then I enjoyed a palak paneer with garlic naan bread washed down with a third beer. In all our elation at having successfully completed the first half of our trip, neither of us took a celebratory photo!</div><div><br /></div><div>I felt suitably carb loaded and well hydrated for tomorrow's hard slog. Uphill all day with heavy packs.</div><div><br /></div> <div><b><i>Day 10 Benambra Corryong Road to Johnnies Tops (14.65 km, 1075m👆 155m👇 max elevation 1601m)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div> <div>It was a warm night and I didn't sleep well as where I had scratched my legs on brambles yesterday was sore, and I was quite sweaty despite removing most of my clothes. It began spitting just as we were packing up the tents. Iain hid the tubs again as there was lots of stuff he decided he didn't need so put back in the tub. Like more clothes!! We had both had plenty of gas left from the first 9 days, so I decided not to take my extra small canister as Iain was bringing two small ones. </div><div><br /></div><div>Morning ablutions involved the obligatory wander into the scrub to dig a hole. Iain didn't quite take enough notice of which direction he went and a few "Cooee" calls later he found his way back! Packs on, we crossed the road and headed uphill. </div><div><br /></div><div>There were lots of brumby tracks and not many markers. Thank goodness for those Avenza maps to keep us on course. There was one steep section over rocks, but I just didn't seem to have any energy, despite the carb load of the previous evening. The trail went through much wetter forest and along an old road before joining fire trails which we followed for the rest of the way to Johnnies Tops. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRCl2EoG4AbY9cfM9nDPHo1i-6T37wonLZOHfezS9gmbC3iVoLi0m0V6LHtscRyq-TV8kvestZrHkdl5SWXIjXw019nXwWlKupD-vltBrC1Kpur8CQ2K9xSHs-YhS3S5t85PqutVXCYclrLbnVAGR2xTyYeiQHUnOVj3gYx1uDWS2aTTJfHiyNqGj/s4032/20230308-IMG_9246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRCl2EoG4AbY9cfM9nDPHo1i-6T37wonLZOHfezS9gmbC3iVoLi0m0V6LHtscRyq-TV8kvestZrHkdl5SWXIjXw019nXwWlKupD-vltBrC1Kpur8CQ2K9xSHs-YhS3S5t85PqutVXCYclrLbnVAGR2xTyYeiQHUnOVj3gYx1uDWS2aTTJfHiyNqGj/w480-h640/20230308-IMG_9246.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That way....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi23YHcLLrSZ1lx6SSt0jSFM1lSt9VpoCHzBEbcVWNmHyYuumy3_P1FwgiirMpZAN4kGyrDIQ-iMLhKofa2ZsGfgzXYyuuq20qOchcVfXJmatjIXq51e11g73SaXQvGuncr9rAq7sAhyBgxnHe8-HqXQJH4dEkpClKyZ5PXNObbtLPGTBz3p-fBDIo/s4032/20230308-IMG_9247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi23YHcLLrSZ1lx6SSt0jSFM1lSt9VpoCHzBEbcVWNmHyYuumy3_P1FwgiirMpZAN4kGyrDIQ-iMLhKofa2ZsGfgzXYyuuq20qOchcVfXJmatjIXq51e11g73SaXQvGuncr9rAq7sAhyBgxnHe8-HqXQJH4dEkpClKyZ5PXNObbtLPGTBz3p-fBDIo/w480-h640/20230308-IMG_9247.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvtG2huUpwPpte5j6d9ENaV0RszQzHNbgqzkIy_R8tHrkHr3sNXhIZV3ECs7oumZXC7rkdoHhC3fIoCHmm5mkg_E_i7IoSxuecanR6E6XhdlQPSctMHLe7JqLQ7uTfzg1m33VTbW_751lZFpuJ7n7aLGVNFX8w3l482kspWv0LTuIbG6WvpRqZkJ9/s4032/20230308-IMG_9248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvtG2huUpwPpte5j6d9ENaV0RszQzHNbgqzkIy_R8tHrkHr3sNXhIZV3ECs7oumZXC7rkdoHhC3fIoCHmm5mkg_E_i7IoSxuecanR6E6XhdlQPSctMHLe7JqLQ7uTfzg1m33VTbW_751lZFpuJ7n7aLGVNFX8w3l482kspWv0LTuIbG6WvpRqZkJ9/w480-h640/20230308-IMG_9248.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over the rocks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrUxBY-JPwEMRqlYc2EW6pR5MemUMBuuqh1eSLMBRj36-NUqlL6dtDEtTkx0BdlugFQnIt-Z8Ti2sYj50C-UJBKplp3bmtsVuAm1qHt1Azbu4juiDahXd_TXOGaWQGwlbHUm59QBzRTQD_G8qsoT-tZT1HcPhFxsIi124phMCWdSgQSuJ-HCjBQkE/s4032/20230308-20230308_105348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrUxBY-JPwEMRqlYc2EW6pR5MemUMBuuqh1eSLMBRj36-NUqlL6dtDEtTkx0BdlugFQnIt-Z8Ti2sYj50C-UJBKplp3bmtsVuAm1qHt1Azbu4juiDahXd_TXOGaWQGwlbHUm59QBzRTQD_G8qsoT-tZT1HcPhFxsIi124phMCWdSgQSuJ-HCjBQkE/w480-h640/20230308-20230308_105348.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Around the fallen log</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MNPzgIkss9LZkQ5tE4N6ej-gc1q2m_v7CSbfFkRHGIsHBI4rIROcxiKRrqnBaX-ayqzYfZGQD6wjjb4DV_2I_a7_MlJLWgH8IDdOqO5zeVlS_g0lfQmAquSRc-2wFgZwnz9rvDAp5jLdupWKnPUQLFHZWtXXqIDO98fuZZBet0znMhfX-_5Yx7Vg/s4032/20230308-20230308_105400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MNPzgIkss9LZkQ5tE4N6ej-gc1q2m_v7CSbfFkRHGIsHBI4rIROcxiKRrqnBaX-ayqzYfZGQD6wjjb4DV_2I_a7_MlJLWgH8IDdOqO5zeVlS_g0lfQmAquSRc-2wFgZwnz9rvDAp5jLdupWKnPUQLFHZWtXXqIDO98fuZZBet0znMhfX-_5Yx7Vg/w640-h480/20230308-20230308_105400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtMlJi4qWu_04qgQ-B4xjYaYUovGCwLTGfCNqayR9sI6xNzlRpD2DilGv0Z7l07xDJBQdJFPyPXCW7vVjJS2aLxvFm2GHYcjQkWArmf0mR0jgXqTuBKtJ58Ig0_f0btN04x8wTM4X2F99aDCku1S4uLeIzAt_go5YHlZG7S4GT8GyskIErswQt8JA/s4032/20230308-IMG_9251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtMlJi4qWu_04qgQ-B4xjYaYUovGCwLTGfCNqayR9sI6xNzlRpD2DilGv0Z7l07xDJBQdJFPyPXCW7vVjJS2aLxvFm2GHYcjQkWArmf0mR0jgXqTuBKtJ58Ig0_f0btN04x8wTM4X2F99aDCku1S4uLeIzAt_go5YHlZG7S4GT8GyskIErswQt8JA/w480-h640/20230308-IMG_9251.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Once on the fire trails the temperature dropped. We were in cloud with constant drizzle and lots of wind so we walked in rain gear and took only a very short stop for lunch as it was just too cold. We arrived at Johnnies at 3:30, found camp spots and set up tents quickly to escape the now heavy rain and wind and get warm. I got out of all my wet clothes and into dry thermals, down jacket, pants and even booties. I even got into my sleeping bag just to warm up again! </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMJbSw0CspHoI6Z1D3CVDv8407LX_HZjZEujhYVTLKOQGmKXKr96OTaApHZpzdmxpyiw--MYErC0pcWjfgsurLzBVmvPy1cakXii4__IgSC9nx2dYNj1k_TSVg73SYJJbO3Kcrm2t-JGD5h1VF6dE0wP-CwXlDrOfdP7C1j4zGqzZyuyM1Hue8hau/s1280/20230502-IMG_9700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMJbSw0CspHoI6Z1D3CVDv8407LX_HZjZEujhYVTLKOQGmKXKr96OTaApHZpzdmxpyiw--MYErC0pcWjfgsurLzBVmvPy1cakXii4__IgSC9nx2dYNj1k_TSVg73SYJJbO3Kcrm2t-JGD5h1VF6dE0wP-CwXlDrOfdP7C1j4zGqzZyuyM1Hue8hau/w360-h640/20230502-IMG_9700.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking in the tent vestibule</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Gx54yvoo17r4LIRUcFZ22BZhhHwWaGBcPSLmrejrw5_TDd3g5kE_1nUxM9z8knVMChZvgfFNt5g-lq4ZcuyoJo2nQX74N0q2ft-yLgQ68f08jPVjwbyA6WgADhVr3AbWGPjaKkWvWuoQD8uxIIH1lU0eca5iHw0R4XNqYor5ZPYNk7BdlLZM6rsY/s4032/20230308-IMG_9252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Gx54yvoo17r4LIRUcFZ22BZhhHwWaGBcPSLmrejrw5_TDd3g5kE_1nUxM9z8knVMChZvgfFNt5g-lq4ZcuyoJo2nQX74N0q2ft-yLgQ68f08jPVjwbyA6WgADhVr3AbWGPjaKkWvWuoQD8uxIIH1lU0eca5iHw0R4XNqYor5ZPYNk7BdlLZM6rsY/w480-h640/20230308-IMG_9252.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner in bed</td></tr></tbody></table><br />About 5pm the clouds cleared but it was still windy and too cold to hang out so we both cooked in our tents. I slept in all my down gear, plus bivy bag and beanie and was warm and cozy.</div><div><br /></div> <div><b><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishOOP3N_-NdHBmlMVf7rle1fFlnnjINmtUOvijz3tjbl46OrZwVfllSq5AnnMrpj0PhZgzDroOJNTBm1gy-IueKDElhJx2-4t7UyvIncZDZpbAxGdgwJ8LAC39oOTnP3BJ2m9MZbAD7bL3Z5QbDpW6N3XDWILSGPvNndj7_qFSn8cr-y8qBLcxpm-/s4032/20230308-IMG_9253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishOOP3N_-NdHBmlMVf7rle1fFlnnjINmtUOvijz3tjbl46OrZwVfllSq5AnnMrpj0PhZgzDroOJNTBm1gy-IueKDElhJx2-4t7UyvIncZDZpbAxGdgwJ8LAC39oOTnP3BJ2m9MZbAD7bL3Z5QbDpW6N3XDWILSGPvNndj7_qFSn8cr-y8qBLcxpm-/w480-h640/20230308-IMG_9253.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windy and cold, but at least the rain had stopped</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Day 11 Johnnies Tops to Buenba Hut site (12.27 km, 90m👆 805m👇 max elevation 1601m)</i></b></div> <div><br /></div><div>I woke up early to a brilliant sunrise and a full moon. The wind had dropped and the sky was clear but it was still brutally cold. It took us a while to get going. </div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qwHhKzgfzIVfmi_1ACaHq6rGJvA6-r4a6I9NgeNf_2Y4Q-in7q0vTIChOMpJnPAZfmXnryy2QrH5Etc7bv6pfaMEd1JfeHFCYm5pBm_-6xO_YrQAj7Bk86rPPyJ5FrwquK3ot3eLe4VarHpNJ3hQ7LegFOd2Cil4eQpdTkgTp_5q1MfD9rnZy9aG/s4032/20230309-IMG_9254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qwHhKzgfzIVfmi_1ACaHq6rGJvA6-r4a6I9NgeNf_2Y4Q-in7q0vTIChOMpJnPAZfmXnryy2QrH5Etc7bv6pfaMEd1JfeHFCYm5pBm_-6xO_YrQAj7Bk86rPPyJ5FrwquK3ot3eLe4VarHpNJ3hQ7LegFOd2Cil4eQpdTkgTp_5q1MfD9rnZy9aG/w640-h480/20230309-IMG_9254.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful, but bloody freezing!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once moving we warmed up quickly and were able to shed the extra layers. The going was incredibly slow as there had been so much regrowth and fallen trees after the bushfires in 2019/2020 that the track was easy to lose. Lots of bush bashing and following the Avenza maps helped us re-find the track many times on the way down to Buenba Creek. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkLrZNfqMgPKXN3-zKGylghLFT4ry9-nKrYXews84lvK7x4KQjxGdaH-1VVIHQcUC9zx5WAtyK0cji7HYpdE3pktZOQgmsupcTdbqE0mye5CO5jNmXa8WnbuZJmLu73oezhudKloqXf0dMbfSrbgzNkxdlp09yNzEULsV1uqdJOsW7yekmUJ5-uUf/s4032/20230309-IMG_9255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkLrZNfqMgPKXN3-zKGylghLFT4ry9-nKrYXews84lvK7x4KQjxGdaH-1VVIHQcUC9zx5WAtyK0cji7HYpdE3pktZOQgmsupcTdbqE0mye5CO5jNmXa8WnbuZJmLu73oezhudKloqXf0dMbfSrbgzNkxdlp09yNzEULsV1uqdJOsW7yekmUJ5-uUf/w480-h640/20230309-IMG_9255.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy to start with</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge41VifvTCkqPFWfYK6bLHVoBeazL875CjtxLMhmN4spPbQcq9DtBXCpRrdKZTUfaZF9gRq_W000-VfVx1lMLsaFhr22PI_u5R0y2oR6yT0sJILUgVhfFNQrdWaYehth1kSWJme6xVIuEjQ6Osh9FDBsiPxcc15jH3jj19db5SE_Za_hc5BVRJMe6k/s4032/20230309-IMG_9257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge41VifvTCkqPFWfYK6bLHVoBeazL875CjtxLMhmN4spPbQcq9DtBXCpRrdKZTUfaZF9gRq_W000-VfVx1lMLsaFhr22PI_u5R0y2oR6yT0sJILUgVhfFNQrdWaYehth1kSWJme6xVIuEjQ6Osh9FDBsiPxcc15jH3jj19db5SE_Za_hc5BVRJMe6k/w480-h640/20230309-IMG_9257.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still a trail to follow</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqYL_uD2o75WbJtAigCj0LxFj6ntuSarihiriCSgCm3vzVPw3hxH4Y_296cuBraQo8g5oY3aU91IHYGR3XlJJatR7mq5_U7sxlaIWyTqH8mDdXU-dsg4PGi3QjHJnWpQDYfuj8m7aekcmnE1I8sSrdZsMRoFMf4US9jLXOlbfgYnF2mT3pf93RKud/s4032/20230309-20230309_115932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqYL_uD2o75WbJtAigCj0LxFj6ntuSarihiriCSgCm3vzVPw3hxH4Y_296cuBraQo8g5oY3aU91IHYGR3XlJJatR7mq5_U7sxlaIWyTqH8mDdXU-dsg4PGi3QjHJnWpQDYfuj8m7aekcmnE1I8sSrdZsMRoFMf4US9jLXOlbfgYnF2mT3pf93RKud/w640-h480/20230309-20230309_115932.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now where??</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZVbbMroHI6DH1eVV-RM1HmPg5LjebEwQonzaRnSsoQIRMlmwQLd3wdkziux_jOgS6vkGr3PWWsH-bqKzvDzkZS1WiHkNTpKRIsvx4iRgN-ZdL5Cip5rQSmMKBDvnteWxTYjPvfYAebpJYA1Wav8V4kIOtp2HC6xOyefXHiAVESAbw3SMDrhx3IoB/s4032/20230309-20230309_121944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZVbbMroHI6DH1eVV-RM1HmPg5LjebEwQonzaRnSsoQIRMlmwQLd3wdkziux_jOgS6vkGr3PWWsH-bqKzvDzkZS1WiHkNTpKRIsvx4iRgN-ZdL5Cip5rQSmMKBDvnteWxTYjPvfYAebpJYA1Wav8V4kIOtp2HC6xOyefXHiAVESAbw3SMDrhx3IoB/w480-h640/20230309-20230309_121944.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not lost, but found</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once almost at the bottom we had lunch then followed a trail skirting the swamp. As expected, we saw our daily snake. </div><div><br /></div><div>It took about 3 hours to make our way along the valley heading up stream, avoiding swamp and blackberries. Chapman's notes described the route as open river valley but that was so far from our experience it was laughable. Amongst the swamp bashing, bramble disentangling, and occasional good dry travel, we saw and heard lots of rosellas, cockatoos and kookaburras, so it wasn't all horrible.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybWfE1YHS2r7QaaROchzFrakXd_4JcxQ6DpiJPUvyNYuFVIxLAx38iAnWIJcLjD6hxZp4d4HrnugQL-ZqfAdGyjNBepse_VRvFvTh_sS16ztcgtXjEVs2dkYwDPukm6HDfNk86_5q0pkVbKsYnuVwpSkdF1OWtt0cA-PSXxh6sApIhtP1v9pQK5pd/s4032/20230309-20230309_142751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybWfE1YHS2r7QaaROchzFrakXd_4JcxQ6DpiJPUvyNYuFVIxLAx38iAnWIJcLjD6hxZp4d4HrnugQL-ZqfAdGyjNBepse_VRvFvTh_sS16ztcgtXjEVs2dkYwDPukm6HDfNk86_5q0pkVbKsYnuVwpSkdF1OWtt0cA-PSXxh6sApIhtP1v9pQK5pd/w480-h640/20230309-20230309_142751.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo of a nice bit of walking along the valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwmfm0XUhmhNuEwo0otXu6XoctVI7btiB1hinw3iY8dsKRAhi9012w8KyHQl9mGY67XtvxnibZkhsdHonBDFTUfB4QEMOBjiPB01M5Y9aJUDKRSv37phcX4yYz6ZQ2QSNCv1SqFYfe_vryjRWQS1GFJ756wmIxvG7MrhQkeGeTfKT3qiwA3YaM2t_/s4032/20230309-IMG_9258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwmfm0XUhmhNuEwo0otXu6XoctVI7btiB1hinw3iY8dsKRAhi9012w8KyHQl9mGY67XtvxnibZkhsdHonBDFTUfB4QEMOBjiPB01M5Y9aJUDKRSv37phcX4yYz6ZQ2QSNCv1SqFYfe_vryjRWQS1GFJ756wmIxvG7MrhQkeGeTfKT3qiwA3YaM2t_/w480-h640/20230309-IMG_9258.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buenba Stream</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There were lots of brumby tracks but we saw no track markers until just before climbing the small saddle to descend into Buenba Flat. Then there was one more swampy area to cross, with hidden water ditches, to a vehicle track, which we followed to the campsite. There were big mobs of grey kangaroos grazing on the flats and the nearby creek was deep enough to have a proper wash in.</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZM3lvoddVtSFjo32nLXVS38zauvIbUT_Vbj92qO5OLcX_sotzNGY7UN2slF1xOolqsPTU92aSkSk3iq87TJr6nAmKpL3yxEQQXIEHshpwdHqgNqPpJRO4HDbCwE99OyU8fWk_f2iLgUUmQND6rXmrYa2gNHVJKBvtbcQh-za2cw7vJC-tbxLJow1t/s4032/20230309-IMG_9259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZM3lvoddVtSFjo32nLXVS38zauvIbUT_Vbj92qO5OLcX_sotzNGY7UN2slF1xOolqsPTU92aSkSk3iq87TJr6nAmKpL3yxEQQXIEHshpwdHqgNqPpJRO4HDbCwE99OyU8fWk_f2iLgUUmQND6rXmrYa2gNHVJKBvtbcQh-za2cw7vJC-tbxLJow1t/w480-h640/20230309-IMG_9259.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshy ground, hidden blackberry brambles, and the occasional snake....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAjN_TsbU0RohCT8PgRefyzjzX8tXzpS_p3YZPHxm0iY6ubwsW_y9_faqwTSzzefb37rm2q58XlV9T5MExzEhwBA7Gw9od_nORdxoCBTZ9F8wM7yL4lFOdwO6tAl7Ce8FmB_4CKf994BsHqKjMe-2PUkIMEF9gfRXvBShhBkj1OrJtVYeok_62bA3/s4032/20230309-IMG_9260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAjN_TsbU0RohCT8PgRefyzjzX8tXzpS_p3YZPHxm0iY6ubwsW_y9_faqwTSzzefb37rm2q58XlV9T5MExzEhwBA7Gw9od_nORdxoCBTZ9F8wM7yL4lFOdwO6tAl7Ce8FmB_4CKf994BsHqKjMe-2PUkIMEF9gfRXvBShhBkj1OrJtVYeok_62bA3/w640-h480/20230309-IMG_9260.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big mob bounding away</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnut363672ldPBgPgXrjRdGgKCgoQskOaL5rYAcysWoaCERpwt6ZL4ccFjg5LtUpKnu-KIsAMmc5zACF2tmdaT49e6PHsPPXkGc-S_r9HYivJISwX2-C98mCzqH197DAh959Y9G8jklOFL4dTPXIwdI_fygmjfw896goFXve4YN_vjq04SQdGzhmhI/s4032/20230309-IMG_9261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnut363672ldPBgPgXrjRdGgKCgoQskOaL5rYAcysWoaCERpwt6ZL4ccFjg5LtUpKnu-KIsAMmc5zACF2tmdaT49e6PHsPPXkGc-S_r9HYivJISwX2-C98mCzqH197DAh959Y9G8jklOFL4dTPXIwdI_fygmjfw896goFXve4YN_vjq04SQdGzhmhI/w640-h480/20230309-IMG_9261.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit more curious</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I went over to chat to Iain whilst my dinner rehydrated and in the middle of a conversation he had a strange turn where he stopped speaking in the middle of a conversation and just stared at me, not responding to my repeated questions. After a couple of minutes he came out of it, but was obviously completely disoriented and had no idea where he was. A few minutes later he was back to normal, with no recollection of the event. If I hadn't been a doctor he would have just laughed at me telling him he had just had a serious medical event, possibly a partial seizure of some sort. Since he seemed to be completely back to normal, and it was 6:30pm, I decided not to push the SOS on my emergency beacon, but informed Iain that should he have another turn I would certainly suggest an emergency retrieval. Iain was somewhat nonplussed, saying nothing like this had happened to him before. I suggested that since he actually spends a lot of his time involved in solitary activities he wouldn't know if he had had one of these turns before unless it was witnessed by another person. That got him thinking....</div><div> </div> <div>After that exciting start to the evening we enjoyed a pleasant meal and the sounds of a group of people drifting over from another campsite near the road. It was also much warmer than the previous evening!</div> <div><br /></div> <div><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcr3Q3qk0VtEA6wT2N8dgS27Xw7TV-W43Cy3TQb2Id44il9H2urvjQUkY7fMPsiEY4DhsA7ohkWh3eCAytcGTuisvd65k2KTWd2C_Ee50wQxhxPzX_8NQb2lspagPvZ8VsDZ3XVIJOqqzBjr73VF2oAU4sPf7JL6_AHldUn3aK4epLwpgqpkvZTvuV/s4032/20230309-20230309_175230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcr3Q3qk0VtEA6wT2N8dgS27Xw7TV-W43Cy3TQb2Id44il9H2urvjQUkY7fMPsiEY4DhsA7ohkWh3eCAytcGTuisvd65k2KTWd2C_Ee50wQxhxPzX_8NQb2lspagPvZ8VsDZ3XVIJOqqzBjr73VF2oAU4sPf7JL6_AHldUn3aK4epLwpgqpkvZTvuV/w640-h480/20230309-20230309_175230.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsLA2GYQWmIICE785QweSZkvlR2_xA72B-Q-TW8hHB-hURIUnb6I7EsqqfllHjhuokiiK6Q8IPCXMDenAKmRITrHyWeUuC0N01hUVkIpAmW9QpkedmF--9YJVhr_6CTCt1ZeMtcfRKP477BLxhPJaNX7YT_-sJUV0In3P0z8sbYiL6Soe_ODlOUcz/s4032/20230309-IMG_9262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsLA2GYQWmIICE785QweSZkvlR2_xA72B-Q-TW8hHB-hURIUnb6I7EsqqfllHjhuokiiK6Q8IPCXMDenAKmRITrHyWeUuC0N01hUVkIpAmW9QpkedmF--9YJVhr_6CTCt1ZeMtcfRKP477BLxhPJaNX7YT_-sJUV0In3P0z8sbYiL6Soe_ODlOUcz/w480-h640/20230309-IMG_9262.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Day 12 Buenba Hut site to Buckwong Hut (16.1 km, 670m👆 425m👇 max elevation 1350m)</i></b></div> <div><br /></div><div>We woke up to a hard frost so waited for the sun to do some thawing of both us and tents. We even lit a fire to warm us up, as there was lots of wood nearby from some dead poplars. A couple of 4WDs drove past our campsite, possibly the campers from last night, but since the track goes nowhere they turned around and headed off in another direction. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4s4yeb8wVdQpbPSWjmZKOmhOBTMojhTCO9oehyjtax0zRvkqN0EThDE2e3BBevRanCXdonW_GpiWl5-PR1pZj9XNgSfdmn7F4248kzsaEa6m3lC0hziYFz7hOE1470tu9c5hQNidi-WpizpsAC_vMowzZyippMNwZgxlbZ1fl5urJSaBhhakKuuEa/s4032/20230310-20230310_064727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4s4yeb8wVdQpbPSWjmZKOmhOBTMojhTCO9oehyjtax0zRvkqN0EThDE2e3BBevRanCXdonW_GpiWl5-PR1pZj9XNgSfdmn7F4248kzsaEa6m3lC0hziYFz7hOE1470tu9c5hQNidi-WpizpsAC_vMowzZyippMNwZgxlbZ1fl5urJSaBhhakKuuEa/w480-h640/20230310-20230310_064727.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iain left his gaiters out overnight, whoops!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We left at 9:45, along Buenba Road before heading uphill on another poorly marked track through post bushfire regrowth. Up the track went, with us not having quite as many navigational issues as yesterday, at last reaching Mt Hope Road which we walked along until finding a spot in the shade for lunch. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ES1BNbHM_yfJVwzrgE7DyuQf3HUBt9y4IrdD2e8ZL61GAIRn73xwspKJ1jygfChERtQ4RfgpGsPU7LLykY51kGXCgQilymTKsNQUwU9Jda--HcHEUMbm4rR7m8kMlhFqrHk_IJXCwls4nmA2jK4ayh7IHBtxxGcuBD0dbTcXdtRLtyrAONPEI3aE/s4032/20230310-IMG_9264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ES1BNbHM_yfJVwzrgE7DyuQf3HUBt9y4IrdD2e8ZL61GAIRn73xwspKJ1jygfChERtQ4RfgpGsPU7LLykY51kGXCgQilymTKsNQUwU9Jda--HcHEUMbm4rR7m8kMlhFqrHk_IJXCwls4nmA2jK4ayh7IHBtxxGcuBD0dbTcXdtRLtyrAONPEI3aE/w480-h640/20230310-IMG_9264.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recently cleared track through bushfire regrowth</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibS3Pv3Z25aULA1iUuyYsrdwF68DMMVA9FBFVcNrB6MPiBVf7Cic3PZBunqjPdyPiPMvOHScGQj1U98GATO35E47qP9HHxgoCTw11xmG3ROorMWu_Co8TszARVd2D0r5NUSjg-k7s75iqQOgtQpP99eNTC0Hm_9a4UqwgHCSjboukaqkVKTVm5uUU2/s4032/20230310-IMG_9266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibS3Pv3Z25aULA1iUuyYsrdwF68DMMVA9FBFVcNrB6MPiBVf7Cic3PZBunqjPdyPiPMvOHScGQj1U98GATO35E47qP9HHxgoCTw11xmG3ROorMWu_Co8TszARVd2D0r5NUSjg-k7s75iqQOgtQpP99eNTC0Hm_9a4UqwgHCSjboukaqkVKTVm5uUU2/w480-h640/20230310-IMG_9266.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThzawx-9kKJeuEFnsqpZ4GM1h5Y-QWWLwVVhy9vJWYkipvYJ_c7mjfnjx8aOTduKItB7VAq2Ov7ByGAza8PVthsOTLhzzkXyecN8tS8jfx9Oc7cHxcTFnjkfKVnhgeZ5leU-GWATAlyfH5Oo4bloGNfYvY5vIqerPRqgZ5i9xTqUsElG0_98cuzo8/s4032/20230310-IMG_9267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThzawx-9kKJeuEFnsqpZ4GM1h5Y-QWWLwVVhy9vJWYkipvYJ_c7mjfnjx8aOTduKItB7VAq2Ov7ByGAza8PVthsOTLhzzkXyecN8tS8jfx9Oc7cHxcTFnjkfKVnhgeZ5leU-GWATAlyfH5Oo4bloGNfYvY5vIqerPRqgZ5i9xTqUsElG0_98cuzo8/w480-h640/20230310-IMG_9267.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />From Mt Hope Road we turned onto Buckwong Track, walking through the most stark burnt landscape so far.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9hBdh6BqzMyFPV1BIwVIHJ6ifYftp53bIAjX7ObRarZH43S6yMUtGji9Jx31OWqamRen84eWROxqOJ_ndkKwTOCqU8SZ2bq-axeZvku8SxNP6NENtU5iuUbRtDWEYyiA5Q8e47Eytg5usolkYE15eUGD5dTtaB8mCkkG5qRnzwlK2rkYkuCfFXgb/s4032/20230310-20230310_131423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9hBdh6BqzMyFPV1BIwVIHJ6ifYftp53bIAjX7ObRarZH43S6yMUtGji9Jx31OWqamRen84eWROxqOJ_ndkKwTOCqU8SZ2bq-axeZvku8SxNP6NENtU5iuUbRtDWEYyiA5Q8e47Eytg5usolkYE15eUGD5dTtaB8mCkkG5qRnzwlK2rkYkuCfFXgb/w480-h640/20230310-20230310_131423.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSf5-U3DZKAxd-er-97V0FqzxGF7Qs07baeySTiGKZrpRT8uZ6eIpWuwiPigieWd7duU6gI3NMwMqArFLbAZvmL_6EGNVrrBvXalqP9p4f390XnuQYAMLjP6pbc4GJppq-KwxGp-gr7bXISI6_JIvudTzDZ4Ec11q5x-3z094rU2YSFIU2qfqeWpJ/s4032/20230310-IMG_9268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSf5-U3DZKAxd-er-97V0FqzxGF7Qs07baeySTiGKZrpRT8uZ6eIpWuwiPigieWd7duU6gI3NMwMqArFLbAZvmL_6EGNVrrBvXalqP9p4f390XnuQYAMLjP6pbc4GJppq-KwxGp-gr7bXISI6_JIvudTzDZ4Ec11q5x-3z094rU2YSFIU2qfqeWpJ/w480-h640/20230310-IMG_9268.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hx_rxJqQ09EWHsxsqeCNUzdy6Klq8JNz1XWoHDts2zcPJFQdgG6B39UN75wVNPlE_RpfkWFnqtataPd-3laA3jV235Q1na7dT18w35m5oXy4oGqNp-WZYXurZClg1g7wUjgGOlTPoA9oXi1WXAGfuJoIz0yTi9anL7y7p4fQIONjnICxukZMp4Xp/s4032/20230310-IMG_9272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hx_rxJqQ09EWHsxsqeCNUzdy6Klq8JNz1XWoHDts2zcPJFQdgG6B39UN75wVNPlE_RpfkWFnqtataPd-3laA3jV235Q1na7dT18w35m5oXy4oGqNp-WZYXurZClg1g7wUjgGOlTPoA9oXi1WXAGfuJoIz0yTi9anL7y7p4fQIONjnICxukZMp4Xp/w480-h640/20230310-IMG_9272.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We arrived at the turnoff to Mt Murphy Mine about 2 pm. We dumped the packs and headed down the road to see the ruins. There wasn't much to see, just a few concrete foundations for the crusher left, plus a few big mullock heaps. Our daily snake slithered across the path on our way down. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1glRmQ4ODYOnBmGrsZYKDBjZnDiyqilOrwjvJ1GxEU9mz7L9-3a3oU-TV8vy3KJ5yO3XZeFRZW_nb0b55CWjues32yH6q7tCarQJJBSZfo-SjUGp7-foGai1rA8rcW8hpxAiNaDLlLlg8ir_QNZwf_EkjqaipDeRlrhrIbBVlDH_ACHaam08RFV_1/s4032/20230310-IMG_9270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1glRmQ4ODYOnBmGrsZYKDBjZnDiyqilOrwjvJ1GxEU9mz7L9-3a3oU-TV8vy3KJ5yO3XZeFRZW_nb0b55CWjues32yH6q7tCarQJJBSZfo-SjUGp7-foGai1rA8rcW8hpxAiNaDLlLlg8ir_QNZwf_EkjqaipDeRlrhrIbBVlDH_ACHaam08RFV_1/w640-h480/20230310-IMG_9270.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2499uIH2q7V1CPNUID533jWhE9vgbCbVU2Cyx1My5xlZ30W4sFXvaqTFiJUm8nsKVPNi2ixJ10W0fav_QOoeta-QgQeyv3HxvFqsvC3y_hSgVjKLyDCmI0lvkliA6sQ-AzjQ2KBt2T4eqgfYIvmti10g2MyN1W4a4WWMxGZYSXbsTIn9OyvjnpBPx/s4032/20230310-IMG_9269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2499uIH2q7V1CPNUID533jWhE9vgbCbVU2Cyx1My5xlZ30W4sFXvaqTFiJUm8nsKVPNi2ixJ10W0fav_QOoeta-QgQeyv3HxvFqsvC3y_hSgVjKLyDCmI0lvkliA6sQ-AzjQ2KBt2T4eqgfYIvmti10g2MyN1W4a4WWMxGZYSXbsTIn9OyvjnpBPx/w480-h640/20230310-IMG_9269.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwgu-IHQcBMTNxxgb3Ps8e6QFCMx1cXAxZ63uekhzJdnDx7QM1VKSkU4rZAHdthuZm4Uxx3rsVG7j6WLGlk8rcA0E7URdrnZv8sQz0yVM3bXIbZYSteJyWDxUtV_AjXRFzhF0-wrrMsgV1fAOniZuAf4m7J1eGtBzMIOdue02deDktvY8OvMNj-Cp/s4032/20230310-IMG_9271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwgu-IHQcBMTNxxgb3Ps8e6QFCMx1cXAxZ63uekhzJdnDx7QM1VKSkU4rZAHdthuZm4Uxx3rsVG7j6WLGlk8rcA0E7URdrnZv8sQz0yVM3bXIbZYSteJyWDxUtV_AjXRFzhF0-wrrMsgV1fAOniZuAf4m7J1eGtBzMIOdue02deDktvY8OvMNj-Cp/w480-h640/20230310-IMG_9271.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6o74PBymkjHVSJ1gqP9udUM8tOfCF8F9lKEIsEBAQ290pdrRoEPuup7oyQl_u9LYW3qJW7whfREe-1uMKT5F3lkeQrpfchS1YvkNLoB6pZkdsrWNQFIYK7tQCGcjzYmv7s9DzDwHWzLlDzNHCCtFVqiHR7Y-Wht2SrR0Oii2kUyDj2Zl-I1DKodK-/s4032/20230310-20230310_144607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6o74PBymkjHVSJ1gqP9udUM8tOfCF8F9lKEIsEBAQ290pdrRoEPuup7oyQl_u9LYW3qJW7whfREe-1uMKT5F3lkeQrpfchS1YvkNLoB6pZkdsrWNQFIYK7tQCGcjzYmv7s9DzDwHWzLlDzNHCCtFVqiHR7Y-Wht2SrR0Oii2kUyDj2Zl-I1DKodK-/w480-h640/20230310-20230310_144607.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The packs felt really heavy when we donned them again for the final few kms to Buckwong Hut. The hut itself was locked, but there was good camping beside it, and a good creek for having a wash in.</div><div><br /></div> <div><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELFID6nbHaGYGpfmbOlcO3qCxlrBMfpF8xFhDftP5A4DBwC4LjCzBKxMA33vt8xW3mbf-J9M1QytpVS3dlj5HfALwgWQEKTo7K27-DZei718iIQZuuY-zqcrqvR00lR6_EJLGVxxcPTigJejmhjKuNNcrWEdpjlNxnpTpqRxXmA-Q70-kJxyR4n19/s4032/20230310-IMG_9273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELFID6nbHaGYGpfmbOlcO3qCxlrBMfpF8xFhDftP5A4DBwC4LjCzBKxMA33vt8xW3mbf-J9M1QytpVS3dlj5HfALwgWQEKTo7K27-DZei718iIQZuuY-zqcrqvR00lR6_EJLGVxxcPTigJejmhjKuNNcrWEdpjlNxnpTpqRxXmA-Q70-kJxyR4n19/w480-h640/20230310-IMG_9273.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9Qp6N-MtJ0RUjLCqEaU6alZ1jaDwZFgKk4P-0jENBU3LbZcSD3V8UbM-4S29gfovshz7VSn2w-Qit-Xf5i7xi8WwCfOGDJwGLNCDyQt2iFYpSsGXxLpXii4UlQyPWVNLCBTk5FqDzR36XxIq1GOFyi4sFi-GFqPd94eS96WH2indK_u5v37H40Qv/s4032/20230310-IMG_9274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9Qp6N-MtJ0RUjLCqEaU6alZ1jaDwZFgKk4P-0jENBU3LbZcSD3V8UbM-4S29gfovshz7VSn2w-Qit-Xf5i7xi8WwCfOGDJwGLNCDyQt2iFYpSsGXxLpXii4UlQyPWVNLCBTk5FqDzR36XxIq1GOFyi4sFi-GFqPd94eS96WH2indK_u5v37H40Qv/w640-h480/20230310-IMG_9274.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Day 13 Buckwong Hut to Limestone Creek (14.71 km, 670m👆 855m👇 max elevation 1633m)</i></b></div> <div><br /></div><div>It was a cold morning with lots of condensation on the tents but no actual frost. My air mattress had sprung a leak so I had to pump it up a couple of times overnight. Whilst we were packing up we met another walker, doing the whole AAWT in one go. He was walking much faster than us, having come from Johnnies Tops yesterday, and hoping to get to the Cowombat Track tonight. He'd camped just at the last river though I felt he would have liked to have had company if he'd known we were here. After chatting a while he headed off, we finished packing and headed off ourselves. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQJgP3uBadl79SDLH5FyDjxaTlOvz7bLjz_t6Opcj3ZV6xfQc3u3rrbBnoCbx9CzInvmPIff-otDM_8Mpb-BMXL26ONE_K0dvXqbMKPYCVshZ1O3H_UM6T_J2Z-bkA6mdA5-R5l5QfZ8yT-LqK0zjUh_e3qd-1Ax8Z2K7hxtbMka_8ZqZyL-RRYhG/s4032/20230311-20230311_064059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQJgP3uBadl79SDLH5FyDjxaTlOvz7bLjz_t6Opcj3ZV6xfQc3u3rrbBnoCbx9CzInvmPIff-otDM_8Mpb-BMXL26ONE_K0dvXqbMKPYCVshZ1O3H_UM6T_J2Z-bkA6mdA5-R5l5QfZ8yT-LqK0zjUh_e3qd-1Ax8Z2K7hxtbMka_8ZqZyL-RRYhG/w480-h640/20230311-20230311_064059.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Firstly we walked along the river flats and then headed uphill, following a brumby track and an occasional marker. Again we lost the track, found it and lost it a few times, and 3 hours later we were at last up on the Misery Trail. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizx1mQrLTk5BDBwkEhU6mwB-rxWsJ_nCXveL1K9VhAvBfHZeCs3uJELzJsV1vfuKJ6YzmAvB-Zo-Dvpy6d2hIsiy8_Z3wvGRSSbEdeZQOnak7QN_xFj_3lXFZkRHd-Fhq_2l3a05Ay1EhAgHJ1Rcy6WQffUjxSnsNjAQYRDrUxd1IUs8oCSU2fFlzn/s4032/20230311-20230311_134259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizx1mQrLTk5BDBwkEhU6mwB-rxWsJ_nCXveL1K9VhAvBfHZeCs3uJELzJsV1vfuKJ6YzmAvB-Zo-Dvpy6d2hIsiy8_Z3wvGRSSbEdeZQOnak7QN_xFj_3lXFZkRHd-Fhq_2l3a05Ay1EhAgHJ1Rcy6WQffUjxSnsNjAQYRDrUxd1IUs8oCSU2fFlzn/w480-h640/20230311-20230311_134259.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bark from this tree had shed in one big piece.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOkh2JyJ2izqrPgEBrrY00-1-E5iwiUvECFnLiW0hbt3I3RS1mBe1680kVicqA-IK5ltmM3GjEVVancSuRgadjVRjbsuljHax_K42LFTGp0RZN3Lf0C3-uqOUDfUCqzx0qTUAkJiFUoMrvPOS1FIJWnGcehlvi9rhfCPqZ3CPvxboDtghWrPG33AC/s4032/20230311-IMG_9275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOkh2JyJ2izqrPgEBrrY00-1-E5iwiUvECFnLiW0hbt3I3RS1mBe1680kVicqA-IK5ltmM3GjEVVancSuRgadjVRjbsuljHax_K42LFTGp0RZN3Lf0C3-uqOUDfUCqzx0qTUAkJiFUoMrvPOS1FIJWnGcehlvi9rhfCPqZ3CPvxboDtghWrPG33AC/w640-h480/20230311-IMG_9275.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKlC8WtirtC8jD1sMBOXEQSoROflazgDrkv43FJzKV4DC5HC4girOM-oioQjr7VmdwHkgy_mmXmvt0uej4OK96W-yX26WmL4uVtsAkdSTro_o24zCyJ9lyyT6JSQb0BcMMz-WIK52M0AhAkzDm0pUbWk3_RjORS1FwgtodAoae6oW4qAzjzx0N8hH/s4032/20230311-IMG_9276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKlC8WtirtC8jD1sMBOXEQSoROflazgDrkv43FJzKV4DC5HC4girOM-oioQjr7VmdwHkgy_mmXmvt0uej4OK96W-yX26WmL4uVtsAkdSTro_o24zCyJ9lyyT6JSQb0BcMMz-WIK52M0AhAkzDm0pUbWk3_RjORS1FwgtodAoae6oW4qAzjzx0N8hH/w480-h640/20230311-IMG_9276.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not so miserable Misery Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We stopped for lunch then continued along the Misery Trail for a couple of kms before another foot track took us downhill, again through bushfire regrowth. We lost the track pretty quickly and then found the track, and for a while things went swimmingly until we again lost the track and had to descend down steep terrain through thick acacia and ferns. We had a few navigational disagreements but finally Iain refound the track and it was back to stress free easy travel. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWIOgBE4JA7qw1n9PvocwqXA6PdEV00gOJIv0ZqGVsCty_f1Qp1gEvRlAl64KbYR2JV40TJyA2t5EvwwvV1tYPNs9s6pvIZAsZa33WRWS4PQkwccVmUDcVwOSeVN6hXd3xFQnq4HLZLHg5OrB2xz-SQh75liaBxqPlA9aqTtQKZfHvz1_a6Yiy1Zi/s4032/20230311-20230311_135411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWIOgBE4JA7qw1n9PvocwqXA6PdEV00gOJIv0ZqGVsCty_f1Qp1gEvRlAl64KbYR2JV40TJyA2t5EvwwvV1tYPNs9s6pvIZAsZa33WRWS4PQkwccVmUDcVwOSeVN6hXd3xFQnq4HLZLHg5OrB2xz-SQh75liaBxqPlA9aqTtQKZfHvz1_a6Yiy1Zi/w480-h640/20230311-20230311_135411.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0XjqnGPpk9c068b6YPNlhB2iNnW1Ks_zKIvlIU_DHAB6FO0IkKd515BfgKzfbRl522ZEyCu4JcNam7bTKOsC75FmowEY--DNFE-LBaxPjbCFNdrMzC_LuUU_ZKEwjz1CqoNccjM6j59YzcJ3l6PeaMkRGk4qkr5a6aml_4vuZboGZZrR80YP_Mtm/s4032/20230311-IMG_9278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0XjqnGPpk9c068b6YPNlhB2iNnW1Ks_zKIvlIU_DHAB6FO0IkKd515BfgKzfbRl522ZEyCu4JcNam7bTKOsC75FmowEY--DNFE-LBaxPjbCFNdrMzC_LuUU_ZKEwjz1CqoNccjM6j59YzcJ3l6PeaMkRGk4qkr5a6aml_4vuZboGZZrR80YP_Mtm/w480-h640/20230311-IMG_9278.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We followed brumby tracks down to Dead Horse Creek, of which there were many. We were yet to see any horses despite lots of manure around. We saw our daily snake though. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once we had crossed the creek there was a well marked track to follow. We found a good camping spot, and at last sighted our first brumbies of the trip. It had been a tough day so we had decided to camp a bit early at Dead Horse Creek because the track notes suggested the track through to Limestone Creek would take a couple more hours. Iain thought there would be better spots to camp further along Dead Horse Creek, but there turned out to be none, so at Smoke Ho Creek we continued on. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEn8j1c0IoqqhCpl6LsNAxKa4qDPkHmvdd4F42AZ1DU5wSVs5zlQ67rF8hshhLIFt5QL0FB33wZM5i46qa2PElflWiTQUO4PkAXPWwTDhJgNppuar1CVf6vCwPUA7tUp5dV0CO7foYiDXsVy5tqpLUeyTQ62DdOLLJ6v40J8Payl5JY4FrZTRoenJ/s4032/20230311-IMG_9279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEn8j1c0IoqqhCpl6LsNAxKa4qDPkHmvdd4F42AZ1DU5wSVs5zlQ67rF8hshhLIFt5QL0FB33wZM5i46qa2PElflWiTQUO4PkAXPWwTDhJgNppuar1CVf6vCwPUA7tUp5dV0CO7foYiDXsVy5tqpLUeyTQ62DdOLLJ6v40J8Payl5JY4FrZTRoenJ/w480-h640/20230311-IMG_9279.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-3-71feScYhc32xmViX1qagUXHRys3zeILkoNetpNPp1mN4d3TUqoa77VJ1-ZUoVunmCKcA-RBhKGO6v7NSv-zv3kM1iLnthb3RSs-JswXG2fW6Z7ZzTYnP2puV0q_AbFOadm929KDASFxKb7N71sELPyM1SBCGfhDVPlM-NPbCtHzN-vpHnxgNq/s4032/20230311-IMG_9281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-3-71feScYhc32xmViX1qagUXHRys3zeILkoNetpNPp1mN4d3TUqoa77VJ1-ZUoVunmCKcA-RBhKGO6v7NSv-zv3kM1iLnthb3RSs-JswXG2fW6Z7ZzTYnP2puV0q_AbFOadm929KDASFxKb7N71sELPyM1SBCGfhDVPlM-NPbCtHzN-vpHnxgNq/w480-h640/20230311-IMG_9281.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large galls (insect larvae eggs) on eucalyptus leaves</td></tr></tbody></table><br />From Smoke Ho the track climbed slowly via a sidle around some hills to get to Limestone Creek Road and was actually easy travel on an easy to follow path. We saw lots more groups of brumbies as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Limestone Creek Road was a steep, slippery descent all the way down, to a lovely campsite by the creek. A 4WD passed along the track, but we had the campsite to ourselves, complete with blackberry brambles along the river, covered in ripe fruit. We arrived at 6:15 so it was a long day which meant a late dinner. A clear sky saw us enjoying an awesome starry night!</div><div><br /></div> <div><b><i>Day 14 Limestone Creek lay day (8.69 km, max elevation 1027m)</i></b></div> <div><br /></div><div>Knowing we had a lay day, we slept a little longer then packed up to walk a few kilometres along Limestone Creek Track towards a larger camping area frequented by 4WDers. We found a new campsite which a young family were just vacating, and set up our tents before going exploring.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3irts0oU1088dtsMHNvXxHE4dpYaJYCcQCq_9bpEsP8A51t9x4uwERHdvhIlPIfG2_VRZxWaOcJDjAvV7_eu0VvMS31LsBb_a8jFLbZfgsmP5yJ3jS23_cVtyvqvMLTe2620SDACshnbGffTG1gO9mq3xCFQI9-PzMhSjudESI6ZPe4GhFZ44wKvi/s4032/20230312-20230312_084510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3irts0oU1088dtsMHNvXxHE4dpYaJYCcQCq_9bpEsP8A51t9x4uwERHdvhIlPIfG2_VRZxWaOcJDjAvV7_eu0VvMS31LsBb_a8jFLbZfgsmP5yJ3jS23_cVtyvqvMLTe2620SDACshnbGffTG1gO9mq3xCFQI9-PzMhSjudESI6ZPe4GhFZ44wKvi/w480-h640/20230312-20230312_084510.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packing up at Limestone Creek campsite</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9Bj85F8pwverlOdHcB-vyARslv4Kc6WLLfZjrQztFBuP-DajsBBQa73cFI1D-5qbcSEFMmrAIrjN-BGTB_uDXrIHmgc1Th_Pklrr08fSqfvlLnq_tlneGH_9Djc5kksoE460Z5xYZk91JW8-K0TVBra__XqBcHiUWFjyAUdhcB3G1w9P1Bl3rF-_/s4032/20230312-20230312_091511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9Bj85F8pwverlOdHcB-vyARslv4Kc6WLLfZjrQztFBuP-DajsBBQa73cFI1D-5qbcSEFMmrAIrjN-BGTB_uDXrIHmgc1Th_Pklrr08fSqfvlLnq_tlneGH_9Djc5kksoE460Z5xYZk91JW8-K0TVBra__XqBcHiUWFjyAUdhcB3G1w9P1Bl3rF-_/w640-h480/20230312-20230312_091511.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKLAlCdEKV4s7MA5QGOKxTXv3ZLvGzPZRgP76hWN3GxJ7kTCiH369wp5YUtnLd35wkOhsjJYiQphwtByJuvkS4oiIadqQfMJmqEaMINc0r_osrOyzPTZgznu8hBzSWIiG6qIiykP_LqpS3Kui6dMQRpnhVQNVyE2o1q--nGnAaszmKbV_K8s_f2Oq/s4032/20230312-20230312_091524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKLAlCdEKV4s7MA5QGOKxTXv3ZLvGzPZRgP76hWN3GxJ7kTCiH369wp5YUtnLd35wkOhsjJYiQphwtByJuvkS4oiIadqQfMJmqEaMINc0r_osrOyzPTZgznu8hBzSWIiG6qIiykP_LqpS3Kui6dMQRpnhVQNVyE2o1q--nGnAaszmKbV_K8s_f2Oq/w640-h480/20230312-20230312_091524.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-auLisItTeOnhsphGSywrE_Cz8BHD1pC3oALBDlpA68oBqnoVCOxnpL7VJFQNWul9E521O87UI4dFNtVDa45S4R38K_hUTtHXkG1ZNlmxwkItu2iVKWsxsKButQI_uKHMNA0rGqW4uT--Jr9FJOKBWkiQ3ICkJeXUtGNcAUUJtOarsxasboQyFoxu/s4032/20230312-IMG_9285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-auLisItTeOnhsphGSywrE_Cz8BHD1pC3oALBDlpA68oBqnoVCOxnpL7VJFQNWul9E521O87UI4dFNtVDa45S4R38K_hUTtHXkG1ZNlmxwkItu2iVKWsxsKButQI_uKHMNA0rGqW4uT--Jr9FJOKBWkiQ3ICkJeXUtGNcAUUJtOarsxasboQyFoxu/w640-h480/20230312-IMG_9285.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New campsite further along Limestone Creek</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We wandered down, past the official campsite, and along the road to check out the historic Limestone Creek Hut. Since we jumped the fence we didn't actually see the private property sign until we returned to the road. We were keen to visit as the hut was supposedly built in the 1880s. Lots of work had been done to preserve it, and it still had lots of character. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOYeFIqlpQj-XVVnqsDBXh0D60nCs-UO2YApIv4skT-16uHxrz1KTEkcDhLIDARGyWB8joM5SWCLlqvxCdVLF8_hTEuugLOIz3vigpHkG8HBojKBBDW9nbOaARreG7-zEwoR5L6V2O-coAVGSpb02mZtLPeHDonyqjpxqmZf0xmg_7xCZCU_M8Clg/s4032/20230312-IMG_9287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOYeFIqlpQj-XVVnqsDBXh0D60nCs-UO2YApIv4skT-16uHxrz1KTEkcDhLIDARGyWB8joM5SWCLlqvxCdVLF8_hTEuugLOIz3vigpHkG8HBojKBBDW9nbOaARreG7-zEwoR5L6V2O-coAVGSpb02mZtLPeHDonyqjpxqmZf0xmg_7xCZCU_M8Clg/w640-h480/20230312-IMG_9287.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limestone Creek Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvUmjjWFD3QEzZUk47EDdnuAFF_DtBtaCFP4jj7mmbF1BjIBNvFlpzk5VhHmv3lU_rhzJQcAlIY8bSodd781eArwLocF6mybqbxiDdXpS1MNOCroe5cIK8999_Sy-VfBF66q05W0jEAcv-oYXj93s55JZ85qEM39uhKEpdSkti531Mm00-CB7jq-Q/s4032/20230312-IMG_9288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvUmjjWFD3QEzZUk47EDdnuAFF_DtBtaCFP4jj7mmbF1BjIBNvFlpzk5VhHmv3lU_rhzJQcAlIY8bSodd781eArwLocF6mybqbxiDdXpS1MNOCroe5cIK8999_Sy-VfBF66q05W0jEAcv-oYXj93s55JZ85qEM39uhKEpdSkti531Mm00-CB7jq-Q/w640-h480/20230312-IMG_9288.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zsSYMQsQ-37qr03RX8zpiH6EuGMcdH4085wdqzS1k4Hhnmi2RqTVX3eHCrWDCDP1zaVnyAbaGcrgxDUkaLPns2sLWlOi-4Ah1vKIjPFJpi5f8LdXsz7cQlwqSWjxpjn9vMFmb4nHlWrEsPpUk-OgFt-guEQN8cjkxc2hsDOkqT8MVnUK-V-zCyyO/s4032/20230312-IMG_9289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zsSYMQsQ-37qr03RX8zpiH6EuGMcdH4085wdqzS1k4Hhnmi2RqTVX3eHCrWDCDP1zaVnyAbaGcrgxDUkaLPns2sLWlOi-4Ah1vKIjPFJpi5f8LdXsz7cQlwqSWjxpjn9vMFmb4nHlWrEsPpUk-OgFt-guEQN8cjkxc2hsDOkqT8MVnUK-V-zCyyO/w480-h640/20230312-IMG_9289.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFXT7uyOT6bJrd1rfypoiCQA-8R6fPmRsDt0MQecmQrkH5f7a9_3ozdJp7uJfj09nCA2FXpAHX-KDYlmJuziMOA1MQ6lhUpPr0TkDi_is4ag_0j_aBBVbk41oz8eBZbR7WrgLNIIzNTQcb437Ls43jGaojNWRmLqQ_yh7YNbgIy6cXVf5iwNMhuVv/s4032/20230312-IMG_9290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFXT7uyOT6bJrd1rfypoiCQA-8R6fPmRsDt0MQecmQrkH5f7a9_3ozdJp7uJfj09nCA2FXpAHX-KDYlmJuziMOA1MQ6lhUpPr0TkDi_is4ag_0j_aBBVbk41oz8eBZbR7WrgLNIIzNTQcb437Ls43jGaojNWRmLqQ_yh7YNbgIy6cXVf5iwNMhuVv/w640-h480/20230312-IMG_9290.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Possibly some of the external cladding reused inside and preserved</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Heading back to the campsite we met quite a lot of 4WDers coming and going, as it was a long weekend in Victoria, and saw 2 tiny snakes on the track. Back at camp we did our washing and met Wayne, who was camped further down but was fly fishing along the creek. He kindly caught 2 trout and gutted them for us. We would have to work out how to cook them, as neither of us had a frypan!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUD1FePCpp4ae9_6sKJ1Fb6SA6V9uAbyYdo4TyA76_itHgo_wec1sKD3CHoPqP_k-ap32AIQjQacmZQbJe6j47eZIoCmpY36Z7Xztsf8_RjJ7-K8XtV7asXMiNbwi2YYGfKhmOKRk5cX5Y-8_OKYtvwGGOAh2GhHHxeMve3IeN6k7prp72sSYx5ZL/s4032/20230312-20230312_124811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUD1FePCpp4ae9_6sKJ1Fb6SA6V9uAbyYdo4TyA76_itHgo_wec1sKD3CHoPqP_k-ap32AIQjQacmZQbJe6j47eZIoCmpY36Z7Xztsf8_RjJ7-K8XtV7asXMiNbwi2YYGfKhmOKRk5cX5Y-8_OKYtvwGGOAh2GhHHxeMve3IeN6k7prp72sSYx5ZL/w480-h640/20230312-20230312_124811.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was tiny compared with others we'd seen. Still venomous...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDJ2g8S3jNEHX8Oddh3DPHL52dbfmQ3TjLAs201YT7j0AU_orVQyXOOvexRBULKbz3aa6wCA7MdiP-b2l-Tqyr0UAaY161aJ3dZE_2NaEWKQP1aimnyPfw841IyX6oBmj0IgrHdDk2EXUKffk0e2dA_U0HjP1N4D9SVj1BDdZr3Z7vwUowS8AylA7/s4032/20230312-20230312_134452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDJ2g8S3jNEHX8Oddh3DPHL52dbfmQ3TjLAs201YT7j0AU_orVQyXOOvexRBULKbz3aa6wCA7MdiP-b2l-Tqyr0UAaY161aJ3dZE_2NaEWKQP1aimnyPfw841IyX6oBmj0IgrHdDk2EXUKffk0e2dA_U0HjP1N4D9SVj1BDdZr3Z7vwUowS8AylA7/w480-h640/20230312-20230312_134452.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first of two trout caught and gutted for us. Thanks Wayne!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I made a small fire and boiled the billy for a cuppa. I had brought along a tiny foldable tripod that can be used on an open fire, with only a few twigs needed to do the job. It was really relaxing to just chill and read a book after the last few tough days.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9JcinPrQbB6V6-1Ifo8o6mHFE5h-IqSu0CqtX61kpd6SYbPMu4BufePr-CeJZatsEakG4xovmXvaMrxD9TurZa3iqS7RuekKun6yjceZHjR_N1QpCzt31VA0nZu7u-rk3InUkTjoB-MKO2fjcgno4FP2eemwAyKPrekSJWkj38ge413L07LpSGHq/s4032/20230312-20230312_192207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9JcinPrQbB6V6-1Ifo8o6mHFE5h-IqSu0CqtX61kpd6SYbPMu4BufePr-CeJZatsEakG4xovmXvaMrxD9TurZa3iqS7RuekKun6yjceZHjR_N1QpCzt31VA0nZu7u-rk3InUkTjoB-MKO2fjcgno4FP2eemwAyKPrekSJWkj38ge413L07LpSGHq/w640-h480/20230312-20230312_192207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETEAOFiE9rd5caV0re8Bq8w_HVp5qcX6mXVBEO01IGCgCAxua7Ylw1Bf1y036Kd8w4c9pbTuzXTCAA6WPQ-9LqYRBs9OhlKsXeenhJ7WCBkQf9MZEeXdgkY4y1tyKdWFjacclkDv8lMN8vLfTXmYqyn0gWbt6hg7ptvpqn3TWt4DFwHPE-v5QWeH1/s4032/20230312-20230312_192918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETEAOFiE9rd5caV0re8Bq8w_HVp5qcX6mXVBEO01IGCgCAxua7Ylw1Bf1y036Kd8w4c9pbTuzXTCAA6WPQ-9LqYRBs9OhlKsXeenhJ7WCBkQf9MZEeXdgkY4y1tyKdWFjacclkDv8lMN8vLfTXmYqyn0gWbt6hg7ptvpqn3TWt4DFwHPE-v5QWeH1/w640-h480/20230312-20230312_192918.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Late afternoon I got the fire going again for another cuppa and then put a bit more wood on to build up some coals for cooking the trout. Iain found some foil stashed away in his first aid kit which was enough to wrap the fish in after sprinkling with some MCT oil that I had brought along. Popped in the coals for about 5 minutes and they were cooked to perfection. Delicious! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxBMtBKI1pL0OMa6B7I82QMvTwn1_MoQsp02WJMrllclUbHvdWYTz84LK6KVF86jTxiHB9yjeYkMWn2eMV-Qj50Y4SW3BSPV6cuu853OGnDOgWMdzSyRmOghqv4F8qYsgSl0oBiVoQOE1I19nO9g8Ox97lU4EwsB6H3PT0kinMCVkC0ZNhreIm6mU/s4032/20230312-IMG_9295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxBMtBKI1pL0OMa6B7I82QMvTwn1_MoQsp02WJMrllclUbHvdWYTz84LK6KVF86jTxiHB9yjeYkMWn2eMV-Qj50Y4SW3BSPV6cuu853OGnDOgWMdzSyRmOghqv4F8qYsgSl0oBiVoQOE1I19nO9g8Ox97lU4EwsB6H3PT0kinMCVkC0ZNhreIm6mU/w640-h480/20230312-IMG_9295.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIT6lmE2SSrKDTsxJE3_2gEjQH3_yhxXjfS9SgVSGbIaYpGqn6wzbiiS9U3Fwnxv-IaRPggRfb3EtT0RJqmNwWiTBw7RLdZnPSKjRMbQfvUb5pj-pDJ8vAq82_W0SkKC96kFNDz0TlwkpEcFor5Od1rKMNPZmdvSAbJMBEQudWU-qbqLhHdfRe5-2/s4032/20230312-IMG_9292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIT6lmE2SSrKDTsxJE3_2gEjQH3_yhxXjfS9SgVSGbIaYpGqn6wzbiiS9U3Fwnxv-IaRPggRfb3EtT0RJqmNwWiTBw7RLdZnPSKjRMbQfvUb5pj-pDJ8vAq82_W0SkKC96kFNDz0TlwkpEcFor5Od1rKMNPZmdvSAbJMBEQudWU-qbqLhHdfRe5-2/w480-h640/20230312-IMG_9292.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two trout, oiled and wrapped in foil, then popped on coals for 5 minutes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVISFY1ambACmTN6x53O6yBcST6q2wG4RJBQVidtYIuujz_rIO0NSfg6TKk-jRDyuszLWLvbL7RoTK_YtQ3m-SyyYzL-cH5YIorUnmZVM8fHXpFYyWWDo27Sq65CzuzECMTE6gvx4LOiDv-iaBQKlxUxGgj8QkVwvTqh32IGLzFDgQxIHzDSeuzld/s4032/20230312-IMG_9293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVISFY1ambACmTN6x53O6yBcST6q2wG4RJBQVidtYIuujz_rIO0NSfg6TKk-jRDyuszLWLvbL7RoTK_YtQ3m-SyyYzL-cH5YIorUnmZVM8fHXpFYyWWDo27Sq65CzuzECMTE6gvx4LOiDv-iaBQKlxUxGgj8QkVwvTqh32IGLzFDgQxIHzDSeuzld/w480-h640/20230312-IMG_9293.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFSTuCNPNdMNx-jV842BNgrcENV7oyCDNN6wQ1XcYUSsN3sgYcsRH9s42M8ohhKRXk1Vfgjg89A1llEUHoeHsWpLTou8HPr8R1kjSnPDzrctBLGJEvrugK31R4CfFzYS-u5_cgx7p042t_JqHa1_CppQeVeVNNNZbbO8S4i4Go6U55GQP_L37Z5vl/s4032/20230312-20230312_170046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFSTuCNPNdMNx-jV842BNgrcENV7oyCDNN6wQ1XcYUSsN3sgYcsRH9s42M8ohhKRXk1Vfgjg89A1llEUHoeHsWpLTou8HPr8R1kjSnPDzrctBLGJEvrugK31R4CfFzYS-u5_cgx7p042t_JqHa1_CppQeVeVNNNZbbO8S4i4Go6U55GQP_L37Z5vl/w640-h480/20230312-20230312_170046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7beZaktixsYAFD8jK7ERG1cupThs_LP7OxicvrffsVw49nh3qg8z3iExZDJlmRQriTNeQDaDSgPv0uS19O8DXXWtjMPruiVvgdKUswkkpooEbxDxyanSKheifp3SGiY5LSVp75OCIpOmH2UC5pqwtBPM3jSsXcQ7dHc9Rqullf1q8cbU2myJtTWI/s4032/20230312-20230312_170126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7beZaktixsYAFD8jK7ERG1cupThs_LP7OxicvrffsVw49nh3qg8z3iExZDJlmRQriTNeQDaDSgPv0uS19O8DXXWtjMPruiVvgdKUswkkpooEbxDxyanSKheifp3SGiY5LSVp75OCIpOmH2UC5pqwtBPM3jSsXcQ7dHc9Rqullf1q8cbU2myJtTWI/w480-h640/20230312-20230312_170126.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROTde_RNUo4QEpWBep7Ow5tDtmFxm4j3EjQ6v_8N4ORlVOQHVSGEOaIHwwPR9wJglgbCbg2HOOOufGYrxHhaKATYRau9o4iCNU5oN2kCaiaAogBYRIHIcxEGDu3bWeFy0z3Qe03TOSOuCqvsTWWnrtWWTlOmEULtbj5KMrWojwwQLWLOzx6e5s1sG/s4032/20230312-IMG_9294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROTde_RNUo4QEpWBep7Ow5tDtmFxm4j3EjQ6v_8N4ORlVOQHVSGEOaIHwwPR9wJglgbCbg2HOOOufGYrxHhaKATYRau9o4iCNU5oN2kCaiaAogBYRIHIcxEGDu3bWeFy0z3Qe03TOSOuCqvsTWWnrtWWTlOmEULtbj5KMrWojwwQLWLOzx6e5s1sG/w480-h640/20230312-IMG_9294.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After I'd finished!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />That was entree, we still had our usual dinner. No point carrying extra food in your backpack! </div><div><br /></div> <div>A few brumbies came down to the flats in the late evening but kept their distance, the stallions doing a bit of huffing and puffing to let us know we were intruders. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCx8i8_k3ATCIAPrtQXWvjXBvElD3G_qBM4S4L7-WxUA7pryzKG-8xvhHrOC9-E3dXs-8nBbBOQphCayr3Be9hPBdhEe0B-nHJbTbVnfrPJF_Erd6cgDigOo41EauXizYmsPDicY0yy-QdST_H_HzxzgBqA3-AfIIrvPFQQXMzNoK24gqgkg1dkX8_/s4032/20230312-20230312_170817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCx8i8_k3ATCIAPrtQXWvjXBvElD3G_qBM4S4L7-WxUA7pryzKG-8xvhHrOC9-E3dXs-8nBbBOQphCayr3Be9hPBdhEe0B-nHJbTbVnfrPJF_Erd6cgDigOo41EauXizYmsPDicY0yy-QdST_H_HzxzgBqA3-AfIIrvPFQQXMzNoK24gqgkg1dkX8_/w640-h480/20230312-20230312_170817.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAGhzHuWjDqwgaFwgMLJkrhVBTbCGFyp0WN0-lnFmfp5IHmc3trjHtN2OPGhKhRpn9ArmMEzHb2FhYV140b-hVUvVjXiurTlI0KtRrwJw_qcEdEBfUSMV5cfkWWx-9eUKmgPROKM3kbRE1-uvPer8iK8tEl2tNPQowDbEX-1oh2mxv8Fu-cGOfpLK/s4032/20230312-20230312_170840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAGhzHuWjDqwgaFwgMLJkrhVBTbCGFyp0WN0-lnFmfp5IHmc3trjHtN2OPGhKhRpn9ArmMEzHb2FhYV140b-hVUvVjXiurTlI0KtRrwJw_qcEdEBfUSMV5cfkWWx-9eUKmgPROKM3kbRE1-uvPer8iK8tEl2tNPQowDbEX-1oh2mxv8Fu-cGOfpLK/w640-h480/20230312-20230312_170840.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gU5hUxkENB9Ww8f4cv3gz8wNEwz88AJ_OZpUVPDLQgQ8mAVzjlbHHvq4Y2N8_YyQmX2l_oLwh9R9whfbYKDE-SxEI7zbmSKQwldJFEdQOhP_dpQsKPNU9QhmVYC6T7EKj5uVp9cixj5j5dOPL7Y9YbltayD8J--qbhNgzXafECYut9WHOFKFn_mR/s4032/20230312-20230312_190946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gU5hUxkENB9Ww8f4cv3gz8wNEwz88AJ_OZpUVPDLQgQ8mAVzjlbHHvq4Y2N8_YyQmX2l_oLwh9R9whfbYKDE-SxEI7zbmSKQwldJFEdQOhP_dpQsKPNU9QhmVYC6T7EKj5uVp9cixj5j5dOPL7Y9YbltayD8J--qbhNgzXafECYut9WHOFKFn_mR/w640-h480/20230312-20230312_190946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was the first evening where we actually sat by a fire instead of going straight to bed.</div><div><br /></div> <div><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eNjvmaTKfzgt7LIkPj2vdP3PIjVySyrGkjVYlh6WP9n9V0xRqvB9wad4NdpJVEA4vUEEM5XAHqpdirGDpcK8BGsMqFpbbMu8Ce6W6tqx5Amd87MPQ3SiAlkjqV6B1MIXryks-uNbB6UR0_9nxqiwBkabH03fQCoVmaed7JWAv-LD4Qxzvq2KBykU/s4032/20230312-IMG_9298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eNjvmaTKfzgt7LIkPj2vdP3PIjVySyrGkjVYlh6WP9n9V0xRqvB9wad4NdpJVEA4vUEEM5XAHqpdirGDpcK8BGsMqFpbbMu8Ce6W6tqx5Amd87MPQ3SiAlkjqV6B1MIXryks-uNbB6UR0_9nxqiwBkabH03fQCoVmaed7JWAv-LD4Qxzvq2KBykU/w480-h640/20230312-IMG_9298.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYD_Sz29lNF2P1I78skOHnA1q3DMWap0xIPQ5z9Isw9gCxENJh5Qc3vIzCjEJxq75T-VhqLXjTo2y-bRmGuchj4GRn4BYWQoTf9GWn4fW2qSaqFvLofALAv8kp3q35walUq9tp_4-EVflY2bv5NHzJ9CHgCyKwj542QpH84kVwGi3yASpFvuv0giwR/s4032/20230312-IMG_9299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYD_Sz29lNF2P1I78skOHnA1q3DMWap0xIPQ5z9Isw9gCxENJh5Qc3vIzCjEJxq75T-VhqLXjTo2y-bRmGuchj4GRn4BYWQoTf9GWn4fW2qSaqFvLofALAv8kp3q35walUq9tp_4-EVflY2bv5NHzJ9CHgCyKwj542QpH84kVwGi3yASpFvuv0giwR/w480-h640/20230312-IMG_9299.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Day 15 Limestone Creek campsite to Bulley Creek (8.54 km, 485m👆 105m👇 max elevation 1343m)</i></b></div> <div><br /></div><div>We had been expecting rain, but it didn't eventuate, so we packed up dry tents and headed off at 8:20. We walked back up the hill we had come down yesterday and then crossed over at the saddle, taking brumby tracks down to meet up with the AAWT heading up Stony Creek. It was a good track, we only lost it once when it went over the other side of the creek and then we weren't too comfortable following it away from the creek so we recrossed and climbed up over a rocky knoll with no trees on it to rejoin the trail again. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-u_nGcYKjwJ3dOnEvAf1QVGFjTyN_kUcyqLag-9Hk_e94-cXnxTWzsiBOokSP0g0HLMucGeu6ZBgoQUiRkX9ngQEh4NZrjlWwHO5JgRtaePrwu4ENkOPZVDYpu_CfYoDtFqCfHgDR0TzGyFHSQuqBSP3Y4TDVRV6XFbihi3Hcfca8Py-c7X4Zy07/s4032/20230313-IMG_9301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-u_nGcYKjwJ3dOnEvAf1QVGFjTyN_kUcyqLag-9Hk_e94-cXnxTWzsiBOokSP0g0HLMucGeu6ZBgoQUiRkX9ngQEh4NZrjlWwHO5JgRtaePrwu4ENkOPZVDYpu_CfYoDtFqCfHgDR0TzGyFHSQuqBSP3Y4TDVRV6XFbihi3Hcfca8Py-c7X4Zy07/w640-h480/20230313-IMG_9301.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EV6yFWURiVfbf4x0VS9p0O634i3qDlcA3_uRBa5c5qm_bZNy0CBb1BCCH3aPDrqdK5c6w5Mo0WW8J_m12k8Mw8XlW-5XosvzxjXkyQihtgCJNvMkeuJ7u_76ElE8kD9hR56LppHuP-pL1Dl9wY8XwWX4A9vGh0k_p-S92UDiaoeEngCWIAaVLgWu/s4032/20230313-20230313_100335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EV6yFWURiVfbf4x0VS9p0O634i3qDlcA3_uRBa5c5qm_bZNy0CBb1BCCH3aPDrqdK5c6w5Mo0WW8J_m12k8Mw8XlW-5XosvzxjXkyQihtgCJNvMkeuJ7u_76ElE8kD9hR56LppHuP-pL1Dl9wY8XwWX4A9vGh0k_p-S92UDiaoeEngCWIAaVLgWu/w480-h640/20230313-20230313_100335.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrmBpVNQ-wFOIxNRTpE5V9PA1hgzRYaeuCrw11n5-or7nqmeAJ31qcxcvq05zKFWKE1WbeUVg4yPe9d7pUjH-S0WvC69XHF_9nT8w8PCqg8Z1SDwFDRI_J35xCs2xZWimX48WFIlGGq4sMtgHUFlu-XTcCjOyjsiPY30Jq3DC8Y68A9NS-eJgybrV/s4032/20230313-IMG_9302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrmBpVNQ-wFOIxNRTpE5V9PA1hgzRYaeuCrw11n5-or7nqmeAJ31qcxcvq05zKFWKE1WbeUVg4yPe9d7pUjH-S0WvC69XHF_9nT8w8PCqg8Z1SDwFDRI_J35xCs2xZWimX48WFIlGGq4sMtgHUFlu-XTcCjOyjsiPY30Jq3DC8Y68A9NS-eJgybrV/w480-h640/20230313-IMG_9302.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNe5ZqiWVG9Pctk-bj119Odz371kXioT4Cy2cIyhcV6uDce2gZjPM4w2QvvDXCN9Czd7fI1Rx3UxhDZ3haIiVbv3jiqhy0qQrUyIBt6wYJpBjgOxV2jNnIH6Mi27PEc5Q4c-5TvcvR3R_dkZDAX8ni2_5X-GDPnvHV_Taeg3LAYhpWBqBQZb3jRcog/s4032/20230313-IMG_9305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNe5ZqiWVG9Pctk-bj119Odz371kXioT4Cy2cIyhcV6uDce2gZjPM4w2QvvDXCN9Czd7fI1Rx3UxhDZ3haIiVbv3jiqhy0qQrUyIBt6wYJpBjgOxV2jNnIH6Mi27PEc5Q4c-5TvcvR3R_dkZDAX8ni2_5X-GDPnvHV_Taeg3LAYhpWBqBQZb3jRcog/w480-h640/20230313-IMG_9305.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Although we had no major issues with navigating today I was really struggling with the long uphill climb to Cowombat Flat Track. The long road back after my accident really rears it's head when it comes to lack of endurance. But the good news is, from where we joined Cowombat Track, we would be on fire trails for the rest of the way through to Thredbo. Which meant much easier travel...</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IktGotm4ngKQoLwAYMYNpkINfvT-LqPNrminMfPxcIVNrowvtPbio8RdhzbtzgKyvaUcxU2C3PPJMLJsq7CCuXyPwfNxKoolhRYq0iKw1oj_-XJcVp2JpAu1Ge3ccZFCDHLl5rnxyJHON6C72OGcIH_H1VUvxdP0QY1blGhkP028xnOdUkTy9gpQ/s4032/20230313-IMG_9306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IktGotm4ngKQoLwAYMYNpkINfvT-LqPNrminMfPxcIVNrowvtPbio8RdhzbtzgKyvaUcxU2C3PPJMLJsq7CCuXyPwfNxKoolhRYq0iKw1oj_-XJcVp2JpAu1Ge3ccZFCDHLl5rnxyJHON6C72OGcIH_H1VUvxdP0QY1blGhkP028xnOdUkTy9gpQ/w480-h640/20230313-IMG_9306.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0KvHDpUQOCQhpKJD3usa6h0F85c2nyvh94GNqXC0sRYqceZUOqzxcLCaVBbLxsjATU86DSpQfhExpJSiOH7ZdAxMwepqdsS6v3zYcLY1jUP6v5yyr3GoYPGYR1gk4C8IsaF-jb_pWiCHlmdgWa8Qt-DaK5XVf4BXftMCjQtoziPn41v-bMKU9l49/s4032/20230313-IMG_9307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0KvHDpUQOCQhpKJD3usa6h0F85c2nyvh94GNqXC0sRYqceZUOqzxcLCaVBbLxsjATU86DSpQfhExpJSiOH7ZdAxMwepqdsS6v3zYcLY1jUP6v5yyr3GoYPGYR1gk4C8IsaF-jb_pWiCHlmdgWa8Qt-DaK5XVf4BXftMCjQtoziPn41v-bMKU9l49/w640-h480/20230313-IMG_9307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We walked along the fire trail until Bulley Creek which we got to at 1:30. We had already decided against climbing up the Cobberas Peaks, or doing the off track high traverse to Cowombat Flat, so we had a bit of time up our sleeves.</div><div><br /></div><div>We set up camp and I mucked around setting up shade with my poncho tarp and some sticks, twine and the extra pegs I had brought with me. Iain just went and sat under some trees!!</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMB5sb7_UB7ogUam5SRm0-OoUdLZY7GRURAU1MuHTwDF_g0JAONTjHXM5H7EDHEtyPyd297PEo3k3U0WkN33uYPQMxzsAk3RN71HtadbCz_K4yKJfPLkMhhTaT-thzHBsI73ERjT2GOI5pxlq6pXNdcM-Smf26cYYQze_PEBVXCn49hXjtEQ0TF3gS/s4032/20230313-IMG_9309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMB5sb7_UB7ogUam5SRm0-OoUdLZY7GRURAU1MuHTwDF_g0JAONTjHXM5H7EDHEtyPyd297PEo3k3U0WkN33uYPQMxzsAk3RN71HtadbCz_K4yKJfPLkMhhTaT-thzHBsI73ERjT2GOI5pxlq6pXNdcM-Smf26cYYQze_PEBVXCn49hXjtEQ0TF3gS/w640-h480/20230313-IMG_9309.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My intellectual exercise for the afternoon: make some shade to sit under</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxuk3gx55CHrbi4gTvhmg1PBqJSnXHV8uOIhbVhl3ItyvYVxTX_c20M8un_Q0ZknozA8h6_bsC7C-GBm8vxVWDsAlcT7bD3bJl3jbi5fI7mEDmchLn2TOkHP5VVnNjzwQz155z7bds-UKVF7WPYBa2KHPfIxxGTZUUE43IIEexc5hXmPjVefjrFMh/s4032/20230313-IMG_9310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxuk3gx55CHrbi4gTvhmg1PBqJSnXHV8uOIhbVhl3ItyvYVxTX_c20M8un_Q0ZknozA8h6_bsC7C-GBm8vxVWDsAlcT7bD3bJl3jbi5fI7mEDmchLn2TOkHP5VVnNjzwQz155z7bds-UKVF7WPYBa2KHPfIxxGTZUUE43IIEexc5hXmPjVefjrFMh/w480-h640/20230313-IMG_9310.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />After getting some water from the creek, which was full of tiny fishes and huge clouds of flying insects, we had a cuppa using the tripod and a small fire that Iain managed to start without using firelighters. I also boiled up water for dinner to save on gas.</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQNFgptmA6bc2AUE1KP1qN7KLG4t9DDixO20kPhXwjMv7vBDpaRBdiAc0weCn8TtZZmivK4n2VhbE9JG-VpqTPu9N7__1nQggJFFQFZlGiY7Ivt1Ppg1bBx8agztAK2wVlpoHqRK8pSO1SvTM9GKGxi7oRdfGruOPjF_EACH6Ax-qQl7d7DKHEgL0/s4032/20230313-IMG_9308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQNFgptmA6bc2AUE1KP1qN7KLG4t9DDixO20kPhXwjMv7vBDpaRBdiAc0weCn8TtZZmivK4n2VhbE9JG-VpqTPu9N7__1nQggJFFQFZlGiY7Ivt1Ppg1bBx8agztAK2wVlpoHqRK8pSO1SvTM9GKGxi7oRdfGruOPjF_EACH6Ax-qQl7d7DKHEgL0/w480-h640/20230313-IMG_9308.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iain's intellectual exercise was to start a fire without using firelighters. It took a little longer....</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Another early night was had.</div><div><br /></div> <div><b><i>Day 16 Bulley Creek to Cowombat Flat (10.71 km, 300m👆 430m👇 max elevation 1418m)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div> <div>Having decided not to climb the Cobberas we had an easy day along the fire trail to Cowombat Flat. It was sunny and uncomfortably hot. We saw some brumbies, including a young pony but no snakes. We also met a crew of 8 people from Canberra Bushwalking Club who had done the Cobberas traverse and a trip up The Pilot and were walking back to their cars at the carpark. They said the going was good up around Cobberas 1 and Moscow Peak and good brumby trails to follow to Cobberas 2 but the way down to Cowombat Flat had been hard due to regrowth. They highly recommended The Pilot though. </div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOs3srbiUl0dcG8NJbJpH4iu9RC1QSHxVWgJpQnQ1nfGTH85wu-jBzNEVaB9nIUkWubQL6Rj7Xzl7o7Ds5FPULWNSZScsyO8b9ilUKXsrOHz-r9huwTFU42OTDRYbtSZZpqZDyWqXE9IpF-7zCJpWilf636fJnlz4shbAHE98Y1d57FXwYVugtvr3E/s1920/20230314-IMG_9311-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOs3srbiUl0dcG8NJbJpH4iu9RC1QSHxVWgJpQnQ1nfGTH85wu-jBzNEVaB9nIUkWubQL6Rj7Xzl7o7Ds5FPULWNSZScsyO8b9ilUKXsrOHz-r9huwTFU42OTDRYbtSZZpqZDyWqXE9IpF-7zCJpWilf636fJnlz4shbAHE98Y1d57FXwYVugtvr3E/w480-h640/20230314-IMG_9311-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqehQeOjcBerpRkHfM2Zq7-fy2pDq8AHXUhzRh_WqFZXSITRzAUNREx9VDvpWtdIeLjQ9dViczU092yfb07mo3RDbLjHLNP-SH4C-4a8YZDLsHlJ_i__y15cjWcs7GnlyfnZ5_xwQG3ZxIb2jHIvSlLs96tnHiR7CBjjf54mR9gtR6QGrViJImhdd/s4032/20230314-IMG_9312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqehQeOjcBerpRkHfM2Zq7-fy2pDq8AHXUhzRh_WqFZXSITRzAUNREx9VDvpWtdIeLjQ9dViczU092yfb07mo3RDbLjHLNP-SH4C-4a8YZDLsHlJ_i__y15cjWcs7GnlyfnZ5_xwQG3ZxIb2jHIvSlLs96tnHiR7CBjjf54mR9gtR6QGrViJImhdd/w640-h480/20230314-IMG_9312.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EL67rgaXAggKWOPnSEAivnSIZeEXBNWeUJ2WjIcy-wr_kxtES0q8mTCMbwuJrN85SeZY9qFLpPB5ZXqy77B24bK-feXJk52ZlMyiYnGPrSJbCm20NqErLL2xM_39EB3SuxOKKUJiksRpwoCKPZ7JRzyRSXC1ACTwxieSbn9P729gZcPKBzU6L1yo/s4032/20230314-IMG_9313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EL67rgaXAggKWOPnSEAivnSIZeEXBNWeUJ2WjIcy-wr_kxtES0q8mTCMbwuJrN85SeZY9qFLpPB5ZXqy77B24bK-feXJk52ZlMyiYnGPrSJbCm20NqErLL2xM_39EB3SuxOKKUJiksRpwoCKPZ7JRzyRSXC1ACTwxieSbn9P729gZcPKBzU6L1yo/w480-h640/20230314-IMG_9313.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLgdWsDXjaGYX5FstlpxQir5xWloR7qBMHlGeuUQbgJUqsZdlDsOPhAuqfOT5wbHFbf5KBG8-8YPL9uh6i52aQAgbSdm6K7P_tPG6VyItEdwz20Rq2OGUUvg9m3I_jPPU2nmaTdwi23rePpfOAAdR93iNfRBkNVxWMdQiY9bDLw7MioFAHovdPMz3/s4032/20230314-IMG_9314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLgdWsDXjaGYX5FstlpxQir5xWloR7qBMHlGeuUQbgJUqsZdlDsOPhAuqfOT5wbHFbf5KBG8-8YPL9uh6i52aQAgbSdm6K7P_tPG6VyItEdwz20Rq2OGUUvg9m3I_jPPU2nmaTdwi23rePpfOAAdR93iNfRBkNVxWMdQiY9bDLw7MioFAHovdPMz3/w480-h640/20230314-IMG_9314.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQOZe2EJf6YbwS1105Y1qS5ym3cEgXsiwWB1upAaDip059qlvjdAwcIT6yZKgsVUzfx5z2HbUFqczEaWuBEcuHcAyzhutOjSB2yoIO3RjceSmEvfo42wM1nTWxDXbGM3XZKFRfsHb8lVVA_4LQzyuR0RbSWSDDe4WiwftfFf495N6eVm6PGZ0xd4Z/s4032/20230314-IMG_9315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQOZe2EJf6YbwS1105Y1qS5ym3cEgXsiwWB1upAaDip059qlvjdAwcIT6yZKgsVUzfx5z2HbUFqczEaWuBEcuHcAyzhutOjSB2yoIO3RjceSmEvfo42wM1nTWxDXbGM3XZKFRfsHb8lVVA_4LQzyuR0RbSWSDDe4WiwftfFf495N6eVm6PGZ0xd4Z/w480-h640/20230314-IMG_9315.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We arrived at Cowombat Flat, took the obligatory "crossing the state border" photos then had lunch. Afterwards we went looking for the remains of a small plane that had crashed in the Flats in 1953. It wasn't where it was marked on our map. I gave up and wandered back to where we had left our packs, feeling very hot and bothered, whilst Iain kept looking.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaQO9pGGUP8a31wunjWF1PvoLXYM3imyFm09sBxt0GefMC_X19rQpXg1PhjTOJangBoRPNKauylKTlFILdmEzOAdjxgaHQJ_oE_JCAiAu5k1QJUMJ_TbM3sB3f9FQaTfZ-StWE0a__4sKp4s_5MDhwaBwbDWZfpfFuh3Lm0JMhAZc9wtxJixFcx7H/s4032/20230314-IMG_9319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaQO9pGGUP8a31wunjWF1PvoLXYM3imyFm09sBxt0GefMC_X19rQpXg1PhjTOJangBoRPNKauylKTlFILdmEzOAdjxgaHQJ_oE_JCAiAu5k1QJUMJ_TbM3sB3f9FQaTfZ-StWE0a__4sKp4s_5MDhwaBwbDWZfpfFuh3Lm0JMhAZc9wtxJixFcx7H/w480-h640/20230314-IMG_9319.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "mighty" Murray River, Vic/NSW border</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsOyTU5Lk_-TVNf9uX0CrAz1iYhlNceGQmkwAOyD_A6WSkTB69nn-8tWfsgQ2xreXjkITbGxBlBNlYloMZO9ZfDlwQpvlcEOKDhNeZWIZqwYRTTzXw7ljoF8wctQoeF3lKfX1xUNdy8rrP5uGVdsI4mnelU9jHZRAaYl_BcPbxawuNLJfqouxcPrJ/s4032/20230314-IMG_9320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsOyTU5Lk_-TVNf9uX0CrAz1iYhlNceGQmkwAOyD_A6WSkTB69nn-8tWfsgQ2xreXjkITbGxBlBNlYloMZO9ZfDlwQpvlcEOKDhNeZWIZqwYRTTzXw7ljoF8wctQoeF3lKfX1xUNdy8rrP5uGVdsI4mnelU9jHZRAaYl_BcPbxawuNLJfqouxcPrJ/w480-h640/20230314-IMG_9320.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7ag-f0WMKXS-qRB2sXG6vrHq7_-oe0ZNBoxZSLHxQIEGebp1dKgu_ES_rrtcbrI2ILqGwHTcPDPo7gYT9xpiip8YLvavomPJLn8ZhoStt-61GkMRNj718dGcljzHTPgxP6gLYSMfi-9-lKzVYX8brA4O35OhHPaNEOI1u6H0_ndIGVd3VAqIandE/s4032/20230314-20230314_124713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7ag-f0WMKXS-qRB2sXG6vrHq7_-oe0ZNBoxZSLHxQIEGebp1dKgu_ES_rrtcbrI2ILqGwHTcPDPo7gYT9xpiip8YLvavomPJLn8ZhoStt-61GkMRNj718dGcljzHTPgxP6gLYSMfi-9-lKzVYX8brA4O35OhHPaNEOI1u6H0_ndIGVd3VAqIandE/w480-h640/20230314-20230314_124713.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />It's inevitable on a long walk that your emotions have ups and downs just like your energy levels do. Today was a day where everything just seemed overwhelming, so I sat down in the shade to rest after putting up my tent to dry. Iain wandered back, having still not found the plane wreck site, but he had found a really nice camping spot. After erecting his tent to dry also, he wandered off up the other end of the Flats to check out some of the fencing work being done to protect areas from the damage wreaked by wild brumbies.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmj7eLJqS3KKvCU6eBIjpEBAH7nwCpyH-xIXklYHJwAwi8pKUuYhyWxqvGwj364lUmZqjZNVh0O9Sbjk_VNyfs8WnhQaqFCHKoZADkHa6MZtX3s4Z6oP7QkBViKaWGk0uhVn4pENVZsNMX_74QEhJCGj-PBl9rQEl99SKEIZ_JsQ25Z7unCHL9o1dF/s4032/20230314-20230314_165326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmj7eLJqS3KKvCU6eBIjpEBAH7nwCpyH-xIXklYHJwAwi8pKUuYhyWxqvGwj364lUmZqjZNVh0O9Sbjk_VNyfs8WnhQaqFCHKoZADkHa6MZtX3s4Z6oP7QkBViKaWGk0uhVn4pENVZsNMX_74QEhJCGj-PBl9rQEl99SKEIZ_JsQ25Z7unCHL9o1dF/w640-h480/20230314-20230314_165326.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hDeQTEati8UwCJaC_WXZa9o1S-AYsVJwAXDw-NGStCHG_nbbJmMxzjT2_KCavRQaKOohMnN86WeddWLjDVDgYiY6GXfymQM3mKNdI7uEPZgq7cjLvjNeI27TTE_rXmx1m1XLvXZh2rMc1WqAPKlm6DpYa82_2aVusi4OoHgQ3lX3_8XtGRXipimu/s4032/20230314-20230314_165342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hDeQTEati8UwCJaC_WXZa9o1S-AYsVJwAXDw-NGStCHG_nbbJmMxzjT2_KCavRQaKOohMnN86WeddWLjDVDgYiY6GXfymQM3mKNdI7uEPZgq7cjLvjNeI27TTE_rXmx1m1XLvXZh2rMc1WqAPKlm6DpYa82_2aVusi4OoHgQ3lX3_8XtGRXipimu/w640-h480/20230314-20230314_165342.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4xztjsG_6cu_nBqIazBVeypVhL9cM8Qw86CMgIZXC88y10N_LZ49JvBQGcVQc368bHKZYgnkxJNHs5JhzAfxPGvPmVt8ieLDEzQbnBQQrYdhnXCwewbVOEd0_GXsWChRrMrTObzgU4ISNZs_TxpjlgPk1J1BmOZrRRtJs5epINL9LBnV-vEzP9Q2/s4032/20230314-20230314_164316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4xztjsG_6cu_nBqIazBVeypVhL9cM8Qw86CMgIZXC88y10N_LZ49JvBQGcVQc368bHKZYgnkxJNHs5JhzAfxPGvPmVt8ieLDEzQbnBQQrYdhnXCwewbVOEd0_GXsWChRrMrTObzgU4ISNZs_TxpjlgPk1J1BmOZrRRtJs5epINL9LBnV-vEzP9Q2/w480-h640/20230314-20230314_164316.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We were planning on staying two nights at Cowombat Flats, so after I had cooled down, figuratively and literally, in the shade for a while I packed up my tent and wandered down to where Iain had found a lovely shady spot with a fireplace and right near the river. It also had great views to The Pilot. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKD11FVQ_f_dYYcvELohroNIRqkfOtCUi4EgfV6qgOnLVn3TX510TfklHi-tfKhTe2du57buTM89INhlleJsgGHCpUUJM9n3V9EPADyr_LZffbhB86zOOSwLKygUeabZFkrbBmOb1cTEkmZbHYPCNqV5MqignCF4VQ4tUCuIECksVL93isEsdUj2y/s4032/20230314-20230314_162340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKD11FVQ_f_dYYcvELohroNIRqkfOtCUi4EgfV6qgOnLVn3TX510TfklHi-tfKhTe2du57buTM89INhlleJsgGHCpUUJM9n3V9EPADyr_LZffbhB86zOOSwLKygUeabZFkrbBmOb1cTEkmZbHYPCNqV5MqignCF4VQ4tUCuIECksVL93isEsdUj2y/w640-h480/20230314-20230314_162340.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pilot is the tallest peak on the left. It's treeless so promises good views</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7_rm662qkmMwKKUGSqS8vm22208NHfvBnTJxPOEkRVHtscl7loCnPi-WegLEoP3VdRPZyMfkfiePhdFGS0W5KtgWYJEDf5MtpXAZMqcNWrDUac31MPJKl6tCVj27BkxG-OGtsT7htjjGxY8Hn7imptlEyDLVu0aoJfZ4yfYN_E5tttBrZoRSM02D/s4032/20230314-IMG_9321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7_rm662qkmMwKKUGSqS8vm22208NHfvBnTJxPOEkRVHtscl7loCnPi-WegLEoP3VdRPZyMfkfiePhdFGS0W5KtgWYJEDf5MtpXAZMqcNWrDUac31MPJKl6tCVj27BkxG-OGtsT7htjjGxY8Hn7imptlEyDLVu0aoJfZ4yfYN_E5tttBrZoRSM02D/w640-h480/20230314-IMG_9321.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The river, by the way, is the Murray River, which forms the boundary between the states of Victoria and NSW. Our campsite was on the Victorian side of the border, and the river was only ankle deep, enough to have a decent wash and do laundry though, which is all one really needs.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6rLiJmTjuWzYfC5cAfELz7yQMp915Bzm4MOdJW1tVfdEGgWbQi_T_SjH2SIIUs2Mwk9JwqjoPdsGNAgSUfbwiqyrAO5khH3TmAOR6ox8qZlsQN8qztQMBq7e8ThWdx0GSKfuHA8Wgt6tVTXufZ64W6eHX5vmQ3L7RFRZBDL7dDHbciEqLoArXikg/s4032/20230315-20230315_163901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6rLiJmTjuWzYfC5cAfELz7yQMp915Bzm4MOdJW1tVfdEGgWbQi_T_SjH2SIIUs2Mwk9JwqjoPdsGNAgSUfbwiqyrAO5khH3TmAOR6ox8qZlsQN8qztQMBq7e8ThWdx0GSKfuHA8Wgt6tVTXufZ64W6eHX5vmQ3L7RFRZBDL7dDHbciEqLoArXikg/w480-h640/20230315-20230315_163901.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hmF94z7gd_T76nwJSicaGLa2Z9KoZB-J2wxYKCCC-nttGCdsLlztEZPfRf0cuytaVpImFd9J6FG-1x8IWeTWPKLIH5wot6hynbh8jMAuOMTHBWihP2igRBxQ2PPIYm_O5R3De5i5XB-ZN9YLiItsygIM8VdjFaNU-SQJk3R1UL46vI5-8Mw8x9eU/s4032/20230314-20230314_173343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hmF94z7gd_T76nwJSicaGLa2Z9KoZB-J2wxYKCCC-nttGCdsLlztEZPfRf0cuytaVpImFd9J6FG-1x8IWeTWPKLIH5wot6hynbh8jMAuOMTHBWihP2igRBxQ2PPIYm_O5R3De5i5XB-ZN9YLiItsygIM8VdjFaNU-SQJk3R1UL46vI5-8Mw8x9eU/w640-h480/20230314-20230314_173343.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_phRyi-Hf-PGJv9Ai7XoWGhRxC1rtN5oiCCS823Q8PdmhCxulZeFn-dpPreDhLVpvjmQk3g5znD-3VQWq8T4LjoZ5o-OYbZ_C-E98udDkQmJ90br8JKHabY_RTnIyRGuyY9HTzdzUmYLV8w0Go0gKm1sHd9JoCZEVnGsWdYgxqnCckVbiHPIgFHr/s4032/20230314-IMG_9322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_phRyi-Hf-PGJv9Ai7XoWGhRxC1rtN5oiCCS823Q8PdmhCxulZeFn-dpPreDhLVpvjmQk3g5znD-3VQWq8T4LjoZ5o-OYbZ_C-E98udDkQmJ90br8JKHabY_RTnIyRGuyY9HTzdzUmYLV8w0Go0gKm1sHd9JoCZEVnGsWdYgxqnCckVbiHPIgFHr/w640-h480/20230314-IMG_9322.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Rain threatened all afternoon but we just had a few sprinkles until about 6pm when a shower came through. Iain went off to his tent but I sat it out, enjoying the sight of double rainbows over The Pilot. I again made a small fire to boil water for cuppas and cook my dinner, and then stoked it up a bit more for some bush TV. Which meant a slightly later bedtime of 7:30! Unfortunately I had to pump up my air mattress at 8, 10 and 12:30, but each time I had woken because I was cold, so I progressively put on more layers and then slept through until morning.</div><div><br /></div> <div><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8CYdm1HUpCLbHs725B14EhbQinPR44JKr8BhAAMrttUuYKl9D_5OYPAIJ1bhP92_HbyKSATHKrSUpraRcud0xbTf7glJW9dnm_m0Lct0GaoO_1kqcztEUklKYqz5EJAHwrOAlmfODNDMVCEyN8DZjuAJ3Ahyzzoxmgcdd0zsv-rcwghnJmajj3Ls/s4032/20230314-IMG_9323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8CYdm1HUpCLbHs725B14EhbQinPR44JKr8BhAAMrttUuYKl9D_5OYPAIJ1bhP92_HbyKSATHKrSUpraRcud0xbTf7glJW9dnm_m0Lct0GaoO_1kqcztEUklKYqz5EJAHwrOAlmfODNDMVCEyN8DZjuAJ3Ahyzzoxmgcdd0zsv-rcwghnJmajj3Ls/w640-h480/20230314-IMG_9323.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvDCWA3GjDgxzK2163PALcF6_xMcLoiWIUf8hj0DBxkKEpzoQy8IO4FmUKHGPpMOgubz-wspIUMf_t_yMFYX91JkTtm9TjJMfEbe2D1hYjgCa-L125USlozIOtzCUtEafPzS6576ivPmA2bgFlirz3Gn45PeRh46gs4-Uet4nnjMo2iFyhuNmk4W8/s4032/20230314-IMG_9324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvDCWA3GjDgxzK2163PALcF6_xMcLoiWIUf8hj0DBxkKEpzoQy8IO4FmUKHGPpMOgubz-wspIUMf_t_yMFYX91JkTtm9TjJMfEbe2D1hYjgCa-L125USlozIOtzCUtEafPzS6576ivPmA2bgFlirz3Gn45PeRh46gs4-Uet4nnjMo2iFyhuNmk4W8/w480-h640/20230314-IMG_9324.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Day 17 Cowombat Flat Layday (8.19 km, max elevation 1428m)</i></b></div><div><br /></div> <div>We had a lazy start to the morning with a few herds of brumbies passing through the flats, looking to be a bit bigger than the ones we'd seen before. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1644s6jdTezG5D6PiRD_cGP5EROdOVtgCuibPkAtnHCLgxJpKjKxqSCSj8-xMzUYXi6qv-yGWJ6qH4nSXBm6J34uCOqvU18Mbuz2TyNosI5DPS7YZ9PvfLm7y_n2Sh8pCZD9KQugPxlsJYlnSfoel65fCsOVhAG4OorJ4jYtE41j4g1R59VIGeQr/s4032/20230315-20230315_065444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1644s6jdTezG5D6PiRD_cGP5EROdOVtgCuibPkAtnHCLgxJpKjKxqSCSj8-xMzUYXi6qv-yGWJ6qH4nSXBm6J34uCOqvU18Mbuz2TyNosI5DPS7YZ9PvfLm7y_n2Sh8pCZD9KQugPxlsJYlnSfoel65fCsOVhAG4OorJ4jYtE41j4g1R59VIGeQr/w640-h480/20230315-20230315_065444.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB18cDLWxGykjd9Gn-DR2urKqjz1UuvyfgKEyCpQKd5jH_kkcbOIy9imja6VI07Elit2UzqXTpH4qhWfVeUSR4U0p_VIfRmlr7o0eSQjdqGx6UjVa7OH4iBZYYP_X2WdrdeSzMHxFXGR_hHIFM-13t7XAyp0B6GZgl-luZ2QmmJyOO3OYqsApym0B/s4032/20230315-20230315_071517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB18cDLWxGykjd9Gn-DR2urKqjz1UuvyfgKEyCpQKd5jH_kkcbOIy9imja6VI07Elit2UzqXTpH4qhWfVeUSR4U0p_VIfRmlr7o0eSQjdqGx6UjVa7OH4iBZYYP_X2WdrdeSzMHxFXGR_hHIFM-13t7XAyp0B6GZgl-luZ2QmmJyOO3OYqsApym0B/w640-h480/20230315-20230315_071517.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPD4oNMNyYU3P2neJt8Czq0hJqtDwZXW0tZ8uI5DJqRZ4b2p8Jqa5HaZbTEZh9dy7dMbAcBEs9ozpsDTeFzhJUoDupprM3dyHTcGaRldzFoOKPw-BNU5rZWnqEKmsTQhdOWT5M5NZZyFeNoUzSxK4WR84K_LC-Cvcy8ztoxf0umamwymOB-_CUJalx/s4032/20230315-20230315_073026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2070" data-original-width="4032" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPD4oNMNyYU3P2neJt8Czq0hJqtDwZXW0tZ8uI5DJqRZ4b2p8Jqa5HaZbTEZh9dy7dMbAcBEs9ozpsDTeFzhJUoDupprM3dyHTcGaRldzFoOKPw-BNU5rZWnqEKmsTQhdOWT5M5NZZyFeNoUzSxK4WR84K_LC-Cvcy8ztoxf0umamwymOB-_CUJalx/w640-h328/20230315-20230315_073026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCleJSIHgA9B9LdOvQhr25LIv6E4_oGOnTP8fDzwqj9yOEgy7tw7ZarHF8nZ4--h2s41m-ASlPXBE7c46iIh_8nKEaC_nIsDYGYsgMG_c40kfAj3IpvO9FzunqkKvSKOAFcaiC2OeKfp7j2JwayX8odbXjpJJDVYywaH45244zfJ34-dj3B4qJ5OJ/s4032/20230315-20230315_073047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2039" data-original-width="4032" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCleJSIHgA9B9LdOvQhr25LIv6E4_oGOnTP8fDzwqj9yOEgy7tw7ZarHF8nZ4--h2s41m-ASlPXBE7c46iIh_8nKEaC_nIsDYGYsgMG_c40kfAj3IpvO9FzunqkKvSKOAFcaiC2OeKfp7j2JwayX8odbXjpJJDVYywaH45244zfJ34-dj3B4qJ5OJ/w640-h324/20230315-20230315_073047.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />With a little laundry done before setting off, we headed up the Cowombat Trail in NSW to find the source of the Murray. We found a taped brumby trail, which took us down to the Murray then we followed it up to where the land border meets the Murray. We saw three pigs, and lots of signs of pig rooting, as well as lots of damage from brumbies. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDc8_IKJ4ruwnQZow8TiSMmJ0entDFbbcDKc9kOuLQlQJKkeDs7u5Fm3baFSe7UT6fDgZKNjpH9w5R6MExDjsZ3Q9u2TvahrXmMojWYaHzT7mBog30aSgZP6U0VVVMLMjZrRDjWJJVisr3Q-z0ze0xFzntPJOzons6ucXGDnMj95IsCq_nJajJ4Fn2/s4032/20230315-20230315_101724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDc8_IKJ4ruwnQZow8TiSMmJ0entDFbbcDKc9kOuLQlQJKkeDs7u5Fm3baFSe7UT6fDgZKNjpH9w5R6MExDjsZ3Q9u2TvahrXmMojWYaHzT7mBog30aSgZP6U0VVVMLMjZrRDjWJJVisr3Q-z0ze0xFzntPJOzons6ucXGDnMj95IsCq_nJajJ4Fn2/w640-h480/20230315-20230315_101724.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pigs rooting</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pQccD6X-sR0hrGYgMdTfxqplrsEFDcTCuu6J06i9zrvgn4xsPHSDEK29ls2k9_8NTYt9VWag5W5u-dXDaRDlsOwLdzaccAOT0EVGxNXV9l2kBKzfYHGPDH1pK8zzv9byX8SNVXjmVb33ps5Js9b5jYnru1vVy9hbE8_5lJMqAsLBaEPaHT1PcACn/s4032/20230315-20230315_104355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pQccD6X-sR0hrGYgMdTfxqplrsEFDcTCuu6J06i9zrvgn4xsPHSDEK29ls2k9_8NTYt9VWag5W5u-dXDaRDlsOwLdzaccAOT0EVGxNXV9l2kBKzfYHGPDH1pK8zzv9byX8SNVXjmVb33ps5Js9b5jYnru1vVy9hbE8_5lJMqAsLBaEPaHT1PcACn/w480-h640/20230315-20230315_104355.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tootling up the Murray</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZNc9SKFaa2ABtwx1RMJaKbDmjp4IDgzT_uSPS9mqpK4KIeXSJyQU0gRehlsm_AU4SNme6QbthdZbU_eqw4akgGEbD5y_7XZcrTmsUjz7xtRYwZFj1lSFgWJSkFYc6AmWjo0691VnDpnzVIrI1bCgRT2yBEnu5EfmNEUWFCyHCvbHupvTK51tEv1t/s2079/20230315-IMG_9332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2079" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZNc9SKFaa2ABtwx1RMJaKbDmjp4IDgzT_uSPS9mqpK4KIeXSJyQU0gRehlsm_AU4SNme6QbthdZbU_eqw4akgGEbD5y_7XZcrTmsUjz7xtRYwZFj1lSFgWJSkFYc6AmWjo0691VnDpnzVIrI1bCgRT2yBEnu5EfmNEUWFCyHCvbHupvTK51tEv1t/w296-h640/20230315-IMG_9332.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdRqQ15Qj0x0iSNhEth8RgftP--d8BgI1MJFhQTyxMf2gapiSurVGzr5QuxR8QwkUB8YhFmNSQhGzm6Q_BMjXlHTDMvBayvHT5HY7oFAC6FjSQfMCEG-TxHO0RJQ7_K13RoOI5Uppitovsf8Bh35nNE9La5IHkW1DaBPZ9ScRLmHqksBNp7m1kDC6/s4032/20230315-IMG_9330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdRqQ15Qj0x0iSNhEth8RgftP--d8BgI1MJFhQTyxMf2gapiSurVGzr5QuxR8QwkUB8YhFmNSQhGzm6Q_BMjXlHTDMvBayvHT5HY7oFAC6FjSQfMCEG-TxHO0RJQ7_K13RoOI5Uppitovsf8Bh35nNE9La5IHkW1DaBPZ9ScRLmHqksBNp7m1kDC6/w480-h640/20230315-IMG_9330.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhajNNbSSbHYDs6sc-p_Zm0ghjsTmDLMLTZFfkrYWr_3nTMOfQHcCEQvTy4t3FLiVomBYtA47cHqh4jbQlZvIYwoyLED6UARCN6-vsnLuDUyoZH7Rx5XT1ePXR8BWGtRu_UXsMFyybQtreAgvYQl-Di0z4Bp9HSW6_ACxpgYftqbSqLc4Zc3ClMUZb/s2640/20230315-20230315_104840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="1980" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhajNNbSSbHYDs6sc-p_Zm0ghjsTmDLMLTZFfkrYWr_3nTMOfQHcCEQvTy4t3FLiVomBYtA47cHqh4jbQlZvIYwoyLED6UARCN6-vsnLuDUyoZH7Rx5XT1ePXR8BWGtRu_UXsMFyybQtreAgvYQl-Di0z4Bp9HSW6_ACxpgYftqbSqLc4Zc3ClMUZb/w480-h640/20230315-20230315_104840.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcq4DryAWOye17C0LOvaEzJf0nuFpYllxBPWojoJI6ETUMPAjwgbYmVZSxgJt3-31YycSQmw4beWBdf_RKfEG4B01akjUuhkHgmPoFnCMIiULC-aeL0YZfpWG0kXaJ5xFxqwiKSlY5OYBhCL-crrX2N_NqgQ9pVjueeZE0LAtnS4-fjwphc1ntfZsm/s3088/20230315-IMG_9331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcq4DryAWOye17C0LOvaEzJf0nuFpYllxBPWojoJI6ETUMPAjwgbYmVZSxgJt3-31YycSQmw4beWBdf_RKfEG4B01akjUuhkHgmPoFnCMIiULC-aeL0YZfpWG0kXaJ5xFxqwiKSlY5OYBhCL-crrX2N_NqgQ9pVjueeZE0LAtnS4-fjwphc1ntfZsm/w480-h640/20230315-IMG_9331.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Once we had satisfied ourselves we had found the point on the map where the land border intersects the river, we found the trail heading up to Forest Hill where a substantial rock cairn marks the land border. Since the cairn isn't marked on any maps, and we are in a Wilderness Area where signage is almost non existent, we spent a huge amount of time scouring the large hilltop looking for it. I even managed to scare my snake for the day!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLnA36xYzw2XgkvXTgKl9CxHb1sGCfzztE8YB31Y1Pq5xYS6-8WbevyGqkdA_S4aaQc9iqP5RI0185o74FHuth7C58npujhCnbK5e92S3joJl2oIplMFas6joyy1dkSw7OJh1aIGd_bfVdeOxaFBwehUXkmKjkxPm9q8Gx2JqQtm3-4fYWHqecMEO/s4032/20230315-20230315_115322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLnA36xYzw2XgkvXTgKl9CxHb1sGCfzztE8YB31Y1Pq5xYS6-8WbevyGqkdA_S4aaQc9iqP5RI0185o74FHuth7C58npujhCnbK5e92S3joJl2oIplMFas6joyy1dkSw7OJh1aIGd_bfVdeOxaFBwehUXkmKjkxPm9q8Gx2JqQtm3-4fYWHqecMEO/w480-h640/20230315-20230315_115322.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL_epxagzRoosSq5r58-v90SUTLQtQWTx4na0xPIBWe_NHJdZVBLvrfgTyUpgkahnawenqiifNI0eAmdajgO6QB5Peju1jJgJ6ONtLj2AjEJ7HF0PhbNmUA_w8gyu-GHYsbBVTvt9MfU5eAen-c2GU2Qi00Gs7PTvQKo3UHrjddMio1-hXdWmdUjq/s4032/20230315-IMG_9334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL_epxagzRoosSq5r58-v90SUTLQtQWTx4na0xPIBWe_NHJdZVBLvrfgTyUpgkahnawenqiifNI0eAmdajgO6QB5Peju1jJgJ6ONtLj2AjEJ7HF0PhbNmUA_w8gyu-GHYsbBVTvt9MfU5eAen-c2GU2Qi00Gs7PTvQKo3UHrjddMio1-hXdWmdUjq/w640-h480/20230315-IMG_9334.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After a short break and consulting Chapman's notes yet again, we wandered back towards the track we had ascended, as Chapman suggested the cairn was right at the northern end of the tops closer to the border. I mean duh! Of course the cairn will be on the actual border! We needed to look for the cairn along the border, not the other side of the hill! And once we looked in the right direction, we found it! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg44ynHUxoAaVBMvoWFW--BRMWH7DvWcYcEmoAK5vBRVfxeLMclU5pt353Mi71KfooORG6X9Dey9a61LfOcicKV5WOquiEeEAd8eWraEA4J2RGt3PdlVFUT2tjGWeQZzYqnZK_Wda6Np1T8o1X4CffizQ189OoPgzQebeZCyXQ9WudnjgPDrJI7-nW/s4032/20230315-IMG_9335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg44ynHUxoAaVBMvoWFW--BRMWH7DvWcYcEmoAK5vBRVfxeLMclU5pt353Mi71KfooORG6X9Dey9a61LfOcicKV5WOquiEeEAd8eWraEA4J2RGt3PdlVFUT2tjGWeQZzYqnZK_Wda6Np1T8o1X4CffizQ189OoPgzQebeZCyXQ9WudnjgPDrJI7-nW/w480-h640/20230315-IMG_9335.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXE1Sa0j-W9499Y67-Y8BHU9cBUdjZrmJDAQy2Qf13U0hlxBwUtARJbW8cKN6H4hrzobn44HEmmrrjTlvo1qsuanu92DzVHzHZ6xBaUIHt1Dvuj_eQYppz5yxqumXuO6A-3xqh-XkkBF6gR-SX6oXm-UYCQKTD7_i7w8RyoYlzNY6OL1Zj4PamNAI/s4032/20230315-20230315_115822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXE1Sa0j-W9499Y67-Y8BHU9cBUdjZrmJDAQy2Qf13U0hlxBwUtARJbW8cKN6H4hrzobn44HEmmrrjTlvo1qsuanu92DzVHzHZ6xBaUIHt1Dvuj_eQYppz5yxqumXuO6A-3xqh-XkkBF6gR-SX6oXm-UYCQKTD7_i7w8RyoYlzNY6OL1Zj4PamNAI/w480-h640/20230315-20230315_115822.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NSW bound</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZMxmGIpJI8gxCMiXr8RCplqnnBt3_yduId-LhiMDD87hpE5sdMGUbEt67UW-u2c9LjHwAKhNGprJWgwY4za4zzWuqW2_qz9B6i8sQYLA8OUxMcz260Q_uP1rc2gn0-GGIj9uaeGQcHpoHlFynKj6mlbxluXz5kQQBjfzRoGmYteuf43FKATbgLcg/s4032/20230315-IMG_9337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZMxmGIpJI8gxCMiXr8RCplqnnBt3_yduId-LhiMDD87hpE5sdMGUbEt67UW-u2c9LjHwAKhNGprJWgwY4za4zzWuqW2_qz9B6i8sQYLA8OUxMcz260Q_uP1rc2gn0-GGIj9uaeGQcHpoHlFynKj6mlbxluXz5kQQBjfzRoGmYteuf43FKATbgLcg/w480-h640/20230315-IMG_9337.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on the fence</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGjh9m2oAmHzpO9E8RLpMGMkYT191tR265zLe14xrC3cLRinmJcTOVwYO2XGOX4zyFfoQVQ6A2Qb9nX0hi78ML5Ittlat27VeJOxL-pZuL_YhUgmowiY3GOZwG7QITpfNJM9zKYDyyxhvnoMHov_EkAHLxmbBAsumWfMNyD_OPEIQ4DgFhCml8G2E/s4032/20230315-20230315_120025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGjh9m2oAmHzpO9E8RLpMGMkYT191tR265zLe14xrC3cLRinmJcTOVwYO2XGOX4zyFfoQVQ6A2Qb9nX0hi78ML5Ittlat27VeJOxL-pZuL_YhUgmowiY3GOZwG7QITpfNJM9zKYDyyxhvnoMHov_EkAHLxmbBAsumWfMNyD_OPEIQ4DgFhCml8G2E/w480-h640/20230315-20230315_120025.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly cross border relations</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We had lunch back down by the Murray and then wandered back to Cowombat Flat. Iain had found the aircraft wreckage yesterday, exactly where Chapman said it would be! I joined him to check it out and then we headed back to camp.</div> <div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsinAp2qVCHDX7Xye9XvS9J1eHF5INLQB208M4-gBRhBj-9Q73cxKBveLQhGxhH06jqsL6T0ZKKCTny7YHr2iu9ePjpPJzEFxO44FxFXtbuA3KhWeU_FoDA_8ZaiMAsatkvAAoUKWteVUmHDDoNvQyj3UCmairTXrW1-tkeOAzHXigohrrE1XG7blh/s4032/20230315-20230315_130604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsinAp2qVCHDX7Xye9XvS9J1eHF5INLQB208M4-gBRhBj-9Q73cxKBveLQhGxhH06jqsL6T0ZKKCTny7YHr2iu9ePjpPJzEFxO44FxFXtbuA3KhWeU_FoDA_8ZaiMAsatkvAAoUKWteVUmHDDoNvQyj3UCmairTXrW1-tkeOAzHXigohrrE1XG7blh/w640-h480/20230315-20230315_130604.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXTEy8XCY_kAgfntk2TljpXVHxgVNm_g0m17zFRz6dOTO-Xm6bEvQdCe1rJClJC9dgKE4cXEFPk0FLfv5YKMy7CM-oecQbXTFz1hgx-P8qdSs0H-NjQwRX8zw-FiKot_BstSHeMgJ25VLf3OiYFjflHv7Jfib98FBC6rQ8bTfTILRzHv132kktd8s/s4032/20230315-IMG_9352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXTEy8XCY_kAgfntk2TljpXVHxgVNm_g0m17zFRz6dOTO-Xm6bEvQdCe1rJClJC9dgKE4cXEFPk0FLfv5YKMy7CM-oecQbXTFz1hgx-P8qdSs0H-NjQwRX8zw-FiKot_BstSHeMgJ25VLf3OiYFjflHv7Jfib98FBC6rQ8bTfTILRzHv132kktd8s/w480-h640/20230315-IMG_9352.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QbaK1XnHxS1_HjqRocbSq8HnedfQM0nDKzU2Cm6yBmDvNo9ep-PRxkxgoIKTfTlyj2tg-j-5S-nv9DZLCLifwq0FG16yHosxm1kuYXuoHC9gvFV76CPl0xk7updMYdj3rOWD-T3F_FL_scX7vgTsHrf7DSfL6W13oMxaLzzqTgzXh2AUG5rFhGLQ/s4032/20230315-IMG_9353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QbaK1XnHxS1_HjqRocbSq8HnedfQM0nDKzU2Cm6yBmDvNo9ep-PRxkxgoIKTfTlyj2tg-j-5S-nv9DZLCLifwq0FG16yHosxm1kuYXuoHC9gvFV76CPl0xk7updMYdj3rOWD-T3F_FL_scX7vgTsHrf7DSfL6W13oMxaLzzqTgzXh2AUG5rFhGLQ/w640-h480/20230315-IMG_9353.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7utuMDPWs3gVixeN0hAp5aWMQZuvR6BgF3vWLkD1UxovtqNAG5CYrjaP34XC9S9ADjGQbsuF_8V1sOsA1dlqo7rtB-3PV6OdPmsxJRv4juz40Up4htMfqviIWO9EKGDCWsYS1EWDWzVB3aTLdJeDhXA6HDYVRtyzIdm8jKQZmHRLownGnn8jE9k1/s4032/20230315-IMG_9354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7utuMDPWs3gVixeN0hAp5aWMQZuvR6BgF3vWLkD1UxovtqNAG5CYrjaP34XC9S9ADjGQbsuF_8V1sOsA1dlqo7rtB-3PV6OdPmsxJRv4juz40Up4htMfqviIWO9EKGDCWsYS1EWDWzVB3aTLdJeDhXA6HDYVRtyzIdm8jKQZmHRLownGnn8jE9k1/w480-h640/20230315-IMG_9354.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx109tsKCImgI-OFWXQ8u9jsgx95yMxjUcvYCxHqs6iJMtG6jxsem33Z5yaATbheViJRu2LEJqUE6h8Tns14tLVGTixRlFB83rr3mfR7ELfuYmfRi41vV6uni3dIYRNynqPLa2nhayO_yQdy5qUAjBx2HJvb-kMy8AbIcRx_UbIDYdxCVSValsRE3M/s4032/20230314-20230314_163419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx109tsKCImgI-OFWXQ8u9jsgx95yMxjUcvYCxHqs6iJMtG6jxsem33Z5yaATbheViJRu2LEJqUE6h8Tns14tLVGTixRlFB83rr3mfR7ELfuYmfRi41vV6uni3dIYRNynqPLa2nhayO_yQdy5qUAjBx2HJvb-kMy8AbIcRx_UbIDYdxCVSValsRE3M/w480-h640/20230314-20230314_163419.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We got back to camp a bit after 2 and had a wash and did a bit more laundry before rain clouds came in and we had a few showers and the temperature dropped. I built up the fire again for cuppas and dinner and then sat around watching flames until dark. A single crow hung around in the trees above us, calling mournfully. Quite atmospheric...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgivMysFQNeOzeJbIKDJ6gKMI_gTSExaPzLN0OhWtFMMz18G_R15bqHIR4mKgLX8qSLE-aSHCqhwjQ9Eul8Co22mcKzoEgObvS_H1bTMCbkbQEeW_1Mm0u0g47CrfI8JGySn5ek4SXUCdL0I9cYjuxAICoraiKY13rbapLxNGjDlFmizpVO0C5SA_/s4032/20230315-20230315_164158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgivMysFQNeOzeJbIKDJ6gKMI_gTSExaPzLN0OhWtFMMz18G_R15bqHIR4mKgLX8qSLE-aSHCqhwjQ9Eul8Co22mcKzoEgObvS_H1bTMCbkbQEeW_1Mm0u0g47CrfI8JGySn5ek4SXUCdL0I9cYjuxAICoraiKY13rbapLxNGjDlFmizpVO0C5SA_/w640-h480/20230315-20230315_164158.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIv0u_-0t_u1KLYosqZUkWY3vwh6rXHSpcnGSLOPkhL7chJal6ALZ1AUaCzBXjp06O44xXTaWnI0I4P64-oPpPBJvqW_Ad04nQcmquxurIxa4vq88p1j9aKuUhICafbitVxm8X5iyDFQqiv1Gzzr_WcWg6XZS_72hl_H43O4KSdaRDZpOVQejVWGeR/s4032/20230315-20230315_163756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIv0u_-0t_u1KLYosqZUkWY3vwh6rXHSpcnGSLOPkhL7chJal6ALZ1AUaCzBXjp06O44xXTaWnI0I4P64-oPpPBJvqW_Ad04nQcmquxurIxa4vq88p1j9aKuUhICafbitVxm8X5iyDFQqiv1Gzzr_WcWg6XZS_72hl_H43O4KSdaRDZpOVQejVWGeR/w640-h480/20230315-20230315_163756.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storm clouds approaching... it blew over pretty quickly</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I'm getting used to my air mattress only lasting a couple of hours finding I can sleep with it half deflated anyway. I guess the ground is soft enough....</div> <div><br /></div> <div><b><i>Day 18 Cowombat Flat to Tin Mines Huts (18.01 km, 930m👆 835m👇 max elevation 1841m)</i></b></div> <div><br /></div><div>Iain woke me a bit abruptly just before 6:30 am which didn't exactly put me in a good mood. We got away at 8:20 so a good early start. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPePie2T4IvzAv65uOxI__rVn4wy-GXMnXlByg1u6w4HIlW0rJgVPdKznncYBx8gpx9AgHMIYZTZ1elePIP5W-psKmitYwKCg-nov1sGE49uGZzd7WX14agcWJHwUmdl_UN5Mm3IR0FIZMr5P5FOQzLBlZaX91NkZzBFbV2tESFPQwhUxIIzMo_v5V/s4032/20230316-20230316_064044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPePie2T4IvzAv65uOxI__rVn4wy-GXMnXlByg1u6w4HIlW0rJgVPdKznncYBx8gpx9AgHMIYZTZ1elePIP5W-psKmitYwKCg-nov1sGE49uGZzd7WX14agcWJHwUmdl_UN5Mm3IR0FIZMr5P5FOQzLBlZaX91NkZzBFbV2tESFPQwhUxIIzMo_v5V/w640-h480/20230316-20230316_064044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqmr8MBge44aUzlB61iZaFi9V3NGjLaA-WeLw8RBYPKaJFvT5zVwM5-7aL-NMezhKxjrNhG2OpWLPoYqAnwHv5baoy9WszvWFjImCir5uibiCSAELlRmoiarHEK3Wnu2OX4wB2GcEgwyTYsxmks6qXuLAcU6AnqeWSewNusV0VbsMXHLbYe8Zi0uF/s4032/20230316-20230316_065906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqmr8MBge44aUzlB61iZaFi9V3NGjLaA-WeLw8RBYPKaJFvT5zVwM5-7aL-NMezhKxjrNhG2OpWLPoYqAnwHv5baoy9WszvWFjImCir5uibiCSAELlRmoiarHEK3Wnu2OX4wB2GcEgwyTYsxmks6qXuLAcU6AnqeWSewNusV0VbsMXHLbYe8Zi0uF/w640-h480/20230316-20230316_065906.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyHpZquFC8K4D3EpFWrV5hjnfyWyVItZ37f8z3xH_mhBfjarnlg575OP9dcfXUvcP7e7Fg9M-w21ep7C2LQjsVas6amVEa8JiBXHO6HcAUvMMZ8ab1CoxEllhfV1gxLP9ZCtTOqsxF_PYLg0KWqx35iWisJoDyAgQ5G53YDi5Ai-wY0AEd7d4rY2d/s4032/20230316-20230316_070027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyHpZquFC8K4D3EpFWrV5hjnfyWyVItZ37f8z3xH_mhBfjarnlg575OP9dcfXUvcP7e7Fg9M-w21ep7C2LQjsVas6amVEa8JiBXHO6HcAUvMMZ8ab1CoxEllhfV1gxLP9ZCtTOqsxF_PYLg0KWqx35iWisJoDyAgQ5G53YDi5Ai-wY0AEd7d4rY2d/w640-h480/20230316-20230316_070027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We saw no brumbies in the valley this morning. We took the Cowombat Trail rather than the official AAWT route along Snow Gums Trail because it looked less steep and it had the turnoff to The Pilot. Aside from the first bit, which we had done yesterday, the trail was undulating with no particularly steep bits and we made good time, arriving at the cairn marking the start of the climb at about 11. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize1jF1E251xWX0LAAucHc2rAjX33-9iCCdj6NyrxjclYdsf70v1_MfUb1PPAp4buNFQpnS9LxA5wcYO_cbaH0-BD2lv9ODkjG31I65j6_9IJMr1zFdizw3bD51vcP1AA4SGm6IQHQbTSBh6tBBuQfWAWaBpVszNWYdskoR2brhWyNo2occBVZ-q72/s4032/20230315-20230315_165354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize1jF1E251xWX0LAAucHc2rAjX33-9iCCdj6NyrxjclYdsf70v1_MfUb1PPAp4buNFQpnS9LxA5wcYO_cbaH0-BD2lv9ODkjG31I65j6_9IJMr1zFdizw3bD51vcP1AA4SGm6IQHQbTSBh6tBBuQfWAWaBpVszNWYdskoR2brhWyNo2occBVZ-q72/w640-h480/20230315-20230315_165354.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMqXsUARPka2PwqU-QTRquHuiMyOwD4m3NDPijUwZFx3VE13W9Qdl9SiAfwREDso4-DdNFvHIjEn3V2hyD8QYVbjeYJpdzJVHeO4NvW5w4IU2CoIpcfLfvfxlm-aEhOxDaqCnTd_2c7Q9VWdjQpsax8PkPNtAyn_8d6YWzF1RR7MshslHnsMY9yil/s4032/20230316-IMG_9356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMqXsUARPka2PwqU-QTRquHuiMyOwD4m3NDPijUwZFx3VE13W9Qdl9SiAfwREDso4-DdNFvHIjEn3V2hyD8QYVbjeYJpdzJVHeO4NvW5w4IU2CoIpcfLfvfxlm-aEhOxDaqCnTd_2c7Q9VWdjQpsax8PkPNtAyn_8d6YWzF1RR7MshslHnsMY9yil/w480-h640/20230316-IMG_9356.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2OieRzetb66ai7zxySJzPD9iLICfh4KHRS2s-biSyPVyrqBDsEi9gNFIH7zES2erEubW5ahYodRjC_X5-nzNxuZ8u1t_pmiuqVg105jRNJLlst3tr5QRW_kzDRKOMPd9qTDyfdU1_xSDyDBhaC8xnUAtMdWYUXxzYanAXCUDc7iqlRoFfFM9YPcW/s4032/20230316-IMG_9362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2OieRzetb66ai7zxySJzPD9iLICfh4KHRS2s-biSyPVyrqBDsEi9gNFIH7zES2erEubW5ahYodRjC_X5-nzNxuZ8u1t_pmiuqVg105jRNJLlst3tr5QRW_kzDRKOMPd9qTDyfdU1_xSDyDBhaC8xnUAtMdWYUXxzYanAXCUDc7iqlRoFfFM9YPcW/w480-h640/20230316-IMG_9362.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No signage, just this rock cairn marking the track up to The Pilot summit</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We dumped the packs and just took our daypacks with lunch and electronics up the hill. My phone battery was a little low so I asked Iain to track our way with his phone and off we went. There were lots of cairns to keep you on track although higher up we lost them and just made our own way up through the trees as they thinned out, scrambling over a few rocky bits to at last make the summit. As we climbed the wind got stronger and stronger, probably gusting 40 knots up on the top. It was wild!!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tJlXM_A36GqM1k30_dHvdL8lRlhTTciYjHkDAl1eTMRh0pYTriiUZZU1ZsFk5xUPs4UeDFkf_vzCyvr8uFgg3fp17afOPUYfsyIR-g6wBPj7sipN6jH5-Bw6Lsja-fbIUBfl9GAJ4su2DVyPsOUXLYiC7PzqZPynEnx4En7uty8zEzIn0oWNrB06/s4032/20230316-20230316_114610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tJlXM_A36GqM1k30_dHvdL8lRlhTTciYjHkDAl1eTMRh0pYTriiUZZU1ZsFk5xUPs4UeDFkf_vzCyvr8uFgg3fp17afOPUYfsyIR-g6wBPj7sipN6jH5-Bw6Lsja-fbIUBfl9GAJ4su2DVyPsOUXLYiC7PzqZPynEnx4En7uty8zEzIn0oWNrB06/w480-h640/20230316-20230316_114610.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lEANHuHvqGHl5d9W4HNforkQDttsGHQbUdALbhae6pj5fNijUYqGORKR_UM8tNV8Os0JuDyHFqRNtBVkOLv0noAIY59YbTaMo2d-mk1QF-PoOuM3G9XDlAZJzU-KrRUhlJG0jOIbqruUHNr8PhpJYH7x-ruGji5T5fASCLPJDo7Ee7m9sZG5ZO2W/s4032/20230316-IMG_9357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lEANHuHvqGHl5d9W4HNforkQDttsGHQbUdALbhae6pj5fNijUYqGORKR_UM8tNV8Os0JuDyHFqRNtBVkOLv0noAIY59YbTaMo2d-mk1QF-PoOuM3G9XDlAZJzU-KrRUhlJG0jOIbqruUHNr8PhpJYH7x-ruGji5T5fASCLPJDo7Ee7m9sZG5ZO2W/w480-h640/20230316-IMG_9357.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMem65hvjI9A-2Ayf3jNAX249MKukmWi9JN4JSvVJtqOQBof5od2c1O1bkzp8C6VzAiyeJJcL4bRD1uAiL1p1FwLc5jxg9Qgu_Cjh8t6J6PpiCYy0XoPN6ksv3BczpBfl-C8wEUwIl1JTr9ElWS6s4KbZPMJzORuuGpLmEvFuAuaK1FSI_ykXpgBQN/s4032/20230316-IMG_9358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMem65hvjI9A-2Ayf3jNAX249MKukmWi9JN4JSvVJtqOQBof5od2c1O1bkzp8C6VzAiyeJJcL4bRD1uAiL1p1FwLc5jxg9Qgu_Cjh8t6J6PpiCYy0XoPN6ksv3BczpBfl-C8wEUwIl1JTr9ElWS6s4KbZPMJzORuuGpLmEvFuAuaK1FSI_ykXpgBQN/w480-h640/20230316-IMG_9358.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIiulTdWbzpXxwKSSh6SPcHMDC-TMk9S_yRqo40cO4o-CL2S-gmEVwR4JRCkAXfgqK6M4W_KRBu1YD1QjrBJ7uD6Dx31BOiKJmLEKLOJ1E1pJTjLhS3yxykHbfQqoazQDPEvblAT2FgIyWgL8NCjogOvjXzgvTugGkoHBR9aujHR8e2nqWm17v8pP/s4032/20230316-20230316_120558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIiulTdWbzpXxwKSSh6SPcHMDC-TMk9S_yRqo40cO4o-CL2S-gmEVwR4JRCkAXfgqK6M4W_KRBu1YD1QjrBJ7uD6Dx31BOiKJmLEKLOJ1E1pJTjLhS3yxykHbfQqoazQDPEvblAT2FgIyWgL8NCjogOvjXzgvTugGkoHBR9aujHR8e2nqWm17v8pP/w480-h640/20230316-20230316_120558.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cowombat Flat in centre, Cobberas Peaks behind</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt3NWVw9o-mEOxNBY9HgXTIjxMJGva7qXnovP9AAzPMFu2-SbsisTY4uLzyPLd6TCAUtjCVFcxsmjxU4sXZjSBpwQk4ufRWGigvNguCGDTedJpydhF8LgrACSnSiAnnTz5STsNI5IzNkarmKiyOlQeiBM4uupZJFlGsoE1KMQGsAGWqrn5ATsQgto/s4032/20230316-IMG_9360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt3NWVw9o-mEOxNBY9HgXTIjxMJGva7qXnovP9AAzPMFu2-SbsisTY4uLzyPLd6TCAUtjCVFcxsmjxU4sXZjSBpwQk4ufRWGigvNguCGDTedJpydhF8LgrACSnSiAnnTz5STsNI5IzNkarmKiyOlQeiBM4uupZJFlGsoE1KMQGsAGWqrn5ATsQgto/w640-h480/20230316-IMG_9360.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of those peaks is Kosciusko</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I took advantage of cell coverage to post a photo to Facebook and check the weather forecast and</div> <div>Sync my Fitbit but Iain had wanted to ring family. Too windy for that!</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NqE9WvPMMU9LEHTUCECqfbmPogANDOoJy3K4OCp3GIBr6u4ZbVpJ8kShIipzNs61QaDYuvNRzxShGrS-jijPHFBtmMK4zbQxioL7W1RASFkKBSPgN24BZlOW_o_z9sW5K_2PBmiY0Tsm60dzK57CNU42PiOXVfZJnXGdFfxtZ8z9b6VN3wHx0JeA/s4032/20230316-20230316_122115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NqE9WvPMMU9LEHTUCECqfbmPogANDOoJy3K4OCp3GIBr6u4ZbVpJ8kShIipzNs61QaDYuvNRzxShGrS-jijPHFBtmMK4zbQxioL7W1RASFkKBSPgN24BZlOW_o_z9sW5K_2PBmiY0Tsm60dzK57CNU42PiOXVfZJnXGdFfxtZ8z9b6VN3wHx0JeA/w480-h640/20230316-20230316_122115.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD7IjNg0-AvaNT185VWJw0taYqJ0EKCQy3SfgnCfMucPk0Yi636dOaO2MFWCEQ7EhaNC0nP0mU56j3o3A9Z9S0ZVCFdGFS5TWNO1U6-6tz5ag1G0G4Qb4ttAv-lx8XepuztFlwpFHzac6yyYx8PSCo01_NeWbiKuqmmboN_x8vBFCTM8klQETAaQP/s2640/20230316-20230316_120523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="1980" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD7IjNg0-AvaNT185VWJw0taYqJ0EKCQy3SfgnCfMucPk0Yi636dOaO2MFWCEQ7EhaNC0nP0mU56j3o3A9Z9S0ZVCFdGFS5TWNO1U6-6tz5ag1G0G4Qb4ttAv-lx8XepuztFlwpFHzac6yyYx8PSCo01_NeWbiKuqmmboN_x8vBFCTM8klQETAaQP/w480-h640/20230316-20230316_120523.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too windy for hats</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX1xYF5YdpOeTQRTPuCCDkUEOuBPUxrZAgTI-8lJAvdp3tiGVMq91bru5tF-1Shsynt1nU7XNA-X-_Q1ZtkipKQL7-EheGx2q_-fPgYcJsbYG41AA_oWWDFvLmcQAs53EISLl0vLvXkRt2Ec_eOGaFMKtOrPxlhmT4oaJ1qBzRwnzLyqhrM9RLDQC/s4032/20230316-IMG_9359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX1xYF5YdpOeTQRTPuCCDkUEOuBPUxrZAgTI-8lJAvdp3tiGVMq91bru5tF-1Shsynt1nU7XNA-X-_Q1ZtkipKQL7-EheGx2q_-fPgYcJsbYG41AA_oWWDFvLmcQAs53EISLl0vLvXkRt2Ec_eOGaFMKtOrPxlhmT4oaJ1qBzRwnzLyqhrM9RLDQC/w640-h480/20230316-IMG_9359.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unless they are extremely firmly secured....</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We headed back down, initially following cairns before losing them again and relying on the track Iain had recorded on the way up to rejoin the trail back to the fire trail. We had lunch back at the packs and then headed off along the trail again, getting to Tin Mines Huts around 3:30. A good day for me, Iain found the climb up The Pilot a struggle, but I was good.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzgYD0aXJOmumIwvXVaYmcMRoe4WBkJ5uMeLd_EZB6JHQIIwVmIq1ghaxXL8z4ntJ_XDRsIBMF4EaTaLSSYz_trQaKSin8n0jPbzEjM92BgOq4jHlblcvq9loSJYVhY-KwW81aNayCDe5igeKW6X-hpPDZnDrgbXJmaB7vU5oxZ2vviLM19eP7pbd/s4032/20230316-IMG_9361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzgYD0aXJOmumIwvXVaYmcMRoe4WBkJ5uMeLd_EZB6JHQIIwVmIq1ghaxXL8z4ntJ_XDRsIBMF4EaTaLSSYz_trQaKSin8n0jPbzEjM92BgOq4jHlblcvq9loSJYVhY-KwW81aNayCDe5igeKW6X-hpPDZnDrgbXJmaB7vU5oxZ2vviLM19eP7pbd/w480-h640/20230316-IMG_9361.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJ8xkYPsv_US5LO0jR3wMPLfaz54aubXup7_k5_kpGdNWq0n-MRFdkVQ7L8Y2AxoJbzrmVImDXECqPYB7SSm75So6SqEMi0SdzEjg-DxUliUZJ3Ltyt9OYxERAE4_425aVv26ibbm2qDw9-S-9cYOvS51ELaQpd95xxPtwqlE3Zi9mZxGdsiEM9aP/s2726/20230316-20230316_143453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2697" data-original-width="2726" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJ8xkYPsv_US5LO0jR3wMPLfaz54aubXup7_k5_kpGdNWq0n-MRFdkVQ7L8Y2AxoJbzrmVImDXECqPYB7SSm75So6SqEMi0SdzEjg-DxUliUZJ3Ltyt9OYxERAE4_425aVv26ibbm2qDw9-S-9cYOvS51ELaQpd95xxPtwqlE3Zi9mZxGdsiEM9aP/w640-h634/20230316-20230316_143453.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These caterpillars were a little community, they waved around like a sea anemone</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYScYKSnHTVoUnU_Ou8kYD8lf2A93M3lxr8uYvnXNLb9M2l9CAomKgedln4iJ3cOOFaIkhQIiizUPun9vK9EmRUhBmZ69nbvy_fX4J_ruzwJnpStuuzHY7eSb9FZdZynLcoANwrWhKxL0G0eq5RMy9Cg4ZXEmtUL3dyOKSM-PYR_PsIl3_n2Pu8Lka/s4032/20230316-IMG_9364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYScYKSnHTVoUnU_Ou8kYD8lf2A93M3lxr8uYvnXNLb9M2l9CAomKgedln4iJ3cOOFaIkhQIiizUPun9vK9EmRUhBmZ69nbvy_fX4J_ruzwJnpStuuzHY7eSb9FZdZynLcoANwrWhKxL0G0eq5RMy9Cg4ZXEmtUL3dyOKSM-PYR_PsIl3_n2Pu8Lka/w480-h640/20230316-IMG_9364.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxiDc83MMiCou19J84QlEkFMGfoFj02qfOT_JVbYHeUS2dShOCvQ6FCCmqmJP5hlSrR6dCiWMfs0QRFmfzU0Bnf7jYxSjc_3w_3T1tvSqZ7dmT23tl5l_Ama7wNsxRXjChtBtVgBHw9fAVwuGz40iLpNxx6mTFyjLzuJwxUeqdLnQTRBkFLY89YUi/s4032/20230316-IMG_9365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxiDc83MMiCou19J84QlEkFMGfoFj02qfOT_JVbYHeUS2dShOCvQ6FCCmqmJP5hlSrR6dCiWMfs0QRFmfzU0Bnf7jYxSjc_3w_3T1tvSqZ7dmT23tl5l_Ama7wNsxRXjChtBtVgBHw9fAVwuGz40iLpNxx6mTFyjLzuJwxUeqdLnQTRBkFLY89YUi/w640-h480/20230316-IMG_9365.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1MJKjYgYigkeu8Ctamqj3CyrKhQVA8olDScNzmYeidyev3yVAX9uJ8397YkvXRE2pRVMxQ2_yxoIwYkZ8Gfs-1ibLh3ino1NYWzxIx7WpRWRPLfai1JIFYdRGyhKdQQGTKffSUIBCj-W7Q9hi2FnqrX0NRyFEiIY1k0twhc8N21eQ5kMlivQlZ3i/s4032/20230316-IMG_9366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1MJKjYgYigkeu8Ctamqj3CyrKhQVA8olDScNzmYeidyev3yVAX9uJ8397YkvXRE2pRVMxQ2_yxoIwYkZ8Gfs-1ibLh3ino1NYWzxIx7WpRWRPLfai1JIFYdRGyhKdQQGTKffSUIBCj-W7Q9hi2FnqrX0NRyFEiIY1k0twhc8N21eQ5kMlivQlZ3i/w480-h640/20230316-IMG_9366.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsGVmuRoREy17w43TcLUw6jDP-cMO2YodycUN1U4drQpUagXR2i2ueW-abkMWknHaZzHn-iwiAvyfurcrr2cYbHuJoqlxR6kW-Quzhn1QC3IAjVq-H98KDzVE6jBRuDuS8yMUhpNEgNpBOMeVqbpWQB9vV5QRPK4L6j7LZQe4nnrentjTS3vQaL6G/s4032/20230316-IMG_9367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsGVmuRoREy17w43TcLUw6jDP-cMO2YodycUN1U4drQpUagXR2i2ueW-abkMWknHaZzHn-iwiAvyfurcrr2cYbHuJoqlxR6kW-Quzhn1QC3IAjVq-H98KDzVE6jBRuDuS8yMUhpNEgNpBOMeVqbpWQB9vV5QRPK4L6j7LZQe4nnrentjTS3vQaL6G/w640-h480/20230316-IMG_9367.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brumby fencing</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Tin Mines had 2 huts and lots of grass to pitch tents, but the water in the creek was silty so I was glad to have the filter. Later, Ben turned up on a fat bike, travelling for 8 months so far, and currently loosely following the <a href="https://hunt1000.huntbikes.com" target="_blank">Hunt1000</a> route to Melbourne. It was only the second time on this trip we had shared a campsite with others.</div> <div><br /></div><div><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4NL9t7uEvdlMZ8AfPXm-fVxwcufDsUuw2nAotPcgzgGTD8iB9r5q9MvpsUSKGzmN318K0HmMG7ZqWvrNq_weTEXEcRcxhm81dQ9nl4_UZzUp2AfQoj-HdA6kytfeinj4R-fryD2_K6YcIVUnAU0nq-MJD5_L4Rk918NZY-DnjyQJOPefaK5xSnuP/s4032/20230316-20230316_163351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4NL9t7uEvdlMZ8AfPXm-fVxwcufDsUuw2nAotPcgzgGTD8iB9r5q9MvpsUSKGzmN318K0HmMG7ZqWvrNq_weTEXEcRcxhm81dQ9nl4_UZzUp2AfQoj-HdA6kytfeinj4R-fryD2_K6YcIVUnAU0nq-MJD5_L4Rk918NZY-DnjyQJOPefaK5xSnuP/w640-h480/20230316-20230316_163351.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QLQPQ4RuElV87JEroxyVuCQFo1rwvDpOeAGswdl18eDOCA6BrCTFQQWHWZnoaym3cPgi0rsVikU4NhQXEagOMZOJ8TFK_D6v46qpimwb-15ksxVO5HniJ7y6ThOqNouq1eGSp7JEnqZx9IT6c399OvlKujn1kw-i_7LLcp_8Z7vD0gZ84vBpMt_I/s4032/20230316-IMG_9370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QLQPQ4RuElV87JEroxyVuCQFo1rwvDpOeAGswdl18eDOCA6BrCTFQQWHWZnoaym3cPgi0rsVikU4NhQXEagOMZOJ8TFK_D6v46qpimwb-15ksxVO5HniJ7y6ThOqNouq1eGSp7JEnqZx9IT6c399OvlKujn1kw-i_7LLcp_8Z7vD0gZ84vBpMt_I/w640-h480/20230316-IMG_9370.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZ2xtePdufX7cOEED5YfFTdY8DLd8VgZaFOpfHUTtOAJS5qCyagLYSh6lwnSy78Wx0HZKYS-7BcAeaC7C8a14Pv5n9qh1DMOajVGWlkv_UII6sW_XuNPimt9DRmDQ5iyr-tqPN4LIyqZXgZKwX3t8dyock_MyOCv39-57BQa2c9Akcw0syaOJQDe-/s4032/20230316-IMG_9372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZ2xtePdufX7cOEED5YfFTdY8DLd8VgZaFOpfHUTtOAJS5qCyagLYSh6lwnSy78Wx0HZKYS-7BcAeaC7C8a14Pv5n9qh1DMOajVGWlkv_UII6sW_XuNPimt9DRmDQ5iyr-tqPN4LIyqZXgZKwX3t8dyock_MyOCv39-57BQa2c9Akcw0syaOJQDe-/w480-h640/20230316-IMG_9372.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDteoRrFnp0CVw9qEh1eFwzPfYxgEZLnpcHxIwfNCACDFu_zB8DhD2lI5_ZGiGPxNKZSV_d_eXlkPNVeFmTWRhs_5JgkXSXgs5NS-s-_gtr3j_swZEJ47zcKGsCvjSKAxrwWEpAFQpepeRewClR6pa3gmPQX4zRD_9oBrn_9qz2qg28QFFWIe4qZh/s4032/20230316-IMG_9373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDteoRrFnp0CVw9qEh1eFwzPfYxgEZLnpcHxIwfNCACDFu_zB8DhD2lI5_ZGiGPxNKZSV_d_eXlkPNVeFmTWRhs_5JgkXSXgs5NS-s-_gtr3j_swZEJ47zcKGsCvjSKAxrwWEpAFQpepeRewClR6pa3gmPQX4zRD_9oBrn_9qz2qg28QFFWIe4qZh/w480-h640/20230316-IMG_9373.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEBpQOr2MSTvMg_1LZlcrSTDaF1VQsVHA9XL-eRKh--9pf8uWJ0e2yNu1Klgpd2yMQU8mH2ZayMFeeOgHNEqXGq4Pq7JU1a1VHgQ-Z1Nw_LJpmqRRARoELRbL5vrhJ9U3oTnvqu6B4yHuz0a4OBrqvLQ6MI7i6Z7S1VXrFSp_dGZ8Z4mMNg5rkvRo/s2865/20230316-IMG_9374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2865" data-original-width="2172" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEBpQOr2MSTvMg_1LZlcrSTDaF1VQsVHA9XL-eRKh--9pf8uWJ0e2yNu1Klgpd2yMQU8mH2ZayMFeeOgHNEqXGq4Pq7JU1a1VHgQ-Z1Nw_LJpmqRRARoELRbL5vrhJ9U3oTnvqu6B4yHuz0a4OBrqvLQ6MI7i6Z7S1VXrFSp_dGZ8Z4mMNg5rkvRo/w486-h640/20230316-IMG_9374.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnXqq3rdnqoczq6WW4i52igItiHqkltcjFMQsML0lJcHEuIfIgXGrUb2pttTrs-a4Az6es2UPyHoYhEOS6sesqjsRptBTr15Yz4aMscm6FQL33Moune5ZkECkWpwYdMgNpl027iPzV9fhavAIyv2UDDfe4d31RroKyUII2y0akVlFQROpOjxD3ZpD/s4032/20230316-20230316_163648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnXqq3rdnqoczq6WW4i52igItiHqkltcjFMQsML0lJcHEuIfIgXGrUb2pttTrs-a4Az6es2UPyHoYhEOS6sesqjsRptBTr15Yz4aMscm6FQL33Moune5ZkECkWpwYdMgNpl027iPzV9fhavAIyv2UDDfe4d31RroKyUII2y0akVlFQROpOjxD3ZpD/w640-h480/20230316-20230316_163648.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfcwYxwNeo4mAqYSfrEydbpGzMMNjt7iP7JVt3RRx96SEuDlCJZBoUebY4CNmBXbAmFNjsQ_PSndKa2aypRZCQoVcKv7aEW0pfScWj5GttATGfKND7Q5pJMaPuE1ixnokoj1QszSZwtaW1yp5M6E0zwvMlWN-WiaPvfk_D5rPpe8J_629ZdO82Y6m/s4032/20230317-20230317_084734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfcwYxwNeo4mAqYSfrEydbpGzMMNjt7iP7JVt3RRx96SEuDlCJZBoUebY4CNmBXbAmFNjsQ_PSndKa2aypRZCQoVcKv7aEW0pfScWj5GttATGfKND7Q5pJMaPuE1ixnokoj1QszSZwtaW1yp5M6E0zwvMlWN-WiaPvfk_D5rPpe8J_629ZdO82Y6m/w480-h640/20230317-20230317_084734.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The smaller of the two huts</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNu_-CeHJ1P915JbaWfdteW5LAYtPYRzl_r17Mlbc6_KIvL1wwRugbMpdcxBGWVcDPTq8jm6ADJe72qllyqZ44H-SxVYoCTVestVswDfqjAGTl3VBeck5XDhj15xM64InIPicdLJPJpxvDB9AR7GhqCNuHLAqipkerufJPIKgS3OAsdw0_pnjdvY5c/s4032/20230317-20230317_085151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNu_-CeHJ1P915JbaWfdteW5LAYtPYRzl_r17Mlbc6_KIvL1wwRugbMpdcxBGWVcDPTq8jm6ADJe72qllyqZ44H-SxVYoCTVestVswDfqjAGTl3VBeck5XDhj15xM64InIPicdLJPJpxvDB9AR7GhqCNuHLAqipkerufJPIKgS3OAsdw0_pnjdvY5c/w480-h640/20230317-20230317_085151.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singed, but not destroyed</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkZFEu-eRZF-2qplIR1LHgZlnFFEvfvDV0-RlxIFLpMkFFp2bPzETm43ezpLA7UkmVL-GEwkSXN-X0aSuJNxBJGvMxzWwD6RIVJ08KwZxZlEbd81VO9OVtQGfulcDBYfiA9O4XZ336G3ro1h3cSz02qNzQc-u4v6dV90Xjdv-OPtg-saRTup24LV9/s4032/20230316-IMG_9376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkZFEu-eRZF-2qplIR1LHgZlnFFEvfvDV0-RlxIFLpMkFFp2bPzETm43ezpLA7UkmVL-GEwkSXN-X0aSuJNxBJGvMxzWwD6RIVJ08KwZxZlEbd81VO9OVtQGfulcDBYfiA9O4XZ336G3ro1h3cSz02qNzQc-u4v6dV90Xjdv-OPtg-saRTup24LV9/w640-h480/20230316-IMG_9376.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvLwiByP-cTZLIDVaG_1kzWe2dHgGsLkaJVXeD0z7SoDbPLBTbjoKvXXRGAJCwXd8Y9DXgI3LWbc27gjYSCvWWEIaRIo53gDk65M20E8kNe2MIacUBDiwbYKBaGUW7OqtfgUvRosydg4w8SSqqZ2dp9FtEQKf5cSfelx8rVfetc26BLBib-jAdeYU/s4032/20230316-IMG_9378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvLwiByP-cTZLIDVaG_1kzWe2dHgGsLkaJVXeD0z7SoDbPLBTbjoKvXXRGAJCwXd8Y9DXgI3LWbc27gjYSCvWWEIaRIo53gDk65M20E8kNe2MIacUBDiwbYKBaGUW7OqtfgUvRosydg4w8SSqqZ2dp9FtEQKf5cSfelx8rVfetc26BLBib-jAdeYU/w640-h480/20230316-IMG_9378.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurcDpMyuTxKKdR23tn3aFTxUxQZNYkb3l1u3XuS91gDSpCcHJ7rmVV8Z4V9_aMZu1dEyI0w1-nYlNEGLfl9lQARrHB0MGJj8lzPQ3nnyiAJbIKBxFqrLHTzq-mZmYgDlporahYDGxDu-o3dLpAA276_2V9OcgocsBiN2467UrfRC5yKlQKQL36cP-/s4032/20230316-20230316_180304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurcDpMyuTxKKdR23tn3aFTxUxQZNYkb3l1u3XuS91gDSpCcHJ7rmVV8Z4V9_aMZu1dEyI0w1-nYlNEGLfl9lQARrHB0MGJj8lzPQ3nnyiAJbIKBxFqrLHTzq-mZmYgDlporahYDGxDu-o3dLpAA276_2V9OcgocsBiN2467UrfRC5yKlQKQL36cP-/w640-h480/20230316-20230316_180304.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben with his fat bike</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Day 19 Tin Mines Huts to Cascade Hut (15.9 km, 450m👆 230m👇 max elevation 1528m)</i></b></div> <div><br /></div><div>It was a warm night. Due to the crappy creek water there wasn't an option for an evening wash so it was a bit of a sweaty uncomfortable night. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMipy7nsab2Ve5uRXhcsKAAmiWAlsN1VaULV9NdIDFQa8h3Z52f_S-aLZ6VE0QJ6Z7xykNzBwCwOLUm0MDGu7MBFygFeao1Qr2MOv0VBFRVMe0Wy3It3n0U6o02x9tbpVAv1VnTvEHcvfz2cjBUFRsFuLqDbvnTQ9X3_aRUyx_eZOMwtyA7ASuZr_/s4032/20230317-IMG_9381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMipy7nsab2Ve5uRXhcsKAAmiWAlsN1VaULV9NdIDFQa8h3Z52f_S-aLZ6VE0QJ6Z7xykNzBwCwOLUm0MDGu7MBFygFeao1Qr2MOv0VBFRVMe0Wy3It3n0U6o02x9tbpVAv1VnTvEHcvfz2cjBUFRsFuLqDbvnTQ9X3_aRUyx_eZOMwtyA7ASuZr_/w640-h480/20230317-IMG_9381.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I woke up just after 6:30, having specifically asked Iain not to wake me like he had the night before, and enjoyed the novelty of using an actual toilet (with toilet paper) for the first time since Kennedys Hut. There were a few brumbies grazing in the valley below the huts.</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvW6j_DWDE0i6AfYi73Q1Zh20bwxv5AF58ymE8TjFXAdAoV4K6Q9hiZH50Apt_0wnCvkppno406jQ80AaDmpBcWsXiSraypMAF9Uf83Xj0RU41kFor8qLcZkfyzc8NMx_YrZgi4KBgF4u2pTlgdoT5RR1xDcDxMAYe18hwZK58FFl71qBscJb01-_/s4032/20230317-20230317_073357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvW6j_DWDE0i6AfYi73Q1Zh20bwxv5AF58ymE8TjFXAdAoV4K6Q9hiZH50Apt_0wnCvkppno406jQ80AaDmpBcWsXiSraypMAF9Uf83Xj0RU41kFor8qLcZkfyzc8NMx_YrZgi4KBgF4u2pTlgdoT5RR1xDcDxMAYe18hwZK58FFl71qBscJb01-_/w640-h480/20230317-20230317_073357.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhNxLDb-dOgKxEG1jZRHo9u9ZOZxo7tY-p2XhIVMaKXmfQ284Sx9uRF6OSzruJUXCYRGlMMRuZkTmT2UaBCvVpOLrD0d5uwyvTMKkpk7a6g0YK2-gaz616ycUZjlI_hiQXZ0GOHvvdG_vsGxOZnDikdHusITqF4-Cq7fbnkmvBX33gWCDeoADre8a/s4032/20230317-20230317_073450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhNxLDb-dOgKxEG1jZRHo9u9ZOZxo7tY-p2XhIVMaKXmfQ284Sx9uRF6OSzruJUXCYRGlMMRuZkTmT2UaBCvVpOLrD0d5uwyvTMKkpk7a6g0YK2-gaz616ycUZjlI_hiQXZ0GOHvvdG_vsGxOZnDikdHusITqF4-Cq7fbnkmvBX33gWCDeoADre8a/w640-h480/20230317-20230317_073450.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvMcyGPrWb3e9suKl__b9KwqSBu3aS1KVz-JVKCwQjhMsgR1q0_Jvy5mK2LtOrGYXx30ErD_C1Dc4qUPUniZkprHVt3AcmfY2lIE0GR8PL_AOwwYCh5shliM2rkiGNy9kcCFwT1Q03i74js4CAmNcMqWMjhQKmYWuWEMiGV4h_HmGveGVQRNxpZRg/s4032/20230317-IMG_9384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvMcyGPrWb3e9suKl__b9KwqSBu3aS1KVz-JVKCwQjhMsgR1q0_Jvy5mK2LtOrGYXx30ErD_C1Dc4qUPUniZkprHVt3AcmfY2lIE0GR8PL_AOwwYCh5shliM2rkiGNy9kcCFwT1Q03i74js4CAmNcMqWMjhQKmYWuWEMiGV4h_HmGveGVQRNxpZRg/w640-h480/20230317-IMG_9384.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We followed an easy fire trail all day, though the ups and downs seemed steeper, possibly because it was much hotter, with no wind. We stopped for lunch where some birds were making a right racket back in the undergrowth, and I surmised that maybe it was a lyrebird convention. Blow me down if not too soon afterwards Iain, who was walking a few hundred metres behind me, saw two lyrebirds run across the track!!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LW3KSdDespqPPzjuhbYqkcaKq7N6XTOp3MCyYatT70wOJeJQXnDJRpTEk_mlpc6AlU_K-iAJ3ASKBOspT7Q6H0w01O16Xbu8Pf5NRKVkyTZZfXxUinqjbsEb4lpfICLOtd_2QXeSz8BthFwWSyiM-bAsCx7pjm0LN2DQLE4x9AJW3iohPAXZzUzh/s4032/20230317-IMG_9385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LW3KSdDespqPPzjuhbYqkcaKq7N6XTOp3MCyYatT70wOJeJQXnDJRpTEk_mlpc6AlU_K-iAJ3ASKBOspT7Q6H0w01O16Xbu8Pf5NRKVkyTZZfXxUinqjbsEb4lpfICLOtd_2QXeSz8BthFwWSyiM-bAsCx7pjm0LN2DQLE4x9AJW3iohPAXZzUzh/w480-h640/20230317-IMG_9385.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtd3X6fC94uX3llzaEC9t_Xae8Eq2FCEM9RJ3xU-UJeTc_xC0UsVSIhFB9cPcwxxZa8xMW4j3GLCKQgkZd0OZbXOUpcqxMigIfKDJMi4lBOVGcGbdL_n0HTS7KOeU0O3SlWryK_3vZSZ9K2oVIBbLom5Rm3uyok1ZiduC-rDH8tHR36dfqt2bEiH-4/s4032/20230317-IMG_9386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtd3X6fC94uX3llzaEC9t_Xae8Eq2FCEM9RJ3xU-UJeTc_xC0UsVSIhFB9cPcwxxZa8xMW4j3GLCKQgkZd0OZbXOUpcqxMigIfKDJMi4lBOVGcGbdL_n0HTS7KOeU0O3SlWryK_3vZSZ9K2oVIBbLom5Rm3uyok1ZiduC-rDH8tHR36dfqt2bEiH-4/w480-h640/20230317-IMG_9386.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5jf2dzluqnd1QyIvxOw-8cS7fo-F99IqDWNNUV32ul9EemhIjK_A8-LdOsU16pzSLp_9BjK0A_1J79zXHSdixEM4vfWNExmkFAr43C3NN8kcNww8Oo58ko0wOQy0WHk1g4gik1sdvSXfaiXNgdEsJmWG6w3VZ0N_Al97U1zZuMCXPK9Ny9aT9MW2/s4032/20230317-20230317_131513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5jf2dzluqnd1QyIvxOw-8cS7fo-F99IqDWNNUV32ul9EemhIjK_A8-LdOsU16pzSLp_9BjK0A_1J79zXHSdixEM4vfWNExmkFAr43C3NN8kcNww8Oo58ko0wOQy0WHk1g4gik1sdvSXfaiXNgdEsJmWG6w3VZ0N_Al97U1zZuMCXPK9Ny9aT9MW2/w640-h480/20230317-20230317_131513.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />At a creek at the bottom of a hill we took another break, removing our shoes and socks and soaking our tired feet in the freezing cold water until the pain of the cold got unbearable. Very refreshing...</div><div><br /></div> <div>Then on we went. We met a couple walking to Cowombat Flat and gave them some beta on the Pilot track, as well as our good campsite, and they let us know there was a total fire ban in place. No more fires for the rest of this trip...</div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzM_IHriuM-GSBwMXwdSh4ZtMSGH1f3Gv2YSct7PryzGipdMAUe71NyTD4h92x_iJF3Z4T704rjIRNqeQcXDPMEM8Hv7vI8VKmeywrJto6slVMjpvsiFeVj69N4FgYx2fQIcESvib2GRlFUNQOKoWAHgw_2eTvvtFsk01RlYrhV8DO2R9O3051iA1/s4032/20230317-20230317_132445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzM_IHriuM-GSBwMXwdSh4ZtMSGH1f3Gv2YSct7PryzGipdMAUe71NyTD4h92x_iJF3Z4T704rjIRNqeQcXDPMEM8Hv7vI8VKmeywrJto6slVMjpvsiFeVj69N4FgYx2fQIcESvib2GRlFUNQOKoWAHgw_2eTvvtFsk01RlYrhV8DO2R9O3051iA1/w640-h480/20230317-20230317_132445.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />At last the track began to even out through some grasslands and we soon arrived at Cascade Hut. It's in a glorious setting above the river valley with great views.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvmr7HEZ-6hDvyl1tScFZxPet8JC0v7q_cwOljf6g4IK1mn-FBFvIR3YqVk8K21dykB2C5gC_jsbHggm2MJ8_PDKJt023kxQplDyP11FU30_1vtv8QWg6EyeUkR42fbGbr-_Pja7uikwXMEfTm45DjJ78cqaQ6mk1tdT5vzV8ZW4C3k4lqglmSC2j/s4032/20230317-IMG_9388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvmr7HEZ-6hDvyl1tScFZxPet8JC0v7q_cwOljf6g4IK1mn-FBFvIR3YqVk8K21dykB2C5gC_jsbHggm2MJ8_PDKJt023kxQplDyP11FU30_1vtv8QWg6EyeUkR42fbGbr-_Pja7uikwXMEfTm45DjJ78cqaQ6mk1tdT5vzV8ZW4C3k4lqglmSC2j/w640-h480/20230317-IMG_9388.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascade Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY1AiZDzjgMrPXLLobPjEMdRTxoCvFpV0CrnAPeKuIEQ33bbJM4Kd9P98l6Ag9NqciFolVXwlXRm7tlztf10-xgRSsnRtto8bKfnTuD3fKiWLGgHxck4Prc_WPrpAHXx-I0MoTNjl5DMtbo-pfDp4ImwGAcZGnJ2mHDu9xdxsYZMRkJNKgUQa63o-/s3418/20230317-IMG_9389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3418" data-original-width="2557" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY1AiZDzjgMrPXLLobPjEMdRTxoCvFpV0CrnAPeKuIEQ33bbJM4Kd9P98l6Ag9NqciFolVXwlXRm7tlztf10-xgRSsnRtto8bKfnTuD3fKiWLGgHxck4Prc_WPrpAHXx-I0MoTNjl5DMtbo-pfDp4ImwGAcZGnJ2mHDu9xdxsYZMRkJNKgUQa63o-/w478-h640/20230317-IMG_9389.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfjF3bi24OEwNRo0T4LXoR7FGvIVHJkiU7sVqh_1hxPJFUtP8NGci9-4U3DFs30tKgBJ06r-VNw96Jc6RUH-5y1oVmV2CBu1l8jqs62L3Wcnw4xsquaOCbG7o3Wn-sOJoQSwKg4SRhTlpFi18vXGTAohIrLViOl9S0dvfNEK8XCvl15AziXVCwCpr/s4032/20230317-IMG_9390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfjF3bi24OEwNRo0T4LXoR7FGvIVHJkiU7sVqh_1hxPJFUtP8NGci9-4U3DFs30tKgBJ06r-VNw96Jc6RUH-5y1oVmV2CBu1l8jqs62L3Wcnw4xsquaOCbG7o3Wn-sOJoQSwKg4SRhTlpFi18vXGTAohIrLViOl9S0dvfNEK8XCvl15AziXVCwCpr/w480-h640/20230317-IMG_9390.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwit9ZsxwqDrV4aoAvGSaCbm_0tRVEaCF2Dmhj7bKqWvAWgpL8DZbO97UsfM6PhIvmZDTLY3itFsvzncOf-o6F_sn0oQtWkbtkZ3QhVpiW5C9uEz9gJRhoNQAZ-Dfpw9lcYH_VgnSlTwabzRSRJKeb7USp1khVYb7n68yOQfpFD7KGaE1uPOXTpTyM/s4032/20230317-20230317_142949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwit9ZsxwqDrV4aoAvGSaCbm_0tRVEaCF2Dmhj7bKqWvAWgpL8DZbO97UsfM6PhIvmZDTLY3itFsvzncOf-o6F_sn0oQtWkbtkZ3QhVpiW5C9uEz9gJRhoNQAZ-Dfpw9lcYH_VgnSlTwabzRSRJKeb7USp1khVYb7n68yOQfpFD7KGaE1uPOXTpTyM/w480-h640/20230317-20230317_142949.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXnjAtQxGOcpaA-wrNTZ5GxCAV5cxTyUvABHAlnso9ebs64nt87mQNPjn4Vwil6I4-pXgKPWr1ZlLbK2ZeShpxVHMpIofX6nEEPeGNaRF-l-nrtfajMdlintL2zjAK4SROuJ6IITtOZEhrhvGxCpFW9o3uwOAdv18nmq_pSyxzjE7ytPgP_39tanT/s4032/20230317-20230317_143001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXnjAtQxGOcpaA-wrNTZ5GxCAV5cxTyUvABHAlnso9ebs64nt87mQNPjn4Vwil6I4-pXgKPWr1ZlLbK2ZeShpxVHMpIofX6nEEPeGNaRF-l-nrtfajMdlintL2zjAK4SROuJ6IITtOZEhrhvGxCpFW9o3uwOAdv18nmq_pSyxzjE7ytPgP_39tanT/w640-h480/20230317-20230317_143001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrLcblk0eCIEWO_Ixru_RU50s8V47vpY3itpjIVTdwG8dYBPtoPG1QMJ9GW447_CugxtbvwlHlognhpTnEdwwJDQeaGphwLAy5A53jXyzdc75wfkQtIdR98OWGyMXouUS7BHMWk2nI1yPKLeJxDmgjegoyuUTgJTVrjnB2REC5POiX4RwBX1ZkEd4/s4032/20230317-IMG_9391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrLcblk0eCIEWO_Ixru_RU50s8V47vpY3itpjIVTdwG8dYBPtoPG1QMJ9GW447_CugxtbvwlHlognhpTnEdwwJDQeaGphwLAy5A53jXyzdc75wfkQtIdR98OWGyMXouUS7BHMWk2nI1yPKLeJxDmgjegoyuUTgJTVrjnB2REC5POiX4RwBX1ZkEd4/w640-h480/20230317-IMG_9391.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />There were some contractors fencing off bits of the river to keep the brumbies out. We had seen similar work in other water catchments, in an attempt to preserve water quality and fragile environments. In recent years there has also been some culling of the brumby populations, though shooting them has caused some controversy. We had seen quite a few old carcases at Cowombat Flats.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0agS5Yi8qjAP3ch4xxuFdsLTXPPB2vBe3GuuDWLF2iPLOURpiMh1CHcNLg7cdzLN44suv8pGUEK63vXykFGDV135noq1zb9xWzkHXPMJ7iUTaNUaB4Y_Esr26lfe5jBDWpbSujJqojDscp9GzglZVpMg8DRWhWAoK7peYkh8xuNc27q7tXeZbll3/s4032/20230317-20230317_152630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0agS5Yi8qjAP3ch4xxuFdsLTXPPB2vBe3GuuDWLF2iPLOURpiMh1CHcNLg7cdzLN44suv8pGUEK63vXykFGDV135noq1zb9xWzkHXPMJ7iUTaNUaB4Y_Esr26lfe5jBDWpbSujJqojDscp9GzglZVpMg8DRWhWAoK7peYkh8xuNc27q7tXeZbll3/w640-h480/20230317-20230317_152630.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Not surprisingly, the fencer works as a groomer driver at Thredbo in winter, and a chap who turned up on an e-bike turned out to be the retired mountain manager at Thredbo. Sounds like the Jindabyne population is similarly lifestyle driven like in Wanaka.</div><div><br /></div> <div>After the contractors and bike day tripper left I went down to the river and had a swim. It was a very quick immersion in the chillingly cold Cascade River but glorious! I even changed into my spare tramping dress, so nice to get out of the regular tramping clothes. </div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeMiD884eWmkzta-IOqwte9EWlQ8HGA5Gm7MMT08VbWZ3WYvus1aoPhxmSf2DzHcTmdnbXb6IEn9IAqh2CTlp-BIvlJEQ5Tl8AqKEC_lD-_J_bfKpGBTCJ7zhmL-7j4kU9FL7Jga696Ko2qCZ1k0Ti9grGNEiA4AQuKcUYoq0iAl3z-BQpozMMgS4/s4032/20230317-IMG_9392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeMiD884eWmkzta-IOqwte9EWlQ8HGA5Gm7MMT08VbWZ3WYvus1aoPhxmSf2DzHcTmdnbXb6IEn9IAqh2CTlp-BIvlJEQ5Tl8AqKEC_lD-_J_bfKpGBTCJ7zhmL-7j4kU9FL7Jga696Ko2qCZ1k0Ti9grGNEiA4AQuKcUYoq0iAl3z-BQpozMMgS4/w640-h480/20230317-IMG_9392.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sM6Z1tDBR_xkRiribsAYqEX8gFiGnWkBFdirzUKvMQIWLTVIkvxZcY3W1VbDqfMvBrW506Ty3P7bAOs0VLTKVSiipTrb0uifz3WrT6ScpwQHZOrjOQcu6frvabJCxptNHKCn6BoQNHEr3_MA7SnsHICDOcPT8B5yv5u128lU8L7T5hMS55VRkPhS/s4032/20230317-IMG_9396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSdHne4dVn-es8ZtHJ8e6eQqHJ8Ez25dLOhUD444Q_MrquEvfNZGkpwsO03a8KoHNNVXZQmWTSWrSvrq0ddstFm5yIT6YkIbKVmKwhUrVfgvguN9RX8ztTqafSmun4NCU3XBzOi-jz3UU8FTe-PvgQudf_5KkSFBBr_C8k-Qmvh2MOZDCuotJ8UQs/w480-h640/20230317-IMG_9394.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0zT0y8uHYCNHZZ1VAwUT-cs_5_-Yo04o3FrgZaXbvhReQJJEr54gsT4jgooP-JRcWk8DrpCqj7Bugm-o1fUiQp3MC-Qy4Zj4UYEdsbDCsTVQyJ8bijNatxuWS2AAll4E9dQdXEDujrGyzT1lQIoPmdpG2zuRPD-TnelV1GUx5ENp1wcEuY9X1WUL/s4032/20230317-IMG_9401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0zT0y8uHYCNHZZ1VAwUT-cs_5_-Yo04o3FrgZaXbvhReQJJEr54gsT4jgooP-JRcWk8DrpCqj7Bugm-o1fUiQp3MC-Qy4Zj4UYEdsbDCsTVQyJ8bijNatxuWS2AAll4E9dQdXEDujrGyzT1lQIoPmdpG2zuRPD-TnelV1GUx5ENp1wcEuY9X1WUL/w480-h640/20230317-IMG_9401.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ChPvqku3S4buuo_qFQSMnBxN5vsDlGwe-Uj9kwy8he8rRy0u4MGuLhGMPaW8vUk7A4xafcVuL9TSkLa2qe5bdpuQfisDTLMXfDepJ5Tm3ulxc4ObcRTNRp-F_ipa4yDImPR0zbJfwCAS6A_ay9RHDZ41UPCwB7Bx8xNKMpfdQyqku0TCtrKSrQen/s4032/20230317-IMG_9395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ChPvqku3S4buuo_qFQSMnBxN5vsDlGwe-Uj9kwy8he8rRy0u4MGuLhGMPaW8vUk7A4xafcVuL9TSkLa2qe5bdpuQfisDTLMXfDepJ5Tm3ulxc4ObcRTNRp-F_ipa4yDImPR0zbJfwCAS6A_ay9RHDZ41UPCwB7Bx8xNKMpfdQyqku0TCtrKSrQen/w640-h480/20230317-IMG_9395.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Another lazy afternoon drinking tea and chilling. The lows of a few days ago seem forgotten when the walking is easy and you get to camp with lots of time to just enjoy the serenity. </div><div><br /></div> <div><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtr0UnPoFlfUqb18AQDyhqp3-eO7TbRUQ-W1HbpLSx7cYMxppVkZNnnuQsFFXZHjmLMbFrWhURJ8iW97UMQsODeoVimUL-3Yl0GDXZHr4iU9qbJHdkD8eYznRlXDbmiG2PqjMM6DD5wbbfHeTzlDJkIfh77smFEfs-8MCksB1wWAi4BgGE1f7fYk4/s4032/20230317-IMG_9402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtr0UnPoFlfUqb18AQDyhqp3-eO7TbRUQ-W1HbpLSx7cYMxppVkZNnnuQsFFXZHjmLMbFrWhURJ8iW97UMQsODeoVimUL-3Yl0GDXZHr4iU9qbJHdkD8eYznRlXDbmiG2PqjMM6DD5wbbfHeTzlDJkIfh77smFEfs-8MCksB1wWAi4BgGE1f7fYk4/w640-h480/20230317-IMG_9402.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGx8A_ZsjhQ1-lPSk1qCNdI9dE57T_vkFqpyEUNcAMhOrTvxjVK3PyUi07Cf5idc0qoec7C72ITEKvBFeib4mU0ZNarTgf1eIJo4Lm8uj6LnJBNzngYZJlZn0o45fJN314vAJBWIhGs-OogKu3C4mYQkqyhCG8Re7M9hi2ncYX0wnLI9FEZKZAlcC/s4032/20230317-IMG_9403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGx8A_ZsjhQ1-lPSk1qCNdI9dE57T_vkFqpyEUNcAMhOrTvxjVK3PyUi07Cf5idc0qoec7C72ITEKvBFeib4mU0ZNarTgf1eIJo4Lm8uj6LnJBNzngYZJlZn0o45fJN314vAJBWIhGs-OogKu3C4mYQkqyhCG8Re7M9hi2ncYX0wnLI9FEZKZAlcC/w640-h480/20230317-IMG_9403.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final night's campsite was a beauty</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTuYVXefkTp82pp6CihWgfzPPXRYeamHHB_Z4JQnth1n2kY9_e0kSHWmo2enxrzwDvFp4VLdydOJhfzDFynyXiHOcfE0sTlb4xSHymFZm5pMEA3rXGKGzDC31QYHU_kpIgPpHrf_kw2WipJ4oY9IAGLT5f0P7-CY2DHdcWm-UUvv95PxRpGysyCaW/s4032/20230317-IMG_9404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTuYVXefkTp82pp6CihWgfzPPXRYeamHHB_Z4JQnth1n2kY9_e0kSHWmo2enxrzwDvFp4VLdydOJhfzDFynyXiHOcfE0sTlb4xSHymFZm5pMEA3rXGKGzDC31QYHU_kpIgPpHrf_kw2WipJ4oY9IAGLT5f0P7-CY2DHdcWm-UUvv95PxRpGysyCaW/w640-h480/20230317-IMG_9404.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Day 20 Cascade Hut to Dead Horse Gap (8.9 km, 365m👆 295m👇 max elevation 1776m)</i></b></div><div><br /></div> <div>We were up at 6:30 after a disturbed night, by the sounds of very loud water birds calling from the river. We got away at 8:30, initially walking down the river valley before crossing the river and then a long climb uphill to Bobs Ridge. My legs were not feeling so good today, but the scenery was spectacular, with fantastic views across to the Ramshead Range. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZ-qkfiwQOMMnfyXCj8Dk5ye9Fg0faAJLQ75o9wkYcjWrFgZ-eU0VP0H7DFBQS0VZVpS3HUaCSnBc2XjQWHIlOVZ8ITqLqO3MajXX_RxiDz20EoedNqyCcwKyjtqE7uU4e9bnR58Ad0ezGaBRgQOYey2Tb55meavg90ISXh008nR6QVydFiFdWvTW/s4032/20230318-IMG_9405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZ-qkfiwQOMMnfyXCj8Dk5ye9Fg0faAJLQ75o9wkYcjWrFgZ-eU0VP0H7DFBQS0VZVpS3HUaCSnBc2XjQWHIlOVZ8ITqLqO3MajXX_RxiDz20EoedNqyCcwKyjtqE7uU4e9bnR58Ad0ezGaBRgQOYey2Tb55meavg90ISXh008nR6QVydFiFdWvTW/w640-h480/20230318-IMG_9405.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGvTzMwcnixwmgPE4DoWurovN4wOxP0PXor5P1SCCNyFoJigBPej8g5etFKSdHFD4rg4AYg8Vnj_PaNQv3vXgp_XMyyYL6WkCMKJBgvk-eVx4_GvJg7t2HzSJaGIEleVR2FLB8rj0eop64tpkdLPQg1LH1b-GmMd6wcV830c5ERGZrjygBHgksyg7/s4032/20230318-20230318_083354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGvTzMwcnixwmgPE4DoWurovN4wOxP0PXor5P1SCCNyFoJigBPej8g5etFKSdHFD4rg4AYg8Vnj_PaNQv3vXgp_XMyyYL6WkCMKJBgvk-eVx4_GvJg7t2HzSJaGIEleVR2FLB8rj0eop64tpkdLPQg1LH1b-GmMd6wcV830c5ERGZrjygBHgksyg7/w640-h480/20230318-20230318_083354.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPEEYqoEDGr1E-QTpc-IGsJMVa76Q_2BSzpjyGh96h0gA9aIZK0j4tUqmIO87tGMsWCq73CVFi_m3ngXxSrs-MwQU2rBAQDBj9O5fMO-PYMMBhu9GGpZOsk85_IA0wvITpoZn4PCeVaqi-Ft2BIx3V1Iphhp4eNSZ7WlmdIrVYM0qSuBZZYd24CBx/s4032/20230318-20230318_073348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPEEYqoEDGr1E-QTpc-IGsJMVa76Q_2BSzpjyGh96h0gA9aIZK0j4tUqmIO87tGMsWCq73CVFi_m3ngXxSrs-MwQU2rBAQDBj9O5fMO-PYMMBhu9GGpZOsk85_IA0wvITpoZn4PCeVaqi-Ft2BIx3V1Iphhp4eNSZ7WlmdIrVYM0qSuBZZYd24CBx/w480-h640/20230318-20230318_073348.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the loo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhQ4WwpvzIqUqE02Sc5NfL-HdGOOEi21Fl9tTK0rAsCS925TJolPCFtVhltBgpWBzLvovxMAsXfw-fImaT1ItWlgUl6e8WEX2Tg1MhOgA7rgwvBsqe3KPAImYsBPP3rc_HYol2L1vxMdarPv8w274RsR7Lj4aHqxKDzQT5bIDEMFMlFl0YXNccQwc/s4032/20230318-20230318_083653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhQ4WwpvzIqUqE02Sc5NfL-HdGOOEi21Fl9tTK0rAsCS925TJolPCFtVhltBgpWBzLvovxMAsXfw-fImaT1ItWlgUl6e8WEX2Tg1MhOgA7rgwvBsqe3KPAImYsBPP3rc_HYol2L1vxMdarPv8w274RsR7Lj4aHqxKDzQT5bIDEMFMlFl0YXNccQwc/w480-h640/20230318-20230318_083653.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packed and ready to go!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpptCEhzw3b8XeGvooXRmtLGDOF_sbTudz1IgughR2AmpnydBuJQeteSGc4PffJ71PsbsJZdqfTVTMLKED0RQYomTnjQ7fYr0AXKFGnKgtGxXHuqBvhC6SQxV1HvHFfW9EypLwqiwgtOgV_yEFwFO2EGOuuMAiIM1zj52aoqoD53jGyLI8C0bsFLG/s4032/20230318-IMG_9416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpptCEhzw3b8XeGvooXRmtLGDOF_sbTudz1IgughR2AmpnydBuJQeteSGc4PffJ71PsbsJZdqfTVTMLKED0RQYomTnjQ7fYr0AXKFGnKgtGxXHuqBvhC6SQxV1HvHFfW9EypLwqiwgtOgV_yEFwFO2EGOuuMAiIM1zj52aoqoD53jGyLI8C0bsFLG/w640-h480/20230318-IMG_9416.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt_iVOqkEZPDlixngvIVM3W03lA6WKUv_hgmBXBZXbsbsGpLSR-kLd7ChiCTfaRJxBZbVd3m-it1PVqC7ooCi1f6CtY03QlYpm05rb6rKrCB06u-xIe7zOJ6n9xZQ6HEzTrtfhZBVB7eJITSDkHUyf88zv8y58PCX7OZVmuF6fhSMOqf_4PMvssRI/s4032/20230318-IMG_9418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt_iVOqkEZPDlixngvIVM3W03lA6WKUv_hgmBXBZXbsbsGpLSR-kLd7ChiCTfaRJxBZbVd3m-it1PVqC7ooCi1f6CtY03QlYpm05rb6rKrCB06u-xIe7zOJ6n9xZQ6HEzTrtfhZBVB7eJITSDkHUyf88zv8y58PCX7OZVmuF6fhSMOqf_4PMvssRI/w480-h640/20230318-IMG_9418.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to cross the Cascade River (there was a footbridge)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2m6IL2XpsDshaKhGOhSJfjrsr2rIaIZIwRLk8Ad5ORjVu6I6NR9Dx7_OOItZJu4JZ3RlttoThO73QuOT7QvxY_CQgCYw4Imp8R0NfGcbwpacHOxeZDB5WOEu5whFg3d4TS-Bh4rNj6OxAPW6xueyGEg8ozSebbD2RjMD0LNrQxCADGVP5esuqwx29/s4032/20230318-IMG_9419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2m6IL2XpsDshaKhGOhSJfjrsr2rIaIZIwRLk8Ad5ORjVu6I6NR9Dx7_OOItZJu4JZ3RlttoThO73QuOT7QvxY_CQgCYw4Imp8R0NfGcbwpacHOxeZDB5WOEu5whFg3d4TS-Bh4rNj6OxAPW6xueyGEg8ozSebbD2RjMD0LNrQxCADGVP5esuqwx29/w480-h640/20230318-IMG_9419.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEG93_4wBsGaIZ44QeDtNlFTGSYzd-tptR7nswgSNZ1NzIofl7sJSzdy-otFoHkIobmvIuyEUKh6jrtbC5Aa_qMA_r_mlIf_yYI-LboBsiEbBi4qMW-XEGSdTUz6ZqK-mkg0M8uH1Rnr9sgW_YI11n8U0WxuOZXZLBjJeio8VuxSdP0lca-LXd-ft/s4032/20230318-IMG_9420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEG93_4wBsGaIZ44QeDtNlFTGSYzd-tptR7nswgSNZ1NzIofl7sJSzdy-otFoHkIobmvIuyEUKh6jrtbC5Aa_qMA_r_mlIf_yYI-LboBsiEbBi4qMW-XEGSdTUz6ZqK-mkg0M8uH1Rnr9sgW_YI11n8U0WxuOZXZLBjJeio8VuxSdP0lca-LXd-ft/w640-h480/20230318-IMG_9420.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OKsI5JN6yqZCtRTxTFpMKvY5CxlFk8fEFKy2TZn3jrrxU_QbTvc-4pv-vMdvtT6ppKefc7SpkPh_LD6rMvRlF37cNMEyUr0-StMi4IaMPu2u9pkld6uk345PTX31CrreQ1c754UVkJQWKbL32ubCrg3riDyR3fa4j_BLqLoBGDcE-LgvOT-1MRDd/s4032/20230318-IMG_9421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OKsI5JN6yqZCtRTxTFpMKvY5CxlFk8fEFKy2TZn3jrrxU_QbTvc-4pv-vMdvtT6ppKefc7SpkPh_LD6rMvRlF37cNMEyUr0-StMi4IaMPu2u9pkld6uk345PTX31CrreQ1c754UVkJQWKbL32ubCrg3riDyR3fa4j_BLqLoBGDcE-LgvOT-1MRDd/w640-h480/20230318-IMG_9421.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLXVP6r4RJ-EIGka03v_3Ki9upGuTsNa5pJhpr2AttMkHIslYmKVl9qXjUNi8677o0lXsOr5Mahp21R5JnfpvDCIPh6O9Ti_zZHSIpOFcFKRxAUQgYaKNBEwceSTvrNJaBu0gy75iwa9gkKmMduvFNC9GUE1VhpjXIlQz2jIr4H5Xuq820W3KJwSz/s4032/20230318-IMG_9422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLXVP6r4RJ-EIGka03v_3Ki9upGuTsNa5pJhpr2AttMkHIslYmKVl9qXjUNi8677o0lXsOr5Mahp21R5JnfpvDCIPh6O9Ti_zZHSIpOFcFKRxAUQgYaKNBEwceSTvrNJaBu0gy75iwa9gkKmMduvFNC9GUE1VhpjXIlQz2jIr4H5Xuq820W3KJwSz/w640-h480/20230318-IMG_9422.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />From Bob's Ridge the track descended to the Thredbo River valley which we crossed then followed a track downriver all the way to the trail head. It's a beautiful river with lots of rock pools and cascades, and even a fly fisherman casting into the pools.</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmOdZpwrtqU8AA19D-vQnUZGF-zE-d0hgz8dRZKgxc8AOemMpgmoeqQtumkGbLHn7eieemd7XFq9cLhvshG9y6fdhcxeLuLGUmUscwmSjE_hC68cpdQQ5QpAnl-ke3AMTN2Kawa1d38VcB_ecM-cP1XZ1x8nckj0qiiteG8tFKo4l0ahC-N1yqs8h/s4032/20230318-IMG_9423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmOdZpwrtqU8AA19D-vQnUZGF-zE-d0hgz8dRZKgxc8AOemMpgmoeqQtumkGbLHn7eieemd7XFq9cLhvshG9y6fdhcxeLuLGUmUscwmSjE_hC68cpdQQ5QpAnl-ke3AMTN2Kawa1d38VcB_ecM-cP1XZ1x8nckj0qiiteG8tFKo4l0ahC-N1yqs8h/w640-h480/20230318-IMG_9423.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending into Thredbo River valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsLn9d8j7X7u-Ibq1QXSzuXmA9zLVWBWunj0Uu8iBztvisT3c8FjV2Wh8IOHyagpu2huqyFFu0nhiTJ77nASmpHsDbVsloMNawmJ1sX2O8EkzyOlkUzJWnyGJXHxNT3T4aT27LqAkSZRfEEaZXarnDSm76lmkvI2ZTZns_f1C2bvH20XLnb3zRC1S/s4032/20230318-IMG_9424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsLn9d8j7X7u-Ibq1QXSzuXmA9zLVWBWunj0Uu8iBztvisT3c8FjV2Wh8IOHyagpu2huqyFFu0nhiTJ77nASmpHsDbVsloMNawmJ1sX2O8EkzyOlkUzJWnyGJXHxNT3T4aT27LqAkSZRfEEaZXarnDSm76lmkvI2ZTZns_f1C2bvH20XLnb3zRC1S/w480-h640/20230318-IMG_9424.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0i5wPUUbyzVa-h6gtIYy2eEHhiYe8psQEHHrhjVu74P7dlQc4nfbwLYkbN7rBH_UYr091RkArJ7GXur4KhaU8PPiQUwf6vBkv57UncIET781s6MaYdrLTR13rUxA_SQXRQEe5ljyytAsv4tK9QuZjx3IBKc8MhFi870jdRWbs3nS56dVaK0WEIXr/s4032/20230318-20230318_110155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0i5wPUUbyzVa-h6gtIYy2eEHhiYe8psQEHHrhjVu74P7dlQc4nfbwLYkbN7rBH_UYr091RkArJ7GXur4KhaU8PPiQUwf6vBkv57UncIET781s6MaYdrLTR13rUxA_SQXRQEe5ljyytAsv4tK9QuZjx3IBKc8MhFi870jdRWbs3nS56dVaK0WEIXr/w480-h640/20230318-20230318_110155.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZCxrTK-nyB-NG_H8n19SHBOEQI3FFqKLSFambLxAKD5C1Bt7Ia4pPpxdGd-hKIs1F99t1yS-ec5ZvqE-s1hP-_a9KA1JYs9YqmmDG46Byo5abXs4ynOonkmTve75xolY7m4Qf6_-gyEwb7dTt83zUU3YoLm8TEYJ7VcfiMNwMpsnWALRK4W4RNSl/s2640/20230318-20230318_110800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="2640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZCxrTK-nyB-NG_H8n19SHBOEQI3FFqKLSFambLxAKD5C1Bt7Ia4pPpxdGd-hKIs1F99t1yS-ec5ZvqE-s1hP-_a9KA1JYs9YqmmDG46Byo5abXs4ynOonkmTve75xolY7m4Qf6_-gyEwb7dTt83zUU3YoLm8TEYJ7VcfiMNwMpsnWALRK4W4RNSl/w640-h480/20230318-20230318_110800.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still friends...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyS873IndepPwo1cXgDsWUGvsvo4q_qqn8kNbhTs2pc4GNHk-BhpXFPPPJFxhjR1FW3BF3H6fkPiT2uEgboknxnp9tID_97ukCHYxKdP-D8IZ0Iw303mdz7xcPLdOucLDOF1rSX2wvzOBRIQfiQTFXGh4vjpspURzvgrm75x-Q0ESxvpaYW5h7MeO/s4032/20230318-IMG_9425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyS873IndepPwo1cXgDsWUGvsvo4q_qqn8kNbhTs2pc4GNHk-BhpXFPPPJFxhjR1FW3BF3H6fkPiT2uEgboknxnp9tID_97ukCHYxKdP-D8IZ0Iw303mdz7xcPLdOucLDOF1rSX2wvzOBRIQfiQTFXGh4vjpspURzvgrm75x-Q0ESxvpaYW5h7MeO/w640-h480/20230318-IMG_9425.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thredbo River looking upstream</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4v3XL_PV8KYP5Wj7pzZ3dYr6iGN_6peP_xhr78Yk9EIj_KKAV38b4C6nNXoBCF840pKlzDpUQ7EU2TEOTJRaqbMATmIAdO05Xx8oOM0zg1rIhlIzu6axT-fNUYV9oiw4odkkkZoGcr3omYpmG_gQ4E2CAV-YIQiSSHuExtjLkXABFSX-T4Aa6xmc/s4032/20230318-IMG_9428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4v3XL_PV8KYP5Wj7pzZ3dYr6iGN_6peP_xhr78Yk9EIj_KKAV38b4C6nNXoBCF840pKlzDpUQ7EU2TEOTJRaqbMATmIAdO05Xx8oOM0zg1rIhlIzu6axT-fNUYV9oiw4odkkkZoGcr3omYpmG_gQ4E2CAV-YIQiSSHuExtjLkXABFSX-T4Aa6xmc/w640-h480/20230318-IMG_9428.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking downstream, and across to Ramshead Range</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJH0hbBtZwAHUYPiA46rGOLDwYY-BpD49c95ILB1B--vSq4pILykoDoan748H9Mn1CehIXxOM4ZdM5Lyiy29LT42DRVKqI9EFT1r1gWuxyIknmeu-3S8QovnYbOWCltqoiWBpjvo1LuUE8EhZCnbiUyopmAoDPb7Q8R4NSEOf8NuK-vFzn_G1nXSiL/s3536/20230318-IMG_9431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3536" data-original-width="2654" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJH0hbBtZwAHUYPiA46rGOLDwYY-BpD49c95ILB1B--vSq4pILykoDoan748H9Mn1CehIXxOM4ZdM5Lyiy29LT42DRVKqI9EFT1r1gWuxyIknmeu-3S8QovnYbOWCltqoiWBpjvo1LuUE8EhZCnbiUyopmAoDPb7Q8R4NSEOf8NuK-vFzn_G1nXSiL/w480-h640/20230318-IMG_9431.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was another footbridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL0bMXM117YSTMFIE898UKl0PIh4AoHe4YXFCQygwjROp_q77Lv65ROkd-SXEsqurzfxFRsXpujvoj4RKTCRV0o2S65Q2FF9oiKG3Y8vt37R3Ux7UAXhxNtZejxaEj8bAgPvdgRiVrYG_1QNikgXxbpSRNA9lequ0Z0_zmyRWjZOSvrrkTUWg7NAu/s4032/20230318-IMG_9432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL0bMXM117YSTMFIE898UKl0PIh4AoHe4YXFCQygwjROp_q77Lv65ROkd-SXEsqurzfxFRsXpujvoj4RKTCRV0o2S65Q2FF9oiKG3Y8vt37R3Ux7UAXhxNtZejxaEj8bAgPvdgRiVrYG_1QNikgXxbpSRNA9lequ0Z0_zmyRWjZOSvrrkTUWg7NAu/w480-h640/20230318-IMG_9432.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWzPigE3m4anqSivKnfm6wWT7IJLTH7TqK3tXwhaoqnZ4QYR91kIDo0ypieX43OF-Fz6fw725StbCQJJ6vjrPHWSHiwAe9z2eLEVybmkS3TF7KB6i78mpkIedFNGUSwnhS3-8tTL84BdA2T3s5eaV71vg-3r7CcN-W8pzJQvNQCGJF_jQ81Ba1Mrb/s4032/20230318-IMG_9433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWzPigE3m4anqSivKnfm6wWT7IJLTH7TqK3tXwhaoqnZ4QYR91kIDo0ypieX43OF-Fz6fw725StbCQJJ6vjrPHWSHiwAe9z2eLEVybmkS3TF7KB6i78mpkIedFNGUSwnhS3-8tTL84BdA2T3s5eaV71vg-3r7CcN-W8pzJQvNQCGJF_jQ81Ba1Mrb/w640-h480/20230318-IMG_9433.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We arrived at the trail head at 11:30, so had a bit of a wait for Sandra, who we'd arranged to pick us up at 1pm. We chatted to the daywalkers, one of whom mistook us for park rangers, and used the time fruitfully to check through all the emails and other electronic messages that bank up when you go off grid for a few days.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGkxtAcg4MkAvGujy0dfIZnCiBT6KAzvZknd0s8xjaQAQLwfxAtK11ACv_RR--iqLFTjyeQrFx4eUGJM63XfLKxVGYfM6ZlxxHhACb_9lOBX-MM5rZk-dqL2kA_mJfVH622lhxcyHz9U1tVk2SCfC0EnVk_okNL8qAnlW-_8xPoyp1787vuuHphWA/s4032/20230318-IMG_9434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGkxtAcg4MkAvGujy0dfIZnCiBT6KAzvZknd0s8xjaQAQLwfxAtK11ACv_RR--iqLFTjyeQrFx4eUGJM63XfLKxVGYfM6ZlxxHhACb_9lOBX-MM5rZk-dqL2kA_mJfVH622lhxcyHz9U1tVk2SCfC0EnVk_okNL8qAnlW-_8xPoyp1787vuuHphWA/w640-h480/20230318-IMG_9434.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4TYjncebtcmpeL_Rspg_yoig7GSKUi8oCGgmWLWkmiE1kRAeHN9yIY_2BWiYlhp8z5LV9yw9ypSSccVOuSDu6bHrBJulW5J4RKsmZCz2u9tZQb04F0CfUnD7aMFUHkQ7HM5zcD754k4SIPIEICQBdScMcokrDpVkqwtq7JcyJks5PnntEjyhhVkV/s4032/20230318-IMG_9435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4TYjncebtcmpeL_Rspg_yoig7GSKUi8oCGgmWLWkmiE1kRAeHN9yIY_2BWiYlhp8z5LV9yw9ypSSccVOuSDu6bHrBJulW5J4RKsmZCz2u9tZQb04F0CfUnD7aMFUHkQ7HM5zcD754k4SIPIEICQBdScMcokrDpVkqwtq7JcyJks5PnntEjyhhVkV/w640-h480/20230318-IMG_9435.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mistaken for a Park Ranger!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWYoK7xRn0oKG0BgrkbMGGQYPd5-g6OE2mLm2-CyskkBTHaiTs9ztrFW13MSbF-abr9mK3ogqUL--DhHxnJ7n3FpYSIPKbHsWh7ous8t0_Y1WVJ6P26-XtAR3tCaNqACJKslrFoj0fhzjB1RfvN1fSylHZHa8DQbIf7xgI-SxHa0bMsYhedH5CiEs/s4032/20230318-20230318_122050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWYoK7xRn0oKG0BgrkbMGGQYPd5-g6OE2mLm2-CyskkBTHaiTs9ztrFW13MSbF-abr9mK3ogqUL--DhHxnJ7n3FpYSIPKbHsWh7ous8t0_Y1WVJ6P26-XtAR3tCaNqACJKslrFoj0fhzjB1RfvN1fSylHZHa8DQbIf7xgI-SxHa0bMsYhedH5CiEs/w640-h480/20230318-20230318_122050.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking emails whilst waiting for our ride back to Canberra</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>We stopped in Jindabyne for a late lunch then onwards to Canberra.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a long, and at times tough, trip. The bushbashing through bushfire regrowth was hard work, as were some of the steep climbs, but I was extremely grateful that my body coped with everything I threw at it. Especially only six months after such a <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2022/09/breaking-news-snowboarder-hits-skier.html" target="_blank">serious accident.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>The maps on the <a href="https://store.avenza.com/pages/app-features" target="_blank">Avenza app</a> made navigation a breeze, and with Iain also using the maps we could share the load of deciding where to go. We had a couple of minor disagreements when quagmired in dense bush, but we always found the track again, even if sometimes the progress was painfully slow.</div><div><br /></div><div>Neither of us regretted taking the 20 days to walk this section. Although we had some tough days, we also had a number of easy days, we visited lots of interesting old huts, and we even got a free feed of freshly caught mountain trout!!</div><div><br /></div><div>We both found the 20 days to be a long time away from civilisation, even if we did have cell phone coverage for most of the first half. We didn't see many people throughout our walk, with 4WDers making up the largest group we met. I'm certainly glad I had the company of Iain for the trip. Even though I frequently tramp solo, the length, isolation and navigational challenges of this trip were better shared. Iain, for his part, appreciated sticking to a slower, more relaxed schedule.</div><div><br /></div><div>So if you've read this far, well done! Thanks to Iain for his company, and for sharing his photos, many of which I have used in this post.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next it's off to Perth then Geraldton for 10 days, and then back to NZ at the end of March.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </div><div dir="ltr"></div>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-7795453813422206632023-02-14T10:30:00.212+08:002023-02-25T18:34:31.155+08:00Off the Routeburn<p>A year ago I'd done a fantastic 4 day tramp with the Upper Clutha Tramping Club to <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2022/01/three-passes-with-tramping-club.html" target="_blank">Lake Nerine</a>. This year I decided to join the club for another trip, this time to Lake Wilson.</p><p>The tramp begins at Routeburn Shelter. We left Wanaka at lunchtime, stopping for a cuppa and cake at Glenorchy's Mrs Wooley's Store, before heading off late afternoon for the short walk in to Routeburn Flats. All but 2 of us had booked campsites, mostly because that was all that was available. But given we were going on a trip that needed tents it didn't seem good value for money to pay $65 for a bed in the hut!!</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChWsqETrZ3EqYDRi-kZCy_vrlDqaUCxtcBnhNWS3Z6n5jfHgvAjaabrQalRmdvWzIm8qMXxqnxl8xQo2rbjpB2qtfSjq3OT8gKSuAzvVEDOSyNam0VX86rPHmHy4xxTGpWRdVcxkdEoiTT28N64d_TZ40LgZ5a0zsIVtzGXNr764i-GR7RQq953r2/s4032/20230209-IMG_8866.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChWsqETrZ3EqYDRi-kZCy_vrlDqaUCxtcBnhNWS3Z6n5jfHgvAjaabrQalRmdvWzIm8qMXxqnxl8xQo2rbjpB2qtfSjq3OT8gKSuAzvVEDOSyNam0VX86rPHmHy4xxTGpWRdVcxkdEoiTT28N64d_TZ40LgZ5a0zsIVtzGXNr764i-GR7RQq953r2/w480-h640/20230209-IMG_8866.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a steady climb, looking downriver</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWGaF9K9bErn-RFEXG2XGgSgqiazVGT4ARqjIihCTpI7NTWZ4JtIzt6hwNIOwErSxKF6k3AzrYXire0rmvl8p3JO-PC8GofifAgbc0frkbO3QnQTnncUxA42R1le2lUVBJLaUjE3QlTj9ShocKaE24fyYk6dz_-mq49x8Fjk7IN2eFS7ELmEZ3Ct0/s3540/20230209-IMG_8867-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3540" data-original-width="2654" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWGaF9K9bErn-RFEXG2XGgSgqiazVGT4ARqjIihCTpI7NTWZ4JtIzt6hwNIOwErSxKF6k3AzrYXire0rmvl8p3JO-PC8GofifAgbc0frkbO3QnQTnncUxA42R1le2lUVBJLaUjE3QlTj9ShocKaE24fyYk6dz_-mq49x8Fjk7IN2eFS7ELmEZ3Ct0/w480-h640/20230209-IMG_8867-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Routeburn at one of the many bridge crossings</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There were quite a few other campers at Routeburn Flats, but there's heaps of space available with two cooking shelters, a couple of drop toilets and quite a few picnic tables. <p></p><p>The evening was somewhat chilly, so most went to bed early. I didn't sleep too well, and the next morning we were up and off by 8 am, continuing along the Routeburn Track climbing up to Routeburn Falls Hut. The views back down to the flats were spectacular.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVOcgsBQvD53hEApMDO1PVSiUagamix3QMo_dDLTDDlwVRupKaN9GgdTdRTLMdAOWsiZpH0QN87q-qG_Z4uG4DVNrj1PTaJYEJWRIIPmf5w9ELIdo4O6wNKmuppm7fz2oRsBztljAAFtLctShwnlSuVzocLfnOQJrGJNkpo8pWddpH36TbN-ZBfJb/s4032/20230210-IMG_8868.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVOcgsBQvD53hEApMDO1PVSiUagamix3QMo_dDLTDDlwVRupKaN9GgdTdRTLMdAOWsiZpH0QN87q-qG_Z4uG4DVNrj1PTaJYEJWRIIPmf5w9ELIdo4O6wNKmuppm7fz2oRsBztljAAFtLctShwnlSuVzocLfnOQJrGJNkpo8pWddpH36TbN-ZBfJb/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8868.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wee peak through the canopy down to the Routeburn Flats</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4B3awdY1Z1jfsZZ_An0NCdfoqRAHi-rKtesYUar0oPcrTL_J1MOVtI9-PtZmJiXzBOyn3mrQZsnToQSmLS6aV3AstqXSsc9CdkGVQDfOC08tWX188NdrDnxv0s19uiYCS2BpjFj7cfyad4jQQhPA-ieO2gQn11evP9XWliWCiws5ljer5hKkptyC/s3586/20230210-IMG_8870.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3586" data-original-width="2688" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4B3awdY1Z1jfsZZ_An0NCdfoqRAHi-rKtesYUar0oPcrTL_J1MOVtI9-PtZmJiXzBOyn3mrQZsnToQSmLS6aV3AstqXSsc9CdkGVQDfOC08tWX188NdrDnxv0s19uiYCS2BpjFj7cfyad4jQQhPA-ieO2gQn11evP9XWliWCiws5ljer5hKkptyC/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8870.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Both Flats Hut and the private lodge run by Ultimate Hikes are built cheek by jowl in a small depression below the falls. You need to climb up from either hut to see the falls which are pretty spectacular. I found out later you can actually climb down to the bottom of the falls, but no-one from the club, if they knew that, told me. I was right at the back so didn't have a lot of time to linger.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ntgRaPKp3YGxb3sFsasFR41W6kWrs0M9g7QoUJEbrQMZjFT1RDuxczxjndhDh5W7IDwbypnoic6Q5LsjooGEEwC97Ve_ng_KXwAL34chtHtNWGnywvhGTXQSieOUkD7ZBKq86CFYiEUwmRBpyekjmbElRlJSV45skAPCqyuUinFfEzC0f_mZ9HiD/s3628/20230210-IMG_8872.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3628" data-original-width="2721" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ntgRaPKp3YGxb3sFsasFR41W6kWrs0M9g7QoUJEbrQMZjFT1RDuxczxjndhDh5W7IDwbypnoic6Q5LsjooGEEwC97Ve_ng_KXwAL34chtHtNWGnywvhGTXQSieOUkD7ZBKq86CFYiEUwmRBpyekjmbElRlJSV45skAPCqyuUinFfEzC0f_mZ9HiD/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8872.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Routeburn Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstDONYu15tZtup3kGfy8KlYsoM4QjkEWGqi1O3IZr9w-hBnz6IEAEGY6O1gzC4a2axLlm3om8ygAvXlXHXDV0KGZSiV-Y3e6bBk33sMNiUmyhNMwS97fx0XjR6nybxPb0XA0PRGaYzJFWzEEuRx88U2XmLzhcEdyBx3NOEFxMXQd4pFCx3Q6xBIJn/s3582/20230210-IMG_8873.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3582" data-original-width="2688" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstDONYu15tZtup3kGfy8KlYsoM4QjkEWGqi1O3IZr9w-hBnz6IEAEGY6O1gzC4a2axLlm3om8ygAvXlXHXDV0KGZSiV-Y3e6bBk33sMNiUmyhNMwS97fx0XjR6nybxPb0XA0PRGaYzJFWzEEuRx88U2XmLzhcEdyBx3NOEFxMXQd4pFCx3Q6xBIJn/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8873.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Routeburn Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCsGO_COatDc3Ic9IyD5OZTfRg1PaONbrmbPjxXa7iqoduhxucQb3wbNXOoDQCYRfb3unVP-v8Tu2Mhgq37RNhF1bgb_CaopKjLkfXzBIy7u801pbiF_-TXmJBNsbQX8-coEOjFxEfdqXPEYwoIzAtMMdzJZiDjWVYxjG3_VXAhb7jgoB85Ozctji/s4032/20230210-IMG_8874.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCsGO_COatDc3Ic9IyD5OZTfRg1PaONbrmbPjxXa7iqoduhxucQb3wbNXOoDQCYRfb3unVP-v8Tu2Mhgq37RNhF1bgb_CaopKjLkfXzBIy7u801pbiF_-TXmJBNsbQX8-coEOjFxEfdqXPEYwoIzAtMMdzJZiDjWVYxjG3_VXAhb7jgoB85Ozctji/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8874.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down to the Flats with all that accomodation snuggled in together and almost hidden</td></tr></tbody></table><br />My biggest bugbear with walking with UCTC is the hurry they always seem to be in. This tramp was not expected to take all day so there was lots of time to take in the scenery, take photographs, and just savour the experience. On the Lake Nerine trip I tended to be tail end Charlie so I would have time to take photos. On this trip my fitness isn't there yet, and I'm still struggling with the uphills, so being at the back is by necessity rather than choice. Robyn was official tail end Charlie, but Charlotte and I both took our time taking photos. To be fair, the front runners didn't seem to be mind.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7jrycGUkU9Y3YBXdS0Fy1bHr_LYGFBVLTr3zImJOS2KNJWoKHYLmb5rRe-RWh12kngdNRqiGpj4aGWt0N8epTNrS4BliHCSDAs-DN-rL5ko9yFxnyE_jFie0V4Kx0Jlrx1y5Ve89teS6_Zuv7gDJCAkn0nPCZuQ_wd5wJ9KLlzX6QLO17v7z5fsw/s4032/20230210-IMG_8877.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7jrycGUkU9Y3YBXdS0Fy1bHr_LYGFBVLTr3zImJOS2KNJWoKHYLmb5rRe-RWh12kngdNRqiGpj4aGWt0N8epTNrS4BliHCSDAs-DN-rL5ko9yFxnyE_jFie0V4Kx0Jlrx1y5Ve89teS6_Zuv7gDJCAkn0nPCZuQ_wd5wJ9KLlzX6QLO17v7z5fsw/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8877.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robyn being my perspective model (hence why she is in front!)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fLKmVeBTEG8uSefXycp2DTlobKTH4UAY8pUeSr8wFyb9UNvZJbz45LRykuJxq5TYaKL8exm1moD2DYxBesBh2Ism8peOPjlH5Cf1-xd85H_0L0ZpgSx0PEFpZBS32iylfPx2mitVLzup7BsHfJjVmK0PXvSt609J7yasSzJSfNtLGeuBVmfMN3X0/s4032/20230210-IMG_8878.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fLKmVeBTEG8uSefXycp2DTlobKTH4UAY8pUeSr8wFyb9UNvZJbz45LRykuJxq5TYaKL8exm1moD2DYxBesBh2Ism8peOPjlH5Cf1-xd85H_0L0ZpgSx0PEFpZBS32iylfPx2mitVLzup7BsHfJjVmK0PXvSt609J7yasSzJSfNtLGeuBVmfMN3X0/w640-h480/20230210-IMG_8878.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back down the valley, track on right, to the Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-Azd_a7Kk9wzOHcUUslIn0_o2OIO80avBBmZ4Ua0kcq6TSThTx_QHWbTXpw_raC8As0O3aKTbNHYwS-TuW5MU3OMQzzlJ6uICJuiAFpGlqj2oBnCaBVvOAvBumA3fTSMxEGa4IhKELIMx1Rq42rlo9qycjT-FdVIymAbmfQFRut4rG39Rxxkti-v/s4032/20230210-IMG_8879.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-Azd_a7Kk9wzOHcUUslIn0_o2OIO80avBBmZ4Ua0kcq6TSThTx_QHWbTXpw_raC8As0O3aKTbNHYwS-TuW5MU3OMQzzlJ6uICJuiAFpGlqj2oBnCaBVvOAvBumA3fTSMxEGa4IhKELIMx1Rq42rlo9qycjT-FdVIymAbmfQFRut4rG39Rxxkti-v/w640-h480/20230210-IMG_8879.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The track climbs along the left hand side of the valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPWwyyLDo33znnRxw3snebUob3cmdMOt0yeOvsr4kQqXafkMVOOwHMarBsZn59F3VZjzPtgDDtqU59QC7LdSygXtkS013OJTgb_KFF1fnWgDlub_Lfqx6hRlPHGfF1CtKGL0tt2c5shPhnRaPGwAd-1uSly6bPmUtiyLOT_WeBmsL_w7IuWaAIJ8V/s4032/20230210-IMG_8880.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPWwyyLDo33znnRxw3snebUob3cmdMOt0yeOvsr4kQqXafkMVOOwHMarBsZn59F3VZjzPtgDDtqU59QC7LdSygXtkS013OJTgb_KFF1fnWgDlub_Lfqx6hRlPHGfF1CtKGL0tt2c5shPhnRaPGwAd-1uSly6bPmUtiyLOT_WeBmsL_w7IuWaAIJ8V/w640-h480/20230210-IMG_8880.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once were glaciers...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaIO6G7pWdvFneFtwqTVUYz5APhLj5uAsZ3cuOEElt3x4J_B3nv9FFbZM3EIUhEIlZN4kCNDt1OeJc-JOAuOc0WZ4rUdKM1Sk6Bin_JEYzf09k2EROFD1lT3aGYXSzddJWLJ3KSpZ_r9fIOTfK5wzdBErfXDPEQ0Rg6w2HTfnxHFaxa1qqoH9bBPz/s4032/20230210-IMG_8881.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaIO6G7pWdvFneFtwqTVUYz5APhLj5uAsZ3cuOEElt3x4J_B3nv9FFbZM3EIUhEIlZN4kCNDt1OeJc-JOAuOc0WZ4rUdKM1Sk6Bin_JEYzf09k2EROFD1lT3aGYXSzddJWLJ3KSpZ_r9fIOTfK5wzdBErfXDPEQ0Rg6w2HTfnxHFaxa1qqoH9bBPz/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8881.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFWgg2a_60ir98dOzKnph2xLgJIegqL00mk7Pqr_AMy-muxqqiyawoqr02KU3Oeoiuc05jhfpG500vfakOuYWFOpICFqypHoNIVeOmHGNwch7mxoA9qkhEu1CT4dQH3k3g3jktzvhTkcUaP-3_79vcWB-dw3wXZ_vdPryCX0Dz71G2t-9crBcagAG/s4032/20230210-IMG_8882.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFWgg2a_60ir98dOzKnph2xLgJIegqL00mk7Pqr_AMy-muxqqiyawoqr02KU3Oeoiuc05jhfpG500vfakOuYWFOpICFqypHoNIVeOmHGNwch7mxoA9qkhEu1CT4dQH3k3g3jktzvhTkcUaP-3_79vcWB-dw3wXZ_vdPryCX0Dz71G2t-9crBcagAG/w640-h480/20230210-IMG_8882.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfCbVz0WkMctWJQBxDLF1VWyQ_LyDUSnataOudI3MLTiTf9CYrNWwvZl5f7FnUO4HSzRuaIDSOVpjOXMStk-QOycPSM5eL6X7W3NgXPCu3Sp2ozM7N7aMkuvaHa9m6gVKXvv_LH7vSIg4eTspnAwCmM7tygyPQPtMApImStFAJsHtd-vVRdhAY3m7/s4032/20230210-IMG_8883.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfCbVz0WkMctWJQBxDLF1VWyQ_LyDUSnataOudI3MLTiTf9CYrNWwvZl5f7FnUO4HSzRuaIDSOVpjOXMStk-QOycPSM5eL6X7W3NgXPCu3Sp2ozM7N7aMkuvaHa9m6gVKXvv_LH7vSIg4eTspnAwCmM7tygyPQPtMApImStFAJsHtd-vVRdhAY3m7/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8883.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Once above the falls the valley opened up into a wide glacial hanging valley, with Lake Harris at it's head. The track skirted the south eastern side of the valley, it was truly spectacular. The Routeburn is usually voted the most scenic of all the Great Walks, and this certainly goes towards explaining why. And we weren't even doing the whole track!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_OfnRb4kk0WudC8WHGaBlt4RDImTw5EkXHwocS6c9ifZZNE6W6u-zMqLALgO1iJ8iqxjzQAtl7x6pxSXPsUaYFWkp76pU96EK38bNZQcWEDE-bfmpPWGJS7oLcxLlhEgDxH9zdMeFUzkehRt59I1KW-jC-VMM4m5v_U9acB96y66vbb8zWmxemrY/s4032/20230210-IMG_8886.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_OfnRb4kk0WudC8WHGaBlt4RDImTw5EkXHwocS6c9ifZZNE6W6u-zMqLALgO1iJ8iqxjzQAtl7x6pxSXPsUaYFWkp76pU96EK38bNZQcWEDE-bfmpPWGJS7oLcxLlhEgDxH9zdMeFUzkehRt59I1KW-jC-VMM4m5v_U9acB96y66vbb8zWmxemrY/w640-h480/20230210-IMG_8886.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of Lake Harris</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-yXu1Qig4Ca35TiE6233YlTOsCkOVVVwgKGKs7K4vLVrtx-OO_mhDLeDq9926w1-Txd8YNEXCqteqg2OhNyHp0GXaB3IPmOrJny-Mqe2C5YzQAi0i3xRZdBxw5mx9hTtpor6le96uphWXdPXNMxi2BLJ0O-KQgvMSsV3I44pxE168EDOQ6irpSev/s4032/20230210-IMG_8887.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-yXu1Qig4Ca35TiE6233YlTOsCkOVVVwgKGKs7K4vLVrtx-OO_mhDLeDq9926w1-Txd8YNEXCqteqg2OhNyHp0GXaB3IPmOrJny-Mqe2C5YzQAi0i3xRZdBxw5mx9hTtpor6le96uphWXdPXNMxi2BLJ0O-KQgvMSsV3I44pxE168EDOQ6irpSev/w640-h480/20230210-IMG_8887.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look carefully, can you see the walkers in upper left of picture?</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We walked along above the bluffs overlooking Lake Harris and then sidled across to Harris Shelter perched in the saddle. From there you can climb up Conical Hill, but this was our lunch stop before leaving the Routeburn behind.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXRLsiB5E6pm5XPjkocihVBlNGIqLo8-p9pd_YJaewtY7h1ovbSsP_fHocOqO2nmflZ9gvBB0qrVwOWOQ_WyP8PezZGa8Q2vf6dE1jP-RW6RZBmgkNAQQsJ7bc7G_JqExr2GIsUS0k-wdSgn_OLhRF_azHHcytrRI73GkeBtZon1ozESvxw6a9i1i/s4032/20230210-IMG_8888.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXRLsiB5E6pm5XPjkocihVBlNGIqLo8-p9pd_YJaewtY7h1ovbSsP_fHocOqO2nmflZ9gvBB0qrVwOWOQ_WyP8PezZGa8Q2vf6dE1jP-RW6RZBmgkNAQQsJ7bc7G_JqExr2GIsUS0k-wdSgn_OLhRF_azHHcytrRI73GkeBtZon1ozESvxw6a9i1i/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8888.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The track above the bluffs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqcYl-MFbmOF-WgDhRfpjuKx3evh-yYtjlNSFp9Dg_BQlLpucSMXzVS5sq8wg1fruoPKTiLJRGRfAKUzhcq5N9E3J2ztPOhaO-_PV6VgThqxzgbnWUhN17TFD0b0ubonBWd4GYryNRmtISik1546lIzX4PzzyCLIoNiJnvsed9WUy3es4awdXn24i/s4032/20230210-IMG_8890.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqcYl-MFbmOF-WgDhRfpjuKx3evh-yYtjlNSFp9Dg_BQlLpucSMXzVS5sq8wg1fruoPKTiLJRGRfAKUzhcq5N9E3J2ztPOhaO-_PV6VgThqxzgbnWUhN17TFD0b0ubonBWd4GYryNRmtISik1546lIzX4PzzyCLIoNiJnvsed9WUy3es4awdXn24i/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8890.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarn at Harris Saddle</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After lunch we retraced our steps back to Lake Harris and joined a faint track sidling along above the lake to the head of the lake. Once off the Routeburn Highway the track condition deteriorated very quickly, but despite being an unmarked route it obviously gets heaps of foot traffic and there were absolutely no concerns about navigation! It's an unfortunate side effect of the popularity of the Great Walks, that these side trips are now getting a lot more traffic than is sustainable if the environment is to stay pristine.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPc-w0DmMTAhP9UlP1LwV4a242tIyXKrMEFoyA1r3eZ3VTql7cAF_TvGlbSot6DmHYyG8R4uEzPOwS3_QnNaY-t8u81L1n53ArCY9JipPmxY807WVBG1ySImp1VzjFpZbYNYhHymlNdLuVf7y31o2y0Zb86oBhRi_nCep54H41sdeoZotQrcFBfk7S/s4032/20230210-IMG_8892.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPc-w0DmMTAhP9UlP1LwV4a242tIyXKrMEFoyA1r3eZ3VTql7cAF_TvGlbSot6DmHYyG8R4uEzPOwS3_QnNaY-t8u81L1n53ArCY9JipPmxY807WVBG1ySImp1VzjFpZbYNYhHymlNdLuVf7y31o2y0Zb86oBhRi_nCep54H41sdeoZotQrcFBfk7S/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8892.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off the Routeburn Highway, sidling beside Lake Harris</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SJ5jH3uzFDG6purG3ppxVnF2Ov4LFNeP881itjvBPO7i9THOEJjWpSpzYEXk3Xeoyy8WzId7lsQ4i0IClkq8T6RK4vPBWEEgboJSvdV23jyfX7dATcrWqDx0-kQQXHep3SFu_eQQTPSqQ-uu760jwlm4hlY6hA8LLSCeA1VSWKOYcJKqstQylFYQ/s4032/20230210-IMG_8894.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SJ5jH3uzFDG6purG3ppxVnF2Ov4LFNeP881itjvBPO7i9THOEJjWpSpzYEXk3Xeoyy8WzId7lsQ4i0IClkq8T6RK4vPBWEEgboJSvdV23jyfX7dATcrWqDx0-kQQXHep3SFu_eQQTPSqQ-uu760jwlm4hlY6hA8LLSCeA1VSWKOYcJKqstQylFYQ/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8894.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back down the lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqEjNUieYBw4l2qfeoed0XKKuFYJfTh_wuPTkDa8PK_Gyl6O7a_GwnclrTDbD23l3KXxkMmdAQAKB1oTCBj5ve8S7NPyx6uZ189EUaRWQVJvYBXKcrf-UY1NDRINkG7EvkWknlXG79ruE6cawA6RDJ7ICLnZD4Sn7ogL093K6ouUFV6-3f1-ExW-U/s4032/20230210-IMG_8896.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqEjNUieYBw4l2qfeoed0XKKuFYJfTh_wuPTkDa8PK_Gyl6O7a_GwnclrTDbD23l3KXxkMmdAQAKB1oTCBj5ve8S7NPyx6uZ189EUaRWQVJvYBXKcrf-UY1NDRINkG7EvkWknlXG79ruE6cawA6RDJ7ICLnZD4Sn7ogL093K6ouUFV6-3f1-ExW-U/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8896.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head of Lake Harris and entrance to The Valley of the Trolls</td></tr></tbody></table><br />What I will say is, apart from a lot of footprints and extensive trapping lines, I saw little other evidence of human impact. I saw no litter and no toilet paper, so for that we can be grateful. I had heard otherwise on the inter webs, so was pleasantly surprised.<p></p><p>At the head of Lake Harris is The Valley of The Trolls. It's no wonder they used NZ to film Lord of the Rings!! </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfa52OjOi7Hw67NtfxPP8cr6bYCs0WDyHm8NDhN8fSVR-xByt-3cCJU_YS_VuxYnx4svBDZKBfaonJUkZCStqPcciDzPDmzkvJkeMHJMD3NevydkSyQ69aiRFPi-i9W-sJpeLB7Fx6MRN6rIH5GNFEuOasCHkmUan0KyHV5J1EeeHjHRmMLTfPdO5/s4032/20230210-IMG_8898.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfa52OjOi7Hw67NtfxPP8cr6bYCs0WDyHm8NDhN8fSVR-xByt-3cCJU_YS_VuxYnx4svBDZKBfaonJUkZCStqPcciDzPDmzkvJkeMHJMD3NevydkSyQ69aiRFPi-i9W-sJpeLB7Fx6MRN6rIH5GNFEuOasCHkmUan0KyHV5J1EeeHjHRmMLTfPdO5/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8898.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Harris in background</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVU4zSOMR33d8D15IK1PI4kWnHBFsRaXYqpsXmX-EqNjM6NAxKlzcmkFPQ7VRkl9zkLlJiXvKPvs4oPZeNMq1uBFU4tsrfS6MSFPKsTJeux1i9JPXqKscYymaUxvc-6e9Kzta7qwMdgyiH7D686VKkFPo_7-iSNm7W9aX3pPBgS3n-wteT5eGFNt3/s4032/20230210-IMG_8900.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVU4zSOMR33d8D15IK1PI4kWnHBFsRaXYqpsXmX-EqNjM6NAxKlzcmkFPQ7VRkl9zkLlJiXvKPvs4oPZeNMq1uBFU4tsrfS6MSFPKsTJeux1i9JPXqKscYymaUxvc-6e9Kzta7qwMdgyiH7D686VKkFPo_7-iSNm7W9aX3pPBgS3n-wteT5eGFNt3/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8900.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking towards that big waterfall in the middle of the picture</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijFxYO43IdGE94fNrZ12MjMpXzpCjYNcQPpwioh9gkiif7H1FURgv1A4IutxKMpRSLK3s0VjvkGF64mQxMoipJ4EZknJVRko6QpQD5nUv-7XJTFoJhDO8U1InhSF7KfEvw0GUZQW0hufo7MAttIn7k-ehiZTWFX7mp3Ke3rR3-YhmDu149V9TahJg/s4032/20230210-IMG_8901.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijFxYO43IdGE94fNrZ12MjMpXzpCjYNcQPpwioh9gkiif7H1FURgv1A4IutxKMpRSLK3s0VjvkGF64mQxMoipJ4EZknJVRko6QpQD5nUv-7XJTFoJhDO8U1InhSF7KfEvw0GUZQW0hufo7MAttIn7k-ehiZTWFX7mp3Ke3rR3-YhmDu149V9TahJg/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8901.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trolls were all hiding....</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I doubt it's possible to camp in the valley, it's basically one big boggy swamp littered with large crags. It's stunning!!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxs1833O6prOeLITYI-LT7H-po7V1kHsYEc3akH_tG6rgd-NE6Z-WSObrug6J5olksw0MxoyKWYIXXzkA6nwNpw1rzCB1LmCs8FH3dDFqqIJIe2XZ7xZtPfMzAix0pTyWDKzrhyiAhnNM5lNoGNbN3S6AFSn5vpuJsTXI4WxOQzyaJFcVfWhaS7s3/s4032/20230210-IMG_8904.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxs1833O6prOeLITYI-LT7H-po7V1kHsYEc3akH_tG6rgd-NE6Z-WSObrug6J5olksw0MxoyKWYIXXzkA6nwNpw1rzCB1LmCs8FH3dDFqqIJIe2XZ7xZtPfMzAix0pTyWDKzrhyiAhnNM5lNoGNbN3S6AFSn5vpuJsTXI4WxOQzyaJFcVfWhaS7s3/w640-h480/20230210-IMG_8904.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Across the bog to the waterfall</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduCVAhsF2nbQPzaBp6ar8rFtVosA_mgXUG6fAhJsItNL-LlmWObvCmOky0SWqQVtPJLyeC6BjKZqGFO7ilvmzpQvmpFMyy4Qy91omZVCJmNpiY2X9USU65gqtoJQv4L12vHxe7MJzFz27LBbuMzsaatH6J27gZHM1R2U_0nmvEFAqCenNBWfxpI7Q/s4032/20230210-IMG_8905.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduCVAhsF2nbQPzaBp6ar8rFtVosA_mgXUG6fAhJsItNL-LlmWObvCmOky0SWqQVtPJLyeC6BjKZqGFO7ilvmzpQvmpFMyy4Qy91omZVCJmNpiY2X9USU65gqtoJQv4L12vHxe7MJzFz27LBbuMzsaatH6J27gZHM1R2U_0nmvEFAqCenNBWfxpI7Q/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8905.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarns too</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At the head of the valley is an impressive waterfall. This is the main outlet for Lake Wilson, and to get there we needed to climb up beside the waterfall. Well, that green gulch on the right hand side as you look at it. Easy hey?<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2N8eAYgiXcxMp4UG8wztJQpVTXH8aMAiictRPl4aSPoy61ovxyYs8vKXrk-Pv4JVTUFAPcs92bcoDIEM1WNmJEfC_Nlx0pm7xmpEQ4OKMwYnf-rABVaV7G3tIaXP0LTfL5vWshOIAPhFEKiGbhqMaKzXf6_UStylSvk-UGzzq30KI0P0kQR5kJLC/s4032/20230210-IMG_8903.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2N8eAYgiXcxMp4UG8wztJQpVTXH8aMAiictRPl4aSPoy61ovxyYs8vKXrk-Pv4JVTUFAPcs92bcoDIEM1WNmJEfC_Nlx0pm7xmpEQ4OKMwYnf-rABVaV7G3tIaXP0LTfL5vWshOIAPhFEKiGbhqMaKzXf6_UStylSvk-UGzzq30KI0P0kQR5kJLC/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8903.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks fairly straightforward right?</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It actually wasn't hard at all. Mostly it's a steady scramble at a not too steep gradient, and then there's one section where you have to climb over a rock. John and Inge were there to help. Many took their packs off, but once John showed me where the good handholds were I found it a very easy climb, pack still on. I guess my rock climbing and caving skills from my youth have never left me...<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAajfYXi9wrHLP9rYXPvj51_J9afZR7RefWJz-l0h74F0QaBzNu9OdQWa2uQlcn3kZsUU6PdyFrQHWh7PSmDVh_aK5nBiIdje4GS4E_oJbopKZcscG_nhGVWs15jSf-9sCAow090G3GSOT97R08WJXHz4bV4rSIAGeoev_Y41xuYpZwDs_xA90ovY/s4032/20230210-IMG_8908.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAajfYXi9wrHLP9rYXPvj51_J9afZR7RefWJz-l0h74F0QaBzNu9OdQWa2uQlcn3kZsUU6PdyFrQHWh7PSmDVh_aK5nBiIdje4GS4E_oJbopKZcscG_nhGVWs15jSf-9sCAow090G3GSOT97R08WJXHz4bV4rSIAGeoev_Y41xuYpZwDs_xA90ovY/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8908.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming up to the crux of the climb</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2YzfhbRiMRY8posdnFyTnIylEY9CWB6V_I_L-xcGHBwd4grdeMZoKqrBnPoFvvXVaboSCNrEyLkyBLZnXlYwXvypWwqSpRMBgPv5JjMANmCXWrRtAvh8cSYPcnFzqM4kdN4LAYm25eSIqYWYG5gJAaV4pTIPAHIzrCaTrGNy_rsRNOZtwqTR6HU7/s4032/20230210-IMG_8909.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2YzfhbRiMRY8posdnFyTnIylEY9CWB6V_I_L-xcGHBwd4grdeMZoKqrBnPoFvvXVaboSCNrEyLkyBLZnXlYwXvypWwqSpRMBgPv5JjMANmCXWrRtAvh8cSYPcnFzqM4kdN4LAYm25eSIqYWYG5gJAaV4pTIPAHIzrCaTrGNy_rsRNOZtwqTR6HU7/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8909.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rock spider</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We emerged at the outlet of the lake. More spectacular views!!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuWxOxvcUIPqmeWfsJfk2oK19tS55sSP9XDXj8s59xyLZZf8DTvKtJ06pB63dohw-QN8Y38rOQudUZi5_BCAhI3p80aCLFCayEwn90CEkr1JCEztzJH9H2ubc2NaiKNGQskhyUuzNznnXD9eJtxNbxTuoDYEhSglfNssOSbSKFta_taaJxIZGutzF/s3607/20230210-IMG_8910.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3607" data-original-width="2704" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuWxOxvcUIPqmeWfsJfk2oK19tS55sSP9XDXj8s59xyLZZf8DTvKtJ06pB63dohw-QN8Y38rOQudUZi5_BCAhI3p80aCLFCayEwn90CEkr1JCEztzJH9H2ubc2NaiKNGQskhyUuzNznnXD9eJtxNbxTuoDYEhSglfNssOSbSKFta_taaJxIZGutzF/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8910.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top of the waterfall!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fvqPUbntVA0brj_o3RP-Dl4YcfZzSNKbN2XNyttZjwU8nN4Nvlykd31y3VsxFMHbDnYgENBSjbhdN9ACExj94quXa8NZMWrlC3JF95q7XJgT6DT5kXWKNf0C_OxDFCr5T--oZO-7TsKvFB5yh92uF_k2411Wy5BUYZ9Yap96peDeqQ-_SWUyKTS5/s4032/20230210-IMG_8911.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fvqPUbntVA0brj_o3RP-Dl4YcfZzSNKbN2XNyttZjwU8nN4Nvlykd31y3VsxFMHbDnYgENBSjbhdN9ACExj94quXa8NZMWrlC3JF95q7XJgT6DT5kXWKNf0C_OxDFCr5T--oZO-7TsKvFB5yh92uF_k2411Wy5BUYZ9Yap96peDeqQ-_SWUyKTS5/w640-h480/20230210-IMG_8911.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Wilson from the outlet</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvas5I11Usw_KPgAst6fpfc_erWwNW5qkZJKP6UJJB2zNOjPADsHglH3Dauj5Otr1JaWJk4XFwbROXuk4h1lVR5YDmSCnatkwx1DI6BoHp-U4rGazn1L98CprD4WiP7kMZH8xhgWZorTm0G9kPndgY96TPBppYlXXThxCocy_SRniBDU0VY2b5j3-/s4032/20230210-IMG_8913.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvas5I11Usw_KPgAst6fpfc_erWwNW5qkZJKP6UJJB2zNOjPADsHglH3Dauj5Otr1JaWJk4XFwbROXuk4h1lVR5YDmSCnatkwx1DI6BoHp-U4rGazn1L98CprD4WiP7kMZH8xhgWZorTm0G9kPndgY96TPBppYlXXThxCocy_SRniBDU0VY2b5j3-/w640-h480/20230210-IMG_8913.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew putting on warmer clothes, the top of the climb comes out at that notch behind the lady with the bright red jacket on the left (Charlotte)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_IAPE-n0legtUYXXnnw_suAF0ey0Fex2w1QGmGu70Yu9rnVyRJ4VB9Ch37BAPv9eh5bI2bLYx8EUyJmGv1zqpaVEhAjwPHFEVBMcNNuU4QT5854iDhNLJdSsEle6Xs_o-mCi6fDL592RU2G5sfe8_jKPsDZqMiaSivvS3Jhx-Q1kziIWZSKCygx7/s4032/20230210-IMG_8915.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_IAPE-n0legtUYXXnnw_suAF0ey0Fex2w1QGmGu70Yu9rnVyRJ4VB9Ch37BAPv9eh5bI2bLYx8EUyJmGv1zqpaVEhAjwPHFEVBMcNNuU4QT5854iDhNLJdSsEle6Xs_o-mCi6fDL592RU2G5sfe8_jKPsDZqMiaSivvS3Jhx-Q1kziIWZSKCygx7/w640-h480/20230210-IMG_8915.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back across to Lake Harris, can you see the Routeburn Track way in the distance heading across the Hollyford Faces towards MacKenzie Hut?</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We crossed at the outlet and walked around the southern side of the Lake to a spot where we could pitch our tents and get a little bit of shelter from the wind. I had brought my old Vango tent because I had been concerned about the possibility of mischievous Keas damaging my tent. Something I didn't want to happen a week out from my trip to Australia, so I'd left the light weight Tarptent behind. I'd also brought some heavy duty pegs after having issues with windy conditions when using my lightweight pegs. I'm happy to say the MSR Groundhogs did their job!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GaNqyBhJrBMQEx2173sqVlhCsnC-W1p-060qsQYzlL0elFlG7aPvKPK0XpURTC3A2SeAix6FcaKagViR4oKtSFVzWCFKGLka0AuYImz3vjVt2DMNrPDAdDETZfPEdHWnC69UHbf20h1foao_QAVtjkEzMeuO5K6obtImRMChCjV3hD4ruOcJOnJr/s4032/20230210-IMG_8921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GaNqyBhJrBMQEx2173sqVlhCsnC-W1p-060qsQYzlL0elFlG7aPvKPK0XpURTC3A2SeAix6FcaKagViR4oKtSFVzWCFKGLka0AuYImz3vjVt2DMNrPDAdDETZfPEdHWnC69UHbf20h1foao_QAVtjkEzMeuO5K6obtImRMChCjV3hD4ruOcJOnJr/w480-h640/20230210-IMG_8921.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We had some Kea fly over, but they weren't interested in us. Perhaps there were better pickings to be had at the Routeburn Huts!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2RJ2CzqXnAK-zEsNApQUtCWNTQNp0g3sCM_COq8Ctb2Gr1E916kap69ZUa33SH9Bc37OtNgqH9c9FmgAPK4Lb_jjsqKbMXRFdLP_ewc0zKFdAiog9E2uwXu__02DZXE9VPwPkd-PqVzucVhLWGNMA-vQfF3gs2pCyCGok7YDQXy06Y7CXLxqqwlK/s6356/20230210-IMG_8916-Pano.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2517" data-original-width="6356" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2RJ2CzqXnAK-zEsNApQUtCWNTQNp0g3sCM_COq8Ctb2Gr1E916kap69ZUa33SH9Bc37OtNgqH9c9FmgAPK4Lb_jjsqKbMXRFdLP_ewc0zKFdAiog9E2uwXu__02DZXE9VPwPkd-PqVzucVhLWGNMA-vQfF3gs2pCyCGok7YDQXy06Y7CXLxqqwlK/w640-h254/20230210-IMG_8916-Pano.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Wilson from our campsite</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The first night camping at Lake Wilson was brutally cold. We each cooked our dinners and then retreated to the shelter of our tents. I slept well for a few hours and then woke up cold and couldn't quite get warm again.<p></p><p>In the last few years I've found that menopause has meant that I sleep much warmer than I used to. This trip was a good example of the type of conditions I'll be sleeping in in the high Alpine sections of our Australian Alps trip. I'll be taking the extra warm layers after all!!</p><p>The morning was moody, with mist coming off the lake. We were camping two nights in order to have a leisurely exploration around the lake. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_i9a30YQSVQwScBhS8WaryejGrqxdTO2fHZPCXHl7aIxkeHNRff6GWEBxlmCMPogRKod8G0W83cDNDtpWClscE0JGORtcJ5NhqMf1K7quC-7ndTLBYQfAKsmLeMdMmauyQrbIOlpUI0wACr8IrQz9V21g_D4wu5Ba_7DV7hsRF9DdI9glSMNpnSFe/s4032/20230211-IMG_8925.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_i9a30YQSVQwScBhS8WaryejGrqxdTO2fHZPCXHl7aIxkeHNRff6GWEBxlmCMPogRKod8G0W83cDNDtpWClscE0JGORtcJ5NhqMf1K7quC-7ndTLBYQfAKsmLeMdMmauyQrbIOlpUI0wACr8IrQz9V21g_D4wu5Ba_7DV7hsRF9DdI9glSMNpnSFe/w640-h480/20230211-IMG_8925.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRD8Uuy3OTnplpV96LQwxalWpPavCdjPCproONNHTCxzUAxdDKn0WNwW5D36QLaUibiK5YhQwaOcuqYft6pgPwkgC10LfvL33PRIMEovysblyey0QJ-KMi3FiOCRrz3Kg8caN4zfXYaWh2DqsYEnqLW1-s3qeIMKDk0oe-Im68sbFGG6vjt-3p2BR0/s4032/20230211-IMG_8926.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRD8Uuy3OTnplpV96LQwxalWpPavCdjPCproONNHTCxzUAxdDKn0WNwW5D36QLaUibiK5YhQwaOcuqYft6pgPwkgC10LfvL33PRIMEovysblyey0QJ-KMi3FiOCRrz3Kg8caN4zfXYaWh2DqsYEnqLW1-s3qeIMKDk0oe-Im68sbFGG6vjt-3p2BR0/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8926.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcepR8U4J-8eiGEFyMW-ez5Di1fI4TYUnkq0fEupsAZ4TAFX-OyBzuqAqLlnJygF7VAaqU0U72_Xx9XXSCNvCEE0_CZZh_vGcFPKOx474lGaf6CeWXZr_07nB0UsZ8ts7kDp3ErCsJUyGbhUuKSqtVcoC4xD-DM6OpSVQ-TW7fGLyZB0ug8yYI6IgI/s4032/20230211-IMG_8929.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcepR8U4J-8eiGEFyMW-ez5Di1fI4TYUnkq0fEupsAZ4TAFX-OyBzuqAqLlnJygF7VAaqU0U72_Xx9XXSCNvCEE0_CZZh_vGcFPKOx474lGaf6CeWXZr_07nB0UsZ8ts7kDp3ErCsJUyGbhUuKSqtVcoC4xD-DM6OpSVQ-TW7fGLyZB0ug8yYI6IgI/w640-h480/20230211-IMG_8929.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We set off up the lake to climb to yet another tarn even higher up, this one looking out to the Hollyford Valley and the Darrens across the way.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAcyijg8s_jhVfWOFEsNIt2CZKQcq5JrFfYlpBA-Wqya3TQhLF3Cw9GlZ6xru4q4wT0ZDBog73WUJrfn5WhpVVaT7-B7Hr6_CMnNQHeZbIEdTS7BLVExl-jtWKlhmuSQ7saldo4E3l9QjpB4Y6alihaOpubP-FvbPgbUktHIDMiQcqFy_FDPGWMza/s4032/20230211-IMG_8933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAcyijg8s_jhVfWOFEsNIt2CZKQcq5JrFfYlpBA-Wqya3TQhLF3Cw9GlZ6xru4q4wT0ZDBog73WUJrfn5WhpVVaT7-B7Hr6_CMnNQHeZbIEdTS7BLVExl-jtWKlhmuSQ7saldo4E3l9QjpB4Y6alihaOpubP-FvbPgbUktHIDMiQcqFy_FDPGWMza/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8933.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-yUVLj0JXChR27pvR0wPTNuuYUpx4VIbCDBEz-JOEh3nmq2aLTuqm6-PABytfWDQlasHo8Rn0QFMo20C_hqwHGgjDtaS9tTfY0lZzCjHa1GSaD4YQMoS2BqQBk7dJebXtKlWSt6K40mTeA80mjjGzD5uTUMyDnzoYuznYUczclrBNgh5FNlJyv8x/s4032/20230211-IMG_8934.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-yUVLj0JXChR27pvR0wPTNuuYUpx4VIbCDBEz-JOEh3nmq2aLTuqm6-PABytfWDQlasHo8Rn0QFMo20C_hqwHGgjDtaS9tTfY0lZzCjHa1GSaD4YQMoS2BqQBk7dJebXtKlWSt6K40mTeA80mjjGzD5uTUMyDnzoYuznYUczclrBNgh5FNlJyv8x/w640-h480/20230211-IMG_8934.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKev02teurHAKcdiQAxgsq13qZMjlYnNXMwzPD50XFJSxdq0bVWj6IpNpLpCQi9wUSdXfU3Sq8g1IvCJSg1KOYb0LKJqSh4jSBvoYOyb8aQzN64DOAzzALCieh06THJx7PWJUMUiiULwMgMIWmUlRCRyfXcZub6x-RNgeZ94ubwrhYRnijGjnHcT01/s4032/20230211-IMG_8935.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKev02teurHAKcdiQAxgsq13qZMjlYnNXMwzPD50XFJSxdq0bVWj6IpNpLpCQi9wUSdXfU3Sq8g1IvCJSg1KOYb0LKJqSh4jSBvoYOyb8aQzN64DOAzzALCieh06THJx7PWJUMUiiULwMgMIWmUlRCRyfXcZub6x-RNgeZ94ubwrhYRnijGjnHcT01/w640-h480/20230211-IMG_8935.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOZhDQc9nP4kNJBk0C-333kf-L4dJ-bm0RiAp2SNvhd6bmJLwNeVNW37lXK8iy7xTXCmc0Gzmgie-A7r1ciOSwYw34Os5y7FOLlO8KK8ktZMIhTieB9PVjoSjRQ9dtVlW3AORZ5_O69e0FeRVulhTibpUvZoIDRufcAWKvIiZQBSNT5nRk5By_axF/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8944.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Sruv6vmFfMANPfG3k4f3rZrIT8_aSEIzn9LpIlcpakeQ-YIDk91Ms1QWD-cHkAOyTBCtR4uAaV_aavJoqXSInswVsC_4MvOlSXICsnvoe0oms_HXBhjq5IuDBcW97_iTlV4md6hD0CfePYQ7bpl_vCDit4j0R2G4mS6ayBpPlZ1ZwEtlZdLCZ1uq/s4032/20230211-IMG_8946.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Sruv6vmFfMANPfG3k4f3rZrIT8_aSEIzn9LpIlcpakeQ-YIDk91Ms1QWD-cHkAOyTBCtR4uAaV_aavJoqXSInswVsC_4MvOlSXICsnvoe0oms_HXBhjq5IuDBcW97_iTlV4md6hD0CfePYQ7bpl_vCDit4j0R2G4mS6ayBpPlZ1ZwEtlZdLCZ1uq/w640-h480/20230211-IMG_8946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yIrIcUVTqYNoYyFlaomR9ptYjkSxudwT2kNGWQK6IS3cHw3RMGFy7ZldU1fwS7xwoj9PyGHylL8iku7u8JajT9rm8fq210-vfxZysSpuI8zUKXRlCyTVxD3J4wv7Ewbnv7E1e-Her9HmYpEqeKGGzjq0iTsd6hodU1kaErFAIXmSTUZzwCSlDWf2/s4032/20230211-IMG_8948.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yIrIcUVTqYNoYyFlaomR9ptYjkSxudwT2kNGWQK6IS3cHw3RMGFy7ZldU1fwS7xwoj9PyGHylL8iku7u8JajT9rm8fq210-vfxZysSpuI8zUKXRlCyTVxD3J4wv7Ewbnv7E1e-Her9HmYpEqeKGGzjq0iTsd6hodU1kaErFAIXmSTUZzwCSlDWf2/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8948.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right down the Hollyford to the sea</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1enp8Z2OMtdyIQzfw8J7NjPJ-UOToEDsrcsE-QMB8DkIJeYK_vQfMmHKLQeXH-XxDpBypUJcUprC22iqOg1IC664CJB7gD2mm0ffn00hQA_KQIMI1LLnTv0uISuUeVBVRvGYgQiWZfJ2Wdu47LnpgxKm8P2k3uRw-ZkvzZEHUPcNL-lsqiQ4g1oR/s4032/20230211-IMG_8949.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1enp8Z2OMtdyIQzfw8J7NjPJ-UOToEDsrcsE-QMB8DkIJeYK_vQfMmHKLQeXH-XxDpBypUJcUprC22iqOg1IC664CJB7gD2mm0ffn00hQA_KQIMI1LLnTv0uISuUeVBVRvGYgQiWZfJ2Wdu47LnpgxKm8P2k3uRw-ZkvzZEHUPcNL-lsqiQ4g1oR/w640-h480/20230211-IMG_8949.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madeline and Tutoko</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once we'd circumnavigated the tarn we returned to Lake Wilson and made our way to the head of the lake and then up to yet another tarn, where we stopped for lunch. From here you can continue up along the Serpentine Range all the way to North Col. Not for us on this trip...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKVvNmUxnXUSYuewbVy3jfR8IETaKl4a0uBGZgjAXtfDioigkNTLZz5sR-qJhbiMchcB3D4So9TlJuCKdWoR7EdroZ3K4SOrDvuCbdGf6PQPZG7514nRsucqurxZVw5ocxChvpDNjN3f4a3kfpoHLN-OfCJZPcDo94b3d7MeoTo6LgsFis5w0LzTs/s4032/20230211-IMG_8954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKVvNmUxnXUSYuewbVy3jfR8IETaKl4a0uBGZgjAXtfDioigkNTLZz5sR-qJhbiMchcB3D4So9TlJuCKdWoR7EdroZ3K4SOrDvuCbdGf6PQPZG7514nRsucqurxZVw5ocxChvpDNjN3f4a3kfpoHLN-OfCJZPcDo94b3d7MeoTo6LgsFis5w0LzTs/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8954.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyZRh6BoU3Kj7A7NBWybF2ilOPTjobxCF0L_AGaRTG3LgpFHl4aGUTcueEEF3AE_lUE2iedrJadzHEBF6Q51MZZCweUppJkti8nkTvN_BWgvTT5iMEL1RWt5j5jpD7Q2cLDBe4-4I0IfDUJMEFPI1R7_sS56xKrnGBHpHiaM5MwYqaXkg67ngvJ8d/s4032/20230211-IMG_8955.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyZRh6BoU3Kj7A7NBWybF2ilOPTjobxCF0L_AGaRTG3LgpFHl4aGUTcueEEF3AE_lUE2iedrJadzHEBF6Q51MZZCweUppJkti8nkTvN_BWgvTT5iMEL1RWt5j5jpD7Q2cLDBe4-4I0IfDUJMEFPI1R7_sS56xKrnGBHpHiaM5MwYqaXkg67ngvJ8d/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8955.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMhp1uFRoUR0sUGVe26h9ifBuX581eh0FxDfEIf21RswD1K9muVlvLYKgsqHn3A-rg5bKc5F3DYqii4pgOnnFp7OQhx9n7-ACX8_SH1jRb5es8OrnoAX63hyGvUsEp5qBFRkwdHEcUAklZiROV4rhHI6eiYhaSqhe6M3VwyslKJK9NNN8EgJt2ij8/s4032/20230211-IMG_8956.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMhp1uFRoUR0sUGVe26h9ifBuX581eh0FxDfEIf21RswD1K9muVlvLYKgsqHn3A-rg5bKc5F3DYqii4pgOnnFp7OQhx9n7-ACX8_SH1jRb5es8OrnoAX63hyGvUsEp5qBFRkwdHEcUAklZiROV4rhHI6eiYhaSqhe6M3VwyslKJK9NNN8EgJt2ij8/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8956.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuWczLN8dMmb6dgQbmoJDFQnqVExVa4A0RhW3vLQkUVrKPgCgEWcKlJ0LbcTg9oWX4WySNOfoyZehjezzDOpHNwDTzbt0CGeMxdooDQwzbjGxf7D3YYFpHYul54xwBq7hXRwUabIlLVZeaP07NoGTlVoqKp0K8PnID2TDQnyyCdPj3d-gKpuitxPk/s4032/20230211-IMG_8957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuWczLN8dMmb6dgQbmoJDFQnqVExVa4A0RhW3vLQkUVrKPgCgEWcKlJ0LbcTg9oWX4WySNOfoyZehjezzDOpHNwDTzbt0CGeMxdooDQwzbjGxf7D3YYFpHYul54xwBq7hXRwUabIlLVZeaP07NoGTlVoqKp0K8PnID2TDQnyyCdPj3d-gKpuitxPk/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8957.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILC3kanh_OSaXNFI5-mVBK2Ul46e_VSZT8X9R64RJKZPI66NTbZgPeEmaVLjxRqdm29dhk_OGx-LkvLa57awv8sW_uY3KiZVWBdjZCLITRRFScxVuT-arIr_eb9Hmvnqku4mToVIujTqrorlvV1_7qSRxHfUqL9ynCHGTzo6sTASq_kuOeRLeqwEY/s4032/20230211-IMG_8958.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILC3kanh_OSaXNFI5-mVBK2Ul46e_VSZT8X9R64RJKZPI66NTbZgPeEmaVLjxRqdm29dhk_OGx-LkvLa57awv8sW_uY3KiZVWBdjZCLITRRFScxVuT-arIr_eb9Hmvnqku4mToVIujTqrorlvV1_7qSRxHfUqL9ynCHGTzo6sTASq_kuOeRLeqwEY/w640-h480/20230211-IMG_8958.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPhxAaiveOPZ-eIzFncCv0N3N_v87sOo-JOMOrWIwSBafDrJiUT0NGLyp0agtA6HsmFzXk9zgJbYORMV4kV8BAUs3Ve6RUi1A7ean_JE5-xJ5s6mvSI7LgLZ0MeJfTtnJPgGXhF-cziLg_gBbkWcp1RyfQzvZCk3JNdaDKsMwhbS8lEA22yMmXgiY/s4032/20230211-IMG_8959.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPhxAaiveOPZ-eIzFncCv0N3N_v87sOo-JOMOrWIwSBafDrJiUT0NGLyp0agtA6HsmFzXk9zgJbYORMV4kV8BAUs3Ve6RUi1A7ean_JE5-xJ5s6mvSI7LgLZ0MeJfTtnJPgGXhF-cziLg_gBbkWcp1RyfQzvZCk3JNdaDKsMwhbS8lEA22yMmXgiY/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8959.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up through that notch. Are they waiting for me?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcDQ38PZrbbDppZekNeZjTGoB1CaKNqLOzIkcuPxpxvE8g7CS-tjdpMblXZ5VkuTdBiTPKuHHvnqWX_Y719HQ_PMQDZGqZQmkSv1HqT5vI_6_5UF-t-VrWob-1JLefevAL_FYnT7xhLSYJB9Sw_ZeqbbJ-UUjhmtXk_cAooR76mti2oIOP-vmWzDO/s4032/20230211-IMG_8960.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcDQ38PZrbbDppZekNeZjTGoB1CaKNqLOzIkcuPxpxvE8g7CS-tjdpMblXZ5VkuTdBiTPKuHHvnqWX_Y719HQ_PMQDZGqZQmkSv1HqT5vI_6_5UF-t-VrWob-1JLefevAL_FYnT7xhLSYJB9Sw_ZeqbbJ-UUjhmtXk_cAooR76mti2oIOP-vmWzDO/w640-h480/20230211-IMG_8960.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR3BwzURbZ7HwEQkMTzUzgrtjKr-VfaDt08c_63l9eKCXhDtHcipIbZF3TowdtYcMqjUH4WXCjmw7RR-JjCFKXApa1_tyWhZAwlANZzLuTQpxVRDD3Y3woE2K8j0SVdwZGINXbY4tZHksU4waEOCs8KDsru0CoaeTFrA1JHMtPAnctchejK8_kA-s/s4032/20230211-IMG_8961.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR3BwzURbZ7HwEQkMTzUzgrtjKr-VfaDt08c_63l9eKCXhDtHcipIbZF3TowdtYcMqjUH4WXCjmw7RR-JjCFKXApa1_tyWhZAwlANZzLuTQpxVRDD3Y3woE2K8j0SVdwZGINXbY4tZHksU4waEOCs8KDsru0CoaeTFrA1JHMtPAnctchejK8_kA-s/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8961.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4akdVFMAls2-ub7rBqYMHBVFYzyj82AFSvzXlCKkkLE6F0TxinsQQhdqDUcLFh7vs-zAu7psHhQz0mDWKMMGk2EFGP41wuCPjn46_kzTMMg4lG34fkjBUEosfDP-ljRtnv059BV7aRePtLk1YeEYJt4JsWEvrRMnAd1LPfDu6qAG3tao3DgeyZqKK/s4032/20230211-IMG_8962.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4akdVFMAls2-ub7rBqYMHBVFYzyj82AFSvzXlCKkkLE6F0TxinsQQhdqDUcLFh7vs-zAu7psHhQz0mDWKMMGk2EFGP41wuCPjn46_kzTMMg4lG34fkjBUEosfDP-ljRtnv059BV7aRePtLk1YeEYJt4JsWEvrRMnAd1LPfDu6qAG3tao3DgeyZqKK/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8962.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHE2dEwGtEPth-w7YLj7Uy3TvjpZeVrKyGFe4c7D1nf_sL1aZksvsNIn8sKtXyX5y_OTB9-SicI2hvj5Lzl2d-GJhSthkc7b20k6qNYA6PxCPgjfbY-oYbxoGW7YIrToudhncn-BZ_5VGYtT6QayqYOzk74FDbda0zvC0C8AI3_z47bQEObR-b5y8/s3570/20230211-IMG_8963.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3570" data-original-width="2675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHE2dEwGtEPth-w7YLj7Uy3TvjpZeVrKyGFe4c7D1nf_sL1aZksvsNIn8sKtXyX5y_OTB9-SicI2hvj5Lzl2d-GJhSthkc7b20k6qNYA6PxCPgjfbY-oYbxoGW7YIrToudhncn-BZ_5VGYtT6QayqYOzk74FDbda0zvC0C8AI3_z47bQEObR-b5y8/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8963.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NyiQHQ-66aL_kzCZSvyC8tc-_f66UntPVB3xiJ2Ofo1yo9l0Et0lxutVTswSB0XsNYJ1EPtcLPIOyhyS7GOh5_x0A2mgFDmtiN-QgY5EfY_qJKQUB_YqYe7RKBFJUvVltWcvb_CHSUttg8gxJUWGthGJc5DW56hVv8EyLzC0desRMSzz1Z2p7_y-/s3393/20230211-IMG_8965.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3393" data-original-width="2545" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NyiQHQ-66aL_kzCZSvyC8tc-_f66UntPVB3xiJ2Ofo1yo9l0Et0lxutVTswSB0XsNYJ1EPtcLPIOyhyS7GOh5_x0A2mgFDmtiN-QgY5EfY_qJKQUB_YqYe7RKBFJUvVltWcvb_CHSUttg8gxJUWGthGJc5DW56hVv8EyLzC0desRMSzz1Z2p7_y-/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8965.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECun7XnE1vYdlePT3lrJxA_GKVJCj2BQLgb2CKyjV8C4cxHXnaUezSsRv5rN1Z-oJ0DQoRA8DqlRmLUpr--3xwZreLX_bWIzMb2IG_XOEZy6ukWshSKAMfRL3tUTXQfJMQ3x3Yi78Lk38HTbANJ648Bu3EjlGFzsIwg361MZHpOHrpuTLlMzn4OP6/s4032/20230211-IMG_8967.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECun7XnE1vYdlePT3lrJxA_GKVJCj2BQLgb2CKyjV8C4cxHXnaUezSsRv5rN1Z-oJ0DQoRA8DqlRmLUpr--3xwZreLX_bWIzMb2IG_XOEZy6ukWshSKAMfRL3tUTXQfJMQ3x3Yi78Lk38HTbANJ648Bu3EjlGFzsIwg361MZHpOHrpuTLlMzn4OP6/w640-h480/20230211-IMG_8967.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapZhPmP5EVBboAvp93eWdOwf7SJb1tQ2tXZZr9tx09hVnNmEEjzZg0XCUxVYQfynxqdz269VlebM7bT96Pem-DLpqwXDSdP9HG8PIt0onYhzgycN27KKjJwjL_5cQD53j9UELweCiTHMEJMRPKowI_OKVM6acj1bi7vegaT8xVmOj74cXL6O_UKuY/s4032/20230211-IMG_8970.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapZhPmP5EVBboAvp93eWdOwf7SJb1tQ2tXZZr9tx09hVnNmEEjzZg0XCUxVYQfynxqdz269VlebM7bT96Pem-DLpqwXDSdP9HG8PIt0onYhzgycN27KKjJwjL_5cQD53j9UELweCiTHMEJMRPKowI_OKVM6acj1bi7vegaT8xVmOj74cXL6O_UKuY/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8970.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch tarn</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Most of the group continued around the lake, but four of us returned the same way, though by a different route. That meant we got different views and got to climb different slabs of rock on the way back, I'm not sure it was any easier!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9C6DSmW-77DHtmwew9BvHBifrVu-TcnJZlkHrhyihArQ-mzcS-rELW9ZUW-8PorMiGxS2P5tmgDuRhsVT4JQhvhYEfEBphHGLUrB6wKL4Wv5IPuGAhKR7RTAWWgXVADcj4cNcjwlddmQkfznbO85svZLIKDRLWdqhbAdsZBr75_fMLJvPrZQ9H32/s4032/20230211-IMG_8971.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9C6DSmW-77DHtmwew9BvHBifrVu-TcnJZlkHrhyihArQ-mzcS-rELW9ZUW-8PorMiGxS2P5tmgDuRhsVT4JQhvhYEfEBphHGLUrB6wKL4Wv5IPuGAhKR7RTAWWgXVADcj4cNcjwlddmQkfznbO85svZLIKDRLWdqhbAdsZBr75_fMLJvPrZQ9H32/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8971.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sxHZPtIXqlILwhtLsNwrZxLX8svxa5rrVAgW4O0Xr0nigN6luPHd9Sp0k6A3FzTVsWUDowSVwIVyJ90hRto9ydeihWQLous1NNbLlNCpaC6CIL66MB45GzjqrtlJPgHh9CjhUP5hV9MZyHrhFkfXOWKNdso5rlHzJGYDoAutlDKIvP0utOts1-U4/s4032/20230211-IMG_8972.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sxHZPtIXqlILwhtLsNwrZxLX8svxa5rrVAgW4O0Xr0nigN6luPHd9Sp0k6A3FzTVsWUDowSVwIVyJ90hRto9ydeihWQLous1NNbLlNCpaC6CIL66MB45GzjqrtlJPgHh9CjhUP5hV9MZyHrhFkfXOWKNdso5rlHzJGYDoAutlDKIvP0utOts1-U4/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8972.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very few patches of snow left after a warm dry summer</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXb0_2VqMw2q4z6SJkefAEDRkSPsvs5ZLLlFW5YPVuTdqc29QrY6VOxTBXaIUMvefn6mx4QAM8Dj4ypS1gjfv20Z3mQqt8727ONkFgemKDquEpy5YjzqRl8BRdTQ79QEbBmiCHdJTnkx1C5R0Qw0QtzQ0KVqnyaxwFfkSJfFygW0KpyI-CdukQJ11o/s4032/20230211-IMG_8973.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXb0_2VqMw2q4z6SJkefAEDRkSPsvs5ZLLlFW5YPVuTdqc29QrY6VOxTBXaIUMvefn6mx4QAM8Dj4ypS1gjfv20Z3mQqt8727ONkFgemKDquEpy5YjzqRl8BRdTQ79QEbBmiCHdJTnkx1C5R0Qw0QtzQ0KVqnyaxwFfkSJfFygW0KpyI-CdukQJ11o/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8973.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaQ_pNprIV9zzOBWJ2q7MWwW9xPIfCfgi2AmL9UpRm48beXMb0Pjz3K__Xqnd-LNpU-6vrxWKQEkKN2J8fqb3cbHzC0jBcfYCzMRXfhcldR-jLxLbXuQCk8tss1q20B-JXoDSZvyjyfpPue_uGz74vDZmkW8Xzqyj9lYNvsHWVGL74J8qKOpRWdiR/s3620/20230211-IMG_8974.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3620" data-original-width="2717" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaQ_pNprIV9zzOBWJ2q7MWwW9xPIfCfgi2AmL9UpRm48beXMb0Pjz3K__Xqnd-LNpU-6vrxWKQEkKN2J8fqb3cbHzC0jBcfYCzMRXfhcldR-jLxLbXuQCk8tss1q20B-JXoDSZvyjyfpPue_uGz74vDZmkW8Xzqyj9lYNvsHWVGL74J8qKOpRWdiR/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8974.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEpcoBCoRMu40sJsNZ7ZLeuNG7Hb5Fhj3CDh-7jmGC12Pu0K_HuAhX16uQbro1heTxNgxDhLx86L-8xYpLXqr6rrg7uneX3AI1AbXu1clbDQ78-msZM6xNRHtQzgwgS1cCxgNpAi5-uSvCoWVuigqwzzYCp4bXjHLHidIjTO4Mb9-hKxZUGqjRY5P/s4032/20230211-IMG_8976.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEpcoBCoRMu40sJsNZ7ZLeuNG7Hb5Fhj3CDh-7jmGC12Pu0K_HuAhX16uQbro1heTxNgxDhLx86L-8xYpLXqr6rrg7uneX3AI1AbXu1clbDQ78-msZM6xNRHtQzgwgS1cCxgNpAi5-uSvCoWVuigqwzzYCp4bXjHLHidIjTO4Mb9-hKxZUGqjRY5P/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8976.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXbaQC3Tw9O3QQYOa6LjvsMoZMLLJ_7Wq_cL11p_Q1k1uR3GXWYaTrUyM0u3LymyeO9eYk5hBsUpOa5mpWjZesCSoKU8_9BfD54uddVWb-4LjB1fdQbIRUAr3XVqfPVPS4JZBKdz9MCF1BlBPA8m9oYiZ_5h-FO5LuiRXV7bFzMC_oF4gUGfSUF-F/s4032/20230211-IMG_8977.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXbaQC3Tw9O3QQYOa6LjvsMoZMLLJ_7Wq_cL11p_Q1k1uR3GXWYaTrUyM0u3LymyeO9eYk5hBsUpOa5mpWjZesCSoKU8_9BfD54uddVWb-4LjB1fdQbIRUAr3XVqfPVPS4JZBKdz9MCF1BlBPA8m9oYiZ_5h-FO5LuiRXV7bFzMC_oF4gUGfSUF-F/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8977.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAWop4vJse0mnnrbbqTBn4iaOGeX_-gq5pOBSwQ9t-uqRNZ5yr4pc-XhvIMMxlEFxXYwnv0WwVvR1bQBKUMncTjtFhDgAliy_Yc8RGyowsBUfGFaO26O95GxcDqvA_MqB5IQ4pFvxtQ2MPxrW-qA6AJSvPh0fCK7whnXKkMyWOCiyt_RyLtiFvrtr/s4032/20230211-IMG_8978.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAWop4vJse0mnnrbbqTBn4iaOGeX_-gq5pOBSwQ9t-uqRNZ5yr4pc-XhvIMMxlEFxXYwnv0WwVvR1bQBKUMncTjtFhDgAliy_Yc8RGyowsBUfGFaO26O95GxcDqvA_MqB5IQ4pFvxtQ2MPxrW-qA6AJSvPh0fCK7whnXKkMyWOCiyt_RyLtiFvrtr/w640-h480/20230211-IMG_8978.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nup, that route was a dead end!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaR8VoKLoWz_Z9cpv3b658kYjmhYPopPq3WY8YNz6fGTZYij73zgaa8LXF0683mO-6mZca5xa9rVo8TzXPUcyaS1DgVbtv32l_fukXXZak3ZoC0SxY0TkCzKr7eu2QqtPq3EbphUxuTnH6vIaV_0bH86ChrOoZjGL7MFUJOTqz_WzY7nFCtCJJkQS/s4032/20230211-IMG_8980.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaR8VoKLoWz_Z9cpv3b658kYjmhYPopPq3WY8YNz6fGTZYij73zgaa8LXF0683mO-6mZca5xa9rVo8TzXPUcyaS1DgVbtv32l_fukXXZak3ZoC0SxY0TkCzKr7eu2QqtPq3EbphUxuTnH6vIaV_0bH86ChrOoZjGL7MFUJOTqz_WzY7nFCtCJJkQS/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8980.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edelweiss</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeD40CDz2PfLt9DrFY9kDA9KIVpgp980QT382hNVlXoTyUoK2Cfuhhfv0b-PJyVZOdHEx2AUhXV7Yc6TqROkdMB0T9uuCutEMLX__zSq4S--Vkn7REoqmOmuikX7bN83Taxl6ClM1H0jW0tRaNTDaSzzqnmZj-l_FsP5JAAfvMa7YxQFZLB3SwwcK/s4032/20230211-IMG_8982.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeD40CDz2PfLt9DrFY9kDA9KIVpgp980QT382hNVlXoTyUoK2Cfuhhfv0b-PJyVZOdHEx2AUhXV7Yc6TqROkdMB0T9uuCutEMLX__zSq4S--Vkn7REoqmOmuikX7bN83Taxl6ClM1H0jW0tRaNTDaSzzqnmZj-l_FsP5JAAfvMa7YxQFZLB3SwwcK/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8982.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtmkTj_ajVjoRdljkgHIzpba78flaHmkkNl-XJs0M13mpa6UTEH1Qox-BLLqyYT8R_CPfJd9u0eLFTKq7YKNLEUk8t0-P3VIznsU-LVeZ9RftZMcBuV3Y5kc0jsSp7xH9BXJvaCzNZ6oPflCmUqW9FKA-ypVsMWSxEyBcDXlHAtIJAuTmX4C_0GNV/s4032/20230211-IMG_8983.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtmkTj_ajVjoRdljkgHIzpba78flaHmkkNl-XJs0M13mpa6UTEH1Qox-BLLqyYT8R_CPfJd9u0eLFTKq7YKNLEUk8t0-P3VIznsU-LVeZ9RftZMcBuV3Y5kc0jsSp7xH9BXJvaCzNZ6oPflCmUqW9FKA-ypVsMWSxEyBcDXlHAtIJAuTmX4C_0GNV/w480-h640/20230211-IMG_8983.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The second evening was much more pleasant, and we all stayed outside sitting on the rocks and watching the sun disappear behind the peaks. Then the temperature began to plummet and another early night was had. I slept better, and was much warmer.<p></p><p>A wind came up in the early morning, so we all had dry tents to pack up for our return hike out. We left around 8am, back around to the outlet crossing and then down the green gulch, over the rock crux and down to the Valley of the Trolls. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Adju-evBAnL3kPr3QqwaikWyB8p64giS6w4eBazb41WoFf9KP6CXEljTSj0j-JNeIaa36LMGyADnxJp_QjNm1SkwZygTXMWZNJyBqxU60wuY1Bu8AOO8ag59f5U65CWorUrhz2xnegdSTzRVFP60AWokHq35TriYvkolGAvaU2hbjrp0pcx8RpiO/s4032/20230212-IMG_8985.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Adju-evBAnL3kPr3QqwaikWyB8p64giS6w4eBazb41WoFf9KP6CXEljTSj0j-JNeIaa36LMGyADnxJp_QjNm1SkwZygTXMWZNJyBqxU60wuY1Bu8AOO8ag59f5U65CWorUrhz2xnegdSTzRVFP60AWokHq35TriYvkolGAvaU2hbjrp0pcx8RpiO/w480-h640/20230212-IMG_8985.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading off from the campsite to cross at the outlet</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7r2U46z1_kBJAb7CQYEZwAgJmeh7kuwdGfyRYC2hvgkFDC4hYqbILXA9szXsYZ10lHkp6n4RDsNgz40Fp6DbKauD3G9lIHNBZ9TEXTpXDcBZl7BEXibvrTTCZdxI0BHXW-OYHN-yaQ_a83yaULjbWzqdrWGWN3mpbxyaXHoU3vPRCcsKnnQI6HOa/s4032/20230212-IMG_8986.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7r2U46z1_kBJAb7CQYEZwAgJmeh7kuwdGfyRYC2hvgkFDC4hYqbILXA9szXsYZ10lHkp6n4RDsNgz40Fp6DbKauD3G9lIHNBZ9TEXTpXDcBZl7BEXibvrTTCZdxI0BHXW-OYHN-yaQ_a83yaULjbWzqdrWGWN3mpbxyaXHoU3vPRCcsKnnQI6HOa/w480-h640/20230212-IMG_8986.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the start of the climb down</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTsXwkmYY39aeVlykoBTO3wtrYxSK1zSKVbXQE1bEQ7zHFJZnQlF2ynqkyASlINMszdZDxQI-wxh7ruVrzlcnm5JXsQJlGsfIKujylG5XQZtlINB4V5TWOA9vwpbtB-wbcaDmo7yO-KxoIHPTGRf5vhqdMuibuwvsaNoDzuJkxPXwiZF0GHZqiJyM/s4032/20230212-IMG_8987.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTsXwkmYY39aeVlykoBTO3wtrYxSK1zSKVbXQE1bEQ7zHFJZnQlF2ynqkyASlINMszdZDxQI-wxh7ruVrzlcnm5JXsQJlGsfIKujylG5XQZtlINB4V5TWOA9vwpbtB-wbcaDmo7yO-KxoIHPTGRf5vhqdMuibuwvsaNoDzuJkxPXwiZF0GHZqiJyM/w640-h480/20230212-IMG_8987.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3q8lY9RTnn3hHRXnPlFDhGQPFDfM_dhraYbhN2AuFNcOidcca7-_g0ZDhehIHcfsLacryGK_n0NCqovTulVROqdaYprACOKnIkeQdBhHmaf_t5jShas_ZC19fsN7UE_Z51MHXe-H2VD1LKIxZLRVYKzyhp3no5cGaHVSnjGYUj0dfeGYYnLh15ik/s4032/20230212-IMG_8991.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3q8lY9RTnn3hHRXnPlFDhGQPFDfM_dhraYbhN2AuFNcOidcca7-_g0ZDhehIHcfsLacryGK_n0NCqovTulVROqdaYprACOKnIkeQdBhHmaf_t5jShas_ZC19fsN7UE_Z51MHXe-H2VD1LKIxZLRVYKzyhp3no5cGaHVSnjGYUj0dfeGYYnLh15ik/w480-h640/20230212-IMG_8991.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost at the bottom</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Best of all, we saw a <a href="https://vimeo.com/802217525/fc4ec86cbe" target="_blank">rock wren</a>! Click the link to see some video of this elusive alpine bird.<div><br /><div>There was a lot of traffic to and from Lake Wilson. Aside from our 8 tents there was at least another 5-6 other parties both nights, though they all camped elsewhere. I hope everyone was packing their shit out like we were!!<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCSQ_XibhNX7xdJShNBPjt78NjjNSolX_5cG7i_hM0u-LO0RQYOW3u-OtjnDnDVt6QTzdZrj6oVhiD5woVrqhrhsPehBmFcKPmxXahDAmtYKnIsDVXfFbCBbZdJLOfRSpY208BN6MTsDPL_iuyQUpdFVjNYhYtGdGIUXW3rkg-vcdSpv8oSN5ZEwH/s4032/20230212-IMG_8992.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCSQ_XibhNX7xdJShNBPjt78NjjNSolX_5cG7i_hM0u-LO0RQYOW3u-OtjnDnDVt6QTzdZrj6oVhiD5woVrqhrhsPehBmFcKPmxXahDAmtYKnIsDVXfFbCBbZdJLOfRSpY208BN6MTsDPL_iuyQUpdFVjNYhYtGdGIUXW3rkg-vcdSpv8oSN5ZEwH/w480-h640/20230212-IMG_8992.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiIg_CD2dLgNhOYwSZ2Qn-08sOPwdpoKn5nSgYop_rTABnWeoFcr6OTwdsV_nyjrgGG3tKJi91905RzDdjj9uiKD_1Ido4kNwK47mpseX9TtJghFN4wd3b7OlNlRFEa8_KbpCPQEVnyjOljC7KLLxJwaLQiO43kCRZ5hEThCm_9ORRuXhSrLz0896/s4032/20230212-IMG_8995.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiIg_CD2dLgNhOYwSZ2Qn-08sOPwdpoKn5nSgYop_rTABnWeoFcr6OTwdsV_nyjrgGG3tKJi91905RzDdjj9uiKD_1Ido4kNwK47mpseX9TtJghFN4wd3b7OlNlRFEa8_KbpCPQEVnyjOljC7KLLxJwaLQiO43kCRZ5hEThCm_9ORRuXhSrLz0896/w480-h640/20230212-IMG_8995.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Back through the Valley of the Trolls and back on the Routeburn Highway we strolled down to Routeburn Falls Hut for lunch. There was one guy at the hut towing a wheeled bag!!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9IULuPrnqc33b15Vukpql4q3BO9ic0U_5nc5kqmlnH6S4BGoiNjBlKgla84BEHD_BWy8LG1x4bUPpz1rqSnbmj2t5rwuP8p2UHiIR-On733ZOmTueNR07Og4NJai-8BGDr0KHdE4QeFslJyFuHUpyz6cXZJK4giv8SfJQDj5cRwSH89PeFtqUOIO/s4032/20230212-IMG_8996.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9IULuPrnqc33b15Vukpql4q3BO9ic0U_5nc5kqmlnH6S4BGoiNjBlKgla84BEHD_BWy8LG1x4bUPpz1rqSnbmj2t5rwuP8p2UHiIR-On733ZOmTueNR07Og4NJai-8BGDr0KHdE4QeFslJyFuHUpyz6cXZJK4giv8SfJQDj5cRwSH89PeFtqUOIO/w640-h480/20230212-IMG_8996.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0w0aA_9ep_sMmAFjSktUasTDeb_291jsNB8srakVfm4YZ8xgGVNTWQoTdPP7yY1M6Y875Lw78AhipS7U34zNPVy4XdtxJv-Gu_w9cTvF1oRItLj5ERKdyGDJBz6N8E9i3xnT_0juYlDGHE_OCwOtMxvi44dy1j1cDn97538aKufjLs31zLZuYaAM/s4032/20230212-IMG_8999.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0w0aA_9ep_sMmAFjSktUasTDeb_291jsNB8srakVfm4YZ8xgGVNTWQoTdPP7yY1M6Y875Lw78AhipS7U34zNPVy4XdtxJv-Gu_w9cTvF1oRItLj5ERKdyGDJBz6N8E9i3xnT_0juYlDGHE_OCwOtMxvi44dy1j1cDn97538aKufjLs31zLZuYaAM/w640-h480/20230212-IMG_8999.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKm4Y8BNcSFI9uxI8A5gyBIq0Vwvt5per8HNkMlMRtBrqW7nXnQbG9Wy853LJJZBqshgH7qz_uuSJxZs9eVIfH5ww0ttEAejR1lA7rJy_bia2WQu4tVc3fdJg-q3SFvOCQeEha8DAQOnzcaERExBLG8c1bLDvwrnKCjay4kXie7IeArkXyGgd8Md0/s4032/20230212-IMG_9001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKm4Y8BNcSFI9uxI8A5gyBIq0Vwvt5per8HNkMlMRtBrqW7nXnQbG9Wy853LJJZBqshgH7qz_uuSJxZs9eVIfH5ww0ttEAejR1lA7rJy_bia2WQu4tVc3fdJg-q3SFvOCQeEha8DAQOnzcaERExBLG8c1bLDvwrnKCjay4kXie7IeArkXyGgd8Md0/w640-h480/20230212-IMG_9001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebTk_ZCaqdTFiEyQePRqJGzy59Ky2PjYIGgPs1pDcwz2eUYsxmQYHeCThsDBixENTHRySZVhiVfQlKp4W5hh3WqRJuq6zdd4oFPdA9ReJVt58py-1yDxOhilLo7zGpyouV-fYEIaCjfU4W4Lu013Hj_0l1x21K_1EIOnndQB6KV_ZyJyCbxpmtEYa/s4032/20230212-IMG_9002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebTk_ZCaqdTFiEyQePRqJGzy59Ky2PjYIGgPs1pDcwz2eUYsxmQYHeCThsDBixENTHRySZVhiVfQlKp4W5hh3WqRJuq6zdd4oFPdA9ReJVt58py-1yDxOhilLo7zGpyouV-fYEIaCjfU4W4Lu013Hj_0l1x21K_1EIOnndQB6KV_ZyJyCbxpmtEYa/w480-h640/20230212-IMG_9002.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmGpX9Wg8aO1zjuB-WALN6757vlxiLfIYbJliPCqvTS6EYQBzWgiJYqfVGgFrg-EneU020983gGOLhGlieYBx0qWN-1ilbpJoNIcRMMRFvsqph2yh8ZNWdRtH478NDTuvygyTn-Vp6bkw0haAEAO3qD70ceeSlo9WjOb63UsdIuV4tSQ_aZ7rPJ2N/s3620/20230212-IMG_9006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3620" data-original-width="2713" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmGpX9Wg8aO1zjuB-WALN6757vlxiLfIYbJliPCqvTS6EYQBzWgiJYqfVGgFrg-EneU020983gGOLhGlieYBx0qWN-1ilbpJoNIcRMMRFvsqph2yh8ZNWdRtH478NDTuvygyTn-Vp6bkw0haAEAO3qD70ceeSlo9WjOb63UsdIuV4tSQ_aZ7rPJ2N/w480-h640/20230212-IMG_9006.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHCLSaAxegvm6L1CEcfZ_XK_XGXJka9gcUx4bH4ffhaTsRPe5S1cQJdnVr1GYeDQLK6L2nTGCSnSC-cCwzlB-k9GUw017gDhIC0CkPlWmAq9IjqS359rTxI3NA18JxQZA7cf_s3BvcXBur62NpzK9xQRVt3UQNcq-lMx9Cgt8OXHM4h1Zp1WprHuC/s3519/20230212-IMG_9007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3519" data-original-width="2637" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHCLSaAxegvm6L1CEcfZ_XK_XGXJka9gcUx4bH4ffhaTsRPe5S1cQJdnVr1GYeDQLK6L2nTGCSnSC-cCwzlB-k9GUw017gDhIC0CkPlWmAq9IjqS359rTxI3NA18JxQZA7cf_s3BvcXBur62NpzK9xQRVt3UQNcq-lMx9Cgt8OXHM4h1Zp1WprHuC/w480-h640/20230212-IMG_9007.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The final stretch was a downhill stroll back to Routeburn shelter. After what had been a pretty non strenuous trip the final long walk out didn't seem difficult at all. I remember those last few kms on the Lake Nerine trip had seemed to take forever. I still took the opportunity to have a quick wash and soak my feet in the cold river water though.<p></p><p>We stopped again at Mrs Wooley's on our way through Glenorchy before the drive back to Wanaka.</p><p>Now it's time to wash and pack tramping gear for the next section of The Australian Alps Walking Track.</p><p>That's next!</p></div></div>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-13347157402098145492023-02-08T07:33:00.039+08:002023-02-25T11:55:37.641+08:00Oteake overnight bike pack trip<p>The deal with bike packing is it's minimalist. You just can't bring the amount of kit that fits into bike panniers. Streamlining your gear allows for the bike to tackle tougher terrain, but once you add full camping gear, food and a change of clothes you are pushing it with capacity.</p><p>Because I have a small bike frame I am limited to smaller volume bags so that there is enough clearance for the bike tyres. I have to be very careful when loading both the handlebar roll and the saddle bag that everything is tight and rigid, and clears the tyres.</p><p>I've put cages on the front forks, but I found on the <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2023/01/mavora-bikepacking.html" target="_blank">Mavora trip</a> that the bike could benefit from a bit more weight on the back wheel for better handling. Overloading the front forks can lead to them breaking, which means there are limits to how much you can carry up front.</p><p>I decided to purchase the <a href="https://aeroe.com/products/spider-rear-rack" target="_blank">Aero Spider rack</a>. This attaches directly to the rear seat stay and gives me the option to attach some more dry bags in a number of different configurations. It's also transferable to any bike, which makes the upfront price more palatable.</p><p>Since I was only planning an overnighter I packed the chair and tent into a dry bag on the rear rack, sleeping bag and mattress in the front handlebar roll, food, water and a few sundries in the frame bag, tools in a small bag on the top tube, clothes and cooker in the saddlebag. For the first time I still had some redundancy. I didn't need the front cages, and I could have put a second bag on the other side of the rack. This means I now have enough packing space for a longer trip.</p><p>I drove out to St Bathans and then up the Hawkdun Run road to Homestead DOC campsite. I parked the car there and headed off on the walking track to join up with the main 4WD track heading up the Manuherika. It was a perfectly good track to ride, though I walked across the creek crossings, and up the small hill, and across the tussock to the main track....</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlxGyIbKAgA-lV3-QqN5EiJMD3rcK0hPJYy5YQrXr2tK5_ejr9oZNXWNmk8kT1E2wtXvSY1_A9H6lgtygRcoYs1yWIYrcUD5FQbUzaGVGz6v-Yh-tow54vyuN9MvwM-8hHtNeFqpxHaVtJNKZzepOUYvpEvBKaKuQ1oksWa106afgOJcPqskasC7C/s4032/20230207-IMG_8852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlxGyIbKAgA-lV3-QqN5EiJMD3rcK0hPJYy5YQrXr2tK5_ejr9oZNXWNmk8kT1E2wtXvSY1_A9H6lgtygRcoYs1yWIYrcUD5FQbUzaGVGz6v-Yh-tow54vyuN9MvwM-8hHtNeFqpxHaVtJNKZzepOUYvpEvBKaKuQ1oksWa106afgOJcPqskasC7C/w640-h480/20230207-IMG_8852.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homestead DOC campsite shelter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSpGtWYSr3R1kaU2itm1LK_tkg5yeC80OnPw8ZdTC6rbH_CLMLrZ89cKGXH2eVsura5mOghF4bOd039kZGvDcV8-Ie-39cKwN0-8iRz4RgtTzHIUlAxLlSnLJtaGhvwmgmeS-f4jqh9jK5eZ8reaMPPgT4_dXIaDvhhvfG-tN6oI43-FDdsIUBnsf/s4032/20230207-IMG_8853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSpGtWYSr3R1kaU2itm1LK_tkg5yeC80OnPw8ZdTC6rbH_CLMLrZ89cKGXH2eVsura5mOghF4bOd039kZGvDcV8-Ie-39cKwN0-8iRz4RgtTzHIUlAxLlSnLJtaGhvwmgmeS-f4jqh9jK5eZ8reaMPPgT4_dXIaDvhhvfG-tN6oI43-FDdsIUBnsf/w480-h640/20230207-IMG_8853.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packed and ready to go</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once on the main track I made good time. It was a very gentle gradient heading upriver, and the track, although rocky in places, was in much better condition than the Mavora Lakes track. At the fork I headed left, up the west branch to Boundary Creek Hut. I got there early afternoon and decided not to push on to Top Hut as there was a vicious headwind that I didn't fancy continuing riding into.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvE0vAvzYXvfEpzCfVw-MPb7crZTUmMa3sWKKasgwYTvcT8GPokzcz1zj50has8O9VAc0Lz_Ka3O4Ag9lwGXUevf5KOzHqMnF4nSqfVm2Rs-6lFMcgmUjMBDbxxCq2-DPUsbDP227jNyVfnHoLndhAIm-SfSbkJnxRdEzWpViTBjyBhZyfUcBzBbbG/s4032/20230207-IMG_8854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvE0vAvzYXvfEpzCfVw-MPb7crZTUmMa3sWKKasgwYTvcT8GPokzcz1zj50has8O9VAc0Lz_Ka3O4Ag9lwGXUevf5KOzHqMnF4nSqfVm2Rs-6lFMcgmUjMBDbxxCq2-DPUsbDP227jNyVfnHoLndhAIm-SfSbkJnxRdEzWpViTBjyBhZyfUcBzBbbG/w480-h640/20230207-IMG_8854.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you can appreciate the much narrower profile with bike packing vs panniers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jWqu55t6qa7gcnC3c4qMmBOCxevCkJ7CyMKlKRBnLor-jfRDSan-yMR0grwCW9HAzJpzotTQgCmxswPX9-X0Wb_iBaUGEE-_SV97bpBr4jJ0BtbJ9neuzN2VaWzl4NG7AzPWecvOHM7Njqdq5vSMqxBv49Y7NhmsGPwaQh1iMDRuUdwrYVvU4Aq_/s4032/20230207-IMG_8855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jWqu55t6qa7gcnC3c4qMmBOCxevCkJ7CyMKlKRBnLor-jfRDSan-yMR0grwCW9HAzJpzotTQgCmxswPX9-X0Wb_iBaUGEE-_SV97bpBr4jJ0BtbJ9neuzN2VaWzl4NG7AzPWecvOHM7Njqdq5vSMqxBv49Y7NhmsGPwaQh1iMDRuUdwrYVvU4Aq_/w640-h480/20230207-IMG_8855.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqRWtOayWwD_rPujxTiSwIv1hH2e84qGqE5zvPXTu5fm3b4Bu9esgaFXJLWKBpBo_i-Fx8GWCUu0zG6i0VqgfkbRmsxWbdB6YmjaXhhuVrj4QsjAncJTmUz5L_IR2WpU5oXDqOhGiBGq5LzENCjus8l_SIYLgAFVgkkJLxyQ81AGKKpNJWtZXfQd1/s3565/20230207-IMG_8856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3565" data-original-width="2675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqRWtOayWwD_rPujxTiSwIv1hH2e84qGqE5zvPXTu5fm3b4Bu9esgaFXJLWKBpBo_i-Fx8GWCUu0zG6i0VqgfkbRmsxWbdB6YmjaXhhuVrj4QsjAncJTmUz5L_IR2WpU5oXDqOhGiBGq5LzENCjus8l_SIYLgAFVgkkJLxyQ81AGKKpNJWtZXfQd1/w480-h640/20230207-IMG_8856.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West branch of the Manuherika River</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55MzLZAEV67Zog91E-lazVr-jNvgbDBh_h7nDp-1k75eNeL4SGjWjOnBlL3k2Lh_DMXG8PZblcpQSjAxuJq2640RnGUROlfFfxsy8whiq3KYVQGHZsFpi6EfEE6MsWiQhgNaeV7Mzal_MoIGudKrpiJmN4R0gdvWPqZHPW3YJ6v3wJ3EGa82o1OOm/s4032/20230207-IMG_8858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55MzLZAEV67Zog91E-lazVr-jNvgbDBh_h7nDp-1k75eNeL4SGjWjOnBlL3k2Lh_DMXG8PZblcpQSjAxuJq2640RnGUROlfFfxsy8whiq3KYVQGHZsFpi6EfEE6MsWiQhgNaeV7Mzal_MoIGudKrpiJmN4R0gdvWPqZHPW3YJ6v3wJ3EGa82o1OOm/w480-h640/20230207-IMG_8858.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5i16uJCi335dzfvVhXeotlaNEJZLfDY49Bnt_YXP5KRZnjaHQhbGiIzoDZcMr9MIVOZ0fdKCaV72zsom7680LIk_BsgiY6jHUmFXl8OtXoQDnUfnFvFDRI0Ep6RTwSabS2b0FCAyYgPJ3ZRTggKJYgHI7Md11h2UvDvJWT7lZA5xoNz0jYFQXw6C4/s4032/20230207-IMG_8859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5i16uJCi335dzfvVhXeotlaNEJZLfDY49Bnt_YXP5KRZnjaHQhbGiIzoDZcMr9MIVOZ0fdKCaV72zsom7680LIk_BsgiY6jHUmFXl8OtXoQDnUfnFvFDRI0Ep6RTwSabS2b0FCAyYgPJ3ZRTggKJYgHI7Md11h2UvDvJWT7lZA5xoNz0jYFQXw6C4/w640-h480/20230207-IMG_8859.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR1UjjM8FbdjYWZj7bhDEczuLIW-1-Mx5El31p3t_DkZ1fpcuAG8ly76tRCNLCRwvPxzHpoVNlcKjWGaQvx_oM_c-3NWO3iGjD2Kpv9Fn9v-ilZLZiI2IL1TbjSMAzgFAmxUwKicSvFfsaMzQSRjIBWYnnRuqcGggV_c7AdwUI83tDS5s0YZONMVz/s4032/20230207-IMG_8860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR1UjjM8FbdjYWZj7bhDEczuLIW-1-Mx5El31p3t_DkZ1fpcuAG8ly76tRCNLCRwvPxzHpoVNlcKjWGaQvx_oM_c-3NWO3iGjD2Kpv9Fn9v-ilZLZiI2IL1TbjSMAzgFAmxUwKicSvFfsaMzQSRjIBWYnnRuqcGggV_c7AdwUI83tDS5s0YZONMVz/w480-h640/20230207-IMG_8860.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yet another scenic crossing, good lunch stop</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5_5Elxg4Ku_-qgUvhfnrg0JWprMtDbkm34s7beXrLl0TXeMF-p2BPIGYfVBy260nFgszOaMzFxzmtRfVkgM65sTqzCbSdTS3ijxhhLTSV7Xk_-o-rnw9QyDobm4va7FyJzGa5a5y3DVpPMx0fxZoBiDQsZpBuBL8Plkf8BXtz3vrvYK6eLf5yIoW/s4032/20230207-IMG_8861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5_5Elxg4Ku_-qgUvhfnrg0JWprMtDbkm34s7beXrLl0TXeMF-p2BPIGYfVBy260nFgszOaMzFxzmtRfVkgM65sTqzCbSdTS3ijxhhLTSV7Xk_-o-rnw9QyDobm4va7FyJzGa5a5y3DVpPMx0fxZoBiDQsZpBuBL8Plkf8BXtz3vrvYK6eLf5yIoW/w640-h480/20230207-IMG_8861.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boundary Creek Hut, shelter from the wind</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A chap with his dog popped in, awaiting a helicopter pickup. He and a team were part of a pest eradication team looking for wallabies. The Oteake Conservation Park hasn't had a wallaby incursion until now, so they are hoping to reduce their numbers. So far he hadn't seen any.<p></p><p>I spent the afternoon reading, had dinner and an early night. Just on dark a chap from Dunedin drove up in his 4WD. We had a short chat and then he claimed a bunk and went to sleep too.</p><p>The next morning I found my rear tyre to be flat. This seems like a recurring nightmare. I couldn't find the source of the leak this time either, so pumped up the tyre, packed up and headed back down the west Manuherika. It was an easy ride as it was all downhill!</p><p>I stopped at one of the river crossings to see if I could find the leak. I couldn't. The tyre hadn't deflated much either, so I just kept trucking...</p><p>I had accidentally lost my wallet the day before, but I found it again at my lunch stop (the only time I had opened that bag en route) so when I came to the forks I headed up the east branch of the Manuherika, because there were a couple of huts to bag up this valley as well.</p><p>The East Manuherika is a wider valley than the West, and the road was much smoother to ride. More sandy than rocky. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3tKQ5Ft0lF58IIuT3trLQvGIvOOuWs_DMzhDzfcznvMZYsvNAI5xqHjqEnnOnAGdtCPNhNGZcqyyAmrdsiXK_9Lma1avy9qSE3BCOX5diZWd5Ue_CKYfknMKZx4RCMS6RVOgLQuYJiC1chyxHVrAaHzfovFn7IOTzE5n7fMRQK-Y-eCxNagq9m0x/s4032/20230208-IMG_8863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3tKQ5Ft0lF58IIuT3trLQvGIvOOuWs_DMzhDzfcznvMZYsvNAI5xqHjqEnnOnAGdtCPNhNGZcqyyAmrdsiXK_9Lma1avy9qSE3BCOX5diZWd5Ue_CKYfknMKZx4RCMS6RVOgLQuYJiC1chyxHVrAaHzfovFn7IOTzE5n7fMRQK-Y-eCxNagq9m0x/w640-h480/20230208-IMG_8863.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up the East Branch of Manuherika River</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I left the bike behind some bushes just off the track and walked up to visit a private hut hidden behind a small hill then returned to the bike. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA85qowAbFBsZkwaCS_CI0Vvg0isjMnZKzhsxxUqfjm1aB7Xfsx5RPvw32ZSdNYMS6uwBreVaCqAykUbHYGL_dmQkBGRotAeH7z6CAU7TBz0ixfktv1W1-SxPzV73UPZe0nKLUMn1bUPuc4ElUKv_F2EVY_Mi_LPpiqjhRR2kNVdiqx_-tRohENMco/s4032/20230208-IMG_8864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA85qowAbFBsZkwaCS_CI0Vvg0isjMnZKzhsxxUqfjm1aB7Xfsx5RPvw32ZSdNYMS6uwBreVaCqAykUbHYGL_dmQkBGRotAeH7z6CAU7TBz0ixfktv1W1-SxPzV73UPZe0nKLUMn1bUPuc4ElUKv_F2EVY_Mi_LPpiqjhRR2kNVdiqx_-tRohENMco/w640-h480/20230208-IMG_8864.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />A large tagalong 4WD group were also heading down valley on a six day trip from Blenheim. They did the gates so I didn't have to!<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ehSlBXyhf1_O7x9awE88Mo3cdJD_fsZkGotdo4-RI9JGW8lxfN4dmUOxaAM_J-Qvte98WYPptksn2nlh8PzIIveYmDp0gckAE3dPKjIaaZfmc2jTA6_8VJk1Yh-iWIkypPGxqKqkbGBzyICZT8qY1VhedMC_ws0W-a902_oAiBWvnMoEeSSr2mCH/s4032/20230208-IMG_8865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ehSlBXyhf1_O7x9awE88Mo3cdJD_fsZkGotdo4-RI9JGW8lxfN4dmUOxaAM_J-Qvte98WYPptksn2nlh8PzIIveYmDp0gckAE3dPKjIaaZfmc2jTA6_8VJk1Yh-iWIkypPGxqKqkbGBzyICZT8qY1VhedMC_ws0W-a902_oAiBWvnMoEeSSr2mCH/w640-h480/20230208-IMG_8865.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess it gets windy around here...</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I decided to take the 4WD track back to the campsite but my poor fitness didn't allow me to make it all the way up the hill without having to stop and push. Better than it was, but still a work in progress....</p><p>Another successful bike packing trip. And another puncture. Damn! Tubeless tyres aren't supposed to be this unreliable. Will try to sort this out when I get back from Oz. </p><p>Meanwhile, I have one more tramp to go. That's next.</p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-45262286081161783682023-01-31T20:16:00.030+08:002023-02-25T11:24:35.858+08:00The West Coast is supposed to be wet right?<p>My third annual PRANZ meetup in 3 years! I wasn't supposed to be at this one, but after my accident delayed my plans of heading back to Japan this summer, I signed up to go paddling again. Only problem being that I didn't actually have a fully healed arm. Oh, and there was a serious lack of water in all those west coast rivers....</p><p>Everyone had been so excited about a West Coast venue, because the rivers generally pack a punch. With high rainfall and relatively short valleys compared to the east coast braided rivers they are exciting to run, with many different grades of rapids to choose from.</p><p>However, this summer was the driest on record. Whilst the North Island fielded extreme weather event after another, received record flooding and so many slips, the South Island bathed in sunshine for months on end. Great tramping opportunities, but not so good for a motley crew of pack rafters!</p><p>I'd declined offers to do some paddling with others before the meetup, because my priority was getting tramping fit. The <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2023/01/west-coast-hidden-gem-mataketake-range.html" target="_blank">Moeraki trip</a> was the first time I reached that milestone of feeling joy rather than struggle when tramping. It can only get better from here...</p><p>I did go for a paddle on Lake Mapourika north of Franz Josef though. Just to check for leaks, and to get some very nice views of the mountains from the glassy lake.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYMPbBosxNOOhrmMiX2tfJRqoLljRabL9glbLkVhTmbpJ7a7zOt-W6yNeBztUkuuMiiuiWn0Av6vpP9OsdGAtlpzOX8sRV1Zi61Rkku6uYzMbTlnFnwVid3YT8TeTVxnp7R9EukhMSLSmq7Zs1Y_GKO4y6v5d6qL0Ih6z0SWn7vxnbcuXeR4-bCgg/s4032/20230124-IMG_8812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYMPbBosxNOOhrmMiX2tfJRqoLljRabL9glbLkVhTmbpJ7a7zOt-W6yNeBztUkuuMiiuiWn0Av6vpP9OsdGAtlpzOX8sRV1Zi61Rkku6uYzMbTlnFnwVid3YT8TeTVxnp7R9EukhMSLSmq7Zs1Y_GKO4y6v5d6qL0Ih6z0SWn7vxnbcuXeR4-bCgg/w640-h480/20230124-IMG_8812.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7I8Vipsn_3efSjAUPWNPT5jBCRXs5BTwpowhzDO5wwh-W9XtoTIGu1lKSIREw66ul7QBLs3ywa6yRjv-09EVU8dpwuDN2fSF8GN7sfx5KcQFB9Y-lj1RPaf9Jp3Qr_GZb0CUp-fvvf2Ufx1Liaw8fM034ZpiB2eTziI8MHzIgxmYOlml1SPNaKLq/s4032/20230124-IMG_8811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7I8Vipsn_3efSjAUPWNPT5jBCRXs5BTwpowhzDO5wwh-W9XtoTIGu1lKSIREw66ul7QBLs3ywa6yRjv-09EVU8dpwuDN2fSF8GN7sfx5KcQFB9Y-lj1RPaf9Jp3Qr_GZb0CUp-fvvf2Ufx1Liaw8fM034ZpiB2eTziI8MHzIgxmYOlml1SPNaKLq/w640-h480/20230124-IMG_8811.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I arrived in Reefton a day early, but the venue wasn't yet ready for our crew, so we all mucked in to clean the toilets and prepare the rooms for the 70 odd people attending. We were staying at a community centre which had never hosted such a large group, so the volunteers were struggling a little. Sheralee and Rachel took charge, divided up the chores, and by lunchtime Thursday we were ready for welcoming PRANZ members to the meetup.<p></p><p>In the afternoon we headed down to the Inangahua River for a safety briefing. I needed help to get back into my boat from the water, but I was glad to see I was perfectly capable of performing a buddy rescue. I didn't want to be a liability..</p><p>With my forearm fracture not yet healed I had no intention of going hard at the meetup, planning to only paddle Grade 2 rapids. My biggest concern would be the portages, as walking over slippery river rocks covered in didymo carries a fair risk of falling, and I can't afford that!!</p><p>None of the rivers near Reefton had enough water in them to run, so our options meant long drives and shuttles, and very long days. On the Friday I elected to paddle the Grey River, taking the lower put in at Staircase Creek to avoid the upper grade 3 section from McVicars. By the time we had completed the shuttles and walked in 45 minutes to the put in, most of the paddlers had already paddled the Grade 3 section and were ahead of us!</p><p>The paddle downriver was fairly cruisy, with no particularly exciting rapids. It was slow going and we were all pretty tired from paddling by the time we got to the take out off Waipuna Road. We heard that the upper section had been pretty mellow, Grade 2 at most.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNubZpW45C_-00VuXXn6Z-gjbyOmI0q3dDiwD3v5STPwMPRCCobiG2thtHW8e5itXkmoBA7XbVcx3DJiz0C01lPsaIU2eFBjuoTr-8OW4H9439m2dXK3GTO9FYZ_4fPw7_PDDEhJzpwY5RrYRVBTIfqroVkdQ-uCHGGreyeqwQhKj6c-XK4YIZ6Iz/s4032/20230127-IMG_8831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNubZpW45C_-00VuXXn6Z-gjbyOmI0q3dDiwD3v5STPwMPRCCobiG2thtHW8e5itXkmoBA7XbVcx3DJiz0C01lPsaIU2eFBjuoTr-8OW4H9439m2dXK3GTO9FYZ_4fPw7_PDDEhJzpwY5RrYRVBTIfqroVkdQ-uCHGGreyeqwQhKj6c-XK4YIZ6Iz/w640-h480/20230127-IMG_8831.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKk5UZnGja3Qy951S5YIJOiiamD0x-euFhxNrTjIzBPRdpTK0M3J9h_pKT_mAhKW-o_TDTkfAvyN_h1rq-1NEUH4HybHmFUQt5afQhSKwFMEfEX-X_SQYmEaXbFWCuOSWVQOw0Sp6-FrMgmCk7fIl01cabi9A3w-W-itNWaTRJO3XvylKDx7XoI8Dy/s4032/20230127-IMG_8834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKk5UZnGja3Qy951S5YIJOiiamD0x-euFhxNrTjIzBPRdpTK0M3J9h_pKT_mAhKW-o_TDTkfAvyN_h1rq-1NEUH4HybHmFUQt5afQhSKwFMEfEX-X_SQYmEaXbFWCuOSWVQOw0Sp6-FrMgmCk7fIl01cabi9A3w-W-itNWaTRJO3XvylKDx7XoI8Dy/w480-h640/20230127-IMG_8834.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The Grey River paddling groups were first back to Reefton, the group who paddled the Taipo not too far behind us. But the group who had paddled the Maruia River didn't get back until after 8pm! That caused a few hiccups with the catering!<p></p><p>In the evenings we had some great talks. Friday night we had an excellent presentation from Dean Parker, who not only screened his latest bike rafting video but gave a great demonstration of how you strap your bike to your raft. A few people had brought their bikes, and signed up to do a short section of the Grey again on Saturday, but this time with bikes as well.</p><p>I was thrilled to have a chat with Dean, as his film at the Mountain Film Festival a few years ago was the first time I had seen a packraft, and from then on I was hooked. He was just as thrilled to know he had been my inspiration into the sport.</p><p>Here's a video Dean put together of the meetup. <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sR7oV3w9EOw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p>Saturday a tiny group of three: Stu, John Mackay and I, went and paddled a small section of the Buller. This was advertised as a Grade 1-2 paddle and hadn't had many takers but Stu kindly offered to lead it so the trip went ahead. The put on was near the lime-works, but Rachael had given me completely wrong directions. After spending a good 40 minutes trying to find the put in downstream of the lime-works, involving jumping fences and trying to find a path through impenetrable blackberry bushes, we drove up to the nearby Buller swing bridge and asked there. Turns out the put in was upstream of the lime-works! Once found we drove back to the take out and marked the spot on the river edge by leaving something tied onto a rock, and also GPS tagged it. There's a lot of palaver involved in doing a roadside run when none of us have run it before.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BdsEQ8mot9tC4HX4V1whuQYt_lM7zeF2dCP50zHxXYgms3JAGWp2hzgw5u-2PKJnHqhWSg-ZXysbHXR8mzZd4L81BjJuBKyE5yQiYP6fblX-n4_omn90xzzh41vWCWWEi5gldVSQ9EzYIftZ5_iMGqxNS6E_CYnJP-L31n5BEX-trR5SP-dooSD9/s4032/20230128-IMG_8837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BdsEQ8mot9tC4HX4V1whuQYt_lM7zeF2dCP50zHxXYgms3JAGWp2hzgw5u-2PKJnHqhWSg-ZXysbHXR8mzZd4L81BjJuBKyE5yQiYP6fblX-n4_omn90xzzh41vWCWWEi5gldVSQ9EzYIftZ5_iMGqxNS6E_CYnJP-L31n5BEX-trR5SP-dooSD9/w480-h640/20230128-IMG_8837.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Back at the put in we inflated our rafts, did our safety briefing then hit the river. It was a lovely stretch of narrow gorge with some quite pushy rapids, requiring considerably more attention than yesterday's paddling on the Grey. On the first rapid Stu tipped out! He paid attention after that!<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19DpHOWGZo--chvp8iohBKg3sjuUe3tRu9ubkvH7LipMgQ07NK7HPZTxrONhiGufWl7s82TAuVr-Tn1jXgoZhKR_4Wwis1kMdozv29_efC6HGEjK91C7dngjRw8eQIGqgFLIoS3WZkFZxjAbpMaTFxJsBYbioNy4811SZ6l4wjsoSZlEMIaww3JJK/s4032/20230128-IMG_8838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19DpHOWGZo--chvp8iohBKg3sjuUe3tRu9ubkvH7LipMgQ07NK7HPZTxrONhiGufWl7s82TAuVr-Tn1jXgoZhKR_4Wwis1kMdozv29_efC6HGEjK91C7dngjRw8eQIGqgFLIoS3WZkFZxjAbpMaTFxJsBYbioNy4811SZ6l4wjsoSZlEMIaww3JJK/w480-h640/20230128-IMG_8838.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cruising with a couple of paddling legends</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It only took us an hour to lazily paddle down to the takeout, including some playing on some of the rapids working on eddying in and out and ferry gliding. We had enough time to run it again, but John was giving a talk that evening on his paddling history on makeshift rafts in the 1970s, so he wanted to get back early to prepare. By the time the other groups got back we'd managed to wash and fully dry all our gear!!</p><p>John's evening talk was a hoot. John, after surviving some pretty gnarly descents in a raft made from tying car inner tubes together, went on to be instrumental in saving some NZ wild rivers from being dammed. This weekend was his first time paddling a modern packraft!</p><p>Over the last week my drysuit wrist gaskets had been tearing every time I wore the suit. I'd used some duct tape to stop too much water getting in, but that would be useless in the event of a swim. Sunday the options were limited to the Taipo (much colder water where a swim would be less pleasant) or the Earthquake Rapid on the Buller, which was Grade 3. I decided to run neither and instead head up to Murchison to get my gaskets replaced at the NZ Kayak School. I booked in to the local motor camp, did my laundry and caught up on some much needed sleep.</p><p>Quite a few of the crew turned up at Murchison that evening, with plans to do more paddling in the region. I was still keen to pack in a little more tramping before heading to Australia, so, after picking up my repaired drysuit, I headed back to Wanaka. Via a soak in the hot pools at Maruia Springs and a short visit to Helenski near Lyttleton.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4hu4hL62top_wWW4_I313Ry4a_MAQMdxvYI-QxYKpDc6c7IauO4QbglrTHI2SvDpOJl60vKZwMuqXCJNIj3YeuB3ecysNSpjaFDxwi0svFNzIWrTncSycXge7x53rLXu6kEoqTceQd00QRKMUooosLnNQbYtwHFMwiU2Kz2kPr0jOy6MNKoSUrS9/s4032/20230130-IMG_8841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4hu4hL62top_wWW4_I313Ry4a_MAQMdxvYI-QxYKpDc6c7IauO4QbglrTHI2SvDpOJl60vKZwMuqXCJNIj3YeuB3ecysNSpjaFDxwi0svFNzIWrTncSycXge7x53rLXu6kEoqTceQd00QRKMUooosLnNQbYtwHFMwiU2Kz2kPr0jOy6MNKoSUrS9/w640-h480/20230130-IMG_8841.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the view from Chateau Helenski's deck</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Let's see how many trips I can get in. That's next!</p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-37913607408381190332023-01-24T19:03:00.198+08:002023-02-25T10:30:28.002+08:00West Coast Hidden Gem - Mataketake Range and Moeraki Valley<p>A few years ago I walked the much underrated <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2018/10/an-old-cattle-track-on-west-coast.html" target="_blank">Haast Paringa Cattle Track </a>and was blown away by the healthy birdlife, the slight terror of walking through the <a href="https://www.gns.cri.nz/our-science/land-and-marine-geoscience/our-plate-boundary/alpine-fault/" target="_blank">Alpine Fault</a>, and a close encounter with a young buck. The track is now impassable south of Maori Saddle Hut after a slip at what was already a gnarly crossing of Chasm Creek, but the northern section is now seeing more traffic after a new hut was built up on the Matakitake Range.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbSzSG0WhWFwrOl5l6swT_NFScQnTnl4NFgMDASQU3GoYvkgF1d6aDGLvnJn8TmZ-HP3KsluHr8b-ClekVHsmIFI-dtYOfCKQ-QsX67e1LqHNHYBZ-NKanPaI7gfEbZAkqul9VJRiMfYeAlYdtPIG0FcTJUWIQBabFgLzPCaQ0LQyeI03dpOdDgWL/s5472/181007---045444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbSzSG0WhWFwrOl5l6swT_NFScQnTnl4NFgMDASQU3GoYvkgF1d6aDGLvnJn8TmZ-HP3KsluHr8b-ClekVHsmIFI-dtYOfCKQ-QsX67e1LqHNHYBZ-NKanPaI7gfEbZAkqul9VJRiMfYeAlYdtPIG0FcTJUWIQBabFgLzPCaQ0LQyeI03dpOdDgWL/w640-h426/181007---045444.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the crossing at Chasm Creek 5 years ago, a slip has made it no longer passable. It was scary enough then!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Since I hadn't visited this hut, or the Range, I booked a couple of nights and headed off along the track from the highway to the swing bridge over the river, then along the cattle track. The advertised track times on the DOC signs were incredibly inaccurate, it taking me well less than 3 hours to the Mica Mine track. I also note my walking times were considerably less than when I walked it 5 years ago. Maybe my fitness isn't too bad at all...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJmpEJwgWYY-z4hUO7qiphcxhK08lZXPA7CvmPldvwe8547csiP9zLwOsHrIhEO6EzZCczMAbI2cieZWNjjCH3n3OSiEjbGGbsfYgJLFn9LcoZzO3J1HjY-Ww393zUCy7kPQsW4IpJgBD9sJ_libacjAp1ozqY-xJkC3QnFtXfs2ukji3IWAejcZl/s4032/20230119-IMG_8706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJmpEJwgWYY-z4hUO7qiphcxhK08lZXPA7CvmPldvwe8547csiP9zLwOsHrIhEO6EzZCczMAbI2cieZWNjjCH3n3OSiEjbGGbsfYgJLFn9LcoZzO3J1HjY-Ww393zUCy7kPQsW4IpJgBD9sJ_libacjAp1ozqY-xJkC3QnFtXfs2ukji3IWAejcZl/w480-h640/20230119-IMG_8706.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNLxfuq7W3KzmYP_yUEAj1TmBc8tSJtXaoKhPpkJ2_65Ty0i0TobfC6HUNQu9bsjUP8iMqnnoSWLhrXsgEPopc2Yen_migF7KjE88wwpIzZyBjr3xoRgSkDyG6ruTLnHYypjJI_ujZYivXnR6-mhzWscOcIWabak0LGjqSj3gZnpAi31yqlxn9-Rb/s4032/20230119-IMG_8707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNLxfuq7W3KzmYP_yUEAj1TmBc8tSJtXaoKhPpkJ2_65Ty0i0TobfC6HUNQu9bsjUP8iMqnnoSWLhrXsgEPopc2Yen_migF7KjE88wwpIzZyBjr3xoRgSkDyG6ruTLnHYypjJI_ujZYivXnR6-mhzWscOcIWabak0LGjqSj3gZnpAi31yqlxn9-Rb/w480-h640/20230119-IMG_8707.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vloT1gH8ks6I0htha6amkLAqbQf9yvpW8umTTLOoK2Ux2tIH9govn2Dg6oVanGM8wY0RLi5yBp3D_m_uxV_Ocp6B9en1ySJ-Dh152CSdR0wpinAJq2uYUMyIb_YdeVbJrwsUXPgRFloR9zutXG6KBSYoOG6UWmPK0Kv377hAJNnoMPIDfVwpquZf/s4032/20230119-IMG_8708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vloT1gH8ks6I0htha6amkLAqbQf9yvpW8umTTLOoK2Ux2tIH9govn2Dg6oVanGM8wY0RLi5yBp3D_m_uxV_Ocp6B9en1ySJ-Dh152CSdR0wpinAJq2uYUMyIb_YdeVbJrwsUXPgRFloR9zutXG6KBSYoOG6UWmPK0Kv377hAJNnoMPIDfVwpquZf/w480-h640/20230119-IMG_8708.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs784kSFyuH29W1iYbJHtjApfI1az0b2LKyzc_7AV_-ZTO0BmAad3tnsnbmJ8JikvdSQt1_A3FGQ8T27npsRFtS1NXwvMcOxXY9SF2qU84pp427tQTMBLKeSNj428AqDuTrDBwhya4rZCTcZWXthrEKY-Qv3cesJcnCdbskiQyIZJUsAatsrCN9zLj/s4032/20230119-IMG_8709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs784kSFyuH29W1iYbJHtjApfI1az0b2LKyzc_7AV_-ZTO0BmAad3tnsnbmJ8JikvdSQt1_A3FGQ8T27npsRFtS1NXwvMcOxXY9SF2qU84pp427tQTMBLKeSNj428AqDuTrDBwhya4rZCTcZWXthrEKY-Qv3cesJcnCdbskiQyIZJUsAatsrCN9zLj/w640-h480/20230119-IMG_8709.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really low river levels</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBXHwCMZiSJuWT8yfAEeUwNOmxM6THoiFlyd2j_bZaYZa13FmUR4Q9jmK_-PIORJ_Kw2wbFiOE7tWe2hIXlbgp8CRROc_tE3oSUq_4vvUMaBkmJyGN_LXzttWgBItVSBm_9zv5JM8M9eT1e4DhgbyPg1Pv698uaITD-kqcxUBfhIdaI3gyjoqwT0s/s3561/20230119-IMG_8711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3561" data-original-width="2671" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBXHwCMZiSJuWT8yfAEeUwNOmxM6THoiFlyd2j_bZaYZa13FmUR4Q9jmK_-PIORJ_Kw2wbFiOE7tWe2hIXlbgp8CRROc_tE3oSUq_4vvUMaBkmJyGN_LXzttWgBItVSBm_9zv5JM8M9eT1e4DhgbyPg1Pv698uaITD-kqcxUBfhIdaI3gyjoqwT0s/w480-h640/20230119-IMG_8711.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NUnTzbdUNVBk1TvdDQmwaH0US0tdvD1gG4fKE2KaGUoobG6WmFUJEPim-FsblmaT7hxeWz41Qg5Tk6d01R7haBrJGdwpHTNTuzaSXriA7vgr5zcoxZwU_3pnOvkaaywI6IhOkYUiUNWFnAM4-UlZ4jm8fg2J8dcSj8QzpHcdbNKiGTXMR5oVSS5y/s4032/20230119-IMG_8714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NUnTzbdUNVBk1TvdDQmwaH0US0tdvD1gG4fKE2KaGUoobG6WmFUJEPim-FsblmaT7hxeWz41Qg5Tk6d01R7haBrJGdwpHTNTuzaSXriA7vgr5zcoxZwU_3pnOvkaaywI6IhOkYUiUNWFnAM4-UlZ4jm8fg2J8dcSj8QzpHcdbNKiGTXMR5oVSS5y/w480-h640/20230119-IMG_8714.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mica Mine turnoff. It took me 2 hrs 20 minutes to this sign, not the 4.5 hours advertised</td></tr></tbody></table><br />With the weather looking good I opted to climb the Mica Mine track, which zigzags steadily up until it breaks out above the treeline and takes a much more direct line up a ridge to the tops. The track is well maintained and easy to follow, and once on the tops the marker poles are fairly closely spaced. There's also a well worn footpad that you could probably follow even in a whiteout. Though why would you bother if there's no view...<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtINH3unpwzYHuOX0Qk4MJAiFxJEtSdcCv2xqK_bs2-Iljs2X2bBhukhEv49ZL7vnS8n72AzxyUTZ1229OUJM5cCq-SM-x1cb-jkDrvWfUwR8GAdGtdQvEtaOCwbip57zHZjYZ4X2hrvtp_6Y0d-M2s59MVug_a8fvFnCVlyNBEfszwUoO7OFK_qP/s4032/20230119-IMG_8715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtINH3unpwzYHuOX0Qk4MJAiFxJEtSdcCv2xqK_bs2-Iljs2X2bBhukhEv49ZL7vnS8n72AzxyUTZ1229OUJM5cCq-SM-x1cb-jkDrvWfUwR8GAdGtdQvEtaOCwbip57zHZjYZ4X2hrvtp_6Y0d-M2s59MVug_a8fvFnCVlyNBEfszwUoO7OFK_qP/w480-h640/20230119-IMG_8715.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hut and track is so new it is yet to be marked on topomaps. I took this photo from some trampers' map that I met on their descent of the track.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMkc7itH7mO44zhXrIOaVgDnYroS4bn4gnvYKpbubERzQEqxhxhnotShr2GREUr3dyQBVZ7-jnlGDFL3wdTaAMStza1jQEUqichi6rETS69TJ3hEp_lXhI-k559ShlFrVLD4PzxG4V6XPT26AdhGPwuo4TuGWHYHpMZDaYgmMWmugmwS32tE3DkCX/s4032/20230119-IMG_8716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMkc7itH7mO44zhXrIOaVgDnYroS4bn4gnvYKpbubERzQEqxhxhnotShr2GREUr3dyQBVZ7-jnlGDFL3wdTaAMStza1jQEUqichi6rETS69TJ3hEp_lXhI-k559ShlFrVLD4PzxG4V6XPT26AdhGPwuo4TuGWHYHpMZDaYgmMWmugmwS32tE3DkCX/w640-h480/20230119-IMG_8716.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up to the ridgeline from the edge of the forest</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Luckily for me the views were stupendous. Many of the tarns were dry or much reduced, and the going was pretty straightforward in good visibility. Not a cloud in the sky!!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEucr83BGeG8aHgc1A1mOObV1b5E8QtwV7H_gr3xXQzYyEzix_mr9aa4KaayD0aumffCI1aFItabvijghc8eHCTyqpWGweZSIb-ypqFH9fgSeMkADtxJrmcG2jWVhP0nJ79FYVpJBFewfoGvLClpiarBW47PGe20L0vRq5m2z4D9UBRc5B5IjS5sX/s4032/20230119-IMG_8718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEucr83BGeG8aHgc1A1mOObV1b5E8QtwV7H_gr3xXQzYyEzix_mr9aa4KaayD0aumffCI1aFItabvijghc8eHCTyqpWGweZSIb-ypqFH9fgSeMkADtxJrmcG2jWVhP0nJ79FYVpJBFewfoGvLClpiarBW47PGe20L0vRq5m2z4D9UBRc5B5IjS5sX/w640-h480/20230119-IMG_8718.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking north: Lake Paringa peaking out, Bruce Bay in far background</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDaDGGmekdIe9LtLaNXIVJzFJIvv0l2nxFpKmitwHDYALoJQ5Jigq5sEbheulFDdigbNwNoa7_eImZYKd8uPU8kBdCO0lHzKY79WpKFy4yK6QJGf5ahL4MBIMLwd69ES_ptbEYAYTyvrB7aHT9PMD875Wk-rU7CeU-KHkOjTwIhx9DRP9KPceWEeT/s4032/20230119-IMG_8719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDaDGGmekdIe9LtLaNXIVJzFJIvv0l2nxFpKmitwHDYALoJQ5Jigq5sEbheulFDdigbNwNoa7_eImZYKd8uPU8kBdCO0lHzKY79WpKFy4yK6QJGf5ahL4MBIMLwd69ES_ptbEYAYTyvrB7aHT9PMD875Wk-rU7CeU-KHkOjTwIhx9DRP9KPceWEeT/w640-h480/20230119-IMG_8719.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild West coast</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8AXcVYPZZgcrKE6OFzwlys-r_Eh0dY4uBXDWXiDucn8QIKspRfBzLzQK1Bgwve0xFioA3Ia7oSGrc0SueMNiRjHE3wIPi9hJKzdmgNP-9VDds2naWYT8xStA2flgkZuEJv-kz_ZjTHXb79roRBED4BCxNG17nJGGc1aY--0haU_WXXvyacTqA92i/s4032/20230119-IMG_8720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8AXcVYPZZgcrKE6OFzwlys-r_Eh0dY4uBXDWXiDucn8QIKspRfBzLzQK1Bgwve0xFioA3Ia7oSGrc0SueMNiRjHE3wIPi9hJKzdmgNP-9VDds2naWYT8xStA2flgkZuEJv-kz_ZjTHXb79roRBED4BCxNG17nJGGc1aY--0haU_WXXvyacTqA92i/w640-h480/20230119-IMG_8720.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking inland up the Moeraki Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E9JYoi6yQVASqBGduoL2usFqyoHuEbW9Azw5BATWYWJBjffmIgcfYZk2LcPFGpXiogdKjua0OhXnHxDWzxH_CKVR0NQuCWC91cgFKLftHk8uL3rgEs7b8UXhPxvoRUNY6ETzfITBBEVRZbW_Do6Nana8FLVtNDwPTdxWfQdqgG3-yoiWIEDNO7aT/s4032/20230119-IMG_8721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E9JYoi6yQVASqBGduoL2usFqyoHuEbW9Azw5BATWYWJBjffmIgcfYZk2LcPFGpXiogdKjua0OhXnHxDWzxH_CKVR0NQuCWC91cgFKLftHk8uL3rgEs7b8UXhPxvoRUNY6ETzfITBBEVRZbW_Do6Nana8FLVtNDwPTdxWfQdqgG3-yoiWIEDNO7aT/w640-h480/20230119-IMG_8721.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east across the Thomas Range</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNkFK39A6qH1oyUeq4BteZKFUouD297HWSwPQDtL285con_IzXnjnxJlcDbp6tI3C4WDTgm70iPK6eMT-Cql7MS30T9RBhs99S1ObtAy_wB8tAjnwQF0D2NknHfbj6vNLoNvclQS4HQAmBCoLn_FMOhhAL0szE-5LFOZByHAGhwxzM-C9oP_W3k_e/s4032/20230119-IMG_8722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNkFK39A6qH1oyUeq4BteZKFUouD297HWSwPQDtL285con_IzXnjnxJlcDbp6tI3C4WDTgm70iPK6eMT-Cql7MS30T9RBhs99S1ObtAy_wB8tAjnwQF0D2NknHfbj6vNLoNvclQS4HQAmBCoLn_FMOhhAL0szE-5LFOZByHAGhwxzM-C9oP_W3k_e/w480-h640/20230119-IMG_8722.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5yWbFpZF9sdfGRVf3YmP6pvakJZnvDUbdDJPqEqU0rtvRQrtZI1y3FPil6IVjxO0NXfrNIfL-2ab8z9erEKaxmxP5yGycy840bDHIyWC3sYrrJIx42irWSXg9_INcxieVl4Y4TXfQzLNbRbdf9rIYkAKfJkPBYf4Aw6ZtYyzAFut4n2z09DuZBKU/s4032/20230119-IMG_8724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5yWbFpZF9sdfGRVf3YmP6pvakJZnvDUbdDJPqEqU0rtvRQrtZI1y3FPil6IVjxO0NXfrNIfL-2ab8z9erEKaxmxP5yGycy840bDHIyWC3sYrrJIx42irWSXg9_INcxieVl4Y4TXfQzLNbRbdf9rIYkAKfJkPBYf4Aw6ZtYyzAFut4n2z09DuZBKU/w640-h480/20230119-IMG_8724.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some tarns had dried up completely</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8DLbxwX42VcRHzoQhxYw5E62pO-5sregdOBqwI5HmilwJ8rrJUbGJ8itRNZOnuE-gx4lubIJ3D20rNf1C7XA-pm98EW35a-H33H0IgxnPRcrb-eswehCK6_v0IuOLiOP0_bYTTrHHMQxR__C6fr9Qn6Mvtk1vji6X1KWZEnz885iF9Ly7jEZGKwA/s4032/20230119-IMG_8725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8DLbxwX42VcRHzoQhxYw5E62pO-5sregdOBqwI5HmilwJ8rrJUbGJ8itRNZOnuE-gx4lubIJ3D20rNf1C7XA-pm98EW35a-H33H0IgxnPRcrb-eswehCK6_v0IuOLiOP0_bYTTrHHMQxR__C6fr9Qn6Mvtk1vji6X1KWZEnz885iF9Ly7jEZGKwA/w480-h640/20230119-IMG_8725.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine daisies</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglw-8nWmske249f8JbIZIrmtqjPzxQJ3sKyjlWzkfHS1Z9ZcXE0Y5qjSmoVXW7o9VtT6t8Ie2kZtpJFKEJ4i1kSvznNieHwLgOOS-C-tuWaYVYbhLEogBTsKALiQi7WOHL9kJ0CcUiVC3QaN7Q3wF8Z7QWlvz5MdwVKqDZMnZEdr6K05L_9JLrmVTO/s4032/20230119-IMG_8726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglw-8nWmske249f8JbIZIrmtqjPzxQJ3sKyjlWzkfHS1Z9ZcXE0Y5qjSmoVXW7o9VtT6t8Ie2kZtpJFKEJ4i1kSvznNieHwLgOOS-C-tuWaYVYbhLEogBTsKALiQi7WOHL9kJ0CcUiVC3QaN7Q3wF8Z7QWlvz5MdwVKqDZMnZEdr6K05L_9JLrmVTO/w640-h480/20230119-IMG_8726.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEJVKogRLqRJs8fs-wDaAYN0-j-rKPPF5VaR2yCKwuEGr1GI9PirjXcbbT2NMHzskFXmbgSG3pPoh_OHTzaiViNwWAxQLYog4S_jzm_dNsmQNrCJRY4Ggu9_0jGREBqfupi1mtI1WNtqJxRVw5XuaDZPWQSqqP5f8LRBba9di224tDzFwo_HsO3DA/s4032/20230119-IMG_8728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEJVKogRLqRJs8fs-wDaAYN0-j-rKPPF5VaR2yCKwuEGr1GI9PirjXcbbT2NMHzskFXmbgSG3pPoh_OHTzaiViNwWAxQLYog4S_jzm_dNsmQNrCJRY4Ggu9_0jGREBqfupi1mtI1WNtqJxRVw5XuaDZPWQSqqP5f8LRBba9di224tDzFwo_HsO3DA/w640-h480/20230119-IMG_8728.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can you see the marker pole?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBH_OeAdifnU77tmb7Gay8zieLFI7QJR0ZzPHu0s9Wl8qF1PnYw-hqBEiGtvlXnDDxqHw9NZwBOKbJDceUZYZ8v-FE06kV0sR4AhJMJhdv4ON0RAlBv-QFAmvK4VerScahIIczp8lxwOF8dyoR2Ny6uxdkAmoc0cxFFYW7Gw6Ul60e3hQN2MLF0l0M/s4032/20230119-IMG_8730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBH_OeAdifnU77tmb7Gay8zieLFI7QJR0ZzPHu0s9Wl8qF1PnYw-hqBEiGtvlXnDDxqHw9NZwBOKbJDceUZYZ8v-FE06kV0sR4AhJMJhdv4ON0RAlBv-QFAmvK4VerScahIIczp8lxwOF8dyoR2Ny6uxdkAmoc0cxFFYW7Gw6Ul60e3hQN2MLF0l0M/w480-h640/20230119-IMG_8730.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spy.... a hut!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Mataketake Hut sits facing the west coast, but nestled behind Pt 1292 such that the sun drops behind the hill before sunset. There's a nearby tarn for a swim, but the temperature had dropped so I wasn't tempted. Late in the day a couple arrived, having also walked along the tops.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwv7wy8gfgP3N0ryBiRgL6Ib8iqR9AXZE4w9Ci0iy-GETX-kaYTtpV8HXVFp8sht9KRfuTQo8nlWcwjnokE9xFp_vWEj4ChGddHHHUHUmJPghCA66oef-93OxEsD0ikS-J2G_HbnVWYK9qqC8qC553LlXNwZwvzoAEncxq4xj_F0xoLoOuPhE6XRf/s4032/20230119-IMG_8732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwv7wy8gfgP3N0ryBiRgL6Ib8iqR9AXZE4w9Ci0iy-GETX-kaYTtpV8HXVFp8sht9KRfuTQo8nlWcwjnokE9xFp_vWEj4ChGddHHHUHUmJPghCA66oef-93OxEsD0ikS-J2G_HbnVWYK9qqC8qC553LlXNwZwvzoAEncxq4xj_F0xoLoOuPhE6XRf/w640-h480/20230119-IMG_8732.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlzmhwW4j7jXYFVfbvmaLI6DOJS0Gn4jQeLglual4MBLUaz6MpN5gNzNdrToOuKJhTlt_N8TYRXSvsyA4bQtTd6MPxqA4ud-dT4PvfrJLvHMDwEi9VPJj-YKIu2JGIYnY_m2HbD8K1oRian-5j4R6BTv4Xjb4i1XBtL1jwSuvJEObixDzNCZWZrNQ/s4032/20230119-IMG_8733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlzmhwW4j7jXYFVfbvmaLI6DOJS0Gn4jQeLglual4MBLUaz6MpN5gNzNdrToOuKJhTlt_N8TYRXSvsyA4bQtTd6MPxqA4ud-dT4PvfrJLvHMDwEi9VPJj-YKIu2JGIYnY_m2HbD8K1oRian-5j4R6BTv4Xjb4i1XBtL1jwSuvJEObixDzNCZWZrNQ/w640-h480/20230119-IMG_8733.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qSw3vBRIbgC54lZnTfI2DYoBOv4JZ_rJtfbmx2EyTH37XLbnEVIGEr0yZifBTs53S57oo6gbgZbR01WEy5VA7V_lN0vj4WMXJBnapI-pl03yIFgdtXYnjI48DgANO7cXARdkUaZcBPD0zi1uaa7qcKqozcje8Jpgb7Qxxa6Kb3FzL0cnNQ3ZJgbi/s4032/20230119-IMG_8735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qSw3vBRIbgC54lZnTfI2DYoBOv4JZ_rJtfbmx2EyTH37XLbnEVIGEr0yZifBTs53S57oo6gbgZbR01WEy5VA7V_lN0vj4WMXJBnapI-pl03yIFgdtXYnjI48DgANO7cXARdkUaZcBPD0zi1uaa7qcKqozcje8Jpgb7Qxxa6Kb3FzL0cnNQ3ZJgbi/w480-h640/20230119-IMG_8735.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvB78bF0lxNGIXHUnXsN0ZnnxvV-VCs7M7IEJNLC_hj8Syf4JsIAmEJ55Oqpiz2j1m_s7JnlC7TspLSXTYUwwbOPYp8RuUi_TZlIDRn5y0xrObbi97d7SWZMR4RxjN9pnt1UdIPJ6pVQycxgzfIQzVccLCFLkmqd5OKhXWvBIWcC83KNSPisAdcNuC/s4032/20230119-IMG_8739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvB78bF0lxNGIXHUnXsN0ZnnxvV-VCs7M7IEJNLC_hj8Syf4JsIAmEJ55Oqpiz2j1m_s7JnlC7TspLSXTYUwwbOPYp8RuUi_TZlIDRn5y0xrObbi97d7SWZMR4RxjN9pnt1UdIPJ6pVQycxgzfIQzVccLCFLkmqd5OKhXWvBIWcC83KNSPisAdcNuC/w480-h640/20230119-IMG_8739.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aoraki peaking up in the last of the sun's rays</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrN3hKR8AKu0ZYjJx0ylyRc8X7Hc88JwU-Sbf2VjnP8OLnggMW52D3mj343mVkUFZINz5G6g6xeKrquBDBTo3KvPxkp0pNUZm_h0v0340xAhLhXLV3wyQ1_vUxceDbTZS8WVJyFsvVwnp7h4grZ0UDI1cEXGaZb5NTbIIbGmQkz1m5BoBLNLh7IDtc/s4032/20230119-IMG_8740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrN3hKR8AKu0ZYjJx0ylyRc8X7Hc88JwU-Sbf2VjnP8OLnggMW52D3mj343mVkUFZINz5G6g6xeKrquBDBTo3KvPxkp0pNUZm_h0v0340xAhLhXLV3wyQ1_vUxceDbTZS8WVJyFsvVwnp7h4grZ0UDI1cEXGaZb5NTbIIbGmQkz1m5BoBLNLh7IDtc/w640-h480/20230119-IMG_8740.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset behind this hill, swimming tarns in foreground</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The next morning two young Kea were checking me out whilst I visited the loo. They were curious yet hesitant, not yet displaying the cheeky mischievousness they are renowned for.<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTvH7J6_UO-ae6FyHmyjxzEf7bRMoXLwooPPWo2_HEfDmHVbMsDwwQD9Ap-jAqkCoe1M-5Jh9TSagxJj2Qp1qXGFNYtw9jqpt4JT8ZMeiJ8XukxehC7mO_B_7oyl0s9aMtjlGzU2ao1I-NnvVmzpp-7gM87bKtbokKYMkoWphGz8yDA2JHtGP1ywE/s4032/20230120-IMG_8744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTvH7J6_UO-ae6FyHmyjxzEf7bRMoXLwooPPWo2_HEfDmHVbMsDwwQD9Ap-jAqkCoe1M-5Jh9TSagxJj2Qp1qXGFNYtw9jqpt4JT8ZMeiJ8XukxehC7mO_B_7oyl0s9aMtjlGzU2ao1I-NnvVmzpp-7gM87bKtbokKYMkoWphGz8yDA2JHtGP1ywE/w480-h640/20230120-IMG_8744.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can tell it's juvenile because the beak and nostrils are yet to darken to black. These individuals are probably 18 months to 2 years old</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8qIpTNTI7rxGCka6C5qMrXYXrpN75nHTP77PulF9oOgGpqAb6WDRgGbbplmJNPbOvu9MrZBtCZNIxY004G2-lg8exqZ0JzDchU81eGbabAKi6G-O3_gODI7-7wakdhD0pMfM-sRJG330OoRpXPTMoEaVG4aZSlJIeDJRaf5LugWDWvXgUvNyq7hs/s4032/20230120-IMG_8750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8qIpTNTI7rxGCka6C5qMrXYXrpN75nHTP77PulF9oOgGpqAb6WDRgGbbplmJNPbOvu9MrZBtCZNIxY004G2-lg8exqZ0JzDchU81eGbabAKi6G-O3_gODI7-7wakdhD0pMfM-sRJG330OoRpXPTMoEaVG4aZSlJIeDJRaf5LugWDWvXgUvNyq7hs/w480-h640/20230120-IMG_8750.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curious, cute, and very healthy looking</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5EfXP3x5CCYGOofR7ptFSa8or5zKKhNpgQoCJIYPOUgFafJuqiA6Z1Yvs4OVbdq6yfRdwo2rv5-J2L0GmOhxiEeZ88mO_lESgROvFLqZw-2Dr2KPXxpJVoFsd5eZIH6sF2gub0TsUSsjNEN7lbYipF9exs-KcbeezxOvb3riT2pWqyd5kT6vndhK/s4032/20230120-IMG_8751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5EfXP3x5CCYGOofR7ptFSa8or5zKKhNpgQoCJIYPOUgFafJuqiA6Z1Yvs4OVbdq6yfRdwo2rv5-J2L0GmOhxiEeZ88mO_lESgROvFLqZw-2Dr2KPXxpJVoFsd5eZIH6sF2gub0TsUSsjNEN7lbYipF9exs-KcbeezxOvb3riT2pWqyd5kT6vndhK/w480-h640/20230120-IMG_8751.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">approaching storm</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The couple left in the approaching bad weather, heading down off the tops to Maori Saddle and the more sheltered cattle track. I settled in to read a book. The hut was built using a bequest from a chap named Andy Dennis, and contains a library of his books. I would have happily spent the day exploring the tops, but the wind was howling and it was raining cats and dogs! Best stick with the book....</p><p>During the day a couple of chaps turned up looking very wet and bedraggled, but surprisingly chirpy. The hut being a new build was well insulated and double glazed, so despite the miserable weather outside it was warm inside and there was no need to light the fire. I drank more cups of tea, chatted, and kept reading. I had to finish the book before I left!</p><p>The next morning the bad weather had cleared completely. I decided to go down the track to Maori Saddle as I wanted to at least see the views south over Lake Dime that I hadn't been able to explore due to the bad weather.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIdIr_FpXXueIAmctXft85c8mWVhaxkPdglDFsp8CdJL8oTk4LlBlSDTO3OrxquBx7j14e9FcG1OhsPynuN4qH8gR48a_Jm3zKz-Aeph2HKll9zg_ziK-2A5-pHhU68-QSQbf5HawF0Gz_2gJZRiXtWL5irxjgmgvmALpcxejBkGCV4NuwFg3qTUp/s4032/20230121-IMG_8752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIdIr_FpXXueIAmctXft85c8mWVhaxkPdglDFsp8CdJL8oTk4LlBlSDTO3OrxquBx7j14e9FcG1OhsPynuN4qH8gR48a_Jm3zKz-Aeph2HKll9zg_ziK-2A5-pHhU68-QSQbf5HawF0Gz_2gJZRiXtWL5irxjgmgvmALpcxejBkGCV4NuwFg3qTUp/w640-h480/20230121-IMG_8752.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise. Another clear day ahead</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG43Dg7XTSNa9uPUZnCFfWZsSbO-qPyM6q79i30xAoKp-TPRhNK4wMu93hxTy19fMY2AVJOCl9lrZ9pckNRJfYGj96D-15nP7TAAAsY_abCT9A2iLyJdFrxevOPpz818cllbKl_XNycAZAl_h8ZaitQTxwgXFbVGBk2p2dH9k6IRpaUOFMUSy_Tu1/s4032/20230121-IMG_8755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG43Dg7XTSNa9uPUZnCFfWZsSbO-qPyM6q79i30xAoKp-TPRhNK4wMu93hxTy19fMY2AVJOCl9lrZ9pckNRJfYGj96D-15nP7TAAAsY_abCT9A2iLyJdFrxevOPpz818cllbKl_XNycAZAl_h8ZaitQTxwgXFbVGBk2p2dH9k6IRpaUOFMUSy_Tu1/w480-h640/20230121-IMG_8755.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View south over Lake Dime</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The track down was steep and in much worse condition than the Mica Mine track. After climbing over a tree fall I lost the track completely, and since the route is not yet marked on any Topo maps I had no way of knowing whether it was to my left or right. So I made my way down through the bush, following whatever animal tracks I could find, to intersect with the benched cattle track. Turns out the track was to my right!!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWmddkx_mNXmrJP9Xh5HxLJ4Ys2KH8ADaJn0svlf0ZmAAan774HHDkyU3Xzgls89bE4nRfkv-Mih4YwkZUD7Tbvs-6W14ctJ7RHk2dGPXOORRJt0qO6dxUxOQWb-ZZmIXu8Bm0o1CTN3Wi59VKfT-OMaTtyu12oHK91SU2GhcPPFInQbCE3fZl26u/s4032/20230121-IMG_8757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWmddkx_mNXmrJP9Xh5HxLJ4Ys2KH8ADaJn0svlf0ZmAAan774HHDkyU3Xzgls89bE4nRfkv-Mih4YwkZUD7Tbvs-6W14ctJ7RHk2dGPXOORRJt0qO6dxUxOQWb-ZZmIXu8Bm0o1CTN3Wi59VKfT-OMaTtyu12oHK91SU2GhcPPFInQbCE3fZl26u/w480-h640/20230121-IMG_8757.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down this ridge to the tree line</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLf6zdgmxj049f0aUA8Qm3CFKFRP6RE7u5Z9L1kZrsepb9p0D-jR0695okrWw-6Vg-tLEsss6GR--ifto0gOo6luFvrLjV-iibsgDfD8ZL-LMpvCwSr_sPD9UPeSn1S__PpPJ-QXgf6gfEn-P9V5K3LER0tU7_3xpkP3W4niGjCJCX9x7V3ONfc-Ph/s4032/20230121-IMG_8758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLf6zdgmxj049f0aUA8Qm3CFKFRP6RE7u5Z9L1kZrsepb9p0D-jR0695okrWw-6Vg-tLEsss6GR--ifto0gOo6luFvrLjV-iibsgDfD8ZL-LMpvCwSr_sPD9UPeSn1S__PpPJ-QXgf6gfEn-P9V5K3LER0tU7_3xpkP3W4niGjCJCX9x7V3ONfc-Ph/w480-h640/20230121-IMG_8758.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just into the forest (looking up the way I've come)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeA2ViGTFFo7w2v1OZ039sJi298rPGJhHHbe-xSgtJuqwzcnNsDOJdQsRnQWdn3mVb2lgFXbI1ncb5xcbLgpJIgEg9Q1Xg38sg2VqR0KzXVZzcmp3gL3acbPQei_cVAOCKG8ZZKNaZdzdY7zeEt8qFYjCb3gdbDTTlNe5IAmko91r9l5AeJktALIwh/s4032/20230121-IMG_8759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeA2ViGTFFo7w2v1OZ039sJi298rPGJhHHbe-xSgtJuqwzcnNsDOJdQsRnQWdn3mVb2lgFXbI1ncb5xcbLgpJIgEg9Q1Xg38sg2VqR0KzXVZzcmp3gL3acbPQei_cVAOCKG8ZZKNaZdzdY7zeEt8qFYjCb3gdbDTTlNe5IAmko91r9l5AeJktALIwh/w480-h640/20230121-IMG_8759.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">that bit was clearly marked...</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Back on the cattle track it was fairly easy going, though the benched track has suffered from a few slips in places. The streams were up after the rain, but not enough to make crossings at all hazardous. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4zTBX_zLzGqt9RknadX7FqdEp6GiE9cMn5ZUzyXTsDm2nxBDmpqi5y0fdJwY6_95P0WUhVg9oEMTRNz12H70N_koL3T6gn7OiEh8cBNhtR07rgv627M0Qw5cDWMd98SHoQfoFoV-X1KuiihePJZzwscTbkrNUucyE2EQVxXqKX0sZbRcTsx_o4hM/s3616/20230121-IMG_8760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3616" data-original-width="2713" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4zTBX_zLzGqt9RknadX7FqdEp6GiE9cMn5ZUzyXTsDm2nxBDmpqi5y0fdJwY6_95P0WUhVg9oEMTRNz12H70N_koL3T6gn7OiEh8cBNhtR07rgv627M0Qw5cDWMd98SHoQfoFoV-X1KuiihePJZzwscTbkrNUucyE2EQVxXqKX0sZbRcTsx_o4hM/w480-h640/20230121-IMG_8760.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I arrived at Blowfly Hut early afternoon and decided to call it a day. I stripped off and went for a lovely swim in the river, and later that afternoon a couple of other parties turned up at the hut. It was almost a full house!<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLF_I3YO3x42uhqHTTsmydyHbk26Path_OYmd1ULKiqUvhtVvoYwjJ2oYFDU2WEoPXlGl_qnsk7OgRvj153s7fkOUr2-tpYsNJCHBzn25tbLmkZQ2RI3fcjfkcVmw0En-4Pq293AAmkthNHLHuDYUQAU9WRsV33Vvhg3fbST6_y6hT3THo8AorlaT/s4032/20230122-IMG_8761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLF_I3YO3x42uhqHTTsmydyHbk26Path_OYmd1ULKiqUvhtVvoYwjJ2oYFDU2WEoPXlGl_qnsk7OgRvj153s7fkOUr2-tpYsNJCHBzn25tbLmkZQ2RI3fcjfkcVmw0En-4Pq293AAmkthNHLHuDYUQAU9WRsV33Vvhg3fbST6_y6hT3THo8AorlaT/w640-h480/20230122-IMG_8761.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blowfly Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Day 4 and another pearler. After crossing the swing bridge I turned right and headed up the Moeraki River towards Horseshoe Flats. The first section was very up and down and took me a lot longer than I expected, but the lush west coast greenery made up for the slow going. I even surprised a couple of Whio when crossing a stream.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-ZHfAcook_fHYnXsEKsvsR6-CNLMMk0iEiKsEYLD3MA_cjZo8NwCApKxJzG1NKimPVjbjo1tboKMAUg8JpmTqsv49BxjnHKXI5-BtO_08YBDgwQEPQuf9odcdqeurXNU9MBRnwI_8vqgBDkR9GrFp5043P1bdQIpRahXCEoI7zNHbmh6bXgBsgJZ/s4032/20230122-IMG_8762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-ZHfAcook_fHYnXsEKsvsR6-CNLMMk0iEiKsEYLD3MA_cjZo8NwCApKxJzG1NKimPVjbjo1tboKMAUg8JpmTqsv49BxjnHKXI5-BtO_08YBDgwQEPQuf9odcdqeurXNU9MBRnwI_8vqgBDkR9GrFp5043P1bdQIpRahXCEoI7zNHbmh6bXgBsgJZ/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8762.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">turn right to head up the valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRtzMGtHAfOHXPy7NjFGlKyTRMRn0T5be_KUdyyRzbhu61CNF9J_K0XjLJjlrXArSB4eJtNKI_0R3zb8XtPfcFyLTTGfeU8VF_QteuDY8eErVZazaN5FfriOoODmgFtzcOkiC29Ms8HUsY49sQKUezug5pLv4qjZzR0ssF1l0NWW-dAhM2jj-pL0K/s3624/20230122-IMG_8765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2717" data-original-width="3624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRtzMGtHAfOHXPy7NjFGlKyTRMRn0T5be_KUdyyRzbhu61CNF9J_K0XjLJjlrXArSB4eJtNKI_0R3zb8XtPfcFyLTTGfeU8VF_QteuDY8eErVZazaN5FfriOoODmgFtzcOkiC29Ms8HUsY49sQKUezug5pLv4qjZzR0ssF1l0NWW-dAhM2jj-pL0K/w640-h480/20230122-IMG_8765.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXE595HBOft6G9hD3p6dljqfRoy47p1z4FAycIY5pMteSA99SySDdgxjRdCuIvlOOR6Vau5fG5r6djaM1wtdS8lVIlry20i-ApbSDmwwj0GN3ZxuRsyHLOZifu412EU4nypZDXIKcz1WrV_j4_cBdAj-2GPZwVmZ5ONuhIg6lPmu0w5tm23JZ5EnN/s4032/20230122-IMG_8766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXE595HBOft6G9hD3p6dljqfRoy47p1z4FAycIY5pMteSA99SySDdgxjRdCuIvlOOR6Vau5fG5r6djaM1wtdS8lVIlry20i-ApbSDmwwj0GN3ZxuRsyHLOZifu412EU4nypZDXIKcz1WrV_j4_cBdAj-2GPZwVmZ5ONuhIg6lPmu0w5tm23JZ5EnN/w640-h480/20230122-IMG_8766.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzEoicBTbJLBFY8l81cYEd6cXaD2KCn4arWAs5JQC9LiAZN979rVpGyX7k8wivpws9zvEVfaIWCAX39P3HzXFRsUc6tckMoxVjTvJc27Bgd8bKuzOA_p3dAksSYYyXSiADnm_yu85DS20AyqfiTtCcRy-kX0oT91QtI9Xj4VW80ozCgULFElz0ENz/s4032/20230122-IMG_8769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzEoicBTbJLBFY8l81cYEd6cXaD2KCn4arWAs5JQC9LiAZN979rVpGyX7k8wivpws9zvEVfaIWCAX39P3HzXFRsUc6tckMoxVjTvJc27Bgd8bKuzOA_p3dAksSYYyXSiADnm_yu85DS20AyqfiTtCcRy-kX0oT91QtI9Xj4VW80ozCgULFElz0ENz/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8769.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so many different lichens and ferns</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIHUAeCTp_rDqvGvc19osbOAOPn9dbXnomAhfGOPA5-y9BxMuf95vLnb5ZjC6W1dTq0hPadjqnXEajjhMHmfyHGh-I1b4SMVRXSIM_03HlZhi44BBy3izutejl88I2XHFmhd6iC1cwEzGEwGhNKUP6_rWWy845osdVSv4UonQP4KM8R5M-4a9xTSe/s4032/20230122-IMG_8771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIHUAeCTp_rDqvGvc19osbOAOPn9dbXnomAhfGOPA5-y9BxMuf95vLnb5ZjC6W1dTq0hPadjqnXEajjhMHmfyHGh-I1b4SMVRXSIM_03HlZhi44BBy3izutejl88I2XHFmhd6iC1cwEzGEwGhNKUP6_rWWy845osdVSv4UonQP4KM8R5M-4a9xTSe/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8771.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KJTMV3AnYCvkP18Ig9d3L57KzYQwEOR7elUsLoCClyJ3alQz0GWkPmAfT1IPJqzyKcdmyvlsLe1gPFViLZRKrAhB8alz8g1lAUfkrlfRQXD11r9e7SZDlQdhblLcScE91uBS7PmSF5uXtp1nJ-YUvijNRLKAKHo7OKQq-KbNIW27goa0WCbRyabK/s4032/20230122-IMG_8772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KJTMV3AnYCvkP18Ig9d3L57KzYQwEOR7elUsLoCClyJ3alQz0GWkPmAfT1IPJqzyKcdmyvlsLe1gPFViLZRKrAhB8alz8g1lAUfkrlfRQXD11r9e7SZDlQdhblLcScE91uBS7PmSF5uXtp1nJ-YUvijNRLKAKHo7OKQq-KbNIW27goa0WCbRyabK/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8772.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7cocf-yD5HZgvwNiWfxt-OXSmMObi-KKLPwLKIINnDEn2Ngm8tdjtDHtl4U79ROYBIHZrW1agRVPkEeFO9DLq8guk4TmrY2IUneYs9n_pPAq7O2wc9othGRlw_NUJ9a84nK9_mBAlZoqCJ16vPrCzt18lpDxETvJwfWo5uj6k8pM1geZBgGJhffg/s4032/20230122-IMG_8773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7cocf-yD5HZgvwNiWfxt-OXSmMObi-KKLPwLKIINnDEn2Ngm8tdjtDHtl4U79ROYBIHZrW1agRVPkEeFO9DLq8guk4TmrY2IUneYs9n_pPAq7O2wc9othGRlw_NUJ9a84nK9_mBAlZoqCJ16vPrCzt18lpDxETvJwfWo5uj6k8pM1geZBgGJhffg/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8773.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />With the dry weather the normally swampy flats were really easy walking and I got to Horseshoe Flats Hut for an early lunch. A nicely appointed hut near the river, but I didn't linger long..<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMP-DDBpdP4d_zSo3w-KOtphZSnM6Jlu1uTv1QzZBwdKExeeA7rMMZ2xJWhZD2tbcVF_G8e3th_cxRoGG-TlT6RoNa-3k6_a9Sfw53rgkxn7prDnvjcMxllncqMdJug5eeUkIC70j8Vqfug6KZ1ZzmmvE4CGe9OkGx2JP6zL0Ys13K3BTfygPh1CVm/s4032/20230122-IMG_8774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMP-DDBpdP4d_zSo3w-KOtphZSnM6Jlu1uTv1QzZBwdKExeeA7rMMZ2xJWhZD2tbcVF_G8e3th_cxRoGG-TlT6RoNa-3k6_a9Sfw53rgkxn7prDnvjcMxllncqMdJug5eeUkIC70j8Vqfug6KZ1ZzmmvE4CGe9OkGx2JP6zL0Ys13K3BTfygPh1CVm/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8774.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAz7-WcEX-mLbtTGQebmJDHRPdmpwFeQS_qlDRPCw_kPqz21IoKAj-jKWIVwBMGPe-iCmhnNQlbwDpkvPuZ3dMi84ktklQRZGn6xY2gkMRQ6M1FWSsxY7DE2a9ZMycTK3MInDki-e73areaqE_JbmP0Hbzk9YJLGm6XewDm3I7rxpOFMnJNn_RD35J/s4032/20230122-IMG_8775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAz7-WcEX-mLbtTGQebmJDHRPdmpwFeQS_qlDRPCw_kPqz21IoKAj-jKWIVwBMGPe-iCmhnNQlbwDpkvPuZ3dMi84ktklQRZGn6xY2gkMRQ6M1FWSsxY7DE2a9ZMycTK3MInDki-e73areaqE_JbmP0Hbzk9YJLGm6XewDm3I7rxpOFMnJNn_RD35J/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8775.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseshoe Flats Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After crossing the river the track climbed higher up the valley, before crossing the river again to arrive at Middle Head Hut. This hut was rather musty and not quite as inviting as Horseshoe Flats Hut, but it was better than a tent. I claimed a bunk and then set off up the track to view the glacial cirque at the head of the valley.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixURr31m2O757cfeJI3VYFhmBuifULHeIChYFpmn8PFInEPiQ74nB9EURcYSg5XUbT6tJQIULdtbXieRdAPydNCqER-w_NMwIbGneNb73kakF3M8eHwZEnfOE7yJ-3QOAszSIwpToFeQRXbjyX_0YXASgLhIvCKKiluSTOTXp0BsUpNPGLYE4TLOa_/s3599/20230122-IMG_8779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3599" data-original-width="2700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixURr31m2O757cfeJI3VYFhmBuifULHeIChYFpmn8PFInEPiQ74nB9EURcYSg5XUbT6tJQIULdtbXieRdAPydNCqER-w_NMwIbGneNb73kakF3M8eHwZEnfOE7yJ-3QOAszSIwpToFeQRXbjyX_0YXASgLhIvCKKiluSTOTXp0BsUpNPGLYE4TLOa_/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8779.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35vLVi7BSKjV8XLRmAWjldQMz0a23CAApOKAlferLgRRdF6UGs5QE8CQInur3ovg7rOJCCfPxHe0HC-d43bPNsU8e67eaZjcU64qGT9sFRxXeHhMnnOOHvbsiTyyjmJv29k1aSdYLgUtwPRsx_meGQHnTfD_kjefqZCvGj0Gn5xmWw1WOF7U0Ojxz/s4032/20230122-IMG_8780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35vLVi7BSKjV8XLRmAWjldQMz0a23CAApOKAlferLgRRdF6UGs5QE8CQInur3ovg7rOJCCfPxHe0HC-d43bPNsU8e67eaZjcU64qGT9sFRxXeHhMnnOOHvbsiTyyjmJv29k1aSdYLgUtwPRsx_meGQHnTfD_kjefqZCvGj0Gn5xmWw1WOF7U0Ojxz/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8780.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sometimes the track is the river...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUodKWgH5AQeE9TyCStUujJd02Z5Dorv2XSLLmj_G9N_J-JM_yJ0M3fP4dz6u7GtH8IWfevkz-4C4Ugf73YOEzvZsGyUwxtCSmGkvtyFZbcRwh2OQRQ_PD90Ew_I-htWM6B_zE6fY1q6AN4VkQOrnlgVicZdZAYxNu_bzrs5R_olbjho0qvA4a4cap/s4032/20230122-IMG_8781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUodKWgH5AQeE9TyCStUujJd02Z5Dorv2XSLLmj_G9N_J-JM_yJ0M3fP4dz6u7GtH8IWfevkz-4C4Ugf73YOEzvZsGyUwxtCSmGkvtyFZbcRwh2OQRQ_PD90Ew_I-htWM6B_zE6fY1q6AN4VkQOrnlgVicZdZAYxNu_bzrs5R_olbjho0qvA4a4cap/w640-h480/20230122-IMG_8781.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">side stream entering Moeraki River</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifP4eZSIDY7aYTgN-ncEpvaCuolEokXsSdoDakgYr9vseIRav8xRLsgFgKsts_TTAWCW7kvLjR8OLqJ6ne8gJmoGYqOQlO6wbpBfqJ3So0AtzeFVu1tPWZbeH-jrZP4zOysyYiMo8j87G6I5YQc2bwJh-FElrM8QKl-_mWlTFmBnBOeiusdW6ZVlHN/s3586/20230122-IMG_8782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2688" data-original-width="3586" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifP4eZSIDY7aYTgN-ncEpvaCuolEokXsSdoDakgYr9vseIRav8xRLsgFgKsts_TTAWCW7kvLjR8OLqJ6ne8gJmoGYqOQlO6wbpBfqJ3So0AtzeFVu1tPWZbeH-jrZP4zOysyYiMo8j87G6I5YQc2bwJh-FElrM8QKl-_mWlTFmBnBOeiusdW6ZVlHN/w640-h480/20230122-IMG_8782.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the track crosses this spectacular cascade</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q34xizJPoc3cnECXbFI5RJd2wOjYN2yVpX_eEwhCBdyj5ybl9hyJuABpNyTol2pN1kxdVec6VdQ4DQ5tfANgeHvzKztPWDODpV6mVTLslvJ1dyMLin8zuHsEivT2zHB7Ux5QLBBGs3q2vf-3Wv3_71L2cS7M_ARTcBO3QYJ-xBf8HY-Z_x7F7B8U/s4032/20230122-IMG_8783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q34xizJPoc3cnECXbFI5RJd2wOjYN2yVpX_eEwhCBdyj5ybl9hyJuABpNyTol2pN1kxdVec6VdQ4DQ5tfANgeHvzKztPWDODpV6mVTLslvJ1dyMLin8zuHsEivT2zHB7Ux5QLBBGs3q2vf-3Wv3_71L2cS7M_ARTcBO3QYJ-xBf8HY-Z_x7F7B8U/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8783.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crossing the Moeraki, view up the southern branch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2XvzvXD9ZeTz1_Z-DMeZgLbptXfTM3VFjlOQmDDjZtOot80cNTW8iwRa8UWT-34BnABzZ76zTZUxmLQO21N8-6YGMC6hle1wbzVS3zpEv2Im29CotaY51LrlkbbM2gIWd9g7m41BJO3KSQkY9pnhzOVfcdd6rcpAnUDOmAH-uztHbISGDLO2cgHC/s3591/20230122-IMG_8785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3591" data-original-width="2692" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2XvzvXD9ZeTz1_Z-DMeZgLbptXfTM3VFjlOQmDDjZtOot80cNTW8iwRa8UWT-34BnABzZ76zTZUxmLQO21N8-6YGMC6hle1wbzVS3zpEv2Im29CotaY51LrlkbbM2gIWd9g7m41BJO3KSQkY9pnhzOVfcdd6rcpAnUDOmAH-uztHbISGDLO2cgHC/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8785.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">same spot, long exposure</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoP6qvGTAfodW37ECAHkvcrcOXgQV0jDsmSa9gGj30qRrQNeHK4LNxfa-kTN0dZdYjnyz4ly5kJiyU4tN2ZN79TRJRk4rSn1tkz0zqCugRHzBVv4AUseu_ENB3_ZK0UjmXUQZy92RqlfVKgKfxatnJpPrxAosrR9La4HX6jGd-szE0YL1aQlY1bNJE/s4032/20230122-IMG_8786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoP6qvGTAfodW37ECAHkvcrcOXgQV0jDsmSa9gGj30qRrQNeHK4LNxfa-kTN0dZdYjnyz4ly5kJiyU4tN2ZN79TRJRk4rSn1tkz0zqCugRHzBVv4AUseu_ENB3_ZK0UjmXUQZy92RqlfVKgKfxatnJpPrxAosrR9La4HX6jGd-szE0YL1aQlY1bNJE/w640-h480/20230122-IMG_8786.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">zoomed view of the head of the valley up the south branch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXvqx4cjIkeocq14SL-C95NQJkW3MDIWRrAVwzPRv4f2fn_g6qaegVR_CihD0WFcIhCE6u6FwDi9hxGCtasKlF5LCfPi7oODLLw5ftINTeq9q27U1Cla35Wy9H8Ci-yDxz9xICljX0g8KW_X1eAwaVruKkXsk_CrRwqQhyjMIkCB6UutLW6_rVYXX/s4032/20230122-IMG_8787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXvqx4cjIkeocq14SL-C95NQJkW3MDIWRrAVwzPRv4f2fn_g6qaegVR_CihD0WFcIhCE6u6FwDi9hxGCtasKlF5LCfPi7oODLLw5ftINTeq9q27U1Cla35Wy9H8Ci-yDxz9xICljX0g8KW_X1eAwaVruKkXsk_CrRwqQhyjMIkCB6UutLW6_rVYXX/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8787.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Head Hut, could do with a bit of scrub clearing....</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There's a substantial rock bivy on the track, but the main drawcard is the sheer cliffs of this glacial cirque. Well worth the effort.<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwg-0txhPcnc65ofhrjt38skRAtBeut6etkOGFjCDPBKIjSZ0__fxjaFesZme6cWt9dxYhywNITneZSeABaGc6IiFYVOwfJNVqSzalxccbGTLAbaIDB3G0um1rumO7jQu2IPO8IOpXKa-CqoxXRN2hWdAMUc4-N95lSrUoK3HfbGaSBbCabzELbUn/s4032/20230122-IMG_8788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwg-0txhPcnc65ofhrjt38skRAtBeut6etkOGFjCDPBKIjSZ0__fxjaFesZme6cWt9dxYhywNITneZSeABaGc6IiFYVOwfJNVqSzalxccbGTLAbaIDB3G0um1rumO7jQu2IPO8IOpXKa-CqoxXRN2hWdAMUc4-N95lSrUoK3HfbGaSBbCabzELbUn/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8788.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is actually a pretty good bivy, but I'll take the hut thanks...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIFeQ-Ntw8oGCaFnI5WRQHafXTMoHBthRCVsZdnIDrGUtcDwXNgnZPZXU7vYsdXcZ1EdZJ2Ly39w4mBKHqX5sCsP_8A4d8WaDzjLr1GT7E4pubg7jLAqVfUlZPa0qIuLkwTCG2kyfL-jKPOTU-k8CcfyVqHjpcTtueWk1UoT3ZR6lZr5AnP3GBj98/s4032/20230122-IMG_8789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIFeQ-Ntw8oGCaFnI5WRQHafXTMoHBthRCVsZdnIDrGUtcDwXNgnZPZXU7vYsdXcZ1EdZJ2Ly39w4mBKHqX5sCsP_8A4d8WaDzjLr1GT7E4pubg7jLAqVfUlZPa0qIuLkwTCG2kyfL-jKPOTU-k8CcfyVqHjpcTtueWk1UoT3ZR6lZr5AnP3GBj98/w640-h480/20230122-IMG_8789.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">plenty of room, and a fireplace!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYH0n722IPvyxIBEty5NPGpFNzRm6OkrfIYMLD2B5yiapD9SMlhPR8oqfQ3TUN0uoxVntLcjFx-ZEP5yVlv5IOWbDciG5H8CIufEUBm9lKp0VSU8alRbc7aVCE0OLc1DTRdlGvzjXaxNZ3DqPT6ezqmYieGq2tUbP8yyLeN4spMKDd3isRQ2Ggoil0/s4032/20230122-IMG_8792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYH0n722IPvyxIBEty5NPGpFNzRm6OkrfIYMLD2B5yiapD9SMlhPR8oqfQ3TUN0uoxVntLcjFx-ZEP5yVlv5IOWbDciG5H8CIufEUBm9lKp0VSU8alRbc7aVCE0OLc1DTRdlGvzjXaxNZ3DqPT6ezqmYieGq2tUbP8yyLeN4spMKDd3isRQ2Ggoil0/w640-h480/20230122-IMG_8792.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPzS-rGnbG2qfTBf9lakdZIKc6ZW24ZZE_xtBmPHMpBguL8KhYtQszuPWSt0dpuRCXIbMVH1gXSy6S4DohbpWbJZ1C_ZodcAiN7Uk9GjN_QUQr8Q8hDdNKWlU96QwKi4XQCxTPrUCZt9BN_qDzjIjqF_wp0o-Bxsebjy446HdAMbICdx0_K6El26C/s4032/20230122-IMG_8794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPzS-rGnbG2qfTBf9lakdZIKc6ZW24ZZE_xtBmPHMpBguL8KhYtQszuPWSt0dpuRCXIbMVH1gXSy6S4DohbpWbJZ1C_ZodcAiN7Uk9GjN_QUQr8Q8hDdNKWlU96QwKi4XQCxTPrUCZt9BN_qDzjIjqF_wp0o-Bxsebjy446HdAMbICdx0_K6El26C/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8794.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pLS1L8kMQbdYQ4mrNBWU_mmkACHN-K_WtsubMmFxhvJxcP8ygibV6kpPGrGSWfAi4yBTF82n7n3ezdNEQR4g3dNrvqsrDGqkvS0OCslZoC4qsFqXI_Jtdcw2l7KlHc2qJIbbW3giB_aptyRYUvj5O-kUpgnI49KhZ_5piPcaJGx66KrznpXFzMql/s4032/20230122-IMG_8796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pLS1L8kMQbdYQ4mrNBWU_mmkACHN-K_WtsubMmFxhvJxcP8ygibV6kpPGrGSWfAi4yBTF82n7n3ezdNEQR4g3dNrvqsrDGqkvS0OCslZoC4qsFqXI_Jtdcw2l7KlHc2qJIbbW3giB_aptyRYUvj5O-kUpgnI49KhZ_5piPcaJGx66KrznpXFzMql/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8796.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiB0VHYYeZFD5z2fvQdcXqPsotQ94lh6HjWmqYjzRIo2O-0vqa_r6oeOfJvif87MrqY4XpqoB4YBTUcWRYFPqrE8Ao8_Z7qfKttnw7SaItC0A6ArR2ACz3utxwcyCz4rU4cmF7st6XSxnKQYsbBREjIVX6ROeQGP_gLcgr3zNXKLVsa4p8TwJuwu1n/s4032/20230122-IMG_8797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2KyWMcXhuN3ldrHCkJ79L03fTWUA84aIOqY8MlGYE_Wt68Tr7yoNSCqjLmVzor3xWE5BfRKB5QcphTTyngHQ1I28hXlruYluAr9BE-pnHy3rNqr3F8szrRCk6nw2CTXBmHE_WDv9nZofzNBiY5I5JCak2gC2mzmixCI2_jM_Z_LpHIK6XCUwhx4h/s4032/20230122-IMG_8804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2KyWMcXhuN3ldrHCkJ79L03fTWUA84aIOqY8MlGYE_Wt68Tr7yoNSCqjLmVzor3xWE5BfRKB5QcphTTyngHQ1I28hXlruYluAr9BE-pnHy3rNqr3F8szrRCk6nw2CTXBmHE_WDv9nZofzNBiY5I5JCak2gC2mzmixCI2_jM_Z_LpHIK6XCUwhx4h/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8804.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAkhkg75bhuIGolo008Ny5wSyFDz-yDJ5jmIz3N9A6dje_fej5nx5cIl1j959caX8CXH0ITONW9_fRpKIEMnDBOoLOdKRXRo03cglDSBeTmgeMkMU2WFw3zaJOSucl6UIYid1cTxdRjHAUSQI2YcFjIQeD01qaP9NF5CV_pQEIYmRRuO_Fy19uFGu/s4032/20230122-IMG_8805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAkhkg75bhuIGolo008Ny5wSyFDz-yDJ5jmIz3N9A6dje_fej5nx5cIl1j959caX8CXH0ITONW9_fRpKIEMnDBOoLOdKRXRo03cglDSBeTmgeMkMU2WFw3zaJOSucl6UIYid1cTxdRjHAUSQI2YcFjIQeD01qaP9NF5CV_pQEIYmRRuO_Fy19uFGu/w480-h640/20230122-IMG_8805.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Back at the hut I went down to the river to fill up my water bladders and returned to see two old blokes stumble out of the bush looking pretty spent. Another hut I don't get to myself!<p></p><p>Doug and Ray (from Karitane and Waikouaiti respectively) had just walked a very tough 10 day route up the Paringa River, over into the Clarke and then back over to the Moeraki. There had originally been 3 in the party, but one had bailed and called up a chopper to exit the wilderness. Ray was buggered, and Doug wasn't much better. I offered to give them a lift back to their car the next day. Doug knew it would be up to him to ride the mountain bike they had stashed in the bushes back up the highway to the Paringa and he wasn't looking forward to it. </p><p>The next morning the three of us walked back down the valley to my car, ambling along and spying the many huge trout, and an even bigger eel, in the larger pools. I was also impressed by the healthy birdlife, with lots of kereru higher up the valley, and another set of Whio flushed from a hidey hole next to the track as we passed. Those ones actually whistled, the first time I'd heard that!!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqmiCvnpkFxLVgQ03vfRjQ8Vvm7UtY3yEJ1H0kPbZVRzBNzi8JR_7peb6oK4RlCuyytyA0uDT6wx8xRix2K9mbWgziJQCSQ61zB7fLrZSvQL0tSif6WitWfDkLwDVSNdg0AKlNDmdzMBvDsdrCSG9CVxz1lkMpHVLaZbVn3tr-Z8UxDu-pJ27RQj1/s4032/20230123-IMG_8806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqmiCvnpkFxLVgQ03vfRjQ8Vvm7UtY3yEJ1H0kPbZVRzBNzi8JR_7peb6oK4RlCuyytyA0uDT6wx8xRix2K9mbWgziJQCSQ61zB7fLrZSvQL0tSif6WitWfDkLwDVSNdg0AKlNDmdzMBvDsdrCSG9CVxz1lkMpHVLaZbVn3tr-Z8UxDu-pJ27RQj1/w480-h640/20230123-IMG_8806.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bkp07ytIzvsX7LY85eVSQQN8Sb32vb-7WccBBPcgYXPRze-JrZf0w4oUXEuv8uWkLEhn7JlJpG_Y_weBSOWSo3JN9csWigKHiK61scoReqt2V71A0Vf2n07DmHiWuobH1ROScRJqMXz_9kT8LLdPOkg_WcI4Z7MnOfjL_OD9gKM9zr6ZKVyfsSPz/s4032/20230123-IMG_8807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bkp07ytIzvsX7LY85eVSQQN8Sb32vb-7WccBBPcgYXPRze-JrZf0w4oUXEuv8uWkLEhn7JlJpG_Y_weBSOWSo3JN9csWigKHiK61scoReqt2V71A0Vf2n07DmHiWuobH1ROScRJqMXz_9kT8LLdPOkg_WcI4Z7MnOfjL_OD9gKM9zr6ZKVyfsSPz/w480-h640/20230123-IMG_8807.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We left Ray at the carpark to fish out the mountain bike from it's hiding place and I drove Doug north to pick up his car parked at the salmon farm before continuing on to Franz Josef. <p></p><p>Next stop Reefton, and some packrafting. That's next..</p><p><br /></p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-65762690905172064832023-01-16T12:30:00.060+08:002023-02-24T10:29:31.795+08:00Mavora Bikepacking<p> If you are going to walk along a 4WD track, why not bike it instead? Ideally, you'd want a mountain bike, but if all you have is a gravel bike, now serviced and upgraded to thicker beefier 40mm tyres, well that's what you pack up and head off with.</p><p>This trip was really an excuse to go hutbagging, and to work on my fitness by getting my heart rate up considerably higher than it gets tramping. And also to fine-tune packing my bike.</p><p>My Cannondale gravel bike has two bolt holes on the front forks that don't seem to fit any cage whatsoever, but when trawling the internet I found someone else had solved the problem by drilling an extra hole in some Blackburn cages and Bob's your uncle. I already had those cages so I made short work of it and soon had two extra places to load gear. Since they are front forks I put 500g loads on each side ( a tarp and my helinox chair respectively) which freed up some space in the other bags. It's still pretty tight fitting everything into bike packing bags but for only an overnight trip I don't need to carry much food.</p><p>I drove down to Mavora Lakes and parked at the campsite at North Mavora Lakes, loaded the bike and set off along the 4WD track. The thicker tyres made short work of the sandy track, but my fitness meant I still needed to walk up some of the hills. It was a hot day with little wind, and aside from passing a few trampers I saw few people all day.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBh60LDhcO_hlzy8j6QqJo8RWrH_NsK44RoovDL6RTKXoKsOs7c-2JTi5E5Vu1HO2MLOzEESJdiYlvlAyVL5UmPbhcBhtA3oJtU19xLbIl7JDljuUK0KoAd0sdqKBXc0Pv3yzuaYNCRxuYLaYRqntKOFdWRyPFRLQroQFWjkzG_paHpTiJXUq2fsk/s4032/20230113-IMG_8677.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBh60LDhcO_hlzy8j6QqJo8RWrH_NsK44RoovDL6RTKXoKsOs7c-2JTi5E5Vu1HO2MLOzEESJdiYlvlAyVL5UmPbhcBhtA3oJtU19xLbIl7JDljuUK0KoAd0sdqKBXc0Pv3yzuaYNCRxuYLaYRqntKOFdWRyPFRLQroQFWjkzG_paHpTiJXUq2fsk/w640-h480/20230113-IMG_8677.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I stopped in at Carey's Hut for a late lunch before walking up the steep hill to then cruise down and along to Boundary Hut, where I planned to spend the night. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MnJXOIhJLpSLPS33uhudIvTYQ7qkJzPTNekxkPGC9mcprYFZsLl7InkbRal9BaWbUPMPrnP9-rqCOI29o8f6asiWUrG-Lvlw32EtH225yQGo0lw4DtdtBJxDVhcLgvXDeKl8ouGvQnVuaT15sAsnYiQTOUI5DhHnFJncnWAU8l-O_HfmD7t27LS9/s4032/20230113-IMG_8678.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MnJXOIhJLpSLPS33uhudIvTYQ7qkJzPTNekxkPGC9mcprYFZsLl7InkbRal9BaWbUPMPrnP9-rqCOI29o8f6asiWUrG-Lvlw32EtH225yQGo0lw4DtdtBJxDVhcLgvXDeKl8ouGvQnVuaT15sAsnYiQTOUI5DhHnFJncnWAU8l-O_HfmD7t27LS9/w640-h480/20230113-IMG_8678.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />There was no-one else there, so after claiming a mattress I headed off up the valley on foot to bag one more private hut before returning to Boundary for a quick dip, dinner and bed.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF6VimSzJaattPPJ0k_6FPb0lGWLwchnAjmGrYUCi5B4uD3VHEL1bcZdIuKl8fpg8PjJx_SXhIArNjtaUGnqzP9ttrOjqyTOjnMf1L-QQlxyz616HCzKumIK7YHk0aaIHqdmb2YHGf4AxGG3gDyVpFRFqlSD7lC9B-bW7RIcHRsRLRst_pcnVjuvV/s4032/20230113-IMG_8680.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF6VimSzJaattPPJ0k_6FPb0lGWLwchnAjmGrYUCi5B4uD3VHEL1bcZdIuKl8fpg8PjJx_SXhIArNjtaUGnqzP9ttrOjqyTOjnMf1L-QQlxyz616HCzKumIK7YHk0aaIHqdmb2YHGf4AxGG3gDyVpFRFqlSD7lC9B-bW7RIcHRsRLRst_pcnVjuvV/w480-h640/20230113-IMG_8680.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picturesque Mavora River just near Boundary Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZeATfwL-5ouGc-7_yjxM7ScQNlExzvcYGjU6GXSXa6dihJ8HOey6lVKEA9g6J-5rYYdMJAWVSlGZb1_p0PDE2ESnHY8bcqxVgy2iDmezCmTkB02zfl76d8Xjciyfc8k9geOyqwy8Sw6sJbLz0aLUVLTIp91clkSqupAKF6PmQBKK7zA-sI4nz0Cf/s4032/20230113-IMG_8682.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZeATfwL-5ouGc-7_yjxM7ScQNlExzvcYGjU6GXSXa6dihJ8HOey6lVKEA9g6J-5rYYdMJAWVSlGZb1_p0PDE2ESnHY8bcqxVgy2iDmezCmTkB02zfl76d8Xjciyfc8k9geOyqwy8Sw6sJbLz0aLUVLTIp91clkSqupAKF6PmQBKK7zA-sI4nz0Cf/w640-h480/20230113-IMG_8682.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking downriver towards North Mavora Lake, Boundary Hut on left</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjVzjAUnstM86oKDj6AQ8ACNEx7KoKkeiNxiU1kwP16yhShNlCu5c255oOn7tb3nZD_tW651o7QSgw-HqiEY0KRu9PvGQX_ulD356n-4MpE4uhxrcJ_UPIvLHcxdloif5WoxRn87olEAxxcxvciC0fxsnSI-I7-300-PbG26zttFp_lZsHFTa706p/s4032/20230113-IMG_8683.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjVzjAUnstM86oKDj6AQ8ACNEx7KoKkeiNxiU1kwP16yhShNlCu5c255oOn7tb3nZD_tW651o7QSgw-HqiEY0KRu9PvGQX_ulD356n-4MpE4uhxrcJ_UPIvLHcxdloif5WoxRn87olEAxxcxvciC0fxsnSI-I7-300-PbG26zttFp_lZsHFTa706p/w480-h640/20230113-IMG_8683.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up the Mavora Valley, this is private land, with cattle grazing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyqyy24DrUEX5OmI6gcces-cH73HqX8Bc0z6tmzCjgkaHoWLPp69m87bBE3QLWCIvuaZ8ngMiK5tyu4cCge3CkDpJRzzfFbJOpGg32BPt4kCJh8u90cfck0DZU_NYZgOvx_Z66DyhyEr3Ko7bu01WKz1rBeP6FnH8irf5OHJTPzyZ8KicA9dXSWPV/s4032/20230113-IMG_8684.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyqyy24DrUEX5OmI6gcces-cH73HqX8Bc0z6tmzCjgkaHoWLPp69m87bBE3QLWCIvuaZ8ngMiK5tyu4cCge3CkDpJRzzfFbJOpGg32BPt4kCJh8u90cfck0DZU_NYZgOvx_Z66DyhyEr3Ko7bu01WKz1rBeP6FnH8irf5OHJTPzyZ8KicA9dXSWPV/w640-h480/20230113-IMG_8684.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Private Hut at Bush Creek, lovely stream nearby</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvm-02nK228zmqUO9Jpo8iXnrQGTFWICndCZm6ifQE7OEfuTgBszxNaPFUDZSEPoT_3MYE8_Ct9TI6M3Gu0Vu6HwBwOqzTtC_16fbhAUht5NJT6XddaM-MXeebuGryqJ2BONqCDOkH1v6UA-dIFBiFtvlCJUDdJwwGdaQsBqPM5YV76Yk7I2njqdq/s4032/20230113-IMG_8686.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvm-02nK228zmqUO9Jpo8iXnrQGTFWICndCZm6ifQE7OEfuTgBszxNaPFUDZSEPoT_3MYE8_Ct9TI6M3Gu0Vu6HwBwOqzTtC_16fbhAUht5NJT6XddaM-MXeebuGryqJ2BONqCDOkH1v6UA-dIFBiFtvlCJUDdJwwGdaQsBqPM5YV76Yk7I2njqdq/w640-h480/20230113-IMG_8686.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These rugged landscapes show you how glaciers scour out valleys</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The next morning I retraced my route a couple of kms before veering off to visit Forks hut. That required crossing both the Mavora River and the picturesque Winton Burn and following a rough 4WD track up valley.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDIol9_SYWPGGjt_ntkpAoQE1AL7Qe79HJl4u9YZ7F3m402N7HZ2kmJRXoLIR5d4i1vGsybeTQdDSy5c1DXKvqIPG4LwSVYiUmBXMpTjd6FcKBQ1Ro_isiDeULc78vsXkRPz-wALJHk-SQOzthJ0ne2qgxWZ3j8VSKwDyAv-aJ0AjhEC2NdgkTOeN/s4032/20230114-IMG_8687.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDIol9_SYWPGGjt_ntkpAoQE1AL7Qe79HJl4u9YZ7F3m402N7HZ2kmJRXoLIR5d4i1vGsybeTQdDSy5c1DXKvqIPG4LwSVYiUmBXMpTjd6FcKBQ1Ro_isiDeULc78vsXkRPz-wALJHk-SQOzthJ0ne2qgxWZ3j8VSKwDyAv-aJ0AjhEC2NdgkTOeN/w640-h480/20230114-IMG_8687.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moody morning crossing the Mavora</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I soon realised I'd be hike a biking more than I'd be riding, so I ditched the bike behind some tussocks and continued to the hut on foot. A lovely wee spot for a cuppa and snack before returning to the bike and rolling back down to the main track. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjs1C4CBAzhUixBNMsNw8I337ra7eqclHGswHSGzybB8EMeZpDQ0ECX09OmY-eC8nGiTnsgzB95lry8338N5g87WcCG_ZA3kMZUrhoE_jY_ymDcrO1ETzaIJ_BiEf7fIe6wCrOlzuTofZ2eZDK3mlLG6Ag6yeqiqjN2xa2_5GsqwnbP-U_KPe700bN/s4032/20230114-IMG_8689.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjs1C4CBAzhUixBNMsNw8I337ra7eqclHGswHSGzybB8EMeZpDQ0ECX09OmY-eC8nGiTnsgzB95lry8338N5g87WcCG_ZA3kMZUrhoE_jY_ymDcrO1ETzaIJ_BiEf7fIe6wCrOlzuTofZ2eZDK3mlLG6Ag6yeqiqjN2xa2_5GsqwnbP-U_KPe700bN/w480-h640/20230114-IMG_8689.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuJdlS9rKs8kgqUuwL6PxIZYyjBHr2JcANsi94Cin626h-fE4Movg3j-GfWvvPjf-7kG5Ypg-8KrwbiZeNReSpg5Sy2eacHBaRwkF5hb6wG_U-TXvLU2i1Fey9u5r82vOFsboe3aK4rBmFD74mauWyLjSvcmx6PQJizsPy9iQT4KmgYoZZAvcudKO/s4032/20230114-IMG_8690.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuJdlS9rKs8kgqUuwL6PxIZYyjBHr2JcANsi94Cin626h-fE4Movg3j-GfWvvPjf-7kG5Ypg-8KrwbiZeNReSpg5Sy2eacHBaRwkF5hb6wG_U-TXvLU2i1Fey9u5r82vOFsboe3aK4rBmFD74mauWyLjSvcmx6PQJizsPy9iQT4KmgYoZZAvcudKO/w480-h640/20230114-IMG_8690.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDhwcCZw-XuSiGzXKiE-d4euLu9vjlcSfzXRd0MW0JjnBWEwzMuGl9QDztCxYc2235o85HcfY0QqbyvHF4apGyWx6EQc-d-uG-3mmPJjQtqrDQGvjY65PuxlrNXsBLqSM2D8dERfTtxWC10atDKu4pmlbe2ouXfj02TMA5q670in0pqWGz3YClnWo/s4032/20230114-IMG_8691.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDhwcCZw-XuSiGzXKiE-d4euLu9vjlcSfzXRd0MW0JjnBWEwzMuGl9QDztCxYc2235o85HcfY0QqbyvHF4apGyWx6EQc-d-uG-3mmPJjQtqrDQGvjY65PuxlrNXsBLqSM2D8dERfTtxWC10atDKu4pmlbe2ouXfj02TMA5q670in0pqWGz3YClnWo/w640-h480/20230114-IMG_8691.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ditched the bike somewhere around here</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Gy-H8FRoVYySyBLfu-cjiJ-Ny47q15bca91B9U1zMp9JU5vl_G06aWcBwF5pgVBvQKNcFpsu02Rz-Kd3kIxkBGuQZiUxuMflMT1ire9HH7vdo5v376gN_PPP1ixNtRV-lpzTHvQrYljpQPF5mgUrtACzloTNjQ9O_4-UKBxCWLwL3S3HSulXft8U/s4032/20230114-IMG_8692.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Gy-H8FRoVYySyBLfu-cjiJ-Ny47q15bca91B9U1zMp9JU5vl_G06aWcBwF5pgVBvQKNcFpsu02Rz-Kd3kIxkBGuQZiUxuMflMT1ire9HH7vdo5v376gN_PPP1ixNtRV-lpzTHvQrYljpQPF5mgUrtACzloTNjQ9O_4-UKBxCWLwL3S3HSulXft8U/w640-h480/20230114-IMG_8692.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forks Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NmIdM4nYklE7ExFb6T8b50udO2t5WQAS4vczGLelokY1KKrb6gDkj9elnMOmJV04su0wMrNrlx2LXS0epnKlMtVofh4eE5C8pYFnDsESUpdjF_NVl7iC2JFqzOnw-RaF_YDh9UFsNokECO_7_XCOSsUPvts7xTJz4YmRSifwbPMNOHcy_ShTYltu/s4032/20230114-IMG_8693.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NmIdM4nYklE7ExFb6T8b50udO2t5WQAS4vczGLelokY1KKrb6gDkj9elnMOmJV04su0wMrNrlx2LXS0epnKlMtVofh4eE5C8pYFnDsESUpdjF_NVl7iC2JFqzOnw-RaF_YDh9UFsNokECO_7_XCOSsUPvts7xTJz4YmRSifwbPMNOHcy_ShTYltu/w640-h480/20230114-IMG_8693.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Back across the two rivers...<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvS4DZsGl2OES-008LVyIRxE8gzAsaucukbkV8MpbD8Zkfm4y0r2SfHGLSV9H_HAl_utkLreU6QVpFd9SGFYEbToz3p1c4CcKeowFda6p1C-0BJIy_OVMi7rm0uYEakHBdqG_V4HUZ9XHB5fIY6gsEJpGE43DKNdpKtrNnjArUOEOqQ0Ep7_EnmK5/s4032/20230114-IMG_8694.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvS4DZsGl2OES-008LVyIRxE8gzAsaucukbkV8MpbD8Zkfm4y0r2SfHGLSV9H_HAl_utkLreU6QVpFd9SGFYEbToz3p1c4CcKeowFda6p1C-0BJIy_OVMi7rm0uYEakHBdqG_V4HUZ9XHB5fIY6gsEJpGE43DKNdpKtrNnjArUOEOqQ0Ep7_EnmK5/w480-h640/20230114-IMG_8694.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winton Burn</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxUQKZYGPFQHmTr1ylORJkhZpCSFAPtdzQOjwbZxd5K0xLVv0WoxEimFpP5sACprmj7zoRNZ93XXHc9kY3Yd8LetIllpbeVW9IDQSSu71Uh4Z-NPTMj2jYcuuRtbkmPwoQCC5oY0XBIyBEl7-RvHMFk74PTP9ydxHrBaIAYZGItQ5fP-PN0zZxWxD/s4032/20230114-IMG_8695.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxUQKZYGPFQHmTr1ylORJkhZpCSFAPtdzQOjwbZxd5K0xLVv0WoxEimFpP5sACprmj7zoRNZ93XXHc9kY3Yd8LetIllpbeVW9IDQSSu71Uh4Z-NPTMj2jYcuuRtbkmPwoQCC5oY0XBIyBEl7-RvHMFk74PTP9ydxHrBaIAYZGItQ5fP-PN0zZxWxD/w480-h640/20230114-IMG_8695.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mavora</td></tr></tbody></table><br />By the time I got back to Carey's Hut I was so hot I walked straight into the lake fully clothed. What a relief!!<p></p><p>I had a late lunch, chatting to a TA walker having a siesta, then discovered my front tyre was almost flat. After pumping it up I couldn't find the leak so decided to push on. The tyre kept leaking despite being tubeless with sealant inside, and I just stopped from time to time to pump it up again. After the second or third time a couple in a 4WD stopped and offered me a lift, so I took it. The day was too hot for heroics, and I'd already cycled the same road on the way in.</p><p>Back at the car I still couldn't find the leak and since I'd forgotten to bring the magic can of <a href="https://muc-off.com/products/bam-instant-puncture-repair" target="_blank">BAM</a>, I decided to cancel the second portion of my hutbagging bike packing trip and just knock off one of the huts along the Mt Nicholas Rd. This one had been a checkpoint on last year's <a href="https://godzoneadventure.com" target="_blank">Godzone</a> and was a cute historic hut made of wood slabs.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYVtJ_Z8Nds5cLdUxI5xdKue_dHYHdMTVcMpmYkJgtvgjcW99zohZBkwFdj2tLz57gwfuXgPDt7GhmXFFMciSJT7kDyfwHOWrnflXNrLOxRqOqhV3hTbI4FgLWETfQ_t5WYd3fwRrGrPL4R7BN18jxZ39z1Dp1MS07AVL2kbgY7IXozLhAZN1pjcw/s4032/20230114-IMG_8696.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYVtJ_Z8Nds5cLdUxI5xdKue_dHYHdMTVcMpmYkJgtvgjcW99zohZBkwFdj2tLz57gwfuXgPDt7GhmXFFMciSJT7kDyfwHOWrnflXNrLOxRqOqhV3hTbI4FgLWETfQ_t5WYd3fwRrGrPL4R7BN18jxZ39z1Dp1MS07AVL2kbgY7IXozLhAZN1pjcw/w640-h480/20230114-IMG_8696.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZwSi77zVd4XvLvbqEU25jEjeen0wCfatBUI9Y_gDkXnxP06a-M57OSeeXFCS_wrgcY2KAqiTLQNA24tASqPZ5Z-Zjo9Ki-GHjBL5qgtdlYwF_CBgJgmMAN3mwpcqTnUw68hVB6rxXcl2IXSwfwSCJ2DFt4mZ78G3ny3Ofg3neiOg19GJSBClJ3XM/s4032/20230114-IMG_8698.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZwSi77zVd4XvLvbqEU25jEjeen0wCfatBUI9Y_gDkXnxP06a-M57OSeeXFCS_wrgcY2KAqiTLQNA24tASqPZ5Z-Zjo9Ki-GHjBL5qgtdlYwF_CBgJgmMAN3mwpcqTnUw68hVB6rxXcl2IXSwfwSCJ2DFt4mZ78G3ny3Ofg3neiOg19GJSBClJ3XM/w640-h480/20230114-IMG_8698.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9164c4NP7Bm5nPy7IID_XKQ94e5R68YoEAQO6optG_WRm1Aj0q1DPaeSsy-gNeN33BqxX_VdOdvdSCNow1loTrk8pFxl_s5oO7cVXgm94x3vL2DaSp7kSA3oHwt4CH_1UFlraVRZISQb942wNRCmzFMP2k3E1fEpLZSceYzho6EXn_HDJXZQKZTiO/s4032/20230114-IMG_8699.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9164c4NP7Bm5nPy7IID_XKQ94e5R68YoEAQO6optG_WRm1Aj0q1DPaeSsy-gNeN33BqxX_VdOdvdSCNow1loTrk8pFxl_s5oO7cVXgm94x3vL2DaSp7kSA3oHwt4CH_1UFlraVRZISQb942wNRCmzFMP2k3E1fEpLZSceYzho6EXn_HDJXZQKZTiO/w480-h640/20230114-IMG_8699.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5Pd-Icy0bZ9WxCe6X3qkMxCtzlV9imuovwlgTE2JfcgDjL4ipvsEm-zzv3rvBdaE2VGrWR6C8BOHHm8W5GyTPq3w3H1Se97RgpT4WlhHWo3nN8071NkUvRY1JVBOYFO2UEQAdy_YYBtAQSbF5CYdJaSwKPwLIiG4IqaJce98vuF3qV-eHDNSAS-Q/s4032/20230114-IMG_8702.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5Pd-Icy0bZ9WxCe6X3qkMxCtzlV9imuovwlgTE2JfcgDjL4ipvsEm-zzv3rvBdaE2VGrWR6C8BOHHm8W5GyTPq3w3H1Se97RgpT4WlhHWo3nN8071NkUvRY1JVBOYFO2UEQAdy_YYBtAQSbF5CYdJaSwKPwLIiG4IqaJce98vuF3qV-eHDNSAS-Q/w640-h480/20230114-IMG_8702.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Trip aborted I headed back home to Wanaka. Hutbagging count for this trip 5, and over 350 in total. Not bad effort in five years!<div><br /></div><div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-6312486199803899422023-01-15T11:31:00.065+08:002023-02-24T10:03:46.232+08:00Hopkins by Packraft<p>This trip had many goals. Firstly, to walk up to the head of the Hopkins Valley to check out the scenery. It borders Aoraki National Park so it's big peaks and glaciers. Secondly, to bag the huts up the Hopkins Valley as <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2020/12/wildflowers-in-alpine-valleys-few-days.html" target="_blank">my last trip</a> I'd headed up the Huxley to Brodrick Hut and Valley, and only visited the two huts in the lower Hopkins Valley. Thirdly, it was touted as a Grade 1-2 river run in normal flows so the opportunity to float back out rather than walk seemed very appealing. Finally, carrying the extra weight of my packrafting kit as well as tramping gear would easily replicate the load I would need to carry on my upcoming trip in Australia in March, and I needed to see if I could handle it.</p><p>I asked Jude if she wanted to join me, so we met at Tarras and continued on in my car, over the Lindis Pass, past Lake Ohau and on up the Hopkins Valley. It's a long drive in.</p><p>Luckily the 4WD track in to Monument Hut had recently had a makeover and so we were able to easily drive my Subaru almost the whole way in. We got to a spot that still seemed a bit too soft and muddy so decided to park up and walk the final km. Our parking spot was very close to the river so we would almost certainly be able to paddle right back to the car.</p><p>Loaded up we began our tramp. Along the 4WD track to the hut, and then along the tramping track to cross the Huxley swing bridge before breaking out onto another 4WD track heading up the true right of the Hopkins River.</p><p>The walking was fairly easy, but up ahead we got bluffed out and tried to find the walking track marked on the topomaps. This track was supposed to be in the beech forest but despite finding a few orange triangles we couldn't find any way through the impenetrable bush. After an hour or so of unsuccessful bushbashing and Jude finding a pair of sunglasses lost by another person trying to make their way through that piece of bush, we backtracked to the river and looked for a suitable crossing.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnRxjfOH6h-i-jcKxOCX-GuOqkhjDB3cYgghR9sHYWEGR_KApMnQIfHfsK8lNwRp3MjzBDRRaMZaDpu_9U5XA74Myd9XbPyYF9rSO_cWOUB1Wj5vxsknm9tcWVD65T5TxoObUHwDpTy2FN5WrJFXiJR3jqWN0ghW9A_CdCGZHFA6JzjJeernPRkNc/s4032/20230107-IMG_8655.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnRxjfOH6h-i-jcKxOCX-GuOqkhjDB3cYgghR9sHYWEGR_KApMnQIfHfsK8lNwRp3MjzBDRRaMZaDpu_9U5XA74Myd9XbPyYF9rSO_cWOUB1Wj5vxsknm9tcWVD65T5TxoObUHwDpTy2FN5WrJFXiJR3jqWN0ghW9A_CdCGZHFA6JzjJeernPRkNc/w480-h640/20230107-IMG_8655.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An easy creek crossing</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We had already scoped out potential crossing options, but couldn't find any that we thought safe to walk across. So we inflated our packrafts and ferry glided across! The river wasn't actually all that deep, but the current was quite strong...<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-B1EFK5tWqb-qgPBmGN-MXTr6zO_uvyApwesQxZRICLtOF2PkJY_mLSLzLR_8lD1b-g8EGDuoux18uRu30KorGJZHblS9S5GW25mdvgTWGwyOwoHgztOuqhlm-zeZR0EHpM1YbdMg1TPDeVQc3BW4idi12bRH5og5X-I5uPiR8LNKSU2xzYP7UZHE/s4032/20230107-IMG_8656.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-B1EFK5tWqb-qgPBmGN-MXTr6zO_uvyApwesQxZRICLtOF2PkJY_mLSLzLR_8lD1b-g8EGDuoux18uRu30KorGJZHblS9S5GW25mdvgTWGwyOwoHgztOuqhlm-zeZR0EHpM1YbdMg1TPDeVQc3BW4idi12bRH5og5X-I5uPiR8LNKSU2xzYP7UZHE/w480-h640/20230107-IMG_8656.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to cross the river after being bluffed/ bushbashed out</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Rafts deflated and back in our bags we continued upriver, arriving at Elcho Hut to find it occupied by three lads from Hawkes Bay on a week long hunting trip. One of them told us the Elcho Stream was difficult to cross so we began heading over to have a look but I was feeling weary so we decided to leave that problem until the next day and stay at Elcho Hut for the night.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX6OdzPit-Yd68RSqt3j4w2vxzZhK8jnwotoRuuLUvhhWt9zUtHZs4BlRu19NWP0tU7l9Ii9NcQdvG9y6TCjy3a-9BDWegFLNMueUzk6aJHiMay20AjwhdVZCa4Nk50lnjoG2rMcNf08h2F99_aAl-3KNJxuUM3yJM4T3h_D_Rj90fAiyh_PX6_2Q/s4032/20230107-IMG_8657.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX6OdzPit-Yd68RSqt3j4w2vxzZhK8jnwotoRuuLUvhhWt9zUtHZs4BlRu19NWP0tU7l9Ii9NcQdvG9y6TCjy3a-9BDWegFLNMueUzk6aJHiMay20AjwhdVZCa4Nk50lnjoG2rMcNf08h2F99_aAl-3KNJxuUM3yJM4T3h_D_Rj90fAiyh_PX6_2Q/w480-h640/20230107-IMG_8657.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a long valley, and much of it was this easy</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdelTRYd_2jKOUhoPIljzWJp8VX7nerTZdd8q537xHYDk69YNApgma3fJhdVW38axPVQd9OyW19tcqGKWM8iEXKQ9VYseYsbGPnUAv2LfNhJrf8IgZ0G9NsFl_49h2UYH7_jSXvnwDafJnWSTX9O0uMoxM4_-8XWq4Dk_jgodSGyUAeiLOOvoFqtN4/s4032/20230107-IMG_8658.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdelTRYd_2jKOUhoPIljzWJp8VX7nerTZdd8q537xHYDk69YNApgma3fJhdVW38axPVQd9OyW19tcqGKWM8iEXKQ9VYseYsbGPnUAv2LfNhJrf8IgZ0G9NsFl_49h2UYH7_jSXvnwDafJnWSTX9O0uMoxM4_-8XWq4Dk_jgodSGyUAeiLOOvoFqtN4/w480-h640/20230107-IMG_8658.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The occasional waterfall coming from the cloud shrouded peaks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQrCRZMa3eCfdDeCy_sG6VvCeiUIDZy6KnuKs9A5zIY0vJaHBKXOE30e2G9_tJ4ZFJVuEWcaOSjNHxWTh7ceHcWew4-FohXc_x0VJaG51epIUxvlIiMpDhUK9Ryibuhd7s5FftXHGPTiWJzRqqgTUJUs1hVlLekkfHfUSAxnRisZ0FLLHsQVdndok/s4032/20230107-IMG_8659.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQrCRZMa3eCfdDeCy_sG6VvCeiUIDZy6KnuKs9A5zIY0vJaHBKXOE30e2G9_tJ4ZFJVuEWcaOSjNHxWTh7ceHcWew4-FohXc_x0VJaG51epIUxvlIiMpDhUK9Ryibuhd7s5FftXHGPTiWJzRqqgTUJUs1hVlLekkfHfUSAxnRisZ0FLLHsQVdndok/w640-h480/20230107-IMG_8659.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elcho Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The next morning we made an easy crossing of Elcho Stream by foot and walked up to Cullers Hut to take a peek. If I'd had the energy it would have been a nicer hut to stay in, but we were already well behind schedule as the original plan had been to make Dodger Hut on the first day and then do a day trip further up the valley.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj65r0hu8ywURv9B61eowXeYARFOB_LdaLHcupgxcI0uBRbUcorMfop3gj4gh4ZrFWbHNPL6eybNT4q-reSR-SQeHOkoiVaK7717lwDUVG2cs6dAJiiknkd_LCAi0kRHVrCCA0ZazXNs4a30lfQh5Bw9H9W4vVcOEXao__tc-Xa1vq08iKZR9zQuyR/s4032/20230108-IMG_8662.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj65r0hu8ywURv9B61eowXeYARFOB_LdaLHcupgxcI0uBRbUcorMfop3gj4gh4ZrFWbHNPL6eybNT4q-reSR-SQeHOkoiVaK7717lwDUVG2cs6dAJiiknkd_LCAi0kRHVrCCA0ZazXNs4a30lfQh5Bw9H9W4vVcOEXao__tc-Xa1vq08iKZR9zQuyR/w640-h480/20230108-IMG_8662.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cullers Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We continued upstream on the true right until we got bluffed out again and needed to cross to the true left anyway to get to Dodger Hut. Above us was a rapid that in no possible scenario could be considered a Grade 2, so we made the decision to cross below it in our packrafts. That crossing was deeper, but the current not as strong. Now on the true left we let some air out of the rafts, secured them on the river bank and headed upstream to Dodger Hut.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdS2fpBoGuYbUH1dCIp6zLdRb9NW6rTIHblYmPYvMoEOUWgcomvqTvqlkqZ_iQH1f765F2Bf52-kzXpLuwBz91w34BRj75UDbqI3MbiAD5XjCRTrgh-D8TriI_OWKwF9MrxPuMDjkXgiSoa1EIZpkMjeOAFjJPkBBzUJRYVe-9AaXZlVWsxAhhklSu/s4032/20230108-IMG_8663.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdS2fpBoGuYbUH1dCIp6zLdRb9NW6rTIHblYmPYvMoEOUWgcomvqTvqlkqZ_iQH1f765F2Bf52-kzXpLuwBz91w34BRj75UDbqI3MbiAD5XjCRTrgh-D8TriI_OWKwF9MrxPuMDjkXgiSoa1EIZpkMjeOAFjJPkBBzUJRYVe-9AaXZlVWsxAhhklSu/w480-h640/20230108-IMG_8663.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river swirls around that big rock then drops into a hole with another large rock just below the surface. We crossed below the rapid and above some long wave trains</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We had made the decision that we weren't going to run the Grade 3 rapid, not least because we hadn't brought helmets or throw ropes, so the rafts didn't need to go further up the valley. We also knew we didn't have time to explore higher up, so we just ambled up to Dodger, had lunch in the sun, and then walked back to our boats.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF8dnPtQTXD1noiQsU-ge9UKEsJ8HGGuEfW5A7YrpPG_WJbWjjMcZ8iJbFpsx7Zj05jhoQYE56JxLeh97b04_axkjKGKrKHVn8AEnKJSPR8VFIPT_OBH7IIzpMHhhy83hudaWZqWt5TWrDL9w7zUfW_RHHuhcjGQNj8xOqYwm0EdMNItztfb3wi5w/s4032/20230108-IMG_8664.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF8dnPtQTXD1noiQsU-ge9UKEsJ8HGGuEfW5A7YrpPG_WJbWjjMcZ8iJbFpsx7Zj05jhoQYE56JxLeh97b04_axkjKGKrKHVn8AEnKJSPR8VFIPT_OBH7IIzpMHhhy83hudaWZqWt5TWrDL9w7zUfW_RHHuhcjGQNj8xOqYwm0EdMNItztfb3wi5w/w640-h480/20230108-IMG_8664.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodger Hut, next time we'll drive here</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8h_f6ZC7k3jd_gVeEJFMOlUocRs_pp2rFt46fXxDfQwP8x66b-95VeOe5djFXSVDv7XW4Yrf1MsWB2lRkMwYIvbe04mcIxunQygrMiWSPMASk5AOfyXV1n9u6YlryvTxcPZY2EaK7fqXWV9ltfTl3xCuhzADnDrdif9odRBHcY45ZEjHIoSmfaCN/s4032/20230108-IMG_8665.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8h_f6ZC7k3jd_gVeEJFMOlUocRs_pp2rFt46fXxDfQwP8x66b-95VeOe5djFXSVDv7XW4Yrf1MsWB2lRkMwYIvbe04mcIxunQygrMiWSPMASk5AOfyXV1n9u6YlryvTxcPZY2EaK7fqXWV9ltfTl3xCuhzADnDrdif9odRBHcY45ZEjHIoSmfaCN/w480-h640/20230108-IMG_8665.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We tempered the boats and began our descent of the Hopkins. It started off pretty spicy with a couple of meaty wave trains, requiring some stops to empty our bucket boats, and then became a series of gentle Grade 1 rapids and braids. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkZlvmpp38lTiBjoAFsgz5u74cwaJD0lOwqCJKZ62EnFL8tFfdxqwTdEb8rUn9Gr36lXyq4r801bAyt0lniFpYldzavSBQIoWRpztky7qxnXRZ1sqRfKsqCfuCjZeRUPsQmKLtjiKFyFK9UTpAwbimX6IGj07oA3ecJi6zY55xs3PVDIkrbglXtRX/s4032/20230108-IMG_8666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkZlvmpp38lTiBjoAFsgz5u74cwaJD0lOwqCJKZ62EnFL8tFfdxqwTdEb8rUn9Gr36lXyq4r801bAyt0lniFpYldzavSBQIoWRpztky7qxnXRZ1sqRfKsqCfuCjZeRUPsQmKLtjiKFyFK9UTpAwbimX6IGj07oA3ecJi6zY55xs3PVDIkrbglXtRX/w480-h640/20230108-IMG_8666.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The clouds that had hung around the mountains for the last 24 hours lifted and we were treated to some wonderful vistas of the surrounding peaks. We could see all the way up the valley, and as we descended we got great views of Dasler Pinnacles.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXzCVUeapfWeAMZAfb1cDs_fH5X9LCcIHNRtGXiEGvD0v2thH7GVEO9Jgso5s6TrM3yBPzcMPyPkk-KVSlZup7xnkenhkMWjssVHbtBGTtm0tH4GCEFSU7tE2p3Oz1fn9fiadXmYJa3LinxykZvpQooj91RpAIbe8DNKBQvyL6uiRHs410SKLNO-p/s4032/20230108-IMG_8667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXzCVUeapfWeAMZAfb1cDs_fH5X9LCcIHNRtGXiEGvD0v2thH7GVEO9Jgso5s6TrM3yBPzcMPyPkk-KVSlZup7xnkenhkMWjssVHbtBGTtm0tH4GCEFSU7tE2p3Oz1fn9fiadXmYJa3LinxykZvpQooj91RpAIbe8DNKBQvyL6uiRHs410SKLNO-p/w480-h640/20230108-IMG_8667.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlJAE1ZHkrZ1WPeIdVyN8dOzCOl7Wuk-9QvJ-xjFop1-FbeRyoTmgizK-5cp9XGPWturEtvuldfo3QQR6_yw4SXQr66mwPw67wjIqhO3Os3g5wNQLvpx-0_Rx_Q8UxefmvKUG-b8ijCtCseZE_Ou117_ADd2vIkfMgYVrI7kbqOBIXILOO8JCo0IV/s4032/20230108-IMG_8668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlJAE1ZHkrZ1WPeIdVyN8dOzCOl7Wuk-9QvJ-xjFop1-FbeRyoTmgizK-5cp9XGPWturEtvuldfo3QQR6_yw4SXQr66mwPw67wjIqhO3Os3g5wNQLvpx-0_Rx_Q8UxefmvKUG-b8ijCtCseZE_Ou117_ADd2vIkfMgYVrI7kbqOBIXILOO8JCo0IV/w640-h480/20230108-IMG_8668.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />There was just enough water for us not to need to get out of our boats on the braided shingle more than a couple of times, until we reached Monument Hut. There we stopped to try and help a jet boater who had run aground, to no avail, so we continued our float downstream to the car. A simple drag of the boats about 10 metres from the riverbank over a grassy knoll had us deflating our boats right next to the car.<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRm56oLHUOy0TW2N51IF2bChvtT7p3GAPLBn-VhJV2m5wu7dysdWRvwo3BY5vrrepIxqyj6JJoLrPJNTOWXeO3PvdpE09Y1vHvMYBVQLuDQyDb25PqwnAYSqMhSUJEOyHVLZ63ucyQepupV94q1u3Pch3GTymB6OIFoobx0XCqphpR4pB0IfSFVqA/s4032/20230108-IMG_8669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRm56oLHUOy0TW2N51IF2bChvtT7p3GAPLBn-VhJV2m5wu7dysdWRvwo3BY5vrrepIxqyj6JJoLrPJNTOWXeO3PvdpE09Y1vHvMYBVQLuDQyDb25PqwnAYSqMhSUJEOyHVLZ63ucyQepupV94q1u3Pch3GTymB6OIFoobx0XCqphpR4pB0IfSFVqA/w480-h640/20230108-IMG_8669.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He missed the correct braid to take (about where this picture is taken from) and realised too late</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUa0X-wIsOsJ_2e3wWxxp5UNHVnUEKMvpHSRWwgTDx9hHT1hr-_1g-PccJZsSM__ql7qp-AkYHi4y_YQrfAx-LghpqaDWk2hLhKeJ5EmIHirQTH5tETtn06w5ryEe06rqFlCmyC-HXN9Stu3zJMFGibPFFMCB6fW3ieDCBXzYXvqoyj_FPoqpo6Iz/s4032/20230108-IMG_8671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUa0X-wIsOsJ_2e3wWxxp5UNHVnUEKMvpHSRWwgTDx9hHT1hr-_1g-PccJZsSM__ql7qp-AkYHi4y_YQrfAx-LghpqaDWk2hLhKeJ5EmIHirQTH5tETtn06w5ryEe06rqFlCmyC-HXN9Stu3zJMFGibPFFMCB6fW3ieDCBXzYXvqoyj_FPoqpo6Iz/w640-h480/20230108-IMG_8671.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />On the drive out we saw that the jet boater had been rescued by another two boats, and we decided that next time we'd take Jude's 4WD up the valley to Dodger and walk from there.<p></p><p>Not a bad trip, not all goals achieved, and although carrying the extra load had been tiring, I'd felt fine on Day 2 and hadn't experienced any back pain at all. I'm feeling that my rehab is progressing well.</p><p>What next?</p><p><br /></p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-36431247377884338732023-01-14T10:54:00.029+08:002023-02-15T15:11:02.504+08:00Upriver to an old hut<p>Stu and Ian returned to the South Island on Jan 1 after concluding that attempts to complete <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2021/11/the-chicken-run-to-whanganui.html" target="_blank">Stu's North Island "Te Araroa by packraft</a>" wasn't feasible given the extreme weather events hitting the northern part of the country. Instead, they decided to finish off a different route down to Bluff, since Ian had also <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2021/11/not-my-adventure.html" target="_blank">abandoned Stu</a> during his South Island journey at Queenstown in 2019. The plan was to paddle the Mataura River from it's source to the sea and then follow a series of coastal lagoons to Bluff. They asked if I wanted to join them, but I declined, preferring to concentrate on getting tramping fit.</p><p>I picked them up from Queenstown Airport and we drove down to Athol to camp the night before driving up Cainard Rd to Robert Creek, where we left the car and continued upstream on foot. After about 20 minutes Stu decided it was time to put in, so I left the boys and continued up the Mataura solo.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4viTp9tBZXljQ1eTCpfFCN_4z_JgUNf1bkYOxSamb0eOtYwHeXvhsvCjpx1TQWl6aH1HneKF68KtBs5QwcYTa7sGiS4MW0uuwzOglK7sb_h_Y3iYci_ve-4aoZWaPGdYUv3wy94u1vWR8H6G62uWtrnItGI1SptGuKoFbeGyTTLzgiCsisnPha9K/s4032/20230102-IMG_8613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4viTp9tBZXljQ1eTCpfFCN_4z_JgUNf1bkYOxSamb0eOtYwHeXvhsvCjpx1TQWl6aH1HneKF68KtBs5QwcYTa7sGiS4MW0uuwzOglK7sb_h_Y3iYci_ve-4aoZWaPGdYUv3wy94u1vWR8H6G62uWtrnItGI1SptGuKoFbeGyTTLzgiCsisnPha9K/w480-h640/20230102-IMG_8613.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The 4WD track leaves the river where it enters a gorge and climbs high above some bluffs, through a pine forest. Nice to be in the shade but not exactly pleasant scenery. It's not a huge detour and soon the track descends steeply back to the river for the first of a number of stream crossings.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuzrEw5XZsJLKU0vEP1tiQ_rsKM7kYI3191LD9M43JhhhRF7508A2simbavJfs12wRLVqPRa2loM0uYVFt7P1EGTfefiASchKq1a-pf3hxFv8T54eYIrWgj9h3FV3nXNGj5bX5JNycL8KH0YlxiEaGrJi_f7U9Z_I1GNcV7w85Oxw0KhH91tJiA3p/s4032/20230102-IMG_8614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuzrEw5XZsJLKU0vEP1tiQ_rsKM7kYI3191LD9M43JhhhRF7508A2simbavJfs12wRLVqPRa2loM0uYVFt7P1EGTfefiASchKq1a-pf3hxFv8T54eYIrWgj9h3FV3nXNGj5bX5JNycL8KH0YlxiEaGrJi_f7U9Z_I1GNcV7w85Oxw0KhH91tJiA3p/w480-h640/20230102-IMG_8614.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />From there the track follows the river to Cowshed Hut, passing the wonderfully named Bowels of the Earth. A couple of hunters were having a snooze at the hut after being up very early that morning. Over lunch and a cuppa it transpired that one of the fellows was the boyfriend of Ena, the Irish physiotherapist who had visited me at home for the first 2 months post injury. She'll be happy to know I'm back multi-day tramping again!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oEFBReu568LtPqUJbKMPij_JdORrMUb0eh3gK2pIIgm1DYHv6-2oeVh6QutLhxkPF3U1UpLtoLaa_rdu6YNVqyECFlmROCgFvreTCJlLzDp8sku_xWIr1a-wTwPI3e6ffpDPpq9hXcRFvVnnSmh5-xPMXGvhtVXkNg_JXLt83EzmUFEy6FxDgp-Y/s4032/20230102-IMG_8623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oEFBReu568LtPqUJbKMPij_JdORrMUb0eh3gK2pIIgm1DYHv6-2oeVh6QutLhxkPF3U1UpLtoLaa_rdu6YNVqyECFlmROCgFvreTCJlLzDp8sku_xWIr1a-wTwPI3e6ffpDPpq9hXcRFvVnnSmh5-xPMXGvhtVXkNg_JXLt83EzmUFEy6FxDgp-Y/w480-h640/20230102-IMG_8623.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1quPjR0IqK4xJ-WDDHkWrS_osxP2RAsaR5pAlhjIVyKH4UGy747zm5bfnoBdgyuvQ0j2H2AdIbInaahILaH9kUf7z0zigrxH7OSd3R8swD3AHK1eiZgcpC9ZQWKs9hcYqGW6uzFgzWyICa7q5SpJHWtq5jAYXdBfDgpIjPCdp2Xw3iZvFJ7gsCDii/s3481/20230102-IMG_8627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3481" data-original-width="2612" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1quPjR0IqK4xJ-WDDHkWrS_osxP2RAsaR5pAlhjIVyKH4UGy747zm5bfnoBdgyuvQ0j2H2AdIbInaahILaH9kUf7z0zigrxH7OSd3R8swD3AHK1eiZgcpC9ZQWKs9hcYqGW6uzFgzWyICa7q5SpJHWtq5jAYXdBfDgpIjPCdp2Xw3iZvFJ7gsCDii/w480-h640/20230102-IMG_8627.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ekiTt231crjtABd0J6FTLg5Fg0FUoVs6FvM6327CN2TOK-sjdGquXsjT7Tl_60_fg6GDFnEVdijiGBj_h8Bw3EDE-epWXEye7_1YLJRch9lmaxH0WZXsNZpM8VN1ppQzLHt60LhCwmdArJ3sKMpX8iAuiqTNjPgdipCm3xOOQjGhu9TAb-eUIEyh/s3557/20230102-IMG_8629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3557" data-original-width="2667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ekiTt231crjtABd0J6FTLg5Fg0FUoVs6FvM6327CN2TOK-sjdGquXsjT7Tl_60_fg6GDFnEVdijiGBj_h8Bw3EDE-epWXEye7_1YLJRch9lmaxH0WZXsNZpM8VN1ppQzLHt60LhCwmdArJ3sKMpX8iAuiqTNjPgdipCm3xOOQjGhu9TAb-eUIEyh/w480-h640/20230102-IMG_8629.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVT4PJN2Ss61lxzI98o1kVgOwQydHLlfPK5hd3axkMDODaQsa_VCSH65HO3CmMDW278YRjTiUWdnLhOHoMdgKvovox7flzb379J2e1Op0km8wETnPKwhxYkFtRac0al3-BX_WNVFzJfM7BxyLzW02gDswnb01CVVpeHGg0u2XNehA39ztpsKJiDjO-/s3570/20230102-IMG_8630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3570" data-original-width="2675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVT4PJN2Ss61lxzI98o1kVgOwQydHLlfPK5hd3axkMDODaQsa_VCSH65HO3CmMDW278YRjTiUWdnLhOHoMdgKvovox7flzb379J2e1Op0km8wETnPKwhxYkFtRac0al3-BX_WNVFzJfM7BxyLzW02gDswnb01CVVpeHGg0u2XNehA39ztpsKJiDjO-/w480-h640/20230102-IMG_8630.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />From Cowshed Hut the 4WD track continued a short way before finishing at a lovely grassy clearing beside the river which was obviously used as a campsite, judging from the woodpile neatly stacked. Another river crossing and then a faint but discernible footpad could be followed further upstream.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qI3_HNKoap8JyCKpyK4Whq1lXEgPeSJtJ09MvFxvDdDgmxftOMmsX4y6ryPwLZj3Orw0Ot-KyEaUF3thYoWSu-T7dFGJxNga-cpPdelOYPZInbZf93wW5cCGrqBEGajKj2-URKCCuXwUCqhqjG-ToiWl-6V33RdAn0XZcLzLgZbA4yNKwrIBRLN9/s4032/20230102-IMG_8634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qI3_HNKoap8JyCKpyK4Whq1lXEgPeSJtJ09MvFxvDdDgmxftOMmsX4y6ryPwLZj3Orw0Ot-KyEaUF3thYoWSu-T7dFGJxNga-cpPdelOYPZInbZf93wW5cCGrqBEGajKj2-URKCCuXwUCqhqjG-ToiWl-6V33RdAn0XZcLzLgZbA4yNKwrIBRLN9/w480-h640/20230102-IMG_8634.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />As the valley narrowed the trail deviated to stay high to avoid the swampy valley. There were lovely stands of beech and numerous small cascades to enjoy. After a couple of hours Beech Hut came into view, with one final river crossing to get to it.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYC06NWWlctI1zlGxinv3B-wUpIOT97ZCykk4WX7zK4MnDzzyNZTwQmDD98EGx_4WxcTBvtqSQdhFXGvylQoVFQmN_-L-ZMRoAqWoNzF4ci68O_OyG_WKgRIrU2NfvO2VBvxOI7Z5ivEwFWYu99DQJzIO4BA84PD4nqRlfPmCgrPwe3nLXxkFZtKr/s4032/20230102-IMG_8635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYC06NWWlctI1zlGxinv3B-wUpIOT97ZCykk4WX7zK4MnDzzyNZTwQmDD98EGx_4WxcTBvtqSQdhFXGvylQoVFQmN_-L-ZMRoAqWoNzF4ci68O_OyG_WKgRIrU2NfvO2VBvxOI7Z5ivEwFWYu99DQJzIO4BA84PD4nqRlfPmCgrPwe3nLXxkFZtKr/w480-h640/20230102-IMG_8635.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Beech Hut is an old musterer's hut that was restored from dereliction back in the early 2000s. It's extremely basic and with no protection from sandflies I elected to pitch my tent rather than sleep in the hut.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnhMb6PrOQ81F2ESpYD_A4lSbbP7c0I1WRpM67Wg9jp9W8KYW7cMZivFlWIZHvlDHfLc3uiSka6Laqv4KjAOj8o_dmp6dJl-dv_cd6NVd0RKxfHKT_CIb4d8PKbTZy4i_N2EACZsoTt1YUixQIYZ7TyTtxWBC1l402YhwG1WuTONxlyT5iBWB-UyA/s4032/20230102-IMG_8636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnhMb6PrOQ81F2ESpYD_A4lSbbP7c0I1WRpM67Wg9jp9W8KYW7cMZivFlWIZHvlDHfLc3uiSka6Laqv4KjAOj8o_dmp6dJl-dv_cd6NVd0RKxfHKT_CIb4d8PKbTZy4i_N2EACZsoTt1YUixQIYZ7TyTtxWBC1l402YhwG1WuTONxlyT5iBWB-UyA/w480-h640/20230102-IMG_8636.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr6XkkDZ3mhFhXCrdNQusiajZHBD1_bJLVYrcE0yfBO2onFWCz5rgXfkfpCvi5Mk45c74bm9LGrnfqNFLy1QSYt8NFrZS9-XXsgw02KDV03v6z3d8tkAR8NKKUkvqPUFIasMK78Xa-TCSKdn5p1L27T6lY5fOuQ-vfjP62OvH4_KtsmFuLYPbWPjK/s4032/20230102-IMG_8637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr6XkkDZ3mhFhXCrdNQusiajZHBD1_bJLVYrcE0yfBO2onFWCz5rgXfkfpCvi5Mk45c74bm9LGrnfqNFLy1QSYt8NFrZS9-XXsgw02KDV03v6z3d8tkAR8NKKUkvqPUFIasMK78Xa-TCSKdn5p1L27T6lY5fOuQ-vfjP62OvH4_KtsmFuLYPbWPjK/w480-h640/20230102-IMG_8637.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE1gZe0nm-WTZnS1yXgUfNE0D9gVbM3WwI5-jUQrXvBsZGLAFt8UN2VRAtD7p6dcQH2_8ynfkxooffQ7cffPIx0z9ULOvJD0NPIurwypQkL058Ym01mzJt4mjVk7DVqeSgCcmujMmvQ3XsTFKCFulCl1Qxkp1arUSKu0tdiripqRxX5ABcpNLvLKT/s4032/20230103-IMG_8640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE1gZe0nm-WTZnS1yXgUfNE0D9gVbM3WwI5-jUQrXvBsZGLAFt8UN2VRAtD7p6dcQH2_8ynfkxooffQ7cffPIx0z9ULOvJD0NPIurwypQkL058Ym01mzJt4mjVk7DVqeSgCcmujMmvQ3XsTFKCFulCl1Qxkp1arUSKu0tdiripqRxX5ABcpNLvLKT/w640-h480/20230103-IMG_8640.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The next morning I retraced my steps, but rather than follow the 4WD track through the forest I walked beside the river instead. Which meant I got to see the very pretty gorge. I kind of regretted not having my packraft with me to paddle it...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrGGMnvDgZdElfh34Yt3Z3h1wyM4TKoEVu1JEtUHwdHSR6P_8FOhb8Jnk2r9TDhszd9orwRDtWkyq-hqIYeyvi4iGRx8ILy8HqY6ArbzQBtUBcyQ7BIsr4gVPtKACzEut1aornc1dU2X114YrUHWUMe-d5v6s8sUy2TeeR-DsWV1-auLFaDNWpx41/s4032/20230103-IMG_8638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrGGMnvDgZdElfh34Yt3Z3h1wyM4TKoEVu1JEtUHwdHSR6P_8FOhb8Jnk2r9TDhszd9orwRDtWkyq-hqIYeyvi4iGRx8ILy8HqY6ArbzQBtUBcyQ7BIsr4gVPtKACzEut1aornc1dU2X114YrUHWUMe-d5v6s8sUy2TeeR-DsWV1-auLFaDNWpx41/w640-h480/20230103-IMG_8638.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyupkBIX550KwPu1LyHXjTEXhMAGTtiyqdKcCpnkkAotx95QgJVqBn1lZ_DAE1cA3Nvrd6Z47EILkymyAfYOSwXAc-51KN0dcbPxQGdqtikshRnruUiX5yRcUH3__ooxzeFRn8PzL_A7JMXz9jd2ihhLOgVej9bcjSNbSawmGWZsk84STK1pBvD4J/s4032/20230103-IMG_8642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyupkBIX550KwPu1LyHXjTEXhMAGTtiyqdKcCpnkkAotx95QgJVqBn1lZ_DAE1cA3Nvrd6Z47EILkymyAfYOSwXAc-51KN0dcbPxQGdqtikshRnruUiX5yRcUH3__ooxzeFRn8PzL_A7JMXz9jd2ihhLOgVej9bcjSNbSawmGWZsk84STK1pBvD4J/w640-h480/20230103-IMG_8642.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbzhLaoVYH42g8lTMx43kks1X0Bi2EPOS-IAkoVk7VN2-JgJJYxiV6A8ILCM9_GWd-BvHj9SiFl4YcjOfBaeT5ZjQn5-HwDXm0tApVXZULlsw1A646OV8cWsiz1bZXV2x_SquM8tvfkiNgmeGh-8F4asWCUFvejlCxHMIE6T8Dxa5Q4eInPdK-dfM/s4032/20230103-IMG_8643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbzhLaoVYH42g8lTMx43kks1X0Bi2EPOS-IAkoVk7VN2-JgJJYxiV6A8ILCM9_GWd-BvHj9SiFl4YcjOfBaeT5ZjQn5-HwDXm0tApVXZULlsw1A646OV8cWsiz1bZXV2x_SquM8tvfkiNgmeGh-8F4asWCUFvejlCxHMIE6T8Dxa5Q4eInPdK-dfM/w640-h480/20230103-IMG_8643.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzC_KLxiIftRAUSINOMJbMjRRprhzlkoH_-l5SKP6Wt3HQhuSPnTHjd1OrBKaPUw3sTYn1IGtNUXWcb8dkwk4_MXtZISFfOz_whwGtuq7spMwOZxwDd-U4kO2GOUBVi_TWCGTDz6vTHMwMhzMocq16IIf4Wq_UtPpFvV5yfSfBM9cCuYx89YnXQXw/s4032/20230103-IMG_8644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzC_KLxiIftRAUSINOMJbMjRRprhzlkoH_-l5SKP6Wt3HQhuSPnTHjd1OrBKaPUw3sTYn1IGtNUXWcb8dkwk4_MXtZISFfOz_whwGtuq7spMwOZxwDd-U4kO2GOUBVi_TWCGTDz6vTHMwMhzMocq16IIf4Wq_UtPpFvV5yfSfBM9cCuYx89YnXQXw/w480-h640/20230103-IMG_8644.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwoOgtX9zCvZ-Wf0psDhZi7dlpIurak_h1PTdEF5eFu_vbyBfWaSYnohMbuapHKAYE8RQ0TvYlgaBU3dSuu9u95x0U-v9m846_-nY9CItTxcgTa6bTfhCrQy2YSm9AghB8HCSJUbUVRVNM1dqhEm8msNKEzh5yr87FtQIR4eQ2-LsYIXL7c0ZRd6M/s3578/20230103-IMG_8647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3578" data-original-width="2683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwoOgtX9zCvZ-Wf0psDhZi7dlpIurak_h1PTdEF5eFu_vbyBfWaSYnohMbuapHKAYE8RQ0TvYlgaBU3dSuu9u95x0U-v9m846_-nY9CItTxcgTa6bTfhCrQy2YSm9AghB8HCSJUbUVRVNM1dqhEm8msNKEzh5yr87FtQIR4eQ2-LsYIXL7c0ZRd6M/w480-h640/20230103-IMG_8647.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFpJknEgF05jsyLJk66C7-xRIoy0Y70vfwvqXcSF2WLFb1sYnqnIZ0hQzFF9tlmKQhSBJVBFikoYX1guyMkG6TeQ4JiBMZoq63rI_5l9BfnoQKCfSjHiDBlYrt_9t-uGxEjDkhRYvL3j8y8AS68Uw8iGLOe5mKFkl2qm3cm75w7F3Kq7nGajYPUvT/s4032/20230103-IMG_8648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFpJknEgF05jsyLJk66C7-xRIoy0Y70vfwvqXcSF2WLFb1sYnqnIZ0hQzFF9tlmKQhSBJVBFikoYX1guyMkG6TeQ4JiBMZoq63rI_5l9BfnoQKCfSjHiDBlYrt_9t-uGxEjDkhRYvL3j8y8AS68Uw8iGLOe5mKFkl2qm3cm75w7F3Kq7nGajYPUvT/w640-h480/20230103-IMG_8648.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Y_RCH58IA3KcUdIzDbgFbKSDVeUUsrSf4kANatu5zYvelL5nnOgn_TzIzfWEvMvIU2Qadlk12BLFcv7w1drGQpxLJ_Xx5BNq19N7w5oe9wXD5KfwbIgw7vYrgzzClx9lMYuVmYbOmyVWuA8685dNennkA35PQvlzXUTIihoz0jF2a7gqIpu6S2Id/s4032/20230103-IMG_8649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Y_RCH58IA3KcUdIzDbgFbKSDVeUUsrSf4kANatu5zYvelL5nnOgn_TzIzfWEvMvIU2Qadlk12BLFcv7w1drGQpxLJ_Xx5BNq19N7w5oe9wXD5KfwbIgw7vYrgzzClx9lMYuVmYbOmyVWuA8685dNennkA35PQvlzXUTIihoz0jF2a7gqIpu6S2Id/w480-h640/20230103-IMG_8649.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Another 45 minutes and I was back at the car. I'd successfully completed my first overnight tramping trip since my accident, and my body felt good.<p></p><p>Perhaps it was time to take it up a notch...</p><p>That's next!</p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-30490574944229537442023-01-13T10:37:00.020+08:002023-02-13T10:51:25.184+08:00Walking and cycling adventures during my recovery<p>When I first started walking again I used a walking frame, gradually making my way around the hospital wards, and getting to and from the toilet unaided. Once I returned home I soon graduated from a walking frame to two crutches, then one, then finally none. That took about 8 weeks.</p><p>Gradually I was able to go for longer walks, mostly in the vicinity of where I lived. Walking along the Clutha River tracks is always scenic and enjoyable, no matter how many times you go.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6dHbODF_g-WLsNUHXpVopi8jaky0T7EdXVyEErfgjqDGxvgjFPvaNcdbxjLFmfO-wEY1pYnz2zym6IEIUeukbkdR7rbSrMVS090yCDgstmYOGUa4bATpFiuYgoFrRJgibUeHZKjwKh68WYZXMBH-lHiC_nIZs9A3IWsyzbMLqFmNRkohi3W-I1UZ/s4032/20221011-IMG_8393.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6dHbODF_g-WLsNUHXpVopi8jaky0T7EdXVyEErfgjqDGxvgjFPvaNcdbxjLFmfO-wEY1pYnz2zym6IEIUeukbkdR7rbSrMVS090yCDgstmYOGUa4bATpFiuYgoFrRJgibUeHZKjwKh68WYZXMBH-lHiC_nIZs9A3IWsyzbMLqFmNRkohi3W-I1UZ/w640-h480/20221011-IMG_8393.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once my orthopaedic specialist had given me the go ahead, my walks became more ambitious. A ski instructor friend of mine joined me for a walk up Fern Burn. It's a glorious walk through beech forest, but the track is pretty uneven with some scrambling involved, so it was good to get off the manicured paths and work on my balance.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zdcaGtLCCFFf7195I0yk5sez7cTv60vNQ3bOv31u-ma56NuTqsjI6urfVttvQp4t4lBc4O8gSLGIiBzBRAOeZtGt2yqy6OmIh77yHNorT8_I4ias2pxmKN6RkJxL_zW4RwGC-yittz1aGd9vQpzTpim5aYl80nZIzxkzPT0KNvFFI5mVFH30_B_q/s3612/20221118-IMG_8426.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2709" data-original-width="3612" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zdcaGtLCCFFf7195I0yk5sez7cTv60vNQ3bOv31u-ma56NuTqsjI6urfVttvQp4t4lBc4O8gSLGIiBzBRAOeZtGt2yqy6OmIh77yHNorT8_I4ias2pxmKN6RkJxL_zW4RwGC-yittz1aGd9vQpzTpim5aYl80nZIzxkzPT0KNvFFI5mVFH30_B_q/w640-h480/20221118-IMG_8426.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We walked as far as the bridge and return, marvelling at the huge trout we could see in each pool. We didn't tell the fishermen further downstream though!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4Mg4seepnkuIugizpMQZqx_Tpt3AspouWYN0-7ugzikvsmdOewz3Oj0xGa1KkDyQWUNtmBGYTpu-iT88pKhY3lBzf-H3jcSUBihFVShlA98IPTVBs_2GIkoWNv52jGX5bvmbuTbYdszug_ATnCVbsULATnmi3Lt-pTE-EfWUxtYwQbwq0Jnru2a9/s4032/20221118-IMG_8420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4Mg4seepnkuIugizpMQZqx_Tpt3AspouWYN0-7ugzikvsmdOewz3Oj0xGa1KkDyQWUNtmBGYTpu-iT88pKhY3lBzf-H3jcSUBihFVShlA98IPTVBs_2GIkoWNv52jGX5bvmbuTbYdszug_ATnCVbsULATnmi3Lt-pTE-EfWUxtYwQbwq0Jnru2a9/w640-h480/20221118-IMG_8420.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Next I climbed Mt Iron. This was the first proper hill I had climbed post accident. All those glute exercises had worked a treat and I found it incredibly easy.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9D1OGsWdF-YuLAiIQKsihfab61szrlRrZTWdL19gIzlZzOYLYsi98ei4UvebHd1LSN0KwOrflu-TDh7kUi-kVXRJRb-AQzfuJcomGLURtnEIo3LJolLPN0ptsWjNm39-jBoLsp57g-wvuvYN-1NqtYd0WwdZckzGXa3aD8iK_CRC2zs0C-zpS1VN/s4032/20221125-IMG_8435.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9D1OGsWdF-YuLAiIQKsihfab61szrlRrZTWdL19gIzlZzOYLYsi98ei4UvebHd1LSN0KwOrflu-TDh7kUi-kVXRJRb-AQzfuJcomGLURtnEIo3LJolLPN0ptsWjNm39-jBoLsp57g-wvuvYN-1NqtYd0WwdZckzGXa3aD8iK_CRC2zs0C-zpS1VN/w640-h480/20221125-IMG_8435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc3T95cu7EPaCmK5ASbnSTbOHn14Bp2pgcxBY-kk7n8GaKR9lbWP-GmmFaruBfB6zbhRSgVXqHTWQo7nZa4-8bl7yhPumQRmlk8XeJ3wh7OwD7a0SXoHQYoMQNHOhUC03SZOLiP_55Tzf0d_ojecKoBOwrzEgoxltnxluM1HSKCPxzDqZNqAPTEmc/s4032/20221125-IMG_8433.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc3T95cu7EPaCmK5ASbnSTbOHn14Bp2pgcxBY-kk7n8GaKR9lbWP-GmmFaruBfB6zbhRSgVXqHTWQo7nZa4-8bl7yhPumQRmlk8XeJ3wh7OwD7a0SXoHQYoMQNHOhUC03SZOLiP_55Tzf0d_ojecKoBOwrzEgoxltnxluM1HSKCPxzDqZNqAPTEmc/w640-h480/20221125-IMG_8433.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a great view from the top</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Mt Iron is only a small hill, so to up the ante I planned to climb Grandview Mountain next. To keep things in perspective I decided to limit my climb to 2 hours uphill, before returning back to the car. Sure I didn't make the summit, but I still got to appreciate the fine views over Lake Hawea.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbgiMbePTvEReYbhCFHGVBfdmDfNecCiPZAfFH0mxdc-lrFc2RWKIg-qS2ZcLX2ilTAlDvft4k7pOVLhg6R3hpN-Aeabr0fPYBX1HLtiWP5QNhD2cd2AIJNm37GnGv8ez1nuTTPGoMJEDhJJ23cOXCiEhzxZpPunISBPHl3y9Kv5jG4j5GERRQtVE/s4032/20221127-IMG_8437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbgiMbePTvEReYbhCFHGVBfdmDfNecCiPZAfFH0mxdc-lrFc2RWKIg-qS2ZcLX2ilTAlDvft4k7pOVLhg6R3hpN-Aeabr0fPYBX1HLtiWP5QNhD2cd2AIJNm37GnGv8ez1nuTTPGoMJEDhJJ23cOXCiEhzxZpPunISBPHl3y9Kv5jG4j5GERRQtVE/w480-h640/20221127-IMG_8437.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLasxhS70xVzlEJxt5hduieaQFUOKuW7JP-T-6RadSX16f6KXHKgpDjYXYk-NAZEMoFYtLoTB8-NXhRaMonw4tbZCxdmqY1kxbgI38Kngnk7XAVPZc-PsPbW5tOLFPeRR8SYEh30fkVtR8g8wkvz1NRVzWG2b_g8MdxJ-m6ttnLx-EynHrGsmn2jx/s4032/20221127-IMG_8439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLasxhS70xVzlEJxt5hduieaQFUOKuW7JP-T-6RadSX16f6KXHKgpDjYXYk-NAZEMoFYtLoTB8-NXhRaMonw4tbZCxdmqY1kxbgI38Kngnk7XAVPZc-PsPbW5tOLFPeRR8SYEh30fkVtR8g8wkvz1NRVzWG2b_g8MdxJ-m6ttnLx-EynHrGsmn2jx/w640-h480/20221127-IMG_8439.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZgtNpm1f4zejy5s9dF9ZYTJQwm17XlL7nlnLkna3lEBWdjSQ_bYMvJxwkdl_TL_Ixglr-T3FFMnWiuXzFcRpFdBf0Rj45TGSkGCnSQqDXIBUjreMFocZ75splla9_SwiQb_prktadAcm79Vd-76kmTZi_e5atEHEbc64YbOX33ft2_yEEXv3ZCkN/s4032/20221127-IMG_8440.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZgtNpm1f4zejy5s9dF9ZYTJQwm17XlL7nlnLkna3lEBWdjSQ_bYMvJxwkdl_TL_Ixglr-T3FFMnWiuXzFcRpFdBf0Rj45TGSkGCnSQqDXIBUjreMFocZ75splla9_SwiQb_prktadAcm79Vd-76kmTZi_e5atEHEbc64YbOX33ft2_yEEXv3ZCkN/w640-h480/20221127-IMG_8440.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Hawea</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFt5cC2JyvweOyn2v2JfWynqImpGJPQMgBNoIKxCmPXFOOvnl2Tx_vWK91VSg919yiILYsRf6Ly-AUcUV4_8y5jy8HrdW2X4XhgGN_C1J5ch5jQJW9jNzDWkpvC5-eMxvHMk94Gn76oXy7qX5CkBs5oBAhlqTP5bs7o7vm5fLV4QGB5R19jCN74CFs/s4032/20221127-IMG_8442.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFt5cC2JyvweOyn2v2JfWynqImpGJPQMgBNoIKxCmPXFOOvnl2Tx_vWK91VSg919yiILYsRf6Ly-AUcUV4_8y5jy8HrdW2X4XhgGN_C1J5ch5jQJW9jNzDWkpvC5-eMxvHMk94Gn76oXy7qX5CkBs5oBAhlqTP5bs7o7vm5fLV4QGB5R19jCN74CFs/w480-h640/20221127-IMG_8442.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my turnaround spot</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUuxoGH6sPil4mtJmDguzqsHKefktgPQ7tlHFu5a_kG6VBzrAF0nzcsTZ7fbRd2pNknM2aebQLstZ9JS1E5GxAd5tyrKI_dDx4V3xdyo-FHpo9AAhFs99PIo_caLeDGyg3dj3D98ZOm4EEEx8P5CX0eevooXypFSTAC37UxfBXgGkpZFy6NZXYywL/s4032/20221127-IMG_8443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUuxoGH6sPil4mtJmDguzqsHKefktgPQ7tlHFu5a_kG6VBzrAF0nzcsTZ7fbRd2pNknM2aebQLstZ9JS1E5GxAd5tyrKI_dDx4V3xdyo-FHpo9AAhFs99PIo_caLeDGyg3dj3D98ZOm4EEEx8P5CX0eevooXypFSTAC37UxfBXgGkpZFy6NZXYywL/w640-h480/20221127-IMG_8443.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />My next hill was Little Criffell, and this time I decided to make the summit. The walk started with a crossing of the Cardrona River and then a fairly continuous ascent up farm tracks to the ridgeline. It was a further 3 km to the summit and there were times when I felt I just might have bitten off too much. But I made it, enjoying the amazing views in all directions. Roy's Peak across the valley as well as right up the Cardrona Valley, Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, and behind me the Pisa Range. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCzDhUoxMgCNg_9aMm6r0SbBN9PORgLaHAvvrHxzOgXx6l_3yL6wEvr8IBQbbyMD4Nhtuy2ijMx-bcuwnv8KFIngvBJMW45YaDa2mNCd6phwKPmSPz3o_id8AiOL_iWc9GJzdp7QYAwzgQn8cEp9ZkSWRzlu6TS8kJ6FUaUm4cSCY1lIovqSWM4Og/s4032/20221205-IMG_8453.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCzDhUoxMgCNg_9aMm6r0SbBN9PORgLaHAvvrHxzOgXx6l_3yL6wEvr8IBQbbyMD4Nhtuy2ijMx-bcuwnv8KFIngvBJMW45YaDa2mNCd6phwKPmSPz3o_id8AiOL_iWc9GJzdp7QYAwzgQn8cEp9ZkSWRzlu6TS8kJ6FUaUm4cSCY1lIovqSWM4Og/w640-h480/20221205-IMG_8453.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDhk4YYB6SD-OqLkaVG6i5UDAJP5wzUOpAnNC4xAa3XZCPjLmaVE5FqdN86KgafBpCdta_fRNZlX4WVHK4_MiNBW1vJ1lUwBNnRTEP8QmfuB_LUJTFyFK1Bs--OvqRx9Y4MDzv1qkmRGqF13odH7XIp6P6UFcXdDqPcOXnajvOKr6uayJBsvcZjc5/s7785/20221205-IMG_8455-Pano-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2055" data-original-width="7785" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDhk4YYB6SD-OqLkaVG6i5UDAJP5wzUOpAnNC4xAa3XZCPjLmaVE5FqdN86KgafBpCdta_fRNZlX4WVHK4_MiNBW1vJ1lUwBNnRTEP8QmfuB_LUJTFyFK1Bs--OvqRx9Y4MDzv1qkmRGqF13odH7XIp6P6UFcXdDqPcOXnajvOKr6uayJBsvcZjc5/w640-h168/20221205-IMG_8455-Pano-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyYYRJJRQgbzlHr9HQRq0-ibZnClqrmK5ZrIt-AQqowyVOEIN0K_g4itLJvP84sIyb3y2byrXsDeFK2YbYGgAbj4mVIU537b_7fahESq0hpupoyQcCNiWe9oypSpyXjLh70rgmsnv9O__CxqiDHX438GECn9Ki7U27Vt7xKMcXS72x5vxy9M0ptkR/s4032/20221205-IMG_8460.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyYYRJJRQgbzlHr9HQRq0-ibZnClqrmK5ZrIt-AQqowyVOEIN0K_g4itLJvP84sIyb3y2byrXsDeFK2YbYGgAbj4mVIU537b_7fahESq0hpupoyQcCNiWe9oypSpyXjLh70rgmsnv9O__CxqiDHX438GECn9Ki7U27Vt7xKMcXS72x5vxy9M0ptkR/w480-h640/20221205-IMG_8460.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwt5O7xy9ZQcxHCc3UYIQ1HlkvRdEuhxnLGUmmw0sxy4GcUJy9mNHRcAaOmndKvAd_0A6C90VMugfWjBl-wU0qSqYwXQTtKthvgT471Fb2d3Q8nswblpM5EEdtNDlKATTiA5Jf4ddvd0GS0zDU2e6fEd979WK2N2ZxUUTB04CPXColdYvEFHZV9bB4/s4032/20221205-IMG_8462.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwt5O7xy9ZQcxHCc3UYIQ1HlkvRdEuhxnLGUmmw0sxy4GcUJy9mNHRcAaOmndKvAd_0A6C90VMugfWjBl-wU0qSqYwXQTtKthvgT471Fb2d3Q8nswblpM5EEdtNDlKATTiA5Jf4ddvd0GS0zDU2e6fEd979WK2N2ZxUUTB04CPXColdYvEFHZV9bB4/w480-h640/20221205-IMG_8462.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpJJFodrHXoKAEx6Be0wV_rAiA1tc4rHvL0Tm8QxvPlho-8aelzIsHmd4UZamJu8OXqsc9y-dkLtfIsJYPbX2eJp7K8Y0QoxSDaGY_3Qs3KXhi-tVCu_3KkHxua8Yb6vmwrBCWNL4vBWPPmdgeF9RTFYepwht4FLmHxonYr96yScbPFCWMA1u4NSv/s4032/20221205-IMG_8463.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpJJFodrHXoKAEx6Be0wV_rAiA1tc4rHvL0Tm8QxvPlho-8aelzIsHmd4UZamJu8OXqsc9y-dkLtfIsJYPbX2eJp7K8Y0QoxSDaGY_3Qs3KXhi-tVCu_3KkHxua8Yb6vmwrBCWNL4vBWPPmdgeF9RTFYepwht4FLmHxonYr96yScbPFCWMA1u4NSv/w640-h480/20221205-IMG_8463.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrNJiQPwFkYO8HI4XJTO06kefiMAdeKNyrREUIyGnet9QbV0Piwi1IkYXRkvW_MLQ4Zdgj58-C4c1IU2nrVkj9BELa0n7KeCqpwThd9yDXQaKYeqInyg4lCNT1psgdCxH6MF5clPN-YrlsGFZZ92I0DKSaKdePeEFoxn_uZnAyZJLOf6P5_9Cn4X_/s4032/20221205-IMG_8465.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrNJiQPwFkYO8HI4XJTO06kefiMAdeKNyrREUIyGnet9QbV0Piwi1IkYXRkvW_MLQ4Zdgj58-C4c1IU2nrVkj9BELa0n7KeCqpwThd9yDXQaKYeqInyg4lCNT1psgdCxH6MF5clPN-YrlsGFZZ92I0DKSaKdePeEFoxn_uZnAyZJLOf6P5_9Cn4X_/w640-h480/20221205-IMG_8465.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjPxiVG7ov87QRh2j_mphzpH2WzCG8V9qiK3OqaiagXm_q7FvLqINdkIJUZQGgJ63vhgAzmygVWYrYXteME4332fKBbTfFzuaZ1GWCh-as0v9Hzkcc00Da4cRwmFYF_zZx4PP2pdkMjF6C44ig73MHFN7Ez9-kQtF0g68vMMM9AefxG-PcOtEpT-c/s4032/20221205-IMG_8467.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjPxiVG7ov87QRh2j_mphzpH2WzCG8V9qiK3OqaiagXm_q7FvLqINdkIJUZQGgJ63vhgAzmygVWYrYXteME4332fKBbTfFzuaZ1GWCh-as0v9Hzkcc00Da4cRwmFYF_zZx4PP2pdkMjF6C44ig73MHFN7Ez9-kQtF0g68vMMM9AefxG-PcOtEpT-c/w640-h480/20221205-IMG_8467.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6XkJ_xL1_FFmOFrI1lNU3NEIHTPMmZ-pNjgVfQ1vq4Oj_BMQioQNyZvireh7BLf5X60an7lw6DAxZaHAZC8T-anHacRTCWIswJTKG0XwHXeYyuU3CnsJipj4IKmVaM9fH_NCfYOplCpNOb_9F_JBM6zuSZltD5S7Lk7MwqXU0bGJ2vlO-ybmWT52/s4032/20221205-IMG_8468.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6XkJ_xL1_FFmOFrI1lNU3NEIHTPMmZ-pNjgVfQ1vq4Oj_BMQioQNyZvireh7BLf5X60an7lw6DAxZaHAZC8T-anHacRTCWIswJTKG0XwHXeYyuU3CnsJipj4IKmVaM9fH_NCfYOplCpNOb_9F_JBM6zuSZltD5S7Lk7MwqXU0bGJ2vlO-ybmWT52/w640-h480/20221205-IMG_8468.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After a short lunch break hiding from the wind I returned the same way. My quads were screaming by the time I got back to the river, so I had a wee dip before returning to the car. Time to add a few more leg exercises to the pilates program...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTS2IK2iqfT1LHavUDR0NZBl47Vw0Vxp4gyCKjMbkWqbeT1UNyqFvU8lpu8gjgKVm8E-wfZHh4FJ1ZdelmXLKWTrKKwcrYN74FPXJCQAIfUtLkFQNqahHXwyRtNAEuW-1Na9AgL20o_UQUq0dluoxwaZeaFnGGK7u-zL_S2GuEOQy-FDzfAWhqB1l/s4032/20221205-IMG_8470.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTS2IK2iqfT1LHavUDR0NZBl47Vw0Vxp4gyCKjMbkWqbeT1UNyqFvU8lpu8gjgKVm8E-wfZHh4FJ1ZdelmXLKWTrKKwcrYN74FPXJCQAIfUtLkFQNqahHXwyRtNAEuW-1Na9AgL20o_UQUq0dluoxwaZeaFnGGK7u-zL_S2GuEOQy-FDzfAWhqB1l/w640-h480/20221205-IMG_8470.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuLoxM13-OUePhJqxPc16Ez2KKLGq-wSS7oHX9RULPciWMGJL716lzNBy5OUg6nawoN2qRTFyDd3dpS1AwSG3eUrQ7kV1KqEJkZzCN2aDK43_1wo8DX-Hrn76w0-4l82MDqx7ofx68h7h_M9Jihy90hLfimcAneZ6UNnOGBFIT7gmzaFQMNRy2agu/s4032/20221205-IMG_8471.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuLoxM13-OUePhJqxPc16Ez2KKLGq-wSS7oHX9RULPciWMGJL716lzNBy5OUg6nawoN2qRTFyDd3dpS1AwSG3eUrQ7kV1KqEJkZzCN2aDK43_1wo8DX-Hrn76w0-4l82MDqx7ofx68h7h_M9Jihy90hLfimcAneZ6UNnOGBFIT7gmzaFQMNRy2agu/w480-h640/20221205-IMG_8471.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zZJNI-JUxP4NvKm0dovu8zW0uMp73KxzRf62JNJgtLsSGgUom6RvBIgAXQ0vfUajN7bWM1IZ13_PacWJ9zQEfOB1u2NRIHhR-rAvit0BvSjempUyLeJBdoH-bAArYWPIwbWPIGURJe7InZMpUZPG-HdMiZy-3LTVTGcD90wSCTKYmRe_lfgjDq-1/s4032/20221205-IMG_8473.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zZJNI-JUxP4NvKm0dovu8zW0uMp73KxzRf62JNJgtLsSGgUom6RvBIgAXQ0vfUajN7bWM1IZ13_PacWJ9zQEfOB1u2NRIHhR-rAvit0BvSjempUyLeJBdoH-bAArYWPIwbWPIGURJe7InZMpUZPG-HdMiZy-3LTVTGcD90wSCTKYmRe_lfgjDq-1/w640-h480/20221205-IMG_8473.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7nheE9lICWSGNR408L1OqDitQdgiY-2JBr_A3a3YwP_N2v9pjq0ry9NrdkZwvho4JeTR8UgutXFXxn3RmDSf0zuaISRSjPZ_vY3MGijdrL1YK2SADiYXEOzmn13DYmvyT0RMYoEAfnIJpBj0jQx7a8ERknYwLbEYEmIiPPg7oNwjEXu5omSHjcMu/s4032/20221205-IMG_8475.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7nheE9lICWSGNR408L1OqDitQdgiY-2JBr_A3a3YwP_N2v9pjq0ry9NrdkZwvho4JeTR8UgutXFXxn3RmDSf0zuaISRSjPZ_vY3MGijdrL1YK2SADiYXEOzmn13DYmvyT0RMYoEAfnIJpBj0jQx7a8ERknYwLbEYEmIiPPg7oNwjEXu5omSHjcMu/w480-h640/20221205-IMG_8475.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Once the quads had recovered I took on my next adventure. This was to be my first overnight tramp, and to ease into it I decided to make it a bikepacking trip. By now I'd been going on a few bike rides around the area, including a section of the Lake Dunstan Trail, so I felt ready to tackle a ride along the Dingleburn Road and then over the hill to a campsite. From there I would do a daywalk up to the bottom hut on the Dingle, and then cycle back out the next day. Only that wasn't what happened....<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4v0CLosL0r7KMp9Rzg_cJBUX3B24Jlh3-MqusUmYXUyxsk8OG9jW1MEPibRPKtO72JcEiPpsehs4VqWpBq1DTFrqxdWOKh7AnCk_Z9LDNMRsmvqpZiza4oLyBMq4xarjGlug3qX2OUD4Rup4-y0-TD4C4kyIXXor77uo4SRX7Apu-DCfU982iUq7/s4032/20221203-IMG_8450.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4v0CLosL0r7KMp9Rzg_cJBUX3B24Jlh3-MqusUmYXUyxsk8OG9jW1MEPibRPKtO72JcEiPpsehs4VqWpBq1DTFrqxdWOKh7AnCk_Z9LDNMRsmvqpZiza4oLyBMq4xarjGlug3qX2OUD4Rup4-y0-TD4C4kyIXXor77uo4SRX7Apu-DCfU982iUq7/w640-h480/20221203-IMG_8450.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Hawea</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiws9AxGehVmqi-hA0NXsa5qnv0S-_TETKOMNTpK8JXCQeD82pfL5cDVGcLEGibTiqUbq1f4eTN_LcKFjqRmSdMYeWia8OFV-SSRec4tkiJtJObRrMmW51hWjfFy1Jo8xuXtx6J0nZW8ahryP4BZadJqHnxDfidnt8J1O9tEQpSm7BSV74IDyjRWbb/s4032/20221212-IMG_8477.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiws9AxGehVmqi-hA0NXsa5qnv0S-_TETKOMNTpK8JXCQeD82pfL5cDVGcLEGibTiqUbq1f4eTN_LcKFjqRmSdMYeWia8OFV-SSRec4tkiJtJObRrMmW51hWjfFy1Jo8xuXtx6J0nZW8ahryP4BZadJqHnxDfidnt8J1O9tEQpSm7BSV74IDyjRWbb/w480-h640/20221212-IMG_8477.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Dunstan trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWFYiU4x9SjZ4zmsW-5vo0hDofmiXEA9K24esni9ZnU-fwNyZodVzI3FR0bn-B466Zp9SOkOa_rxABUHROIhe9tQw5qIpCWg5gPmg64XoX2uW6Fi7PNtV2msQmFQ2STp-92MZgeyDx1bftDUphggcKgfqaV7JZAjQBLPrW9qJISHqNHenK9CvSvon/s4032/20221212-IMG_8478.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWFYiU4x9SjZ4zmsW-5vo0hDofmiXEA9K24esni9ZnU-fwNyZodVzI3FR0bn-B466Zp9SOkOa_rxABUHROIhe9tQw5qIpCWg5gPmg64XoX2uW6Fi7PNtV2msQmFQ2STp-92MZgeyDx1bftDUphggcKgfqaV7JZAjQBLPrW9qJISHqNHenK9CvSvon/w640-h480/20221212-IMG_8478.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTykgrjDar3eb-BH4_4QASUE64UN_qhvMDGkUQ1EC7yM0BV0yYy3shKPDCYHx5YcQqCViaZG6bVtCcP1Cw-PloMAL9VHaId5d4l7I1DRxICQD5z3Dw_3zWJE3Wsl5lxEKBRD3uANWMUpNTHV6nvgTAXD6y8fbuHkS384z0Forz10f6yciMF2NOnG7L/s4032/20221212-IMG_8481.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTykgrjDar3eb-BH4_4QASUE64UN_qhvMDGkUQ1EC7yM0BV0yYy3shKPDCYHx5YcQqCViaZG6bVtCcP1Cw-PloMAL9VHaId5d4l7I1DRxICQD5z3Dw_3zWJE3Wsl5lxEKBRD3uANWMUpNTHV6nvgTAXD6y8fbuHkS384z0Forz10f6yciMF2NOnG7L/w640-h480/20221212-IMG_8481.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBrsNzRlhZSeg_WG7-Q6tHF1t-ea7zPPZIz-ma3RJk8Zw6RheD8BmfWzRo5chR9Z9aDpbBu2WcVhPQsBkTZ3-9O-bJJqzs775R4QfkkLkOwJ_1PtlMtRxxpjrUJXmrYkaMe8yKE2FW2Tnq7GmbyKY7IsTH0VKZ8J32Vc3qx78j1bv_uiNXTP17xcz/s4032/20221212-IMG_8483.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBrsNzRlhZSeg_WG7-Q6tHF1t-ea7zPPZIz-ma3RJk8Zw6RheD8BmfWzRo5chR9Z9aDpbBu2WcVhPQsBkTZ3-9O-bJJqzs775R4QfkkLkOwJ_1PtlMtRxxpjrUJXmrYkaMe8yKE2FW2Tnq7GmbyKY7IsTH0VKZ8J32Vc3qx78j1bv_uiNXTP17xcz/w640-h480/20221212-IMG_8483.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKu2Zrzz4vURPwdDA8bUj87A6gCucXs2QoqdkxA6Pba4S3N3L851698OR7b-Q1Svnc7Mdygn7pERAIGs8NHcv4xUH0Dh7d75Tv9y6M_E4zxPFhE1ASmwvdFJPe4-Lc-Zr2vxK7x7-6GEKA0pEwkIntAeyeyQ8wl1D_dXNSVtUu1ES_uWH4jgnBXih/s4032/20221212-IMG_8486.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKu2Zrzz4vURPwdDA8bUj87A6gCucXs2QoqdkxA6Pba4S3N3L851698OR7b-Q1Svnc7Mdygn7pERAIGs8NHcv4xUH0Dh7d75Tv9y6M_E4zxPFhE1ASmwvdFJPe4-Lc-Zr2vxK7x7-6GEKA0pEwkIntAeyeyQ8wl1D_dXNSVtUu1ES_uWH4jgnBXih/w640-h480/20221212-IMG_8486.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee break, Lake Dunstan Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbW3xquQ4G1pivFQmmf_MEhR_82ko6-81oX78D-YXZnL4Jvz-u5ZRWeFVjwBNXXmGI86t4Bvi5g-X_lhMC9iuTnkKMymlyC5naIBHmVbMhGjjteI7Bk_DeuvrhYASDjXe-QGEIO7FE9auwFLuZnMFuWb8k3P7cKBvo41fgRVAYcCKbzwZTN4YKHz1H/s4032/20221212-IMG_8489.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbW3xquQ4G1pivFQmmf_MEhR_82ko6-81oX78D-YXZnL4Jvz-u5ZRWeFVjwBNXXmGI86t4Bvi5g-X_lhMC9iuTnkKMymlyC5naIBHmVbMhGjjteI7Bk_DeuvrhYASDjXe-QGEIO7FE9auwFLuZnMFuWb8k3P7cKBvo41fgRVAYcCKbzwZTN4YKHz1H/w640-h480/20221212-IMG_8489.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I drove out to the carpark, loaded the bike and began the cycle along the road which skirts high above some bluffs next to Lake Hawea. There were a few hills that I walked up, and one descent I didn't ride as I felt my 37mm tyres were just a bit too narrow to provide enough traction. The rest of the downhills were fine.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtvOjH_PuQzqy3kzNTmNWakCVK397u9h0l6Lzd5O5Gm-9inMevzvlC869ffMnyRABZGmj1QiEVfumQESuhJIpI8X4MMGqaamD7WqQc7MAooDc737o6hEqI6kCCrzHfL02x1_HIXqn6QwzOEltVgfCFF3aUhoxQs35ZBcDTq-pEA_GUU3WU6xxgSUe/s4032/20221217-IMG_8495.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtvOjH_PuQzqy3kzNTmNWakCVK397u9h0l6Lzd5O5Gm-9inMevzvlC869ffMnyRABZGmj1QiEVfumQESuhJIpI8X4MMGqaamD7WqQc7MAooDc737o6hEqI6kCCrzHfL02x1_HIXqn6QwzOEltVgfCFF3aUhoxQs35ZBcDTq-pEA_GUU3WU6xxgSUe/w640-h480/20221217-IMG_8495.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting off from the carpark</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooCGe5gYKNHvWxKvBsUuLRjQCQKq5BpyDAaeNMgjkegCScfgXWztofvQb7nnov9EG0Yv0FrkbsKZ1ucVPEmAnKveGFm1H2V4uSoLWdufgvA8-SUtbmMChMtXEVVMn7SLcBs2s3pWLEI-dSDCW9klgzTYMo8RGVZ_GzcZiuygAqyQ-guqyPI7HD4Sg/s4032/20221217-IMG_8497.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooCGe5gYKNHvWxKvBsUuLRjQCQKq5BpyDAaeNMgjkegCScfgXWztofvQb7nnov9EG0Yv0FrkbsKZ1ucVPEmAnKveGFm1H2V4uSoLWdufgvA8-SUtbmMChMtXEVVMn7SLcBs2s3pWLEI-dSDCW9klgzTYMo8RGVZ_GzcZiuygAqyQ-guqyPI7HD4Sg/w640-h480/20221217-IMG_8497.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View across Lake Hawea to The Neck</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The great unwashed public can't use the road past the homestead, but must take a track along the lakeside and up through a saddle between two hills before a descent and sidle around to the mouth of the Dingle, where the campsite is. This is where the wheels fell off...<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_brk1LtIJJ4Jn-AaFh9e9bZfJqN460jU1S8DfW1kSm9gMSR5QPBQ6kqZL2Ycnvc7n4rRJsR-xjOrPTHOWC4bu7W1T89MLOR9txSWhhXR0SAwQ9Cp-XApqFKxlujXNrBak2zqFYx8RjKleg1MJadMMEqBk3Zay-dLZSooldVgJGeUEgrJMBI0id3o/s4032/20221217-IMG_8498.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_brk1LtIJJ4Jn-AaFh9e9bZfJqN460jU1S8DfW1kSm9gMSR5QPBQ6kqZL2Ycnvc7n4rRJsR-xjOrPTHOWC4bu7W1T89MLOR9txSWhhXR0SAwQ9Cp-XApqFKxlujXNrBak2zqFYx8RjKleg1MJadMMEqBk3Zay-dLZSooldVgJGeUEgrJMBI0id3o/w640-h480/20221217-IMG_8498.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely wee beach, the road I had cycled in the background</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The first bit around the lakeside was fine, but the steep climb to the saddle was far outside my ability or fitness on a fully laden gravel bike. That climb was hot and sweaty, and took ages!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMekcJs3KeBn5sAwHlyZcecARra5KMmaAoU5shUoIVDd85Jhlae_mhMs6ViLulHbvo-vII4sF71Y5GKjXjrLnTxCXDa0l4y4lE4IdZ9TsU0Wl0eqbo2lA5RwBws44aAAtGOTsSmBJDN590BXOhP8VWC9kdaQKu6-b5cU9r7Q0PNbRP5vDSk79LPwh0/s4032/20221217-IMG_8500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMekcJs3KeBn5sAwHlyZcecARra5KMmaAoU5shUoIVDd85Jhlae_mhMs6ViLulHbvo-vII4sF71Y5GKjXjrLnTxCXDa0l4y4lE4IdZ9TsU0Wl0eqbo2lA5RwBws44aAAtGOTsSmBJDN590BXOhP8VWC9kdaQKu6-b5cU9r7Q0PNbRP5vDSk79LPwh0/w640-h480/20221217-IMG_8500.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Hawea and Silver Island from halfway up</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKDn8SybU6W9IXGY6PnSMxS1oIvuZDvo7jr0emU34MxsmPzCkn_WgTSiBt2SlTgimDMJjPJplKafwXOFQxfJDP2OLTMZu0BgS_FCUGJgCchH92JABDLirZxRlISAJZ_CFhyw23-6CM62v8btEwRm1oMToEroIJNyTgyC5GsMk0nxTkKSDLpoLejUX/s4032/20221217-IMG_8501.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKDn8SybU6W9IXGY6PnSMxS1oIvuZDvo7jr0emU34MxsmPzCkn_WgTSiBt2SlTgimDMJjPJplKafwXOFQxfJDP2OLTMZu0BgS_FCUGJgCchH92JABDLirZxRlISAJZ_CFhyw23-6CM62v8btEwRm1oMToEroIJNyTgyC5GsMk0nxTkKSDLpoLejUX/w480-h640/20221217-IMG_8501.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking north up the lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYjbUi2O7RXyySkhJaFrj-HanV05yWp98iI_u4v1TYoS4WQpEnboAnjIVtD6YS-huw6eJUk1CjvrFgbpfiRsih9JEUImfm8FH8eK3n2n5S7K2U7DW5V4f4gkWiZN9PCT1fiRMDf05TnOFIubBIWqs66QlmWpOPKkDnuxfHZW0lNB_Kq3x4QksHckR/s4032/20221217-IMG_8502.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYjbUi2O7RXyySkhJaFrj-HanV05yWp98iI_u4v1TYoS4WQpEnboAnjIVtD6YS-huw6eJUk1CjvrFgbpfiRsih9JEUImfm8FH8eK3n2n5S7K2U7DW5V4f4gkWiZN9PCT1fiRMDf05TnOFIubBIWqs66QlmWpOPKkDnuxfHZW0lNB_Kq3x4QksHckR/w640-h480/20221217-IMG_8502.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest stop</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43v3EiRg3-Re3BA6Nhb7iS2i9rvGzkmOejNdsahM4TQwuWkIbk90qqxUKOqAmSrRP_Jbywcfn8ca18lgvbDJ_W2HDyCF60-N7dzrz-u8A2LOgZI9metsj3GWykMNW6qCer5eLDGSUjHLeql5NZMuTxPpQX0wsxonWoi6nGwNdSJT-zS3_F_a2ncdG/s4032/20221217-IMG_8503.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43v3EiRg3-Re3BA6Nhb7iS2i9rvGzkmOejNdsahM4TQwuWkIbk90qqxUKOqAmSrRP_Jbywcfn8ca18lgvbDJ_W2HDyCF60-N7dzrz-u8A2LOgZI9metsj3GWykMNW6qCer5eLDGSUjHLeql5NZMuTxPpQX0wsxonWoi6nGwNdSJT-zS3_F_a2ncdG/w480-h640/20221217-IMG_8503.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still quite a bit of hike-a-bike to go</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At the top the track descended to a stile, which I had to muscle my bike over, no mean feat when your arm isn't all that strong. Then the sidle. I could see my destination a km or so ahead, but then I reached a rather muddy patch, and to get through it I needed to manhandle my bike up and over a small incline, whilst sinking into slippery mud.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlGkwxfJ3x6mpptIuGPVGnM5JeE_Cnu-fxjXAAxwpdXgK64e1FaVJtM5mt_FKyijNlEZf95Tb1L4SAOjDHEpTBHiTPzmOq4miRgX2Kt9k90GH9AlgYjR6khle6G5wIL9MPw9xrMnoCLJE5BZuLf9v_9aWh3LLnE_XSI_ilAuMsJVqzL-DOxsxaHNz/s4032/20221217-IMG_8504.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlGkwxfJ3x6mpptIuGPVGnM5JeE_Cnu-fxjXAAxwpdXgK64e1FaVJtM5mt_FKyijNlEZf95Tb1L4SAOjDHEpTBHiTPzmOq4miRgX2Kt9k90GH9AlgYjR6khle6G5wIL9MPw9xrMnoCLJE5BZuLf9v_9aWh3LLnE_XSI_ilAuMsJVqzL-DOxsxaHNz/w480-h640/20221217-IMG_8504.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View up to head of the lake and Hunter Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLc5ycE4tnDhEoTLbPMV-dpb_lFFTDCPesWkbzM4c60KY2muxqTWRQK2NOfRsAS1IQVzU8Bn894W85v0wh4v8G50ZjgwO4lBWAhwNgQ3jU7NxvI5L44irNhinnPH5b6nM4RRiWxEyEy59rLEpQK4_eJH_WQlSHsAG92Blqa4gwgLGywqS6Safv0iO2/s4032/20221217-IMG_8505.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLc5ycE4tnDhEoTLbPMV-dpb_lFFTDCPesWkbzM4c60KY2muxqTWRQK2NOfRsAS1IQVzU8Bn894W85v0wh4v8G50ZjgwO4lBWAhwNgQ3jU7NxvI5L44irNhinnPH5b6nM4RRiWxEyEy59rLEpQK4_eJH_WQlSHsAG92Blqa4gwgLGywqS6Safv0iO2/w640-h480/20221217-IMG_8505.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Across the lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The photo doesn't do it justice. I tried, but I just couldn't get my gear up and across it. Perhaps I could have unloaded the bike, but the day's struggle already had been considerable, so I decided to turn around.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATbVZjkPcyrtuP13u69ddsVs-2F-7gwq-nQ3Zz9BxvuQ2JiSL5fbVps278_b60f6YPl3FryUs9PoJsYMjD-01p9s6e9pTa6SjF-Rtv2QpUEY5Glw_gsYbt3VlLY7w2dBCq76MKhffR3ECZ4e0H-ioojvBCpuR2uj34uRsn5oLR52aJEpBt1et_ipu/s4032/20221217-IMG_8507.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATbVZjkPcyrtuP13u69ddsVs-2F-7gwq-nQ3Zz9BxvuQ2JiSL5fbVps278_b60f6YPl3FryUs9PoJsYMjD-01p9s6e9pTa6SjF-Rtv2QpUEY5Glw_gsYbt3VlLY7w2dBCq76MKhffR3ECZ4e0H-ioojvBCpuR2uj34uRsn5oLR52aJEpBt1et_ipu/w480-h640/20221217-IMG_8507.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tried, you can see my wheel marks, it goes uphill BTW</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Getting back over the stile took more effort, but I was able to easily ride most of the way back down the hill to the lakeside, and then back to the road.<p></p><p>The final ride along the road still required me to do a bit of hike-a-bike, but my increasing confidence with the bike's handling meant it was a much quicker return to the car than the outward journey.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1BjN4PoNtcQPirsJibX6vAP7_IiUktP4wKs1C6FWColJwXDPGE1dRsWIl68x7w0UMFQTDOdf0GbWu4vmFlY2NaKe_liK75JuxATkqIRo24iePBSc24XzuI1hwB-Z_SkF08ofWvoDx953xk27aLcFdEPFUIXZW4hlDGJ1OeG5NgDe7VPDhtpKRWAd/s4032/20221217-IMG_8509.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1BjN4PoNtcQPirsJibX6vAP7_IiUktP4wKs1C6FWColJwXDPGE1dRsWIl68x7w0UMFQTDOdf0GbWu4vmFlY2NaKe_liK75JuxATkqIRo24iePBSc24XzuI1hwB-Z_SkF08ofWvoDx953xk27aLcFdEPFUIXZW4hlDGJ1OeG5NgDe7VPDhtpKRWAd/w480-h640/20221217-IMG_8509.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning lakeside ride</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Despite aborting the trip I felt pretty good the next day, so made a plan to do a 3 day tramping trip next. I took the bike in for a service, and upgraded the tyres to 40mm, giving me a lot more grip and comfort, since I run the tyres tubeless.<p></p><p>I also went for a wee paddle with the packraft in Lake Wanaka, to see how my arm felt. All good, but you can see from the picture it was raining up in the headwaters.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmmBaB1lshuyxm_hOv8NVhLnlJGdlljIfmB6b-7z5S-29z_zCPXG1TKtiPszJgKkWXamahX8CCupmYesogkLoU6HqZQnaAIB282lowUSLL56yd1I2Uha8Nv6J3FEy8vZ0xt3XBhqnmvwtNSw2KzS4T5nYNkNActCZ5sgR8VWZIX8g_bwaOEMR-V8E/s4032/20221219-IMG_8514.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmmBaB1lshuyxm_hOv8NVhLnlJGdlljIfmB6b-7z5S-29z_zCPXG1TKtiPszJgKkWXamahX8CCupmYesogkLoU6HqZQnaAIB282lowUSLL56yd1I2Uha8Nv6J3FEy8vZ0xt3XBhqnmvwtNSw2KzS4T5nYNkNActCZ5sgR8VWZIX8g_bwaOEMR-V8E/w640-h480/20221219-IMG_8514.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSZXUEQNHKeqEyChS6w3KC0ZxP_bvc0EvwEsQuv-LGqzSODqvJGF_ZQL8S7uTZs5quk4qRr2KflqwI7HXLzrdyQGmarEwQzhxYHa-CrRlDj2_BVbCgZePaqrcJdZWel4iEOvLozStZLfrWkeZs1aZ2qTl1vFZuAlGFqjutc5pPDygL4lgnJJNCAC7/s4032/20221219-IMG_8513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSZXUEQNHKeqEyChS6w3KC0ZxP_bvc0EvwEsQuv-LGqzSODqvJGF_ZQL8S7uTZs5quk4qRr2KflqwI7HXLzrdyQGmarEwQzhxYHa-CrRlDj2_BVbCgZePaqrcJdZWel4iEOvLozStZLfrWkeZs1aZ2qTl1vFZuAlGFqjutc5pPDygL4lgnJJNCAC7/w640-h480/20221219-IMG_8513.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I headed out to Homestead Bay at West Wanaka and began the walk to Minaret Burn. It was a glorious day with no wind and the views were stupendous.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYo8ZxZxgb8lh_VHqz6x4hdt6uS0pfg5gjVkW0gPsd7JAAR17wFM3ZA21f-WpprHTeqoki3fk0UrKCKY4hpwyRfISKipYs-YiplbmDQd2Z2suqKtFCemgDwgxIvzO_F4a5NS-8cW7dRT56PXaGnRnL3r6ogXNs_qq47GGPXt2iIBGJVbPv8ggYpisj/s4032/20221220-IMG_8517.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYo8ZxZxgb8lh_VHqz6x4hdt6uS0pfg5gjVkW0gPsd7JAAR17wFM3ZA21f-WpprHTeqoki3fk0UrKCKY4hpwyRfISKipYs-YiplbmDQd2Z2suqKtFCemgDwgxIvzO_F4a5NS-8cW7dRT56PXaGnRnL3r6ogXNs_qq47GGPXt2iIBGJVbPv8ggYpisj/w480-h640/20221220-IMG_8517.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83Uq1CIDuszh2xnqzOsfWSUxZo6KDfqAG2UzqQkKekg84_tMbr-z_swXIIQvEVi6sJyl-rH7tSdgb3MiuzqNNKIPy2DOe2V4MGdXOFSvQ5pXYBOshmXj6pmXu8wB7yLvs8gQrfbFCGpa2gpFXcxdg8LRLoSbaH-Kb4PS45rFF1E8DtP7IAwhJ_7MK/s4032/20221220-IMG_8518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83Uq1CIDuszh2xnqzOsfWSUxZo6KDfqAG2UzqQkKekg84_tMbr-z_swXIIQvEVi6sJyl-rH7tSdgb3MiuzqNNKIPy2DOe2V4MGdXOFSvQ5pXYBOshmXj6pmXu8wB7yLvs8gQrfbFCGpa2gpFXcxdg8LRLoSbaH-Kb4PS45rFF1E8DtP7IAwhJ_7MK/w480-h640/20221220-IMG_8518.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4wr8GzargUsCyNvxJ8RTBiwQAOamAI--K4qKn3WI4XCeUTtnu5u_Q5MDuEc1BVFPh8JdRGSCnhkxHrlKFxP7juqxIKmUF1NhAUyWHv-wvXKjGB3-TXYW9DfvqcGeFItjsgdy1EU9NdiOsV6iyjMXbsxnRBwM9cXQVSx8TIKu6u1ktpYg99JF1G2e/s4032/20221220-IMG_8520.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4wr8GzargUsCyNvxJ8RTBiwQAOamAI--K4qKn3WI4XCeUTtnu5u_Q5MDuEc1BVFPh8JdRGSCnhkxHrlKFxP7juqxIKmUF1NhAUyWHv-wvXKjGB3-TXYW9DfvqcGeFItjsgdy1EU9NdiOsV6iyjMXbsxnRBwM9cXQVSx8TIKu6u1ktpYg99JF1G2e/w640-h480/20221220-IMG_8520.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homestead Bay and mouth of Matukituki River</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8zxtD94-5goBG96tAsdsXnD1MpEyffaMv2cwPNTmmzMKNdBAoZvTMiqv-B4MxKbG_z_5DOMB9X9X2ssOm6V9LaFTWM7YTZ1kYqXdBqMjQoxnuNySM2I0hc0_BgfhDijkWnt-rOpAinlSJbm5vmNUB4JefiMiNW8CQ5j84xXUab2JD_LmzbAr0L5X/s4032/20221220-IMG_8522.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8zxtD94-5goBG96tAsdsXnD1MpEyffaMv2cwPNTmmzMKNdBAoZvTMiqv-B4MxKbG_z_5DOMB9X9X2ssOm6V9LaFTWM7YTZ1kYqXdBqMjQoxnuNySM2I0hc0_BgfhDijkWnt-rOpAinlSJbm5vmNUB4JefiMiNW8CQ5j84xXUab2JD_LmzbAr0L5X/w640-h480/20221220-IMG_8522.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchkyMPL6H71zqMK3S26N_Y4MUwKth2sZwWFLpRh2HhhweIpShIy8GH7ZHwg7187lNMPp99giRDXpi1wKCVihjhyqW1Si34Bs-w1WAaSyW8LP5rs9yawnY9t48F5T7jcid7fCT5a0-zUPTE1sVCuQdH2f1k2E9cqZ84Q8BveUUc6QbiJ4xVYv6RAKa/s4032/20221220-IMG_8523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchkyMPL6H71zqMK3S26N_Y4MUwKth2sZwWFLpRh2HhhweIpShIy8GH7ZHwg7187lNMPp99giRDXpi1wKCVihjhyqW1Si34Bs-w1WAaSyW8LP5rs9yawnY9t48F5T7jcid7fCT5a0-zUPTE1sVCuQdH2f1k2E9cqZ84Q8BveUUc6QbiJ4xVYv6RAKa/w480-h640/20221220-IMG_8523.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNuxmG9-FVnYd4fxABCPgjP227JQxWAaEuNcoLCvPraSGz6LzDNl1cTHLJsPtZiEEEaFnwtgcm-f-iKGfAn1rtmVv26ZxdmBdEATQ3PTXAqyOx5847_tcfI8SrAAA3OuleMc0Dn9nYVFcbUGTWlpjV62a0pPYEgzN4Hnpah3MlHF7WrBCOCC37n93/s4032/20221220-IMG_8526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNuxmG9-FVnYd4fxABCPgjP227JQxWAaEuNcoLCvPraSGz6LzDNl1cTHLJsPtZiEEEaFnwtgcm-f-iKGfAn1rtmVv26ZxdmBdEATQ3PTXAqyOx5847_tcfI8SrAAA3OuleMc0Dn9nYVFcbUGTWlpjV62a0pPYEgzN4Hnpah3MlHF7WrBCOCC37n93/w640-h480/20221220-IMG_8526.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wFUE1IPQq1nRMw_DM6cbI06KRyBd5HJhigCCswjxO-Xc9lZ0tuZ6wgN21jryQvwBh_BsYIGmyDUZsbvnEMwESlzqGAqBl2nkfYA-fgU9DCxxKzGCXWXaGkbK8EiZ5m8x-BHDtiCuPJlXjKkC6krY8GEpFrz519XFGodiZN3Z5AfuRjoneosIj05t/s4032/20221220-IMG_8528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wFUE1IPQq1nRMw_DM6cbI06KRyBd5HJhigCCswjxO-Xc9lZ0tuZ6wgN21jryQvwBh_BsYIGmyDUZsbvnEMwESlzqGAqBl2nkfYA-fgU9DCxxKzGCXWXaGkbK8EiZ5m8x-BHDtiCuPJlXjKkC6krY8GEpFrz519XFGodiZN3Z5AfuRjoneosIj05t/w640-h480/20221220-IMG_8528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicU7bLFo-rP6vSNYvYvEme0pqS8SrzdZsOfYTf-W27wM8EHgpjLUAaCkdk6orQ05hmphWNVXvTp1KAguxZx7V13kH2NrNZYh72pUpwyoPDTYsOmDGGWHSnO9EObb5VpdJbKxri6euxLStFjOKPssT6xy1K3jyKtbRB76bBfh0-Q4JHQZD7R1RFN--t/s4032/20221220-IMG_8530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicU7bLFo-rP6vSNYvYvEme0pqS8SrzdZsOfYTf-W27wM8EHgpjLUAaCkdk6orQ05hmphWNVXvTp1KAguxZx7V13kH2NrNZYh72pUpwyoPDTYsOmDGGWHSnO9EObb5VpdJbKxri6euxLStFjOKPssT6xy1K3jyKtbRB76bBfh0-Q4JHQZD7R1RFN--t/w480-h640/20221220-IMG_8530.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>I stopped for lunch at Colquhoun Bay and then continued towards Rumbling Burn, the crux of the trip.</p><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjU07V6waz5j4GhEGKt69R9HQqJAk-H6QxtDUx-uPbyRV4xiB0IcZ2IjAWYSUpUiadKW26rvvAdDfhiiPYHDIBmHi353g8627KVkbH22f-uf8UWHqYB-Cx_htvL0y2Umxg5nBPbR7_6gc3xN-UtwglLyu2jbN8kE2X0tA3_QIeeeroVDYXzJ3Aqr0/s4032/20221220-IMG_8531.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjU07V6waz5j4GhEGKt69R9HQqJAk-H6QxtDUx-uPbyRV4xiB0IcZ2IjAWYSUpUiadKW26rvvAdDfhiiPYHDIBmHi353g8627KVkbH22f-uf8UWHqYB-Cx_htvL0y2Umxg5nBPbR7_6gc3xN-UtwglLyu2jbN8kE2X0tA3_QIeeeroVDYXzJ3Aqr0/w480-h640/20221220-IMG_8531.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colquhoun Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw75Jh3uK7uYO_eN1WFAVn2_ZNF7XSQXKy8uipcxfvvdSudIR360_QSba3OwLGBcVkL5uq9sYn8NyIfES4-6tk1hY-oswiRUszpchy6uQYiqQvUFEUbPPzqnPQXU9xXbOrrJxXUHvO-zaMPLYJeBON5_qwAheXhNUsiZlpMYwPg8qDJSaC90jh6Pm8/s4032/20221220-IMG_8533.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw75Jh3uK7uYO_eN1WFAVn2_ZNF7XSQXKy8uipcxfvvdSudIR360_QSba3OwLGBcVkL5uq9sYn8NyIfES4-6tk1hY-oswiRUszpchy6uQYiqQvUFEUbPPzqnPQXU9xXbOrrJxXUHvO-zaMPLYJeBON5_qwAheXhNUsiZlpMYwPg8qDJSaC90jh6Pm8/w640-h480/20221220-IMG_8533.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mou Waho Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8A_pIEgovK5vS0LIRDWNCEjYuU8yCKwhgYIwKlfk0uLHqqYytQWyfWeSiwmpjC6bq3jJ7ap_7fvjuphB3dMMMIuAi4DQedN4lK479MIFOyuZ1o5qDbbXihGW2wcgioxuxF5XHaR0alcAMenrOmS8bCSnrfiTLXFfGEbnnYRU5T4iCxVrCkhVh6phR/s4032/20221220-IMG_8535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8A_pIEgovK5vS0LIRDWNCEjYuU8yCKwhgYIwKlfk0uLHqqYytQWyfWeSiwmpjC6bq3jJ7ap_7fvjuphB3dMMMIuAi4DQedN4lK479MIFOyuZ1o5qDbbXihGW2wcgioxuxF5XHaR0alcAMenrOmS8bCSnrfiTLXFfGEbnnYRU5T4iCxVrCkhVh6phR/w480-h640/20221220-IMG_8535.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwFrdwPeIx8rJl3e9LoRUf4WnVtz7qxFpIEy3LwNZliT2FvW2gDFHAdzHqRt9AAeLJI6Dt8gyKovWnBF7vEKy_q8-3IDwI8vycdOKJ_a6yjbVf73LyniYktnXzwJTjxKbpC0PENpz56VluLPvu4UxpTaJpzdliylTqxBOEI7SvRohoM8NCJbddZua/s4032/20221220-IMG_8537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwFrdwPeIx8rJl3e9LoRUf4WnVtz7qxFpIEy3LwNZliT2FvW2gDFHAdzHqRt9AAeLJI6Dt8gyKovWnBF7vEKy_q8-3IDwI8vycdOKJ_a6yjbVf73LyniYktnXzwJTjxKbpC0PENpz56VluLPvu4UxpTaJpzdliylTqxBOEI7SvRohoM8NCJbddZua/w480-h640/20221220-IMG_8537.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />There had been a bit of rain in the hills over the previous few days and I heard the burn before I got to it. The vehicle crossing was a decent rapid, with a standing wave! My poles were well and truly vibrating when I put them in the stream to gauge the intensity of the flow. If I slipped here, I would end up being washed into a fairly steep boulder garden. No thanks!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineXmuHIZKoDRppXvu3Ivv5i4XUSbfloJ_f_zAHNmR8KAGOAi8RIE4X6bSVwDFmSsLtTSNZy2YQUTxDDo6B1fi_meLZkt7Yi5I3ghdhXCRN6L25w5nrODO-0SZl3GBDxAppm-kpZOCnwit4WzBvHzduyQqBrCAl6hl8x2xF4oelYFO2x0ZBnnkvWcm/s4032/20221220-IMG_8542.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineXmuHIZKoDRppXvu3Ivv5i4XUSbfloJ_f_zAHNmR8KAGOAi8RIE4X6bSVwDFmSsLtTSNZy2YQUTxDDo6B1fi_meLZkt7Yi5I3ghdhXCRN6L25w5nrODO-0SZl3GBDxAppm-kpZOCnwit4WzBvHzduyQqBrCAl6hl8x2xF4oelYFO2x0ZBnnkvWcm/w480-h640/20221220-IMG_8542.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep and fast flowing, no thanks!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Plan B was to walk down to the lake and cross there. Only the flow was just as nasty, and there was a deep channel that I would have needed to swim. The safest option was to swim across at the lake, but I didn't want to get wet so I explored a little more before deciding to again turn around and return home.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8SIfnlMMMzUwn9JWUQMaAjUSrIbYAENTY3LF3X_anZ4JIPOBOgCoqrRVBin-k1stxoKFOwCKoOA1LbNHrzkI0K1Hgei63BC5ZjI_EwshTeK3z2lS_paIv-fxdItDUFV1HJkyKPX_6zMhVm7xvU8kimLgSeR2bfQOPE80xg0TXqORQGAsbl4vZgd_/s4032/20221220-IMG_8539.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8SIfnlMMMzUwn9JWUQMaAjUSrIbYAENTY3LF3X_anZ4JIPOBOgCoqrRVBin-k1stxoKFOwCKoOA1LbNHrzkI0K1Hgei63BC5ZjI_EwshTeK3z2lS_paIv-fxdItDUFV1HJkyKPX_6zMhVm7xvU8kimLgSeR2bfQOPE80xg0TXqORQGAsbl4vZgd_/w480-h640/20221220-IMG_8539.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alternative crossing, also no thanks!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At Colquhoun Beach I stopped to boil the billy and have a cup of tea, and visit some nearby ruins, then made my way back to the car. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWV9pqe_fiyVdLIL5lwx6ypKQ9ZrT6v16JNLTLvPyfmR2gYcIZlwf16vpPtPKh2X0NgX-29GhHkTmVr88Db7nxyUID5rLS9SQMem2pfxEh4TBCFBULEArU6aOUlpXk-NZnw104Hwl0X1eF1wkxGA7EyA3gdOoFvic1XFy1-GKjGnXK49YJ153KKIt/s4032/20221220-IMG_8544.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWV9pqe_fiyVdLIL5lwx6ypKQ9ZrT6v16JNLTLvPyfmR2gYcIZlwf16vpPtPKh2X0NgX-29GhHkTmVr88Db7nxyUID5rLS9SQMem2pfxEh4TBCFBULEArU6aOUlpXk-NZnw104Hwl0X1eF1wkxGA7EyA3gdOoFvic1XFy1-GKjGnXK49YJ153KKIt/w480-h640/20221220-IMG_8544.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkSYOBav5Y8IrFOdnqryfvKFa8IdG1FqiHQayq_hxizo86nKECmx5p3zkFQlmDLZAiQgTwknb67mOMmfvFlldjpP0ADDODnHOEDj22CMNBGDQ66SBb6sjKrOl9RIY24GMhOsrwRP6RUYjzqjyePTZyqBPFqTf-HFGV1ataAanRMVluPdhv-pGaQ2u/s4032/20221220-IMG_8545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkSYOBav5Y8IrFOdnqryfvKFa8IdG1FqiHQayq_hxizo86nKECmx5p3zkFQlmDLZAiQgTwknb67mOMmfvFlldjpP0ADDODnHOEDj22CMNBGDQ66SBb6sjKrOl9RIY24GMhOsrwRP6RUYjzqjyePTZyqBPFqTf-HFGV1ataAanRMVluPdhv-pGaQ2u/w480-h640/20221220-IMG_8545.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihehLOtc9pe3vSJnEiT7m9zxFeI061Q1ZFeyPt9YdAQLmRsx9cQEdO4La5p66r_TVW1zKagvGqFtTAt9SN_2gRSVq6ageWLojAPIA492OBgdzoJ1yvXgMyNbYPxhpdWp33j9bZ6wxM2PYB19AIRKFYaOK4Ezc5BRE9OwmlUfAnR02Hwt2k8L44_1M_/s4032/20221220-IMG_8546.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihehLOtc9pe3vSJnEiT7m9zxFeI061Q1ZFeyPt9YdAQLmRsx9cQEdO4La5p66r_TVW1zKagvGqFtTAt9SN_2gRSVq6ageWLojAPIA492OBgdzoJ1yvXgMyNbYPxhpdWp33j9bZ6wxM2PYB19AIRKFYaOK4Ezc5BRE9OwmlUfAnR02Hwt2k8L44_1M_/w480-h640/20221220-IMG_8546.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I'd managed to carry an overnight pack for 6 hours so I was pretty happy with that achievement. The next day, however, my back was pretty sore, and it took me a few days to recover. I'd actually dodged a bullet by returning the same day, as it seems my body wasn't quite ready yet for a multi-day tramp.<p></p><p>Jude was driving in to Macetown with friends just before Christmas, so I hitched a lift in with her, planning to walk back out with my pack. I also wanted to visit an old miner's hut I hadn't bagged when I'd visited during my Motatapu tramp a few years ago.</p><p>It was fun bumping along in Jude's flash 4WD. We visited the dam and I got to see what the walk out would be like. When I had <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2020/10/the-goat-track-to-arrowtown.html" target="_blank">tramped the Motatapu Track</a> I had gone over Big Hill rather than follow the Arrow River 4WD track. After setting up camp, and with rain imminent, I decided to put off the hut bagging until the next day.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOjJOzy9I4VVBtDRWQxISnm5FT_yHkOzTCFOmbz5Un-hqRUKJy5T8QEVQrLpZaa1Lr6JwudVXqmYp5FyMsu5xzhw17zgytvs7nrIdkKxt8_1Qku_p5gdXt7mw2XLLYwVVnc74TTjs5DvjK_ZrDdjGEmuI-zQe5cB4IiuszIAz2WLGLjM08CqVPZTc/s4032/20221223-IMG_8554.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOjJOzy9I4VVBtDRWQxISnm5FT_yHkOzTCFOmbz5Un-hqRUKJy5T8QEVQrLpZaa1Lr6JwudVXqmYp5FyMsu5xzhw17zgytvs7nrIdkKxt8_1Qku_p5gdXt7mw2XLLYwVVnc74TTjs5DvjK_ZrDdjGEmuI-zQe5cB4IiuszIAz2WLGLjM08CqVPZTc/w480-h640/20221223-IMG_8554.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrow River</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbfoyjCMubV67gTSQ1WeHfjVaGyTbuZI4LsTMaQ2XTiNtPVjp5X5PSgOCRmJuIu3M3aLGl0cW63oF3pUhGeemM8fCfCJlFPd_JYTA3U9bAvxl0JoQfmVfbF_g3SLB4BcA9-BYXUchIQ9ELsbi5iroJcdzOuCtxYH14W8ZLLw9tVEml2jaO16mlWwP/s3667/20221223-IMG_8555.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3667" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbfoyjCMubV67gTSQ1WeHfjVaGyTbuZI4LsTMaQ2XTiNtPVjp5X5PSgOCRmJuIu3M3aLGl0cW63oF3pUhGeemM8fCfCJlFPd_JYTA3U9bAvxl0JoQfmVfbF_g3SLB4BcA9-BYXUchIQ9ELsbi5iroJcdzOuCtxYH14W8ZLLw9tVEml2jaO16mlWwP/w528-h640/20221223-IMG_8555.jpg" width="528" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luxury travel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2ZnSzGo97LwcEPxO3XE9ociO8nwXpomd6MJqNNow3cX3jekVZ8LcH7nYnn9UNOWyo9lboAlhPJXhfJu0QpxaqJFB-d2mnqE6MX6BeOh2uOAjl29vF9Sh0HYu5pDOXCVSTYDGFncKaz5HvmYC2wvF_GpDehYPoCreaAfqpyLCenn-umJ9kZp8IGwx/s4032/20221223-IMG_8556.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2ZnSzGo97LwcEPxO3XE9ociO8nwXpomd6MJqNNow3cX3jekVZ8LcH7nYnn9UNOWyo9lboAlhPJXhfJu0QpxaqJFB-d2mnqE6MX6BeOh2uOAjl29vF9Sh0HYu5pDOXCVSTYDGFncKaz5HvmYC2wvF_GpDehYPoCreaAfqpyLCenn-umJ9kZp8IGwx/w480-h640/20221223-IMG_8556.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilly bin went back out in the car</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Polly, one of Jude's friends, and Willow, Jude's dog, joined me for the walk up the Gold Burn. We continued past the various stamper batteries to a river fork, with the hut hidden behind a bluff, requiring a bit of a scramble to get there. Willow found a hare to chase and was in heaven!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHSRsN3_Vt8JCbSrjUvwIMaiFUpEYm66DoDlBib9SkYTuEqMxbWvsFFibxqqfwGE5Or8Zu096AUZwPDZO5rz8ILWAl020AvBfjG6xe7QAvTbTUKnB8ZQ2sS9RhTSsNGnybjamuudmZz77uMexp2gIZQ9zuVpK6RxqQcYAZAURrg2rDtjyPPgtO7O9/s3628/20221224-IMG_8557.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3628" data-original-width="2721" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHSRsN3_Vt8JCbSrjUvwIMaiFUpEYm66DoDlBib9SkYTuEqMxbWvsFFibxqqfwGE5Or8Zu096AUZwPDZO5rz8ILWAl020AvBfjG6xe7QAvTbTUKnB8ZQ2sS9RhTSsNGnybjamuudmZz77uMexp2gIZQ9zuVpK6RxqQcYAZAURrg2rDtjyPPgtO7O9/w480-h640/20221224-IMG_8557.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJaZl1JZC15vmCh1UsXYYyXeQFPPwSJ05303zjPbLXUCxetEnJ0-yFlW869cI6yXU9eD2pLsYuylZPKzDPCOoLJLnvUif9gG42rIbVnE5xnL6ihwBdF2IOc5lAuTbcxya-BCsdx-e-IVx8-wcxlbQ77cIpd3_Kl8SSvEgunaPp_-qnIrTWUHH7P-x/s4032/20221224-IMG_8558.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJaZl1JZC15vmCh1UsXYYyXeQFPPwSJ05303zjPbLXUCxetEnJ0-yFlW869cI6yXU9eD2pLsYuylZPKzDPCOoLJLnvUif9gG42rIbVnE5xnL6ihwBdF2IOc5lAuTbcxya-BCsdx-e-IVx8-wcxlbQ77cIpd3_Kl8SSvEgunaPp_-qnIrTWUHH7P-x/w480-h640/20221224-IMG_8558.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5gz8r8d-ypT13__l4mrHNpSEuiPWvHuhNr9EypvLns5AS5HyBHSoSJiQVmVrE177hbmGEy9iskbwhvZfamF1nvsnPao81vZhFDvMPt5BlGeppVHrvmTI32oZXURep4pffx75HsrnyaZNLb92dV7e1rV9wbBcZCu6mtESVjK7G7nvXfMqHSIgbDmg/s4032/20221224-IMG_8576.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5gz8r8d-ypT13__l4mrHNpSEuiPWvHuhNr9EypvLns5AS5HyBHSoSJiQVmVrE177hbmGEy9iskbwhvZfamF1nvsnPao81vZhFDvMPt5BlGeppVHrvmTI32oZXURep4pffx75HsrnyaZNLb92dV7e1rV9wbBcZCu6mtESVjK7G7nvXfMqHSIgbDmg/w640-h480/20221224-IMG_8576.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinV4JgPWBmVgskW-A954gQXsH4PmsivQNuJkpWFPJIzqdMppLzw3emhAyVdvTjfBIxyhYOqE_XPFQMy_E5fynVMezhfDORJ3qDshsQCM2TQk4qGXCBlU-exyIr2Bj4frSAEuEzV8KEkZIETXrvNPwcg3VqL_izv6svT_qz5hBth6-py7KUcAdB3GZ-/s4032/20221224-IMG_8577.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinV4JgPWBmVgskW-A954gQXsH4PmsivQNuJkpWFPJIzqdMppLzw3emhAyVdvTjfBIxyhYOqE_XPFQMy_E5fynVMezhfDORJ3qDshsQCM2TQk4qGXCBlU-exyIr2Bj4frSAEuEzV8KEkZIETXrvNPwcg3VqL_izv6svT_qz5hBth6-py7KUcAdB3GZ-/w480-h640/20221224-IMG_8577.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSN8A4m2p6nOxz-ajLR6aeguxXwPLOu23YltOJl_901w21kR95w6Jdt--VklTCdh7jbuTCy8b0qjv-qZvzlo2v_AAgv_A4F6BIerLz4DkLJUQczxfRanohJlg6wqYfm9wiDyeRffkn9JUOuRcIHFvJwC9RPh5h2CmUZE836njpcyU60GlvOfBur3vG/s4032/20221224-IMG_8579.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSN8A4m2p6nOxz-ajLR6aeguxXwPLOu23YltOJl_901w21kR95w6Jdt--VklTCdh7jbuTCy8b0qjv-qZvzlo2v_AAgv_A4F6BIerLz4DkLJUQczxfRanohJlg6wqYfm9wiDyeRffkn9JUOuRcIHFvJwC9RPh5h2CmUZE836njpcyU60GlvOfBur3vG/w480-h640/20221224-IMG_8579.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9hLUVS5aTqB_d1sCA6PmUb-62Xy2sid4294PKQHw_umFC4NxKRg4lqqj6B2jtbHA_hDyQiyfKMgIfTdTisZ9Lb870NwBM63lDHZmH50xblxw8WsUZWN5Vx8sngD5cMmbMRixYARF1vymv2ibqH2R1Zt_BnpHlnsR4TKoh5YMhf9F8McXJ9BJyf_g/s4032/20221224-IMG_8578.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9hLUVS5aTqB_d1sCA6PmUb-62Xy2sid4294PKQHw_umFC4NxKRg4lqqj6B2jtbHA_hDyQiyfKMgIfTdTisZ9Lb870NwBM63lDHZmH50xblxw8WsUZWN5Vx8sngD5cMmbMRixYARF1vymv2ibqH2R1Zt_BnpHlnsR4TKoh5YMhf9F8McXJ9BJyf_g/w640-h480/20221224-IMG_8578.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We had lunch at the tidy wee hut and then walked back to our campsite. Lots of exotic flowering plants, so I picked a bunch of lilies.<p></p><p>Christmas Day I walked out. The track crosses the river many times before sidling high above it as the river makes a steep descent through boulders and cascades to the dam. It then drops precipitously, though the road is more gradual, and as I began crossing the final few river crossings Jude caught up to me in her 4WD so I took the offered lift for the final km.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLTz8aJEb8g8Sb86_71yNv95rippXf8RDWqVwrY7KV2R2HrNrP0Gd9QI2T60ciht0MvHfXzypJOQowy5dFEwpXU3h1IUOgQLGaBBavv5D1wKvAH_vcfnyts0uFB9E6BbQlJ3IwfOjdLejMeBLwMeKqh4qxyaEiAY-J4Ylxfl2IPDfG5MFvtB9Nhf4/s4032/20221225-IMG_8581.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLTz8aJEb8g8Sb86_71yNv95rippXf8RDWqVwrY7KV2R2HrNrP0Gd9QI2T60ciht0MvHfXzypJOQowy5dFEwpXU3h1IUOgQLGaBBavv5D1wKvAH_vcfnyts0uFB9E6BbQlJ3IwfOjdLejMeBLwMeKqh4qxyaEiAY-J4Ylxfl2IPDfG5MFvtB9Nhf4/w480-h640/20221225-IMG_8581.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsqccL_kCxNG6RE_ZWfhLv3d2U4ydIfpNet-WyciJkA_c9KZeqLeoQKG3l9LHt7DMJgaaqNYybcrCBg0rMwsA946f2JcBzNvvYqfi6UQ7HPy3knzHneHsV46ODqgroarNYu6j3WLaQn3MCt6pE84LRT6_mvgSnubeCe0vP2utgmwZTxLEv5A_pCat/s4032/20221225-IMG_8582.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsqccL_kCxNG6RE_ZWfhLv3d2U4ydIfpNet-WyciJkA_c9KZeqLeoQKG3l9LHt7DMJgaaqNYybcrCBg0rMwsA946f2JcBzNvvYqfi6UQ7HPy3knzHneHsV46ODqgroarNYu6j3WLaQn3MCt6pE84LRT6_mvgSnubeCe0vP2utgmwZTxLEv5A_pCat/w480-h640/20221225-IMG_8582.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_L8FIfEHCpMx__rGlMfeEBWRsweve1J34Qho179j1ePTgCnc_fjVan-ekh-pLq55_s3hzrtYQZoGei9AvuxwJKBBjhjNz3qo3OJEsNdcb98OrNvb8nI3zAo1TDgvBuB5Zj9M6_EnKCE5C0mlKnSnBoVupexyE66mmPeNjUJV4xc_BBF1h6F2o10JT/s3603/20221225-IMG_8583.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3603" data-original-width="2700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_L8FIfEHCpMx__rGlMfeEBWRsweve1J34Qho179j1ePTgCnc_fjVan-ekh-pLq55_s3hzrtYQZoGei9AvuxwJKBBjhjNz3qo3OJEsNdcb98OrNvb8nI3zAo1TDgvBuB5Zj9M6_EnKCE5C0mlKnSnBoVupexyE66mmPeNjUJV4xc_BBF1h6F2o10JT/w480-h640/20221225-IMG_8583.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_J8-1OvMrWkUOWWngQF1H2gJm7cTVKsZmDiy4AzNw6dMQrBm6HPOPUdjdtJUBquFxCXP3hv97s4YpK-7gXz9YpKts13l5BY6zq0QCgBNJfvsS2-F50K1DQR2ErW5ER-PKPCK-F_g7Kho-DN3JCiJXF9O9VFPOexIyl_kpfX8x47HWBzMcNEwu_MBw/s4032/20221225-IMG_8585.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_J8-1OvMrWkUOWWngQF1H2gJm7cTVKsZmDiy4AzNw6dMQrBm6HPOPUdjdtJUBquFxCXP3hv97s4YpK-7gXz9YpKts13l5BY6zq0QCgBNJfvsS2-F50K1DQR2ErW5ER-PKPCK-F_g7Kho-DN3JCiJXF9O9VFPOexIyl_kpfX8x47HWBzMcNEwu_MBw/w640-h480/20221225-IMG_8585.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Boxing Day I got a lift down to the Red Bridge with Karen and walked back home along the Upper Clutha River Track. I decided to replicate a multi-day tramp by taking my fully loaded backpack from the day before. Which meant when I stopped for lunch I could also boil up for a cuppa!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58-GN-J7TK9VVRVZWQtvXRjlGGgcGpJqWsAgZPEdelhCv_WPz2yfGXQ01rqnaSpcaTeN32p3L5m-hdrUxMlcs-U5No_2-lF3v6Ip9-rR9sE5zfNAgX0vN1P_Om7ieiZbPoMin7qD57dy5Ez911m219LeZaNazgACqwG9vjMeAMA7yi2kOtVlHRrRW/s4032/20221226-IMG_8586.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58-GN-J7TK9VVRVZWQtvXRjlGGgcGpJqWsAgZPEdelhCv_WPz2yfGXQ01rqnaSpcaTeN32p3L5m-hdrUxMlcs-U5No_2-lF3v6Ip9-rR9sE5zfNAgX0vN1P_Om7ieiZbPoMin7qD57dy5Ez911m219LeZaNazgACqwG9vjMeAMA7yi2kOtVlHRrRW/w480-h640/20221226-IMG_8586.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLq240cHzjqDFdo5i1bEC_O3fqYrJBs9QgMtDdxYCBe_cc-NpC0oCSuVomYJAsrX_n-TTb8zwLazT4ZYc3BCiP_0beTwUXRRPHAevxG1lwG4o784SKpm-azFL7_dwqeoDu5dh86eIDS2JCVKFHJtHTzaYCfXmJvl9IL2EiAIQSRxBYXDrs00Z-i7z/s4032/20221226-IMG_8587.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLq240cHzjqDFdo5i1bEC_O3fqYrJBs9QgMtDdxYCBe_cc-NpC0oCSuVomYJAsrX_n-TTb8zwLazT4ZYc3BCiP_0beTwUXRRPHAevxG1lwG4o784SKpm-azFL7_dwqeoDu5dh86eIDS2JCVKFHJtHTzaYCfXmJvl9IL2EiAIQSRxBYXDrs00Z-i7z/w480-h640/20221226-IMG_8587.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I felt pretty good after those two days of walking, despite the hot temperatures of this unseasonably dry summer. The North Island was being inundated with extreme weather events and flooding, but down south it was warm and dry pretty well every day. Almost too hot for tramping...<p></p><p>Marlene, massage therapist and friend, had invited me down to Colac Bay, so I headed down there to see in the New Year. A few nice walks along the beach, walking Tucker the dog, reading books and watching Marlene and Rudi surfing, and a beach bonfire on NYE.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVMdRWY5OlP0mm3xbJlBWP7wEPDO0ZyQyn4SFNztqm10aO268z57wswRkMP3WOSxyCG4m3yxUYPr7VfE2u9GGAddVgliRc_duD3c6yW4o5O2YLLa0jHOR-CKBU5PFgsyWrXB9tFMo93thLISWJ-kEOTVq3--dwf4zc_ZSi6K6W856RoXL8rzYMLT_/s4032/20221230-IMG_8589.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVMdRWY5OlP0mm3xbJlBWP7wEPDO0ZyQyn4SFNztqm10aO268z57wswRkMP3WOSxyCG4m3yxUYPr7VfE2u9GGAddVgliRc_duD3c6yW4o5O2YLLa0jHOR-CKBU5PFgsyWrXB9tFMo93thLISWJ-kEOTVq3--dwf4zc_ZSi6K6W856RoXL8rzYMLT_/w640-h480/20221230-IMG_8589.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWqbH7Bqc0f_ZKEXPe37NmSHOGh38iozrTXPJl5C1yTPlzfOcJhhcFp00Vv2cPmvy6ZtFTEV8e3kD4fkZ9PXCPvj_Lkn2Lxv07zwB7Z-Sw3zOy7MiZfQis73pun4LihyHHQBA4-EbbnU1dHloZrsT8K-HS55EJYwlmznoAWQNRnbgKuDZZUN9cm3Z/s4032/20221230-IMG_8591.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB_63sIo7JnKL2Un5-3Rfal15hhnWEUJpbLIEYp7aKarmKitvDg9cbWe4qvf1c_ffIlWnpvbg0hXiBVRFDCKgJcrrw2AZ4ga5KbPWJqTCOoRaW5L8vTsFLc4aSKQLHt3vPhAT86_QuN536RwjfbyHLJW2mEwB1_dCyf31C93wYEq63hA9KYcZX0qP/s4032/20221230-IMG_8596.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB_63sIo7JnKL2Un5-3Rfal15hhnWEUJpbLIEYp7aKarmKitvDg9cbWe4qvf1c_ffIlWnpvbg0hXiBVRFDCKgJcrrw2AZ4ga5KbPWJqTCOoRaW5L8vTsFLc4aSKQLHt3vPhAT86_QuN536RwjfbyHLJW2mEwB1_dCyf31C93wYEq63hA9KYcZX0qP/w480-h640/20221230-IMG_8596.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoverDYvnSKGkGJq41r0XruTN9Xi21HV3p4qCLK-s7PNwZFdMQ81wbzVO8IDBGlbIvrPIHs-cHTwD9O8UjIwRL-HtyLy9-NXwSm-PV6S_RyC7x20jSPyfvRZOdYXxoB7FuBvOJTxdJayUMl30frXUUXEjYqTOlhOoKxYXkWxSPR7XPzNY5YPLJPx8i/s4032/20221230-IMG_8597.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7fXibn02NSZn5H8cAfCHYqllyGa_vdTnlrSaiTKkvX4vGZ6gvgy1twuEkIgjMpC8UbZMvRpJWHojjQMOk0Qqh2-kcm-Hj45lxP1A7Q3DH7BM8ZE2TUPj1Mw7CZwlrCgW-FmYSvvHMxJh3DXnKx1BWiO6RG-m86xTE7xsCcnhxvgUfQDgsIZm-D01/s4032/20221231-IMG_8599.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7fXibn02NSZn5H8cAfCHYqllyGa_vdTnlrSaiTKkvX4vGZ6gvgy1twuEkIgjMpC8UbZMvRpJWHojjQMOk0Qqh2-kcm-Hj45lxP1A7Q3DH7BM8ZE2TUPj1Mw7CZwlrCgW-FmYSvvHMxJh3DXnKx1BWiO6RG-m86xTE7xsCcnhxvgUfQDgsIZm-D01/w480-h640/20221231-IMG_8599.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SrOicgvdAOyeVA1YhlvCN0A5YcofT10f4bFcDPIa5U_pWb4u4ACEWHrN2hfjT4VWGnZqf9vyKxGwSOUrzly7RpZkgSdik7J9lMTK2a3g3kj6VExwbb-X0VU_801XJbe2In3av6Ho4Z-AEdhFGCK-L9R9mwAnKccnPz3GcB_0b99mLSU9sda5vkk7/s4032/20221231-IMG_8600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SrOicgvdAOyeVA1YhlvCN0A5YcofT10f4bFcDPIa5U_pWb4u4ACEWHrN2hfjT4VWGnZqf9vyKxGwSOUrzly7RpZkgSdik7J9lMTK2a3g3kj6VExwbb-X0VU_801XJbe2In3av6Ho4Z-AEdhFGCK-L9R9mwAnKccnPz3GcB_0b99mLSU9sda5vkk7/w480-h640/20221231-IMG_8600.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw80PomGSi3CcelITT9sThwuwLZ80H9zrphl3kk52Uxqw1MurmsUvhboeMWt2GYsQodBG9XATdPCyIpqUdAiMFmjDVDvuq85iCCsrAxv7PW8gTRFqjvzSSjGDYdgx9hGKhDKAAJIWDbqkf_0Iebk-M3y9_nfpwhQvBJ3oIoq7NhqPk8GxBUvKpTX7T/s4032/20221231-IMG_8601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw80PomGSi3CcelITT9sThwuwLZ80H9zrphl3kk52Uxqw1MurmsUvhboeMWt2GYsQodBG9XATdPCyIpqUdAiMFmjDVDvuq85iCCsrAxv7PW8gTRFqjvzSSjGDYdgx9hGKhDKAAJIWDbqkf_0Iebk-M3y9_nfpwhQvBJ3oIoq7NhqPk8GxBUvKpTX7T/w480-h640/20221231-IMG_8601.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />1st January I returned to Queenstown to pick up Stu and Ian who were planning some more South Island packrafting adventures. With an extended tramp in Australia planned for late February I'm more focussed on getting tramping fit, so I decided not to join them. I went tramping instead, on my first successful overnight mission!<p></p><p>That's next!</p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-20751846089781319612023-01-12T15:35:00.001+08:002023-02-03T10:33:20.145+08:00The long slow road back <p>Through my Physio I was able to get an exercise bike delivered to me at home, and begin cycling. I wasn't allowed on an actual bike as the risk of falling was too high, and my fractures were yet to heal. So I found cycling videos on YouTube and enjoyed the scenery of bike trails all over the world from the safety of my own bedroom! Whilst listening to some rocking tunes on headphones...</p><p>I also joined the local pool, and rediscovered my joy of swimming. I'm a fairly slow swimmer, but it didn't take me long to be able to swim for a good 20-30 minutes without stopping, and then enjoy a soak in the hot pool afterwards.</p><p>My walks got longer, and I began to incorporate small hills. I was also doing specific leg exercises, mostly pilates based, to strengthen the muscles around my pelvis.</p><p>My arm exercises were focused on increasing mobility. After six weeks in plaster my wrist was very stiff, so initially there were lots of stretches to do, before graduating to gentle weightlifting. This was quite frustrating, but incrementally the range of movement returned and I found I could do more and more things with my right arm.</p><p>As I became more mobile, my Irish Physio Ena no longer needed to visit me at home, so I transitioned to visiting physios at the local medical centre. One for my arm, and another for my pelvis. My exercise program took a good two hours to complete, and then there were sessions on the stationary bike, and a long walk as well!</p><p>Mid November I had more X-Rays and saw the specialist again. He was happy that my pelvis fractures had healed well enough for me to be "let loose on the world", which was a good six weeks earlier than he had originally told me. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDQSjVTfH4Eerlwl7rttgYNfBa2dleYPtkryj3zHiVewnlvHxLuI_vHVhU85nyn6w0InDU6SnyB5EBcgH0i6exV-V-oXsohbQrAiD3gjdBqyVlIr4uzLtQ0-uAt2ZHvZGiTVCDMyNFXfkZRrMppph_C_CbTx7zNhRX9nJAD-UkRgRy_XJy0oYZCIT/s4032/20221116-IMG_8410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDQSjVTfH4Eerlwl7rttgYNfBa2dleYPtkryj3zHiVewnlvHxLuI_vHVhU85nyn6w0InDU6SnyB5EBcgH0i6exV-V-oXsohbQrAiD3gjdBqyVlIr4uzLtQ0-uAt2ZHvZGiTVCDMyNFXfkZRrMppph_C_CbTx7zNhRX9nJAD-UkRgRy_XJy0oYZCIT/w640-h480/20221116-IMG_8410.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I began planning more ambitious walks, involving hills. First Mt Iron, then Grandview (though I didn't make the summit as I only planned to climb for 2 hours max), and then Little Criffel. The climbs weren't that hard, due to all those glute exercises I'd been doing at home. Not so my quads, the first time in years that a descent had caused my quads to complain.<p></p><p>Unlike my pelvis, my forearm fracture was showing no signs of healing. As a result I wasn't able to increase strength training in quite the same way as I could for my legs. But I did begin going for bike rides in the real world, and with padded gloves there wasn't any pain. Only one proviso, I wasn't allowed to fall on my arm, as the only thing holding it together was a couple of plates and six screws apiece.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXJr7nA5tlGBK9cPJ8Au5P5rwu8peujbUh-UtgS0lcUpbNz_nYj8wzKGw9KqYdMuvL9uyJJiukBw0FstLf3oM_bSjoj44lJjDLPn0FA0h5FeEFtoQnleOZUFO7c6Fi3FycDPBWZt2FAMQ8RdL13DWh4YjsQON0bCSbqLvxymFXeQi-V9aKUSqHodN/s4032/20221116-IMG_8411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXJr7nA5tlGBK9cPJ8Au5P5rwu8peujbUh-UtgS0lcUpbNz_nYj8wzKGw9KqYdMuvL9uyJJiukBw0FstLf3oM_bSjoj44lJjDLPn0FA0h5FeEFtoQnleOZUFO7c6Fi3FycDPBWZt2FAMQ8RdL13DWh4YjsQON0bCSbqLvxymFXeQi-V9aKUSqHodN/w640-h480/20221116-IMG_8411.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />My trips got more ambitious, but frequently got aborted due to all sorts of reasons. There's another post just waiting to be written about those trials and tribulations. But each time, even if I didn't actually get to my destination, I was racking up more miles, and gaining fitness and endurance. I was always warned it was going to take time...<p></p><p>In January I at last successfully completed my first overnight tramp. Another X-Ray and specialist visit revealed the ulna to be healing, but the radial fracture (the most severe fracture) is still unknitted. I'm giving it another couple of months and if it still hasn't knitted I'll be asking for a bone graft.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGBq6BsyMJ01JclqL8hedkouK1ZvoenX0U7IFAHtuAE3CwNMPHKT3xHNKec0Y--GcCFSPKiJsAQcqERoldJFxY3rMK_MJtIFKnGeosmSYGxwORz9MUmkWe3CPmA0IDY7ISH_S79Q7npbFABwSyUmVvOw5eISYUOdRlaLtZV5xu9QJ67jMVGsqXZP1/s4032/20230111-IMG_8672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGBq6BsyMJ01JclqL8hedkouK1ZvoenX0U7IFAHtuAE3CwNMPHKT3xHNKec0Y--GcCFSPKiJsAQcqERoldJFxY3rMK_MJtIFKnGeosmSYGxwORz9MUmkWe3CPmA0IDY7ISH_S79Q7npbFABwSyUmVvOw5eISYUOdRlaLtZV5xu9QJ67jMVGsqXZP1/w480-h640/20230111-IMG_8672.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />In truth I think my recovery has been a dream run. I haven't been in any pain for months, and the path back to "normal" continues apace. I still have more work to do to regain pre injury fitness and strength, and there are some limitations because the forearm is yet to heal, but overall, I'm back out there doing what I like best: enjoying the great outdoors.<p></p><p>So I guess it's time to share some of those adventures, including those somewhat hilarious aborted attempts. That's next!</p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-24373217210406551892022-10-21T09:55:00.009+08:002023-02-03T10:14:59.360+08:00Rehab: the first six weeks<p>After breaking my pelvis, six ribs and forearm in August, I was finally discharged home after 2 and a half weeks in hospital. I was still in a lot of pain but could hobble around on my walking frame, and needed help with showering and cooking. Home help came in for the former, my flatmate Karen did the latter.</p><p>ACC also provided the services of a physiotherapist, who visited me at home once a week. Ena was fantastic, at first helping me with positioning at night so I could sleep better, and then beginning the exercises I would need to regain function.</p><p>As the weeks progressed the pain receded. Which was lucky because I weaned myself off medication rather quickly after discovering my liver enzymes were worsening not improving. Getting through the nights became easier, which meant I gradually got better sleep as well.</p><p>At about 4 weeks post injury I took my first steps outside. By now I could get around on my crutches, the walker having been retired. First I just made it a couple of houses along the footpath and back, but gradually I got to the end of the street, and then down to the river and back, and finally around the block, which included a small hill.</p><p>I even managed to make it down to the nearby Clutha River, and rest on the picnic benches before the hobble back home.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXk8ysKGkCORy0aWTYC0g27W8u79xDVqLtLl90Awy3Hhc-Q041klri3eHYfUyrhCtO--8WulqADbq_dUMTCCKLY99LaKWNjU2E10FtwjhfjhsFskBoyN84gKEvqFOyn4i5vHm3FtamYu9F4S6ix7Zn3eXMRGmur_juFL5tj5TeZqWv8ScnnKXP6SHh/s4032/20221002-IMG_8378.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXk8ysKGkCORy0aWTYC0g27W8u79xDVqLtLl90Awy3Hhc-Q041klri3eHYfUyrhCtO--8WulqADbq_dUMTCCKLY99LaKWNjU2E10FtwjhfjhsFskBoyN84gKEvqFOyn4i5vHm3FtamYu9F4S6ix7Zn3eXMRGmur_juFL5tj5TeZqWv8ScnnKXP6SHh/w640-h480/20221002-IMG_8378.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />A week before my next appointment with my orthopaedic specialist I ditched the second crutch and just used the one. I was still not allowed to fully weight bear on the right leg. My rib fractures were no longer giving me any grief, and my forearm cast was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.<p></p><p>At six weeks post surgery I returned to Dunstan to see the visiting specialist. After X-rays of my forearm and pelvis he was happy for me to begin fully weight bearing. My forearm fractures, however, were not showing signs of union, but I would now be plaster free and encouraged to mobilise.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDG8HvimBOrZvUtHwSOkFgv1x6pvJMSbJV1VoxPTky135vuscrIL1NY9uTAVq0VG2JcEX5rHbrDOgsTHBZdJftGipaEoMQbI3fsAxJGOutwvXfqM0gasv_L5mblG9PbJqk9_Qn9F_Nz58bbOGPylve6hXQZ8gs-wyjA2cj3ENgUKDsJii2A6Qfe9aV/s4032/20221005-IMG_8387.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDG8HvimBOrZvUtHwSOkFgv1x6pvJMSbJV1VoxPTky135vuscrIL1NY9uTAVq0VG2JcEX5rHbrDOgsTHBZdJftGipaEoMQbI3fsAxJGOutwvXfqM0gasv_L5mblG9PbJqk9_Qn9F_Nz58bbOGPylve6hXQZ8gs-wyjA2cj3ENgUKDsJii2A6Qfe9aV/w480-h640/20221005-IMG_8387.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhandmWwMzofTq0x2aoxcyVcyz6v--iT4ZfNzCMxovORNSTXPUqY5Vur3d28jC8RdnQyCs85DBifw2kWey-tCTPMoChxJt_3mHhgJ9z9R0KZ94si6wBy14E174xRC2MJf9YxxuF2e_AE4v3gqKFW9miIDzfSWtwAzIAfgSTvYI759x455UOIeR1Blk/s4032/20221005-IMG_8385.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhandmWwMzofTq0x2aoxcyVcyz6v--iT4ZfNzCMxovORNSTXPUqY5Vur3d28jC8RdnQyCs85DBifw2kWey-tCTPMoChxJt_3mHhgJ9z9R0KZ94si6wBy14E174xRC2MJf9YxxuF2e_AE4v3gqKFW9miIDzfSWtwAzIAfgSTvYI759x455UOIeR1Blk/w480-h640/20221005-IMG_8385.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzW1ut3-a4RVPh1kzOiRTtAalws4yA6LIfXQOSncGuf7OXJ4qypD1OpbyqHKfhbCbaXIQEZDPD99729voiF5rN-H7K0-9PnJMMmHNjbQPPu_DDqmfZHNhpmOi4cKu7g2n007xnFCkpQm_rXel7oKmnRxfGZsg7EZ-cFPgtke3Rl3uFdGNZjt0CaXw/s4032/20221005-IMG_8389.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzW1ut3-a4RVPh1kzOiRTtAalws4yA6LIfXQOSncGuf7OXJ4qypD1OpbyqHKfhbCbaXIQEZDPD99729voiF5rN-H7K0-9PnJMMmHNjbQPPu_DDqmfZHNhpmOi4cKu7g2n007xnFCkpQm_rXel7oKmnRxfGZsg7EZ-cFPgtke3Rl3uFdGNZjt0CaXw/w480-h640/20221005-IMG_8389.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Back home my visiting physiotherapist arranged the purchase of a stationary bicycle, and some home gym equipment I could use for my rehab. And after a week or so I was able to walk unaided.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XQhExbwoSvU2Ed1I9ykcRBEPVQP9TT5ncDG5xvLeS_BUVblIQ80jR5SMVhKzaXbn9a4Kwq1u9UIh5Sz_0t653dZ8-7fuiCvnczo28jm2YJxyxsiR5MCeJc23JhuEsshVvXOV4SqIHVMNWu43u6Z5ARpYJXkwhPUtVcpNUO-Pqur2vYTXWRnqo6S5/s4032/20221013-IMG_8395.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XQhExbwoSvU2Ed1I9ykcRBEPVQP9TT5ncDG5xvLeS_BUVblIQ80jR5SMVhKzaXbn9a4Kwq1u9UIh5Sz_0t653dZ8-7fuiCvnczo28jm2YJxyxsiR5MCeJc23JhuEsshVvXOV4SqIHVMNWu43u6Z5ARpYJXkwhPUtVcpNUO-Pqur2vYTXWRnqo6S5/w480-h640/20221013-IMG_8395.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO77BgqyOieRkOjzGOZTZR5LGooawstsrXh21J5su8XDEeLDI6MxWb2-tMmngt9gBrfh47YFXaXDix1LxaL43UwyBE6cNkAGHLnz8YGUCE1XYof6uBnyiSEUUsFvYFc6XthGb0HALV291gWPimLCcnwwaEV3olqtWLW9_QG5HyG744Rvq03X_f2m-m/s4032/20221021-IMG_8402.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO77BgqyOieRkOjzGOZTZR5LGooawstsrXh21J5su8XDEeLDI6MxWb2-tMmngt9gBrfh47YFXaXDix1LxaL43UwyBE6cNkAGHLnz8YGUCE1XYof6uBnyiSEUUsFvYFc6XthGb0HALV291gWPimLCcnwwaEV3olqtWLW9_QG5HyG744Rvq03X_f2m-m/w640-h480/20221021-IMG_8402.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Not that I could walk all that far. The muscles in my legs were still weak, and I was getting quite a lot of muscular pain after walking for 10 minutes or so. Slowly I increased the length of my walks, and began the escalation of exercises to increase strength and endurance.<p></p><p>Patience.....</p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-9656679460399558242022-09-12T12:42:00.023+08:002023-02-03T09:50:40.305+08:00Breaking News: Snowboarder hits skier<p>Late on Monday afternoon in the third week of August I was leading a group of adult students down a green run. We were working on lateral balance using outside pole drags and were using the steeper pitch as I had been warned at lunch time that the runs at Captains were diabolical. There were so many out of control riders the instructors were getting concerned for their safety, and that of their guests.</p><p>The steep pitch merged into a much wider less steep slope so I looked up the hill to the right because the easier slope to the right tended to direct people in a diagonal fashion to intersect with our more direct route down the fall line. And before I had time to respond a snowboarder straight lining at great speed collided with me side on and I went flying.</p><p>The snowboarder was going very fast, at least 40km/hour and was using neither edge on his board to turn or control his speed. He was heading straight down the hill, and when he saw me he simply ran straight into me. I always tell my beginner skiers that the best way to avoid running into people is to look at the space next to them and that's how you avoid them. This guy saw me, had no control anyway, and hit me.</p><p>Apparently I fly really well! Because of the side on impact I ejected sideways out of my skis, so my airborne trajectory was not hampered by skis. Which meant my legs escaped any injury at all. Not so the rest of me.</p><p>I landed crumpled on my right side, and was winded, finding it very difficult to breathe. I rolled over onto my back, no skis made that easy, and I could breathe better, but I knew straight away I was badly injured.</p><p>Help came quickly. One of my colleagues was teaching nearby, so she collected my skis and my students and got them safely down the mountain. Ski Patrol assessed me and called for medical assistance, as it became clear pretty quickly that not only had I broken my forearm, but also my ribs and pelvis, and there was concern that I had intra abdominal trauma.</p><p>After further assessment by the medical team I was transferred in the ski stretcher to the on mountain medical centre, where I was prepared for immediate helicopter evacuation to Dunedin Hospital. A chopper was already there, called for another patient, but they got bumped as my condition was more serious.</p><p>Luckily, my head and spine were completely spared.</p><p>The chopper flight was short and sweet, though no views for me. Soon we were landing on the roof at Dunedin Hospital and I was taken to Emergency where an ultrasound scan of my abdomen revealed no free fluid. I was sent around to CT to get a better assessment, where they found six fractured ribs and three fractures in my pelvis consistent with a lateral compression pelvic ring injury. All on the right side. My abdominal and pelvic organs were intact. No liver or kidney/bladder tears.</p><p>My forearm was well and truly smashed. Both radius and ulna were broken mid shaft, with considerable fragments and a lot of displacement and angulation. They sedated me to reduce the fracture a little and put it in a back slab, but it needed surgery to fix it properly.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKAPlt7fLNghXVz0qoJSSlIt4RW9qOBoweGUtKlVp90QiCuvkKISrF0bYuAAyIgtLBD_Ot86Zc2TEGo_YEtgpbU3j6OhyFoG4D8kQpAuy2JY62uf4Ax6UgvCQ4aHQUmcWtdh3sxKBFC9hJEONNQcKleUopHbdXJjzD7mhyodMtystIrLJGaibabSh/s4032/20220829-IMG_8362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKAPlt7fLNghXVz0qoJSSlIt4RW9qOBoweGUtKlVp90QiCuvkKISrF0bYuAAyIgtLBD_Ot86Zc2TEGo_YEtgpbU3j6OhyFoG4D8kQpAuy2JY62uf4Ax6UgvCQ4aHQUmcWtdh3sxKBFC9hJEONNQcKleUopHbdXJjzD7mhyodMtystIrLJGaibabSh/w480-h640/20220829-IMG_8362.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I was then sent up to the ward to await surgery. Which could take days, but I had so many injuries that was the least of my problems.<p></p><p>Between the rib and pelvis fractures and with one arm out of action, and the amount of pain I was in, I couldn't pass urine using a bedpan, so I requested an indwelling catheter. The night house officer couldn't give his consent without checking with his superior, so in the end the nurse looking after me took the initiative and just popped one in. Oh the relief!!</p><p>I really couldn't move much, and nor could I take deep breaths, so the next day I was visited by Eileen, the orthopaedic nurse specialist, and she arranged for the pain team to see me and put a cannula in to my chest wall that would deliver a dose of local anaesthetic around my fracture site every 20 minutes. Getting into position to have the procedure done was excruciating, as was lying there whilst the ultrasound guided needle was placed in just the right position. I actually needed two cannulas to provide full pain relief, but by the time they had placed the first one I was no longer coping, and needed to return onto my back again. But the ribs that were anaesthetised were helping to improve my breathing so it was enough.</p><p>During my entire time in Dunedin I was told that I just had one fracture in my pelvis. This was obvious on the plain Xray, whereas the other fractures were only seen on the CT scan. This poor communication meant that everyone assumed I had a minor stable pelvic fracture, so there was a plan for early mobilisation. Despite the fact that I could feel things moving in my pelvis and that any time I rolled onto my left side and allowed the right buttock to not be supported I was in excruciating pain.</p><p>Tuesday and Wednesday I was fasted for surgery all day, and then told around 4:30 that I wouldn't get operated on, so a sandwich for dinner was my reward. Hard to heal when they nutritionally starve you!! On Thursday, however, I at last went to theatre, and four hours later my poor forearm was repaired with a few plates and screws, and replastered. Post operatively I struggled with the pain, and the opiate analgesia suppressed my breathing, so I ended up on a type of C-PAP machine overnight.</p><p>I hardly slept all night, as the analgesia was inadequate and the arm throbbed dreadfully. The next morning the orthopaedic registrar elevated my arm and the pain eased almost instantaneously, so Eileen organised for a good old fashioned cast sling to be pulled out of the dusty storeroom for my use. The pain team came around and changed my medication to oral opiates and increased the dose. That gave me the best pain relief of the last few days, but unfortunately also suppressed my breathing. After a few tears we at last came to a compromise of more regular doses of 10mg Morphine, and I had my first comfortable night since the injury.</p><p>Saturday, Day 5 post injury, I made the decision to take control. The physiotherapist on Friday had caused me far too much pain making me sit up with my feet over the side of the bed, and I was determined that any further mobilisation would be done on my terms, and in a way that didn't make the pain worse. As mentioned earlier, I had noticed that if the right buttock or leg was unsupported, then I was in agony, but if I braced against something, like pushing down on the bed with my feet to push myself up the bed, my pain wasn't bad at all.</p><p>So I invented "Fred"! I asked the Physio to make me a loop of webbing that I could put my foot into and brace against with my hand pulling up on the loop. That allowed me to get to the side of the bed and hang my feet over the side. As long as I supported the right leg in the webbing loop it was pretty straight forward. Without it, pure agony. </p><p>Over the next few days my pain was better controlled through regular morphine and keeping the forearm well elevated. The operating specialist came to see me and told me it was one of the worst fractures he had ever seen and was blown away by the force that must have caused it.</p><p>I had quite a few visitors whilst I was in Dunedin. One of my colleagues dropped off a bag of things from home, I had a Geraldton friend who was visiting on a ski trip pop down for a day, and a couple of Dunedin friends made regular visits and kept me supplied with a daily flat white. Marlene, my massage therapist, came to visit, and Harry, my eye specialist, dropped off a few books for me to read. Despite there being some restrictions on visitors due to COVID I usually had someone pop in most days, but there was still a lot of downtime, in which I read Harry's books and caught up with the final week of Masterchef Australia!</p><p>From sitting on the side of the bed I graduated to standing, and then to hobbling around with a walker. Since the swelling of my forearm had gone down a bit, they sent me down to the fracture clinic to have a full fibreglass cast fitted. The chap in the fracture clinic was a professional, I have never seen a cast done so well, and it was also very comfortable - within reason....He also very kindly gave me a bundle of plastic bags to protect the cast when showering.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrZ4bYFwOWjDa92QcgHx4js1Zt0uXzAkD_gtJulfhUqmEoGRHhw14Im2z1IeAmsPRbd-EmiCg59rMgcp2aWFejYhYphByjjfiRLgjb9GOW0_NZtnyNDB2AqKJkCNYim-UVZV4vnc5SzAoN_tmdJ5_xIL9yUfA0AlGuygLx7zf6DuohUfOoa7JE2Eh/s4032/20220829-IMG_8364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrZ4bYFwOWjDa92QcgHx4js1Zt0uXzAkD_gtJulfhUqmEoGRHhw14Im2z1IeAmsPRbd-EmiCg59rMgcp2aWFejYhYphByjjfiRLgjb9GOW0_NZtnyNDB2AqKJkCNYim-UVZV4vnc5SzAoN_tmdJ5_xIL9yUfA0AlGuygLx7zf6DuohUfOoa7JE2Eh/w480-h640/20220829-IMG_8364.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Now that I could hobble around on a walking frame I could sit on a chair and actually have a shower. That first one was absolute bliss. Small things really get appreciated.<p></p><p>After a week they removed the chest cannula, and I also asked for the catheter to be removed. That allowed me to be a bit more mobile, to hobble around the ward on my walking frame, and to go to the toilet without help. With Fred, my frame, and a chair over the loo I was relatively independent. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1rE9ASQhAPuciXSbztr3qAo7x9An6gSr-y8IQBufZY7SfH88ahAiPipLnKR9E1DYmAWQWfG8cAwUeUt1wqweojj-A8rpF_e8k3LQp37WV1FETaP2TJc5UYCKqvfgjaRTsNLsEF01ioxrs-mqnCcvWU1_0XarihkDm--Q9n8ZKCkhemPAcKXXIX3I/s4032/20220831-IMG_8366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1rE9ASQhAPuciXSbztr3qAo7x9An6gSr-y8IQBufZY7SfH88ahAiPipLnKR9E1DYmAWQWfG8cAwUeUt1wqweojj-A8rpF_e8k3LQp37WV1FETaP2TJc5UYCKqvfgjaRTsNLsEF01ioxrs-mqnCcvWU1_0XarihkDm--Q9n8ZKCkhemPAcKXXIX3I/w480-h640/20220831-IMG_8366.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>The following Wednesday afternoon I was transferred by ambulance to Dunstan Hospital. There I had a lovely room with a view out the window, but a draconian rule that only allowed the same two visitors to visit me during my stay. Which meant I had to tell everyone they couldn't visit me as my flatmate wasn't able to visit for a few days and I didn't want her spot to be taken by some random visitor. One of my friends who lived in Alex did manage to visit on Saturday, but otherwise, it got pretty lonely.</p><p>The physiotherapist visited daily, and between them and the occupational therapist a raft of home aids were organised. I was to go home with a walking frame as well as crutches. I would use a crutch on the left side, and a gutter crutch on the right, and to graduate to just one crutch as I got stronger. They made sure I could safely go up and down some stairs and then I was cleared for discharge home. When Karen visited on the Monday she took home all the equipment and I waited until my appointment with the orthopaedic specialist on Wednesday. I also had a liver ultrasound, because during my stay my liver enzymes had gone haywire, and the CT scan had showed evidence of biliary duct dilatation and gallstones. These findings were considered incidental, though the abnormal liver tests had only occurred after my hospitalisation, and were thought to be due to the medications.</p><p>The Orthopaedic surgeon who visits Dunstan comes down from Auckland. He looked at my CT scan and was much more circumspect about just how stable my pelvic fracture was. He put the brakes on any further progression of my walking, asking me to put no more than about 20kg through the right leg for the next 4 weeks until I saw him again. My plaster was removed so that the wound dressings could be taken down and cleaned before a new cast applied. She did a good job but the nurse at Dunstan didn't do quite as professional a job as that chap in the fracture clinic in Dunedin.</p><p>Wednesday evening a friend very kindly came down to Clyde to pick me up and drive me home. We picked up my medication from a pharmacy in Cromwell on the way, but it transpired that there was nowhere near enough pain medication to get me through until I could see a doctor for another prescription. At this stage I was on regular oral morphine during the day, and long acting morphine at night to get me some decent sleep. I was also on regular paracetamol and anti-inflammatories, although the specialist warned that the NSAIDS would slow down healing.</p><p>It was glorious to be home at last, though I was still in a lot of pain, and getting around was quite a chore. Sleep was still my biggest challenge, as I couldn't get comfortable. Although I could lie on my back comfortably, I would inevitably need to change my position after a while, and I couldn't comfortably roll over and sleep on either side, let alone my stomach - my normal sleeping position. I experimented with lots of pillows but getting decent sleep was a real challenge. At least the medication helped.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLZLfndQ-EwfCH_oNLY0hPDym-U9BecHoH0zXAaxU9TtdXnlnh9CPqQcE5_52p8MFGqpkCrG6tKMyK1bhQJI_wTIQxBbFyUOi-AUScCRUqa35rkNUJXkEqCBTA4ohZ1Vt4U19K20i19aZK9QnqTowB0YlLdbpBKlITcyaPXeiMgjgSVf3IP6nKdao/s4032/20220908-IMG_8371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLZLfndQ-EwfCH_oNLY0hPDym-U9BecHoH0zXAaxU9TtdXnlnh9CPqQcE5_52p8MFGqpkCrG6tKMyK1bhQJI_wTIQxBbFyUOi-AUScCRUqa35rkNUJXkEqCBTA4ohZ1Vt4U19K20i19aZK9QnqTowB0YlLdbpBKlITcyaPXeiMgjgSVf3IP6nKdao/w480-h640/20220908-IMG_8371.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Getting out of bed was the worst! Swinging my leg down onto the ground caused all sorts of pain in my right leg. I'd figured out (advantages of a medical degree) that my right leg pain was due to sciatic nerve involvement, and that the use of Fred, or a rigid leg lifter which the OT department leant me, to brace against helped alleviate the problem. We had briefly discussed the use of medication targeting nerve pain but decided the side effects outweighed the benefits. But I dreaded getting up each morning, and would make sure I had a decent dose of pain medication on board before I made an attempt.<p></p><p>Karen had offered to do all the cooking, and the Dunstan OT had organised to have home help for showering. I was also to get visits from a physiotherapist, all fully funded by ACC. New Zealand's accident insurance system really is a stellar service, when it works, for providing timely care following an accident.</p><p>A lot of people asked me about the guy who hit me. Some people got quite angry. Personally, I don't feel any anger at all about what happened, although I do think that there were some serious problems around the number of people on the mountain and about safety in general for all users. My accident highlighted the concerns others had been raising about safety out on the mountain and if that leads to changes, that will be a good outcome. As for being upset about what happened, I can only be grateful that I just broke a few bones (11 in total) and bones heal well. I knew the rehab would be long, but I was pretty sure I would make a full recovery.</p><p>So then comes the rehab. Yep, that's next...</p><p><br /></p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-48292033094656663422022-08-22T10:41:00.026+08:002023-02-03T09:44:51.133+08:00Ski Goddess 2022<p>At the end of last winter I decided to work full-time this year. We had been short staffed for the COVID years and I'd worked a lot of days as a part timer, but for all my flexibility there are limitations to what I get out of the equation, particularly when it comes to the type of work I get as a ski instructor.</p><p>Every ski school has it's own system for allocating work and Cardrona works on a priority system. You get more priority points for higher qualifications, more disciplines and for the number of seasons worked, including a loyalty bonus for seasons at Cardrona. If you are part time you get half the points for number of seasons, irrespective of if you worked one day a week or four. </p><p>When it comes to dishing out work each day, those instructors with the most number of priority points get work first, and it goes down the line. BUT, if you are part time your points are not taken into consideration until every full timer has been assigned work. A newly qualified full timer will get assigned work before a part-timer, irrespective of how many years the part timer might have been working. This means for an entire season part timers rarely get assigned any lessons at the start of the day and are constantly in the pool to pick up the overflow. That equates to a whole lot of waiting around and far too many first timer lessons.</p><p>To be fair I love first timer lessons. It's the one day of a skier's life where they will make the biggest progression in their entire skiing journey: from non skier to skier. By the end of the day most people can stop, turn, and manage a run down the easiest green run from the top of the mountain. Nobody makes that big an achievement in one day ever again. It's also the best opportunity to communicate my passion for the sport and the mountains in which we play.</p><p>But I was planning to sit my Level 3 this year, which requires teaching more advanced skiers, and requires me to be more analytical and technical in my approach to teaching. First timer lessons are fairly prescriptive, so I needed to be able to access other types of lessons. So I asked to work full-time, thus being able to utilise my priority points, few as they are.</p><p>It wasn't that easy, because the Cardrona business model relies heavily on us part timers to be available when it's busy and retire quietly away when it gets quiet. I don't personally want, or need, to work full time, but I do need access to a more varied lesson profile to gain some valuable teaching experience. Even though I asked my boss last year about working full time I was still given a part time contract this year, with the suggestion that I work full time in July and see whether they still needed me in August.</p><p>I got no rostered work in June at all, despite the mountain being open for half the month, so I got in a little free skiing. July was super busy, what with Australian and NZ school holidays, but was surprisingly not quite as busy as previous years. In the first week of NZ school holidays I did the four day kids program called Skiwees, and then spent the second week at home isolating with COVID! </p><p>August got even busier. A consequence of all the Aussies using up their holiday credits from the last two years, and an increase in North Island skiers, forced to come south after the NI ski fields didn't open due to lack of snow. Parking became a nightmare, at both Cardrona and Treble Cone, with the need to leave town just after 7 to get a decent carpark. I carpooled again this year, which worked well.</p><p>The ski lift queues were diabolical. I was rostered to teach a number of the local school programs, and with the huge volumes of kids all needing loading at the same time it reduced the ski time available for the kids. Keeping them amused in the lift lines took a lot of effort.</p><p>I got a good amount of private lessons too. Not just one hour quickies, but a few 2 hour ones, and occasionally I managed to roll them for more hours or further lessons. When a guest requests a specific instructor on booking a lesson, that instructor gets paid considerably more money per hour than if the lesson is assigned. The private lessons gave me the chance to extend my teaching repertoire.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7C8aUoyprOQ95Iwbby8T3pfgRsKg-VHsTcLzoGuyWxj38XmRI1PS7CK3DHaCumHXgyRVncXnHswgXhtcGQ1hGGXvh45pkCCXX-2uPUhZsd0gOHFdpUbA4FIq3dGiLSkbDGQXrmzQv-ZMSJt8ELYZmqiYZkJpqTO2xPajyI3opAaCCkTx1qCwIFsGb/s4032/20220821-IMG_8354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7C8aUoyprOQ95Iwbby8T3pfgRsKg-VHsTcLzoGuyWxj38XmRI1PS7CK3DHaCumHXgyRVncXnHswgXhtcGQ1hGGXvh45pkCCXX-2uPUhZsd0gOHFdpUbA4FIq3dGiLSkbDGQXrmzQv-ZMSJt8ELYZmqiYZkJpqTO2xPajyI3opAaCCkTx1qCwIFsGb/w480-h640/20220821-IMG_8354.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I decided to sit the Level 3 exam in October, although I didn't feel I would be good enough to pass. I thought that committing to the exam would provide focus to my exam preparation, and in August I joined a group of other instructors once a week for training.<p></p><p>I was only just getting my stride, when late in the afternoon, whilst teaching a group of three adults on one of the green runs, a snowboarder bowled me over and my season was over.</p><p>That's next.</p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-34214319965617603642022-05-24T15:24:00.100+08:002022-12-13T08:55:28.889+08:00Bikepacking first steps<p>I'd been toying with getting a bike for some time. Mainly because there are quite a few long valleys with 4WD tracks that are a little boring to walk up and down but would probably be fun on a bike. Also, it's an alternative transport option if a loop section involves a road section, to leave a bike at one end to use to get back to the car.</p><p>I thought about getting a cheap as chips second hand mountain bike, but then found very little available that would fit my small frame. I've had some really bad experiences with bike frames that don't fit me, leading to sore shoulders, arms and neck. So I decided to purchase a new bike.</p><p>I didn't want an e-bike, because I also liked the idea of doing some touring, or more precisely, bikepacking. The difference being more streamlined bags packed along the frame of the bike and the option to get off the tarseal and explore the backroads. I'm not into technical mountain biking, and having tramped <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2021/02/variety-and-beauty-on-old-ghost-road.html" target="_blank">The Old Ghost Road</a>, <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2020/06/in-search-of-takahe-and-avoiding-shuttle.html" target="_blank">The Heaphy</a> and <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2022/05/cutting-paparoa-in-two.html" target="_blank">The Paparoa Track</a>s, I'd still opt to walk them if given the choice. Cycling for me is about covering distances that might be a bit boring if you walked them, though boredom really is subjective...</p><p>An e-bike requires you to have regular access to a way to recharge the battery. They are also really heavy. So if you want to go on a multi-day ride you need to stay in places where you can recharge, usually every day. No wilderness camping with an e-bike...</p><p>So I decided to purchase a carbon gravel bike. Super light, but strong, and able to absorb bumps more comfortably than a lightweight aluminium bike. I didn't want a bomb proof steel bike because of the weight tradeoff. With tubeless tyres so I can alter the tyre pressure to make the ride more comfortable. </p><p>There are no shocks or suspension on a gravel bike, allowing you to mount travel bags easily. Due to supply chain issues in these COVID times, I ended up purchasing a Cannondale Topstone 6 which was pretty well the only bike around in my size. The guys at Bike It Now in Cromwell were awesome at helping me set it up for my body shape, changing out the stem for a shorter reach, adjusting the seat position, and setting the bike up to be tubeless.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7t_47JNq6yS5pVsjEjWFNAmQzIIjAire9Kda42a7CehFzxZCqmstwIX8HJiD16k1F9KLZVenRi0mUjZOYpaZiTKFXHzJxGOWMHaGtqPim8GMxpehbtqvmo2auILDUkkMRL2whNyqoJWGJvoFeEjTx6fkHtuWNnkftQEW2OzEsXxjiMXWl5YmNHv2C/s4032/20220513-IMG_8233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7t_47JNq6yS5pVsjEjWFNAmQzIIjAire9Kda42a7CehFzxZCqmstwIX8HJiD16k1F9KLZVenRi0mUjZOYpaZiTKFXHzJxGOWMHaGtqPim8GMxpehbtqvmo2auILDUkkMRL2whNyqoJWGJvoFeEjTx6fkHtuWNnkftQEW2OzEsXxjiMXWl5YmNHv2C/w640-h480/20220513-IMG_8233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After hitting the internet and purchasing a gaggle of bikepacking bags and some cycling shorts, I spent a few days working out how to actually pack the bike. I had all the camping gear, I just had to work out how to fit it all onto the bike.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85NVACaJLPVrkkbQNI1lLiiEqaQDZsdYbG6NvkwyyainBODgItvfF0SuS6r1ylrMWwdLJ_LIVEdQn0f_nWqxb8yaKk-S4rvCLd_6ol2gpfbjCm8-Ut_6zvRKIKjIReyuuky1YdEj8PWjGo_2amS8tIIUkqs3RZ9i5yo4qqs8oSrFTP8jR0r3mb25V/s4032/20220516-IMG_8236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85NVACaJLPVrkkbQNI1lLiiEqaQDZsdYbG6NvkwyyainBODgItvfF0SuS6r1ylrMWwdLJ_LIVEdQn0f_nWqxb8yaKk-S4rvCLd_6ol2gpfbjCm8-Ut_6zvRKIKjIReyuuky1YdEj8PWjGo_2amS8tIIUkqs3RZ9i5yo4qqs8oSrFTP8jR0r3mb25V/w640-h480/20220516-IMG_8236.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once I had sorted that out I decided to go for a short trip, and what couldn't be a better choice than the nearby <a href="https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz" target="_blank">Otago Central Rail Trail</a>. A 3-4 day easy gravel cycle along an old decommissioned railway line from Clyde to Middlemarch.<p></p><p>It was late in the season and there were limited options for getting a shuttle ride back to Clyde. I rang around all the operators and at least 2 of them told me there were shuttles running on Friday, so I planned to leave from Clyde on Tuesday.</p><p>I drove down to Clyde and parked my car at the start of the trail. The guys in the bike hire place at the start of the trail, rather than sell me a shuttle ticket back, told me to email them my intentions. They were having an end of season celebration and didn't want to provide a service right there and then. Bit weird, but I just got on my bike and began pedalling.</p><p>The track to Alex is dead straight and flat. I considered stopping for a coffee at the cafe just next to the trail, but I'd only been cycling for 20 minutes so it seemed a bit early for a break. Through Alex and over the Manuherika Bridge the trail veered left to follow the Manuherika upstream, through typical Central Otago schist, thyme and tussock. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBg2QpOHJKDtwfwvwr93eAYEQkkEf7una5uX-yEqbZrcgNoMt8KJsbMlRzWlLc-YanbVP-k010iLoqjDHji0llDG3DP6jzSVwbHVlmHm5VV60R8gsHvf2eL79gFNBRdcP8qBNJyhjfQEFEDPiw7z3QSuiPDa8_JsMeJ3JxDeo-wuOpSVeodS6ouyHM/s4032/20220517-IMG_8243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBg2QpOHJKDtwfwvwr93eAYEQkkEf7una5uX-yEqbZrcgNoMt8KJsbMlRzWlLc-YanbVP-k010iLoqjDHji0llDG3DP6jzSVwbHVlmHm5VV60R8gsHvf2eL79gFNBRdcP8qBNJyhjfQEFEDPiw7z3QSuiPDa8_JsMeJ3JxDeo-wuOpSVeodS6ouyHM/w480-h640/20220517-IMG_8243.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />There were a couple of nice old wooden bridges along the way, and a few cute siding buildings to stop at en route. Once past the quirky Chatto Creek Tavern the track climbs up over a small hill and then it's downhill all the way into Omakau, where I camped the night at the local motor camp. A really nice spot with lovely grassy sites, a decent camp kitchen and an excellent hot shower in the clean modern amenities block.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviyH9E70OJagwk3C81FJPtnM2ui2nMp4nHTaQQdcyt9Gt-s-5dIwHc9VeHY3LIra6ipkWtUyh27R4nuZV4WPxQ4Ot1Zl7n8CAwmFQ2zEbdKeBTUnDPRaSlLaUA4ljxH3MG6aO7nTIyjvATb6AGefqGF_X7DzWWpAmOF-o3-FPkGCGANsxyaB1InIu/s4032/20220517-IMG_8244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviyH9E70OJagwk3C81FJPtnM2ui2nMp4nHTaQQdcyt9Gt-s-5dIwHc9VeHY3LIra6ipkWtUyh27R4nuZV4WPxQ4Ot1Zl7n8CAwmFQ2zEbdKeBTUnDPRaSlLaUA4ljxH3MG6aO7nTIyjvATb6AGefqGF_X7DzWWpAmOF-o3-FPkGCGANsxyaB1InIu/w640-h480/20220517-IMG_8244.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDcXnn0rwWw5xk8Y98kPxIhlcvH1OYIO0ADZPliRsIpXGpeXk_TOEAKimNAeHQ0h5UBFAtLcVipTInS6HuOj_EorqkAVZCpPBjfWdRx5dN1dD31eFhW199rqX2WSXUyPLvNXCjgFsWKNcwiVOWk8XOAu-0DkU--JepjJkxiQpfc3v5EvgXuncslIA/s4032/20220517-IMG_8245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDcXnn0rwWw5xk8Y98kPxIhlcvH1OYIO0ADZPliRsIpXGpeXk_TOEAKimNAeHQ0h5UBFAtLcVipTInS6HuOj_EorqkAVZCpPBjfWdRx5dN1dD31eFhW199rqX2WSXUyPLvNXCjgFsWKNcwiVOWk8XOAu-0DkU--JepjJkxiQpfc3v5EvgXuncslIA/w640-h480/20220517-IMG_8245.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After setting up my tent and having that lovely hot shower I walked up the road to the pub and had a meal and a beer before wandering home to my sleeping bag.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhl1J-lRKqY9XQ1B0De_TVqa-RAzEF5SmmDoiwQ33BBI7qIrYGSPDevOjOxqll6ZbFBOvTQffXvdeq1N934Q0mvUrL5nYcKsiKna4JYb_ryhYF3_VXG9PpJit9T851MiXAwz5yYPCce4kvEtwGYjpyEiq6R6jFb9NAKJzHJ9t1O4YKARHW5q3kwGzH/s4032/20220517-IMG_8247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhl1J-lRKqY9XQ1B0De_TVqa-RAzEF5SmmDoiwQ33BBI7qIrYGSPDevOjOxqll6ZbFBOvTQffXvdeq1N934Q0mvUrL5nYcKsiKna4JYb_ryhYF3_VXG9PpJit9T851MiXAwz5yYPCce4kvEtwGYjpyEiq6R6jFb9NAKJzHJ9t1O4YKARHW5q3kwGzH/w640-h480/20220517-IMG_8247.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMJOZkJHkB3HOJXM8EgMI4T2QaxgUnENkKX2_XRM0ubIITveqlya7NlaDdwPB71bIRh51sgupon6KtCFNSgZrR8AF9icgZ9kI2aHNYAeyurBxerZ3jOy_pf0iLCZYXFM0tEEycrZBrjHwqZwnIrdDjERiP4K7MKiYp---FDNjNzTsPaIJsE2aFvJ7/s4032/20220517-IMG_8248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2496" data-original-width="4032" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMJOZkJHkB3HOJXM8EgMI4T2QaxgUnENkKX2_XRM0ubIITveqlya7NlaDdwPB71bIRh51sgupon6KtCFNSgZrR8AF9icgZ9kI2aHNYAeyurBxerZ3jOy_pf0iLCZYXFM0tEEycrZBrjHwqZwnIrdDjERiP4K7MKiYp---FDNjNzTsPaIJsE2aFvJ7/w640-h396/20220517-IMG_8248.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The next morning I noticed that I had rubbed the bottom of my saddlebag on the rear tyre. It had only damaged the protective plastic and not the dry bag itself, so I made sure to strap it up much tighter so there would be even more room between it and the rear wheel. The problem with being a shortie is that there isn't a lot of distance between the seat and the tyre so I can only use a smaller 10L bag, but if I stuff the bag well so it is as rigid as possible, and then cinch the compression straps hard, then it will ride high enough to stay away from the tyre. The Cannondale bikes have a bit of suspension built in to the way the frame is built so that may also have contributed to the rubbing. Suffice to say I had no more rubbing issues for the rest of the trip, and I later reinforced the area rubbed with a couple of layers of duct tape.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATXruQH0Z2J8p-eRbSgxMnn0UM4H4Bue9aNfXKVut_Nvb2x-5f3n2fua5VuMCjXUb0nglJ8s2IxdxWtOIUOzGOVDZFkm7x92_8oaSwBNOsq8VnTq-STXsZQmGdUOpDCArEV_nwrlGv7HcD5qMTASyJBfjENeOfDxNOcVDwJkpuRfK476CKxuSyAay/s4032/20220518-IMG_8250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATXruQH0Z2J8p-eRbSgxMnn0UM4H4Bue9aNfXKVut_Nvb2x-5f3n2fua5VuMCjXUb0nglJ8s2IxdxWtOIUOzGOVDZFkm7x92_8oaSwBNOsq8VnTq-STXsZQmGdUOpDCArEV_nwrlGv7HcD5qMTASyJBfjENeOfDxNOcVDwJkpuRfK476CKxuSyAay/w640-h480/20220518-IMG_8250.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I had a late start, because in attempting to add a little more air into my front tyre I unscrewed the valve and lost all the air in the tyre. That's when I discovered how hard it is to reinflate a tubeless tyre by hand pump. I couldn't get enough pressure in the tyre to get it to seal around the bead, even after borrowing bigger foot pumps from other campers at the motor camp. In the end I walked the bike down to the local bike shop in Omakau and waited for their bike mechanic to drive over from Alex to help me out. He used the compressor to quickly inflate the tyre, which sealed immediately, and he sold me an adaptor I can use with the air compressors at petrol stations. That won't help me if I'm in the wop wops so I will need to add a CO2 inflator into my kit to cover that possibility. This trip sure was turning out to be a great experiment.<p></p><p>I pedalled out of Omakau around 11am, arriving in Lauder ready for lunch, but the local cafe was closed for the season. I wandered around to the local pub, where they made me a toasted sandwich and a coffee, then I set out again.</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJnXd4SEJbWjrgCgi8XMITL_-XZv9-oW3DjI3ITOX1U3eMVdLPmMclo5jCoslO1aG5F5UOBJzsNfC6I5kj8O6Bh_nVRqk02JGPk7oq2u7n4kb8qQm-3X6wn_UqULtMZDrBe4FRd6SyQCrUKyKDbicB_2FqoXAwQA51VZCerVWrlZtIvi7TsjG1WBF/s4032/20220518-IMG_8251.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJnXd4SEJbWjrgCgi8XMITL_-XZv9-oW3DjI3ITOX1U3eMVdLPmMclo5jCoslO1aG5F5UOBJzsNfC6I5kj8O6Bh_nVRqk02JGPk7oq2u7n4kb8qQm-3X6wn_UqULtMZDrBe4FRd6SyQCrUKyKDbicB_2FqoXAwQA51VZCerVWrlZtIvi7TsjG1WBF/w640-h480/20220518-IMG_8251.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />From Lauder the trail heads through Poolburn Gorge, across viaducts and through a couple of tunnels. I didn't have bike lights and ignored the notice suggesting I dismount for the first tunnel, to my own detriment, because a few seconds later I couldn't see a thing and promptly fell off my bike!! I walked the rest of the way until I could see the exit and had enough light to be able to continue riding without toppling over!!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeCpodTH5_Nm-Ra6NVvNvBR12kqkt82ptoaYLNzP7NCiItUY3HCR2u5hvRXFQOAoU8ppIf1c0IJyVUZr5HHRqQIpEI_YZlioEXgd1yfD4Avut25w32AcXBFu1b1ZivdzJcFDTTo25ywd_NZdlGITDMLtmkXAjKTQwDdPN561RbwMayXYCZ2rGXlZe/s4032/20220518-IMG_8253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeCpodTH5_Nm-Ra6NVvNvBR12kqkt82ptoaYLNzP7NCiItUY3HCR2u5hvRXFQOAoU8ppIf1c0IJyVUZr5HHRqQIpEI_YZlioEXgd1yfD4Avut25w32AcXBFu1b1ZivdzJcFDTTo25ywd_NZdlGITDMLtmkXAjKTQwDdPN561RbwMayXYCZ2rGXlZe/w640-h480/20220518-IMG_8253.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqogZAF7NFoyootnjfv0j5-tSQKX9OaZGz9eXLBRkmER_gtm6YS0GVZhM1c1phYRoaaOwIv1KTZDaaqZ7xZsmUQ1Lmd4Re_fWBAI5Qt7vGDGlcNr1oxSX6sNFtk-bDpk_4R1s-82rMq2p0qhvd3bb6aTii2rRye_-zVtXbZwxc40RlrmxcqwSUZUx/s4032/20220518-IMG_8254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqogZAF7NFoyootnjfv0j5-tSQKX9OaZGz9eXLBRkmER_gtm6YS0GVZhM1c1phYRoaaOwIv1KTZDaaqZ7xZsmUQ1Lmd4Re_fWBAI5Qt7vGDGlcNr1oxSX6sNFtk-bDpk_4R1s-82rMq2p0qhvd3bb6aTii2rRye_-zVtXbZwxc40RlrmxcqwSUZUx/w640-h480/20220518-IMG_8254.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_kGaRK7oXtp6FbrE-XcwAkKr1oh4tUSya7eE5FrvGI8Bkc7R6mFV4js37__OsN_7IeNtpov8a31hNTVOY467pe6KyWbAz5kwkaJ0UjX5co8k-roh5UCQu_jUyW9s6LVzAVOEpA_tsENcnjKRicrwEWjVYDYvrOHBnNwUBuSKnY4VS9sSTPcjw6nq/s4032/20220518-IMG_8256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_kGaRK7oXtp6FbrE-XcwAkKr1oh4tUSya7eE5FrvGI8Bkc7R6mFV4js37__OsN_7IeNtpov8a31hNTVOY467pe6KyWbAz5kwkaJ0UjX5co8k-roh5UCQu_jUyW9s6LVzAVOEpA_tsENcnjKRicrwEWjVYDYvrOHBnNwUBuSKnY4VS9sSTPcjw6nq/w640-h480/20220518-IMG_8256.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxx9MmT9yUkBVl34c6rtZCQ1tq3D480xQAidBvdCxcigX81PcNkM6WtwYtGB5FHEbnzMQk_npaD2mwG_4-W9KvtnK78HUQtmdPJu3RvVW-ZmA9lC_6tYPZsxeIVFBVoLA1Dv93iAmCleuPMtCBjFjVjB8IJbBOLdEbKaIZ2ddskYZE93kCdjGiTXqi/s4032/20220518-IMG_8257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxx9MmT9yUkBVl34c6rtZCQ1tq3D480xQAidBvdCxcigX81PcNkM6WtwYtGB5FHEbnzMQk_npaD2mwG_4-W9KvtnK78HUQtmdPJu3RvVW-ZmA9lC_6tYPZsxeIVFBVoLA1Dv93iAmCleuPMtCBjFjVjB8IJbBOLdEbKaIZ2ddskYZE93kCdjGiTXqi/w640-h480/20220518-IMG_8257.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhj1-hWZAzE-sQ6e9c0dEXyv8c2TuuF-Ulwibm_gu69xP_d4TD3TN0p-AWTLR5MQ1_0TuvOv1zl3Fwjyrp15ExQaUWGUeo2XdN3XqzPsbdVuBKiZjIVlK8J2XtD0IY9jDg3HfYjXeRMFV1s_KyXX2yf8AZZemcPFeUwUwvcRLakkB-Urw3o09UsFlZ/s4032/20220518-IMG_8258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhj1-hWZAzE-sQ6e9c0dEXyv8c2TuuF-Ulwibm_gu69xP_d4TD3TN0p-AWTLR5MQ1_0TuvOv1zl3Fwjyrp15ExQaUWGUeo2XdN3XqzPsbdVuBKiZjIVlK8J2XtD0IY9jDg3HfYjXeRMFV1s_KyXX2yf8AZZemcPFeUwUwvcRLakkB-Urw3o09UsFlZ/w480-h640/20220518-IMG_8258.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO58Ij-SmTUFbc_2_gPmRvBwltslaDyC-cxA5HGGIFU9Bu5sSs62ZTAIOO_Dgr9VAnXQPSFnWwKwyCud8BTqVwEmNSciExKSPaX6tIfeWheY5Rb_mp9RjgYnOFNhOjK77geqcbSAAQGZ7SokIU2Qq1jGN41-Nff23KAzaWqyIxeMngZCDyz_-VKagI/s4032/20220518-IMG_8259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO58Ij-SmTUFbc_2_gPmRvBwltslaDyC-cxA5HGGIFU9Bu5sSs62ZTAIOO_Dgr9VAnXQPSFnWwKwyCud8BTqVwEmNSciExKSPaX6tIfeWheY5Rb_mp9RjgYnOFNhOjK77geqcbSAAQGZ7SokIU2Qq1jGN41-Nff23KAzaWqyIxeMngZCDyz_-VKagI/w480-h640/20220518-IMG_8259.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The ride through the gorge is one of the more spectacular parts of the trail, but once through the second tunnel, which is shorter and doesn't turn a corner so is easy to cycle through without toppling over, you enter the wide Ida Valley and get your first taste of the spectacular Maniototo.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbffP6DgdG_W6oht_Pb9yBp2gnE1d5OpAqw01-fg-S1uW9gBFXlcXPgGVPZhIdL0ryXrYkT4R34y56DVNae_bgJ7BoZOx1LqHxrfFOlDx01jJoZIxA9VIWro2yGVl0q5Jtv7zo0DeV93FnE4Y0Y2MnOgvm713WexMh-tK8YBGQwFrB8LG9mY1ew_zq/s4032/20220518-IMG_8262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbffP6DgdG_W6oht_Pb9yBp2gnE1d5OpAqw01-fg-S1uW9gBFXlcXPgGVPZhIdL0ryXrYkT4R34y56DVNae_bgJ7BoZOx1LqHxrfFOlDx01jJoZIxA9VIWro2yGVl0q5Jtv7zo0DeV93FnE4Y0Y2MnOgvm713WexMh-tK8YBGQwFrB8LG9mY1ew_zq/w640-h480/20220518-IMG_8262.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5BLlIhcVBd1aiKWcK_RRvL4W6vmICdJeZRlZFuazEOOIWTFtkr47ly-4IsB4AntfXv-cOXsfLkfpdnr7uU3Ri3GnmW5WxGQcTYJmEX26DtU2Z_JzbXS6x_4VJI1pwYPMCoZV9W3Zb6tBNMPASckiXwi0JDj7of9i9MG-JU5yYFv3freHrosgVuq3/s4032/20220518-IMG_8263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5BLlIhcVBd1aiKWcK_RRvL4W6vmICdJeZRlZFuazEOOIWTFtkr47ly-4IsB4AntfXv-cOXsfLkfpdnr7uU3Ri3GnmW5WxGQcTYJmEX26DtU2Z_JzbXS6x_4VJI1pwYPMCoZV9W3Zb6tBNMPASckiXwi0JDj7of9i9MG-JU5yYFv3freHrosgVuq3/w480-h640/20220518-IMG_8263.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The trail heads north down the valley, is flat and fairly featureless, to Oturehua, home of Hayes Engineering, the very cute historic General Store and my camp for the night at Crows Nest Backpackers. I set up my tent on the lawn, had another lovely hot shower, then hit the pub for dinner. I actually brought enough meals to cook my own dinner each night, but I like supporting local businesses, especially if it means I don't have to cook.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTf4EdaFEQxNWe0iskZph2zGMW_kuz-5J6BJ8tv9GokNgq01pz8N5Esnfrym9ac9cPm2-rDW07ELULz5BsNe9mmkDN-1RYli2K3Lrv6TKdioTMVLRjvocimKyuI-eDn2wy8zmtheCy0-t2IU6JyBpO3oczCDaq9GhAknUWhNo8biDcOLnhxm68oBjP/s4032/20220518-IMG_8267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTf4EdaFEQxNWe0iskZph2zGMW_kuz-5J6BJ8tv9GokNgq01pz8N5Esnfrym9ac9cPm2-rDW07ELULz5BsNe9mmkDN-1RYli2K3Lrv6TKdioTMVLRjvocimKyuI-eDn2wy8zmtheCy0-t2IU6JyBpO3oczCDaq9GhAknUWhNo8biDcOLnhxm68oBjP/w640-h480/20220518-IMG_8267.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZe288WQagnZN_BUS6pJlna-357PC1IcGVoHl2OAvPIhyNOcmhEL-mqX9OgKppehYDKE0QRcPpjRAfGTH1Cq2YDWPzv_vEZrMaTEXwD_1-WJMRY8sh67B2e7OHBeVrnraJNXhtK-Km-sLdLA10JOtX7vXk1usl0C1thhDWFSxAtDTC1aVPU0MGM1Qm/s4032/20220518-IMG_8265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZe288WQagnZN_BUS6pJlna-357PC1IcGVoHl2OAvPIhyNOcmhEL-mqX9OgKppehYDKE0QRcPpjRAfGTH1Cq2YDWPzv_vEZrMaTEXwD_1-WJMRY8sh67B2e7OHBeVrnraJNXhtK-Km-sLdLA10JOtX7vXk1usl0C1thhDWFSxAtDTC1aVPU0MGM1Qm/w640-h480/20220518-IMG_8265.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRM3vgpFcw6_oq_EE2IkIA5nqIttF8_DPXGrHZZul4jCrvPdeiENk6VhWQlGeeSU4c8OtAlS6t0KKC-HexNKsyohxIFrf1pnwp0hXhud_i9md03qpUkS1ZQs5tzh_PVc7fFbDRLzNXTGLNWqa57-xgZcSCCMVFgswYxpJ1No6JCn0EbajLYA10lBmh/s4032/20220518-IMG_8266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRM3vgpFcw6_oq_EE2IkIA5nqIttF8_DPXGrHZZul4jCrvPdeiENk6VhWQlGeeSU4c8OtAlS6t0KKC-HexNKsyohxIFrf1pnwp0hXhud_i9md03qpUkS1ZQs5tzh_PVc7fFbDRLzNXTGLNWqa57-xgZcSCCMVFgswYxpJ1No6JCn0EbajLYA10lBmh/w640-h480/20220518-IMG_8266.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNs6cJjMQHd4C4whrEPjvwDIBUz5ZPo6W4r7vkBrU-TkYQKcvPvryuhwPZrunflwqu9KcpUSYQCvWFMjLP93810UCoqRkHIegXvF6OhZ1V04OID3D3QpFfqRIebjXTtw3mDldZmHf6x3P0qRbfsKeKyGbA6hTPqmKF6hTqdmqpqZ3AxVYkhqP0idZK/s4032/20220518-IMG_8271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNs6cJjMQHd4C4whrEPjvwDIBUz5ZPo6W4r7vkBrU-TkYQKcvPvryuhwPZrunflwqu9KcpUSYQCvWFMjLP93810UCoqRkHIegXvF6OhZ1V04OID3D3QpFfqRIebjXTtw3mDldZmHf6x3P0qRbfsKeKyGbA6hTPqmKF6hTqdmqpqZ3AxVYkhqP0idZK/w640-h480/20220518-IMG_8271.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The next morning, after a coffee or two courtesy of the coffee maker at the backpackers, I headed off a little later than planned after a squall of wind and rain hit. Luckily I had already packed up my tent when the squall hit, so I waited it out with a second cup of coffee and some toast courtesy of my host, then pedalled off once most of the bad weather had passed over.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvqI01SXFas_QUbNs3RwHABVmXgFqa4pKFSXmzMEIGrw27uAHunwj_tdST9T0N3cWdUBxkJEwM2wos4MhTLiFRlpDCNEdl5Tz7EbALzeH5uJ82i5cTqJGNKDQTlkMar3WSKPUOHPSu3S2jATiJlhjosTXRXwHkGhI3GxCYLVMyMSaRAmUnEESg4_c/s4032/20220519-IMG_8272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvqI01SXFas_QUbNs3RwHABVmXgFqa4pKFSXmzMEIGrw27uAHunwj_tdST9T0N3cWdUBxkJEwM2wos4MhTLiFRlpDCNEdl5Tz7EbALzeH5uJ82i5cTqJGNKDQTlkMar3WSKPUOHPSu3S2jATiJlhjosTXRXwHkGhI3GxCYLVMyMSaRAmUnEESg4_c/w640-h480/20220519-IMG_8272.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighsYOuIsDdnUJ4sWHfsI6aZqP72_-wtH4FUgpGugiqtYbaTNagu5YaLl2zkxGD6EWWKfOwfrF5ejDYW10pTayPczwZPu-v_EZTSQGqyD32Flv91Os9BdYu1Mkw0D8A9lfqulx06due92cq1OQXLBZGmLPH2jP9S0JpUhf0X4H-lNDpt-8WZ93LLP7/s4032/20220519-IMG_8273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighsYOuIsDdnUJ4sWHfsI6aZqP72_-wtH4FUgpGugiqtYbaTNagu5YaLl2zkxGD6EWWKfOwfrF5ejDYW10pTayPczwZPu-v_EZTSQGqyD32Flv91Os9BdYu1Mkw0D8A9lfqulx06due92cq1OQXLBZGmLPH2jP9S0JpUhf0X4H-lNDpt-8WZ93LLP7/w640-h480/20220519-IMG_8273.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturn, see <a href="https://www.railtales.nz/interplanaterycycletrail">https://www.railtales.nz/interplanaterycycletrail</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />From Oturehua the trail climbs to it's highest point at Wedderburn and then it's downhill all the way to Ranfurly. I also had a tailwind. I passed a few cyclists pedalling the opposite direction and it certainly didn't look like they were having much fun at all.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rXnuQINdIrrxOvhhsPy2lUcQfxM9KHlbCGD-IAPbQxgsvg8Tr70m9f5MqMRDWrPOYKgAxw5Y8XWe4JAIDHmmQmHG0k3cxa6dvKh40lHk4Ml7vhbOk3u5TMPzg7B3jllFPSaIdSTjjvoQbBh94MaqOn5WWtALS64lDipoTslzVXE_A2W_EBW8S9XH/s4032/20220519-IMG_8275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rXnuQINdIrrxOvhhsPy2lUcQfxM9KHlbCGD-IAPbQxgsvg8Tr70m9f5MqMRDWrPOYKgAxw5Y8XWe4JAIDHmmQmHG0k3cxa6dvKh40lHk4Ml7vhbOk3u5TMPzg7B3jllFPSaIdSTjjvoQbBh94MaqOn5WWtALS64lDipoTslzVXE_A2W_EBW8S9XH/w640-h480/20220519-IMG_8275.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />At Ranfurly I stopped for lunch at a cafe, where I ate a very disappointing spinach and feta roll, and managed to at last confirm a seat back to Clyde from Middlemarch for myself and my bike. My emails had been misread by the person I had sent them to, and they had told me there were no shuttles for Friday. When I rang them up it turned out they had confused which shuttle I was after, and there was indeed a shuttle on Friday from Middlemarch, so I dutifully paid my money and learnt yet another lesson in this bikepacking caper. Which is if you are going to rely on bike shuttle services you need to 1. book ahead and 2. cycle during the tourist season so there is actually a shuttle service to book on!!!<p></p><p>From Ranfurly the trail continued straight and flat, through the mighty Maniototo, to cross the Taieri River at Waipiata. There was a pub and a campsite at the domain, but I intended to camp at the free campsite at Daisybank. This is another really picturesque part of the ride, as the trail passes through a gorged section of the Taieri.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODYUmtqK7UFw8f8DlloqcyMj6XV0-VBxjzT4x_hBrFCfLy-edSR0A8n4qBqedz6UINh5u5tCgM1WsU3ipOxnKY6NmfuvshfYvBlUPlw1WwFLmxv9ZM7K5v20U3hrngNOy8SsWSL5hEHJjGqnJxEjk013yeKnMqXM0Bt2M1K5CZyZzthGznhZ76paB/s4032/20220519-IMG_8278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODYUmtqK7UFw8f8DlloqcyMj6XV0-VBxjzT4x_hBrFCfLy-edSR0A8n4qBqedz6UINh5u5tCgM1WsU3ipOxnKY6NmfuvshfYvBlUPlw1WwFLmxv9ZM7K5v20U3hrngNOy8SsWSL5hEHJjGqnJxEjk013yeKnMqXM0Bt2M1K5CZyZzthGznhZ76paB/w480-h640/20220519-IMG_8278.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiindeUwOD_NnCdNA_pvMPIK7YXhGK4ELZol3mSwjMoooBQHNMzRs8RihcrZM7mjpWgjNeXgSI1by9cfzJmNwSqqEk2d5MlNrISToW9e9YaIoATya_d7OVUSKw8O4uZFWmzDonzVVIU-T_thjqraDzkfMFehySt12hJly7tTTkTF0evX-9I8j9Dqprp/s4032/20220519-IMG_8279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiindeUwOD_NnCdNA_pvMPIK7YXhGK4ELZol3mSwjMoooBQHNMzRs8RihcrZM7mjpWgjNeXgSI1by9cfzJmNwSqqEk2d5MlNrISToW9e9YaIoATya_d7OVUSKw8O4uZFWmzDonzVVIU-T_thjqraDzkfMFehySt12hJly7tTTkTF0evX-9I8j9Dqprp/w480-h640/20220519-IMG_8279.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I got to the campsite around 2pm, but I couldn't find anywhere sheltered enough for my tent, as my lightweight pegs continuously got pulled out by the gusty wind and collapsed the tent. A bit after 3 I decided I needed to up sticks and keep going. At least I had the wind behind me.<p></p><p>The next couple of hours saw me cycling madly along the trail, stopping a number of times to consider whether various sidings buildings would give me enough shelter from the wind for a free camp, but each time I just snacked on an energy bar and kept going. Hyde Tunnel, at the end of the gorge was whizzed through, and a cursory glance around Hyde revealed nothing open so on I went. There are no photos from this section, I just rode!</p><p>I arrived in Middlemarch just as it got dark, and managed to get the last room at the pub, the local camping place being closed for the season. After 86km that hot shower felt great, as did the massive pub meal and possibly 2 beers? The comfy bed was a bonus!</p><p>The next morning it was brutally cold, with snow on the hills and a chilly southerly blowing. It was then that I congratulated myself on pedalling all the way to Middlemarch, missing out on a chilly night in a tent and a nasty headwind on the final day.</p><p>Instead, I had another hot shower and then had a wee cycle around town before hitting the local cafe for a hot breakfast. After lingering a while over my coffee I left to wander more and await the shuttle pickup. Another two cyclists turned up, having stayed at the Waipiata pub and freezing themselves solid on the ride in to Middlemarch.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxHas2zpAUxikcpGirwCXQsaop_mBdXyTDiXNq2AJGc0AffZD0FqaHgVoMaTruH_0oYE_3xRe8_Wzi75MFIRbkU7xNycZcCFltJqjRTwi1CcEmCDUeWXe0TjAvXEaZUl6huaGeixqITqCiCYOuh-v6lT_SGedNQGbTBkc_5rYxb3dXSTMWChXiftO/s4032/20220520-IMG_8281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxHas2zpAUxikcpGirwCXQsaop_mBdXyTDiXNq2AJGc0AffZD0FqaHgVoMaTruH_0oYE_3xRe8_Wzi75MFIRbkU7xNycZcCFltJqjRTwi1CcEmCDUeWXe0TjAvXEaZUl6huaGeixqITqCiCYOuh-v6lT_SGedNQGbTBkc_5rYxb3dXSTMWChXiftO/w640-h480/20220520-IMG_8281.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Y82Dl97nKCt9-abRX0ta1H82wxWlX5l16e7ZHz4iyj7Ul9k4nxffLGTLPHX2scSQrOv_L8WynSv8bN2x6lkuGcO5xK1QR4GNGBPTpSfI1YYSGBZ93DnuW7NKmkyIE6Yl0P3l1HkJ8U_rPmdubBqVtbxIiLl_Q58B-06ZByAtCRYGN0EyyzYmXbCX/s4032/20220520-IMG_8285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Y82Dl97nKCt9-abRX0ta1H82wxWlX5l16e7ZHz4iyj7Ul9k4nxffLGTLPHX2scSQrOv_L8WynSv8bN2x6lkuGcO5xK1QR4GNGBPTpSfI1YYSGBZ93DnuW7NKmkyIE6Yl0P3l1HkJ8U_rPmdubBqVtbxIiLl_Q58B-06ZByAtCRYGN0EyyzYmXbCX/w640-h480/20220520-IMG_8285.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzaZIfOmY4RY2cD4Z3qFXdbk21uEEw3XcHSAEVjlw3ENqOt_lb3EPL3GBO4MnTVGrZQ_-MTMqSUhJE97Fi1PkTznljumIjPh2gELAhISr2hRExTYSn4anlknZ-Tm4Z6swj30vdiYXgl_AnTAxlhYIm0OBneQX0E9i54qfILeinc6nEELEmiGflczp/s4032/20220520-IMG_8284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzaZIfOmY4RY2cD4Z3qFXdbk21uEEw3XcHSAEVjlw3ENqOt_lb3EPL3GBO4MnTVGrZQ_-MTMqSUhJE97Fi1PkTznljumIjPh2gELAhISr2hRExTYSn4anlknZ-Tm4Z6swj30vdiYXgl_AnTAxlhYIm0OBneQX0E9i54qfILeinc6nEELEmiGflczp/w480-h640/20220520-IMG_8284.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrt91dBXn4KdifZR8v_UF8_cmKRbehUnHexSQoOYj1xLTVzf0ACGXZnFefftrR7x8UJlA3yEWLp_hkVkrbuppZUJjG3i72CDz9fBzrDYOKQK4dfpnQOMJhiof5_SqzMD6m1nsDkP5a8x-1MM1UCIob07KZBKDvPlF-hebuLrqu_OgGdW1Jc9aSzJZ/s4032/20220520-IMG_8290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrt91dBXn4KdifZR8v_UF8_cmKRbehUnHexSQoOYj1xLTVzf0ACGXZnFefftrR7x8UJlA3yEWLp_hkVkrbuppZUJjG3i72CDz9fBzrDYOKQK4dfpnQOMJhiof5_SqzMD6m1nsDkP5a8x-1MM1UCIob07KZBKDvPlF-hebuLrqu_OgGdW1Jc9aSzJZ/w640-h480/20220520-IMG_8290.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqok7QhnOcnqtWToE9_eUIUAlcldMevH7NlMMOrTHR7jKGwTjOg3UvWn2Ei6TgZJ_ErB4WcojKYDnLhk6bcHRTkEbN5nQsnqs1qcqYxx7DIeCfjqxmuATuVBWlyBnlernc3d_bh1tQpVlEzQc72CUS5IN3av8Zd7SnMhpHo64uIFSmtrrLUyRNG_Gx/s4032/20220520-IMG_8287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqok7QhnOcnqtWToE9_eUIUAlcldMevH7NlMMOrTHR7jKGwTjOg3UvWn2Ei6TgZJ_ErB4WcojKYDnLhk6bcHRTkEbN5nQsnqs1qcqYxx7DIeCfjqxmuATuVBWlyBnlernc3d_bh1tQpVlEzQc72CUS5IN3av8Zd7SnMhpHo64uIFSmtrrLUyRNG_Gx/w480-h640/20220520-IMG_8287.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkK1Daceh7RchMME3126GApXmHqM3skP3Fpwbw4BdOMnSfi5YnSvLcB4YtrS4cjSnDrK_X6w9APnBVGmDNcnXPLZ3R1cqFO0f0mU9unsOfdjyvaH5JWCTngkfdW4u3sYPpZe6xj-9BIsxdLunD-Y67DohqeOXmRItQhhzkii-oHn7nRPuCfsDWsOV/s4032/20220520-IMG_8291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkK1Daceh7RchMME3126GApXmHqM3skP3Fpwbw4BdOMnSfi5YnSvLcB4YtrS4cjSnDrK_X6w9APnBVGmDNcnXPLZ3R1cqFO0f0mU9unsOfdjyvaH5JWCTngkfdW4u3sYPpZe6xj-9BIsxdLunD-Y67DohqeOXmRItQhhzkii-oHn7nRPuCfsDWsOV/w480-h640/20220520-IMG_8291.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvdfF6qPZhEK38yQuC2pbyJJb0VxLyaDPyxzjFgIgCm6RsFMAlfSCsyHg1sEa-roJse8aeB_xMpsK8-UnJdVfSbb9bj47-9W55I3f8nUcvNbSY0M_o1vd31Il0oBmq1-TTWrujobrl069VZwCjbJFa8ilDTQudpFdKIQCfl4QA9bCES3_ZMAtTt2l/s4032/20220520-IMG_8293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvdfF6qPZhEK38yQuC2pbyJJb0VxLyaDPyxzjFgIgCm6RsFMAlfSCsyHg1sEa-roJse8aeB_xMpsK8-UnJdVfSbb9bj47-9W55I3f8nUcvNbSY0M_o1vd31Il0oBmq1-TTWrujobrl069VZwCjbJFa8ilDTQudpFdKIQCfl4QA9bCES3_ZMAtTt2l/w480-h640/20220520-IMG_8293.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The shuttle arrived, loaded our bikes, then drove us back to Clyde.<p></p><p>It was a great first bikepacking trip. My bike performed well, I learnt a lot about tubeless tyre intricacies and how to load your bags properly. I realised I needed to upgrade my tent pegs to a sturdier design to cope with windy conditions, and that sometimes you need to dig deep and just keep trucking. TBH there were lots of places that I could have stopped and set up my tent, but knowing I could make it to Middlemarch before dark was really the only reason I didn't stop earlier.</p><p>BUT: It was really easy terrain, both in terms of cycling surface (hard gravel) and elevation gains and losses. Sure I'm fit, but it was literally the first time I had cycled a bike for more than an hour in years, so I was pleasantly surprised to have no saddle soreness. I wore my thermal Skins leggings with mountain bike shorts over the top and was very comfortable, even a little too warm at times. A merino thermal, fleece jersey and my rain jacket completed the upper body layers, with the addition of a neck buff which is a mandatory piece of kit when cycling to cut down on wind chill.</p><p>With a few additions and modifications I feel ready to take on some more bikepacking adventures, but with winter approaching my options locally are limited. There's always next year...</p><p><br /></p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-75520699911464612102022-05-03T11:10:00.254+08:002022-12-11T10:36:05.142+08:00Cutting the Paparoa in two<p><a href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/west-coast/paparoa-track-brochure.pdf" target="_blank">The Paparoa Track</a> is NZ's newest Great Walk, and was purpose built as a joint mountain bike and tramping trail. Cyclists usually take two days to ride it, staying overnight at the middle hut. Trampers, on the other hand, usually take 3-4 days to walk it, requiring bookings at all 3 huts. As a result the middle hut gets booked out before the others, which can limit availability of the walk to trampers, who would find walking between the first and third hut a bit too long for one day.</p><p>It had taken me about 4 months to find availability, having booked my walk some time before Christmas. After my <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2022/04/getting-into-grade-three.html" target="_blank">paddles at Murchison with Kelvin, Liz and Julie</a> I headed south to Lake Brunner to ride out some bad weather over the Anzac Day weekend and took a peak at the weather for my upcoming trip. It looked like more bad weather, so I decided to check the DOC website to see if there had been any cancellations so I could change my itinerary to more salubrious conditions. Imagine my surprise to find there were indeed openings, so change I did, heading off a few days earlier.</p><p>After arranging a <a href="https://paparoashuttles.co.nz/shuttles/vehicle-relocation/" target="_blank">car relocation from Blackball to Punakaiki</a> I received an email from the relocation providers informing me that the track had been closed partway along the track due to a huge slip and would not be open to through traffic for at least another month. DOC had yet to inform me of this!!</p><p>The relocation service refunded my money and I looked at my options. A few years ago when staying at <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2018/06/gold-mining-and-winter-tramping.html" target="_blank">Kirwan's Hut</a> I had met a west coaster who had highly recommended the walk up along the ridgeline from Smoke Ho carpark up to Mt Watson and across to Croesus Knob. The closed track gave me the perfect opportunity to create a loop, so I rebooked my huts for a second time and headed up to Blackball. I stayed overnight at one of the pubs (not the Hilton) and enjoyed the hospitality of this wonderfully interesting town, with it's history of coal mining, trade unionism, women's suffrage and even being the headquarters of the NZ Communist Party!!</p><p>The next morning I headed off early, leaving the car at Smoke Ho carpark and heading straight up hill on a well marked track to the bush line a few hundred metres below Mt Watson. It was wet and boggy in places but as a result was lush with a healthy undergrowth and lots of birds. From the bush line the track followed a ridge up to Mt Watson, with views out to the west coast and to the nearby open cut mine.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OzZETvR7ku828n_mzXkldAMWnyzP42kgp3phnBJmoly0D_IEpz2Kh5TjjiBRUxpQl99x2WYQQ_p2smEIpmD610th8vhObQNtXU_5eyC8A-Uq5KtGJ35URkTK3DroVTbTcRPe58GGW0_vJC-pzh0fkSUwxmUWyf7X9uCBjO-_8hbDGstYQMyYJUAX/s4032/20220427-IMG_8090.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OzZETvR7ku828n_mzXkldAMWnyzP42kgp3phnBJmoly0D_IEpz2Kh5TjjiBRUxpQl99x2WYQQ_p2smEIpmD610th8vhObQNtXU_5eyC8A-Uq5KtGJ35URkTK3DroVTbTcRPe58GGW0_vJC-pzh0fkSUwxmUWyf7X9uCBjO-_8hbDGstYQMyYJUAX/w640-h480/20220427-IMG_8090.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoke Ho carpark, I would be following that ridge from bottom right to top left</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWeiMlXCqHwV1OKTDJ-dCHjaohCFZCf_D-oTN3z7xBoESR9cCYvB3sE9tz_GZXRoqb77v0_lz082nW73K8UPuucr4x4fR9ar0aXkTMMJ-KPvSrlkDNpBEm3QgBeyiwVaN2zYlALTV9xxLtnFvMgJ5kSO0a_lvU6V1BxBbzNeqg0yiCJgxLfBOxY3M/s4032/20220426-IMG_8089.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWeiMlXCqHwV1OKTDJ-dCHjaohCFZCf_D-oTN3z7xBoESR9cCYvB3sE9tz_GZXRoqb77v0_lz082nW73K8UPuucr4x4fR9ar0aXkTMMJ-KPvSrlkDNpBEm3QgBeyiwVaN2zYlALTV9xxLtnFvMgJ5kSO0a_lvU6V1BxBbzNeqg0yiCJgxLfBOxY3M/w480-h640/20220426-IMG_8089.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paparoa Track, southern start</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO52t26hKDfRHZXcWHIwsBHaeR4HyUE4X4Fmok7zsc9Z7LUjaxvPwNkMyfi6eOkXrjObmACK8PbqTLRRg2hO1JNPzppbLQ-OYyrztve3cU93gM6vGiA0iI-JWZLMVodCkZ_1xEe_3TKXJSPL6cczANVReT9EjVRuAunSBTmAmoZn0jTpFXeFBc-T5q/s4032/20220429-IMG_8198.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO52t26hKDfRHZXcWHIwsBHaeR4HyUE4X4Fmok7zsc9Z7LUjaxvPwNkMyfi6eOkXrjObmACK8PbqTLRRg2hO1JNPzppbLQ-OYyrztve3cU93gM6vGiA0iI-JWZLMVodCkZ_1xEe_3TKXJSPL6cczANVReT9EjVRuAunSBTmAmoZn0jTpFXeFBc-T5q/w480-h640/20220429-IMG_8198.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alternative track up to Mt Watson</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LEvlaNxIaw6HIxKoWevIvm59IKY3MZlHdKtgNcTVonrZNSWZrSKS-cSNTfpFZQC6QuEoOk7xDLpD8eIYZukK_Z0SYFC-Uc9i3xx6UZ8OqKuVlnRnVXAeyNPg3CJdgN4PCc3-PyRCDctHdhkV-A7AA_AtUlZg5lgfbyUf1luG51IbFYZjuOEZDUPz/s4032/20220429-IMG_8197.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LEvlaNxIaw6HIxKoWevIvm59IKY3MZlHdKtgNcTVonrZNSWZrSKS-cSNTfpFZQC6QuEoOk7xDLpD8eIYZukK_Z0SYFC-Uc9i3xx6UZ8OqKuVlnRnVXAeyNPg3CJdgN4PCc3-PyRCDctHdhkV-A7AA_AtUlZg5lgfbyUf1luG51IbFYZjuOEZDUPz/w480-h640/20220429-IMG_8197.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool steps</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbhkvEm5Ld_qqxEyj0ni2t5AK7GeASkp2PtHnk9aZuuF84ducK86cBSMB2Xe0IGApueUAsz43cJgMtmWKQyN-Z_Ty8f1Vig7TZYej_Acv8V3yrsTFBr-aWlsKewd3oBYgIjxzvZZTtH-P53WZSoAtuN2kW1Jxs95EeHUHTjXUWUSVDvjyhqfA_7SJ/s4032/20220427-IMG_8091.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbhkvEm5Ld_qqxEyj0ni2t5AK7GeASkp2PtHnk9aZuuF84ducK86cBSMB2Xe0IGApueUAsz43cJgMtmWKQyN-Z_Ty8f1Vig7TZYej_Acv8V3yrsTFBr-aWlsKewd3oBYgIjxzvZZTtH-P53WZSoAtuN2kW1Jxs95EeHUHTjXUWUSVDvjyhqfA_7SJ/w480-h640/20220427-IMG_8091.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lush forest, narrow track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7RH2uBq8md4beYgP-KS4qJtfOLA8Q8KmzAjg3DqP7TV6vnJDA6d8d8p2dCOuog0SCsA8C8rHm_2T0-gZ4QmPkuVmy2lArmJWV2Co-fasuTTqSXp89lxHWDUrGOvYJomrbqyuWOB4UKMgW24Zdm2kHn3UxnVu6bHt9a1Xi8fF-jc8PhJhR7ZmaQG5/s4032/20220427-IMG_8092.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7RH2uBq8md4beYgP-KS4qJtfOLA8Q8KmzAjg3DqP7TV6vnJDA6d8d8p2dCOuog0SCsA8C8rHm_2T0-gZ4QmPkuVmy2lArmJWV2Co-fasuTTqSXp89lxHWDUrGOvYJomrbqyuWOB4UKMgW24Zdm2kHn3UxnVu6bHt9a1Xi8fF-jc8PhJhR7ZmaQG5/w480-h640/20220427-IMG_8092.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice big trees and some root scrambling</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDphkFLSbcNJYyx4zebOxQKqOBUWNRpDT2v6SKcFq1PcIUGGTcg1SU9jLUQ_5LVpoRMwiFI52oePdx7sX7b72th2-FLmSzIz5PTzQYNq_e1LALsKgLbRPdF3lx87fJ1_j0lpi1afgj9Uh8jGGxMuvO7ua_xtdvfFNqRpEmBY0cmXszsr193E3CT_K/s4032/20220427-IMG_8094.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDphkFLSbcNJYyx4zebOxQKqOBUWNRpDT2v6SKcFq1PcIUGGTcg1SU9jLUQ_5LVpoRMwiFI52oePdx7sX7b72th2-FLmSzIz5PTzQYNq_e1LALsKgLbRPdF3lx87fJ1_j0lpi1afgj9Uh8jGGxMuvO7ua_xtdvfFNqRpEmBY0cmXszsr193E3CT_K/w480-h640/20220427-IMG_8094.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at the tree line</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pnuwGmPlFIsbEcDegn38ZhSaVdGlUvj_jKuFziiI7XL3asB8YjtsP9ZkIRLnq6aCM-IEdiyVZfYxO6Ibj9OIbctitZKcfmVnRKcvZ2AB1B5wqoRUZWP7iEGH9M5yrbjW7gbQ62XmiC3L4LKSiZgITd_mBGYkWtcW7A3U9orGpkK8grSOaz8nxNwx/s4032/20220427-IMG_8095.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pnuwGmPlFIsbEcDegn38ZhSaVdGlUvj_jKuFziiI7XL3asB8YjtsP9ZkIRLnq6aCM-IEdiyVZfYxO6Ibj9OIbctitZKcfmVnRKcvZ2AB1B5wqoRUZWP7iEGH9M5yrbjW7gbQ62XmiC3L4LKSiZgITd_mBGYkWtcW7A3U9orGpkK8grSOaz8nxNwx/w640-h480/20220427-IMG_8095.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Valley, Southern Alps in background</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrJDrDh8LV_6jSBZnxJzHYsBCNY923tPd8XUFae7iqpO6MOPNGcR7a1OsKcSFoXO5Y1-rm5tx6A3dLzHrrgscNojw8RqaMTW74fXPDORc8yckjIwtkJf6r11OA7_auUFY2wSI5nW_Rk9gu4R_5bym1yijjWj1GrBEIDN9V2gFzUzHeTZZlkvDHneI/s4032/20220427-IMG_8097.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrJDrDh8LV_6jSBZnxJzHYsBCNY923tPd8XUFae7iqpO6MOPNGcR7a1OsKcSFoXO5Y1-rm5tx6A3dLzHrrgscNojw8RqaMTW74fXPDORc8yckjIwtkJf6r11OA7_auUFY2wSI5nW_Rk9gu4R_5bym1yijjWj1GrBEIDN9V2gFzUzHeTZZlkvDHneI/w640-h480/20220427-IMG_8097.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ridge walking towards Mt Watson and Mt Leitch behind it</td></tr></tbody></table><br />From Mt Watson the poled route headed north, bypassing Mt Leitch summit. I climbed up though so I could check out the bivy below Mt Leitch, which was currently occupied by a group of workers doing kiwi monitoring. I continued on, following the well marked route in excellent sunny weather all the way towards Croesus Knob.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehbVwJFVFckm2t7epoTvcxj42_jMkHpXcGxgoM7NjslkQDwMfCfa_KEmsgd3wY2MZZI6s-ympMNgrrWAbTU9kE-I4J4L9Isb0HRiC_e_ZFCqbq-p1UIGHzNSqktiaiH8QRN3GNEIKetGADxHfNibK0quKh_QoZv_jTO59_wDdY-kBuGUYHhSNrgEV/s4032/20220427-IMG_8098.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehbVwJFVFckm2t7epoTvcxj42_jMkHpXcGxgoM7NjslkQDwMfCfa_KEmsgd3wY2MZZI6s-ympMNgrrWAbTU9kE-I4J4L9Isb0HRiC_e_ZFCqbq-p1UIGHzNSqktiaiH8QRN3GNEIKetGADxHfNibK0quKh_QoZv_jTO59_wDdY-kBuGUYHhSNrgEV/w640-h480/20220427-IMG_8098.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Leitch Biv is used by biodiversity workers doing trapping and kiwi monitoring</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_ihK7PmSs74rMRzU0jyLRR81-KgQfVS7waDCcJFfWVZ-4YcGhch1Kmmiz2XJmWnpDiiEIDqsU8n9AnykCWT2iNV4tGSYWtOOi4uPRSqVlcGlMCA0wQum6oiawGI8_1pA467XoiH5Y_OdyF5Xr8VpdBi9hiWitvSv2FSxNzgu-XyYMOHMb2e9MjJI/s4032/20220427-IMG_8099.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_ihK7PmSs74rMRzU0jyLRR81-KgQfVS7waDCcJFfWVZ-4YcGhch1Kmmiz2XJmWnpDiiEIDqsU8n9AnykCWT2iNV4tGSYWtOOi4uPRSqVlcGlMCA0wQum6oiawGI8_1pA467XoiH5Y_OdyF5Xr8VpdBi9hiWitvSv2FSxNzgu-XyYMOHMb2e9MjJI/w640-h480/20220427-IMG_8099.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back at Mt Leitch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyhTx6ApY-SZ1_O2mCbTz5ziM6osxpdpa1nbJFzNpyLJxYTJSXqv3uOh-2SbZFOFuzNrRTQCfOqCBZ10MAND8SgF07nef8X9teGfc5nDjY5rhtlRT28IM2U8uGdrEKmkrwrLS_HC6YABgr7GNErUA_Bbec7MtgXR4oPD1bQBuL-tffHxO6z-3ipC6/s4032/20220427-IMG_8100.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyhTx6ApY-SZ1_O2mCbTz5ziM6osxpdpa1nbJFzNpyLJxYTJSXqv3uOh-2SbZFOFuzNrRTQCfOqCBZ10MAND8SgF07nef8X9teGfc5nDjY5rhtlRT28IM2U8uGdrEKmkrwrLS_HC6YABgr7GNErUA_Bbec7MtgXR4oPD1bQBuL-tffHxO6z-3ipC6/w480-h640/20220427-IMG_8100.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ridge walking, my favourite when the weather's good</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhop1XRwNnm6V0QXY0OhDiXk5gqttj4lm9YK_aTFhLIDxRAg5BHuCdkTt_6nZdwIxm8C1n4KDFQStYmONa7l5QVN1sTjBfNMDwRNHWkBUd2isRwwTcqf4pmMOwA1s60gxfniL72-z8G2z4B_jr2hL-sjoHe30n5mdZuRG6Yug9LdTtjLQc8WnVULyWo/s4032/20220427-IMG_8102.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhop1XRwNnm6V0QXY0OhDiXk5gqttj4lm9YK_aTFhLIDxRAg5BHuCdkTt_6nZdwIxm8C1n4KDFQStYmONa7l5QVN1sTjBfNMDwRNHWkBUd2isRwwTcqf4pmMOwA1s60gxfniL72-z8G2z4B_jr2hL-sjoHe30n5mdZuRG6Yug9LdTtjLQc8WnVULyWo/w480-h640/20220427-IMG_8102.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Croesus Knob, I'm heading for that wee notch top right</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4iYPOiC6738lqyQTw_9eqacHKxTaab4SL8a6Vsp_9GYaRin4950xo2xBFwBzSewkEBjT-SQ94wSQl5a96owoNwPtm1RaXtZeQlnJJKcKxn7fBZHHO3sTR9-hxQxsBx7m7CM6ibm9Ml9q55JzkQimjXY6ZcSMZHHtZPZAv5L-y5rMUpUqIuuWW0rs/s4032/20220427-IMG_8103.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4iYPOiC6738lqyQTw_9eqacHKxTaab4SL8a6Vsp_9GYaRin4950xo2xBFwBzSewkEBjT-SQ94wSQl5a96owoNwPtm1RaXtZeQlnJJKcKxn7fBZHHO3sTR9-hxQxsBx7m7CM6ibm9Ml9q55JzkQimjXY6ZcSMZHHtZPZAv5L-y5rMUpUqIuuWW0rs/w640-h480/20220427-IMG_8103.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back south</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I met some trampers walking in the opposite direction just as I stopped to repair my ripped shoe. They had come from Moonlight Tops Hut, and having been reassured that would be easily achievable I yet again changed my booking online (the advantage of being on the ridge was excellent mobile coverage) from Ces Clarke Hut to Moonlight Tops instead. That would avoid needing to backtrack from where the ridge rejoined the main Paparoa Track but would add another hour or 2 to the day. Since I was making excellent time and the walking was easy it seemed like a good plan.<p></p><p>My Hoka Speedgoats had ripped across the top of the shoe. This was my second pair of these trail shoes, which I love wearing because they are light and very comfortable, with great cushioning especially on hard ground. They have a weakness on the upper where they dry out and crack, causing the material to be prone to holes, and I had inadvertently caught my toe under a rock and split the whole upper part. I had some strapping tape, so I used that to repair them, and continued on.</p><p>The views all day were magnificent, and after about 5 hours I rejoined the Paparoa track after skirting around the summit of Croesus Knob. I didn't fancy the steep descent from the Knob summit, and didn't think the view would be any different to that I'd been enjoying all morning.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipITXbemGDDrWc6gmYKsdJXN5xIwsG06F73O24f_n7S0S_8lePw-Jf2rPhdd7J8OreW75F7RxkB0Vhu5ewXG1ST43zy7ZAOnwXmkkqz9jMDnD4pUNr11emWlDr_bcBxamnubvGrYTHLzF46b0hhzIzyz1atGH06PpR8SYI9lREww-MP8MNorFPb5IU/s4032/20220427-IMG_8104.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipITXbemGDDrWc6gmYKsdJXN5xIwsG06F73O24f_n7S0S_8lePw-Jf2rPhdd7J8OreW75F7RxkB0Vhu5ewXG1ST43zy7ZAOnwXmkkqz9jMDnD4pUNr11emWlDr_bcBxamnubvGrYTHLzF46b0hhzIzyz1atGH06PpR8SYI9lREww-MP8MNorFPb5IU/w640-h480/20220427-IMG_8104.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading towards that notch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9SLjHTq0GIdeNdcp6HmEy6s-fXXBx1nYGwQupNyrMH_WWoAvlZoetf5tdOVr1TdBASXLNHtJC6JfYZRNUo0ZMKtB1GVqj8TpwvSG8yu8NGTsm2xu1ryhirkevoRCprc2Fn9UZBVthDGmeD0sxPbLf2bGrNRh79Eb7jE8mv1zGNi8DBDS-0bFQ0gd/s4032/20220427-IMG_8105.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9SLjHTq0GIdeNdcp6HmEy6s-fXXBx1nYGwQupNyrMH_WWoAvlZoetf5tdOVr1TdBASXLNHtJC6JfYZRNUo0ZMKtB1GVqj8TpwvSG8yu8NGTsm2xu1ryhirkevoRCprc2Fn9UZBVthDGmeD0sxPbLf2bGrNRh79Eb7jE8mv1zGNi8DBDS-0bFQ0gd/w480-h640/20220427-IMG_8105.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting closer</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIoUToLwqEy0_zwha8Y4sFSEK9YYT4JwUYDEA_fSq72zIspLGi4UCQ8pJctzgh2tC-DN4i67m7DRaEWGBfwmXHJEcPX3Tpdv64KqK7bIw4IKYeRC_5-LZXu39FKsNkGy4Sz_dvqP9NH7UhL0zza0mEdAjKXhYYdeM1XZCMO0hPvc17k5hA6l649qw/s4032/20220427-IMG_8106.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIoUToLwqEy0_zwha8Y4sFSEK9YYT4JwUYDEA_fSq72zIspLGi4UCQ8pJctzgh2tC-DN4i67m7DRaEWGBfwmXHJEcPX3Tpdv64KqK7bIw4IKYeRC_5-LZXu39FKsNkGy4Sz_dvqP9NH7UhL0zza0mEdAjKXhYYdeM1XZCMO0hPvc17k5hA6l649qw/w640-h480/20220427-IMG_8106.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Paparoa Track below, heading down to Ces Clark Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once back on the track I met other walkers and cyclists, going in both directions. The track closure was between Moonlight Tops Hut and Pororari Hut, so trail users needed to return the way they had come. The track continued to climb, sidling along as it continued in a northerly direction, with more magnificent views, including the Southern Alps and Aoraki. The first section of the Paparoa Track is actually part of the much older Croesus Pack Track, which soon heads off the tops for the steep descent down to the west coast at Barrytown. The Paparoa Track stays on the ridges, continuing north.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTO-Le17gkxTkXy5arp9-QyRmDZhlK80faRkpi2zy5YxnPLXTrZisAr_VCNeskOXR1VYQ0aoU29bdkeD6iuA9yPKKZSCef6_vtiyXuIXoacEflua8N9h09ka1cftplNVy6Fx7JK6e7kDk-Agfbx2LNPytpoCtkL8wD_plUPknOhrXaBIMpHuSi-EI/s4032/20220427-IMG_8110.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTO-Le17gkxTkXy5arp9-QyRmDZhlK80faRkpi2zy5YxnPLXTrZisAr_VCNeskOXR1VYQ0aoU29bdkeD6iuA9yPKKZSCef6_vtiyXuIXoacEflua8N9h09ka1cftplNVy6Fx7JK6e7kDk-Agfbx2LNPytpoCtkL8wD_plUPknOhrXaBIMpHuSi-EI/w480-h640/20220427-IMG_8110.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUNo0PjEid-b8pzCHPCDytpZYVtLZ37EwGHXS60fnpyZ4bFvgpKYG0ZcB9kCBfuHhN9mDK4n_BPbAaqFnUlMms-b4tgWlAgCvNcTFtaMuyMIctfB9zWCj_7bGPk-JJ0lPS3LVMDAqTkIiSx3kHGLj11kTID_SRxdLZ2gUuNkRBVF6xAG-ejl-AuiH/s4032/20220427-IMG_8112.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUNo0PjEid-b8pzCHPCDytpZYVtLZ37EwGHXS60fnpyZ4bFvgpKYG0ZcB9kCBfuHhN9mDK4n_BPbAaqFnUlMms-b4tgWlAgCvNcTFtaMuyMIctfB9zWCj_7bGPk-JJ0lPS3LVMDAqTkIiSx3kHGLj11kTID_SRxdLZ2gUuNkRBVF6xAG-ejl-AuiH/w480-h640/20220427-IMG_8112.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrSKNwTucwqi3j96MVSkDKCO3-tTNye7QlatbqBQUtSV_gx6nuuf-6OpLVqYOvl9I9O6LrqFs5V6tuGZ_3t2TkguspUt-IKWc5Q4K84ScDZS-gsuOwxRX5wD7sf5ALKaHN3Gbpe3MW4nxSdhH4QRRayxFDxaw1VSbfZhJhpf3ai8vyqsJHrUW5xiO/s4032/20220427-IMG_8114.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrSKNwTucwqi3j96MVSkDKCO3-tTNye7QlatbqBQUtSV_gx6nuuf-6OpLVqYOvl9I9O6LrqFs5V6tuGZ_3t2TkguspUt-IKWc5Q4K84ScDZS-gsuOwxRX5wD7sf5ALKaHN3Gbpe3MW4nxSdhH4QRRayxFDxaw1VSbfZhJhpf3ai8vyqsJHrUW5xiO/w480-h640/20220427-IMG_8114.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West coast cloud blowing in....</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After an hour on the tops the infamous west coast mist began to blow in. These moisture laden clouds do a good job of keeping the vegetation so lush, but they kinda kill the views! They do add mood to the landscape though, and it was pleasant walking regardless. Besides, I'd been spoilt all day already.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjvUTmWWYwrA44UWTFv9_xPdfxXRdhSnuOF8IbDd4lY22WNRkzP9aCfRnAsaLuho53PtVVWsNJW-UTBhqJK3m7ZEgPGXvGK2nv17mpgQoPOX3Pvl5XHrB0lUwF4wJguPxAJpjgbUqwTZ8rbQ0bjhNiLaqmSr6n4ffG-piV74Ot65rA4X7wFXtWXMg/s4032/20220427-IMG_8115.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjvUTmWWYwrA44UWTFv9_xPdfxXRdhSnuOF8IbDd4lY22WNRkzP9aCfRnAsaLuho53PtVVWsNJW-UTBhqJK3m7ZEgPGXvGK2nv17mpgQoPOX3Pvl5XHrB0lUwF4wJguPxAJpjgbUqwTZ8rbQ0bjhNiLaqmSr6n4ffG-piV74Ot65rA4X7wFXtWXMg/w480-h640/20220427-IMG_8115.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5TvcgNS-kXWMuZMdvC9CnOQ0SQSorSru5bJgAHe8XJom1-tU3nWCud7Xb9slnfb6HjZHub_y0zQ-n0KB0d7pkJ-mwIaUBckUW8yL-M2kWhRgbpr6XJkVpKhmoFbpo0TJsSmIbPJZvbxqsDWMndrC5C79uthRh9iLFOlcz8Jh8gBqzk8n-TEWj6Xq/s4032/20220427-IMG_8116.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5TvcgNS-kXWMuZMdvC9CnOQ0SQSorSru5bJgAHe8XJom1-tU3nWCud7Xb9slnfb6HjZHub_y0zQ-n0KB0d7pkJ-mwIaUBckUW8yL-M2kWhRgbpr6XJkVpKhmoFbpo0TJsSmIbPJZvbxqsDWMndrC5C79uthRh9iLFOlcz8Jh8gBqzk8n-TEWj6Xq/w480-h640/20220427-IMG_8116.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wRG0cLbhFUUjZovOWBPnOfIFYTThLobGSv6XAywm6aQu7W2CmILyghHoirrD8IGKvft22E_qjuwhp0qdX5Yza8OUm4-TGCa0t3gXHB7UkBfBzLS_X2Vk1BB01ch2YfUGvF855QC3ur9oBDbF3TJNBI8qSBc8ARe7Awp17nElx64T6BiuIcIdmZyo/s4032/20220427-IMG_8118.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wRG0cLbhFUUjZovOWBPnOfIFYTThLobGSv6XAywm6aQu7W2CmILyghHoirrD8IGKvft22E_qjuwhp0qdX5Yza8OUm4-TGCa0t3gXHB7UkBfBzLS_X2Vk1BB01ch2YfUGvF855QC3ur9oBDbF3TJNBI8qSBc8ARe7Awp17nElx64T6BiuIcIdmZyo/w640-h480/20220427-IMG_8118.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back: Croesus Knob on left, Aoraki way in the distance</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRGp-XHPq9Z6E5tWBElHcML-y2INLtaPc66cfDuNTLolMDJaCHXtMQEwF0UikhMdBlxgeb7rTESeUx1KDIlFnm1ZCMqhtml3f12p2Pq_Id7MoBDFNKp_ec29aByKu0vRfOkzMUvDUDNWkd-ct2R39taIj6k1R2aXjB7Iq2hTjexuMzGME08PIongu/s4032/20220427-IMG_8119.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRGp-XHPq9Z6E5tWBElHcML-y2INLtaPc66cfDuNTLolMDJaCHXtMQEwF0UikhMdBlxgeb7rTESeUx1KDIlFnm1ZCMqhtml3f12p2Pq_Id7MoBDFNKp_ec29aByKu0vRfOkzMUvDUDNWkd-ct2R39taIj6k1R2aXjB7Iq2hTjexuMzGME08PIongu/w480-h640/20220427-IMG_8119.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One km in the moody gloom to the hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnTLnv8hnGf7gin9Uw8v_mxfs_YM8YbYxjVXI1yCb8nxw7TkZpegvjbHtVhlTujZDYJ600IHrpGMfiPzc0FAb-Vfwxjou8ReQbgcRq2QhjGlE28oVv4DArp-hFh62z5iksKSKnmv8aX6gFb2ql5cENhG0ujR2bT9bTJ081Ynh0C8jfSQDBReQ1TFW/s4032/20220427-IMG_8121.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnTLnv8hnGf7gin9Uw8v_mxfs_YM8YbYxjVXI1yCb8nxw7TkZpegvjbHtVhlTujZDYJ600IHrpGMfiPzc0FAb-Vfwxjou8ReQbgcRq2QhjGlE28oVv4DArp-hFh62z5iksKSKnmv8aX6gFb2ql5cENhG0ujR2bT9bTJ081Ynh0C8jfSQDBReQ1TFW/w480-h640/20220427-IMG_8121.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dracophyllum bushes</td></tr></tbody></table><br />About 2 hours after hitting the main trail I arrived at Moonlight Tops Hut. There were already a few other trampers there, but no cyclists, hence why there were so many free spots in the hut. I had heard that The Paparoa Track and Old Ghost Road mostly attract the type of mountain biker who likes to ride the tracks and then skedaddle back to where they come from. Unlike less technical trails like The West Coast Wilderness Trail, where cyclists stay longer in the area and spend more money in the region. So with the thru track closed, the cyclists had all cancelled en masse!!<p></p><p>The evening was really pleasant, with the hut only half full, and we all scrambled up the rise behind the hut to watch the rather muted sunset. We met Jess, the hut warden, and discovered we had some mutual friends in the paddling world. She also gave me some beta on the gorges in the Pororari River, but more about that later.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDrqeoDNyRh-1A-cKj_xe9p_zh0tuvq1HqZkM0LMnRrHwkgC2dCfXTaGR2z6smTkSdhIkDmwqTjIFaYfnS8N6XpL-Acdg1zDThrC7humpT9GzDjOvqWoY849umh445AXf1D-otrJmr42zQWm8Lo3G2-CRc5iqt-ilotld15TD66VdTmM1PpK0JuJ9/s4032/20220427-IMG_8124.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDrqeoDNyRh-1A-cKj_xe9p_zh0tuvq1HqZkM0LMnRrHwkgC2dCfXTaGR2z6smTkSdhIkDmwqTjIFaYfnS8N6XpL-Acdg1zDThrC7humpT9GzDjOvqWoY849umh445AXf1D-otrJmr42zQWm8Lo3G2-CRc5iqt-ilotld15TD66VdTmM1PpK0JuJ9/w640-h480/20220427-IMG_8124.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a stunning view of the escarpment from here, but the west coast mist obscures it</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEm7_CVxZd7rSRNSTylslJQNf5JWDHloVLKuRnKS6CUPsWm9sZ2CbejNNjIrYhw_B1Hxsfqjbl-KjAwcOAAthzWzgef-VT3QKkQQodxql0ZVQoIYwt5iH--fFCs4ZRN4WBWm8bmH0_KWVK2AR4DhQyXTley6hMx_NBlvB-ZEESMUNC7FaA9hoTiFH/s4032/20220427-IMG_8123.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEm7_CVxZd7rSRNSTylslJQNf5JWDHloVLKuRnKS6CUPsWm9sZ2CbejNNjIrYhw_B1Hxsfqjbl-KjAwcOAAthzWzgef-VT3QKkQQodxql0ZVQoIYwt5iH--fFCs4ZRN4WBWm8bmH0_KWVK2AR4DhQyXTley6hMx_NBlvB-ZEESMUNC7FaA9hoTiFH/w480-h640/20220427-IMG_8123.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from behind the hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The next morning trampers either headed back the way they had come or, like me, they headed out along the closed part of the track along the escarpment to the shelter. The slip was actually below the escarpment, so the section of track along the top was completely unaffected, and I needed to tick that shelter off my hutbagging list!! I had booked a second night at Midnight Tops so I had all day.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrrnmfRUN9qrqseuAXuNoPBPKqoQn8IQdBg4TUYA04veiwbG--FNAihvvutTW5iD3RsCtH6kErfCp0wgEANgk-P0XbdOITvToTV3WIA96zP_hUtQ68V04bLKRq-2NQ7_dZ_suKb5-AK02yiun_2YK--WGTaOLoGX2SBudLyFcz8Klfbvd2uGHtp1z/s4032/20220428-IMG_8125.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrrnmfRUN9qrqseuAXuNoPBPKqoQn8IQdBg4TUYA04veiwbG--FNAihvvutTW5iD3RsCtH6kErfCp0wgEANgk-P0XbdOITvToTV3WIA96zP_hUtQ68V04bLKRq-2NQ7_dZ_suKb5-AK02yiun_2YK--WGTaOLoGX2SBudLyFcz8Klfbvd2uGHtp1z/w640-h480/20220428-IMG_8125.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good morning!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKLlhRiSFVerpNG2PYMCNyIOSd8vIQFyTLJQz2tEK4uSDumW5YZNKZaT4U9rzL6AmwrQn2vSsIC75RBwCn7DJgDSlETAzsBNg-5Pc9ZmaaH5EZ0ksbULP-oMp85fVQYK6ENKMkgicgY2ezFJtqzsbcLt8nRjs6DhJ-iVv4B2WuUcX99IYiuKUB3hY/s4032/20220428-IMG_8126.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKLlhRiSFVerpNG2PYMCNyIOSd8vIQFyTLJQz2tEK4uSDumW5YZNKZaT4U9rzL6AmwrQn2vSsIC75RBwCn7DJgDSlETAzsBNg-5Pc9ZmaaH5EZ0ksbULP-oMp85fVQYK6ENKMkgicgY2ezFJtqzsbcLt8nRjs6DhJ-iVv4B2WuUcX99IYiuKUB3hY/w640-h480/20220428-IMG_8126.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoK1D2FpZtGokGLeD5DTNep2GOyHId1wqFGAm2jYYMSzS_UYunqkJuv5hmL5Z7WEhqHLvy-LdWP5b61B6gCJxXcZDkzY609H8OMAFgMREKrrglQ30JxQb38ISDzQ0312LUUs-uSDQ92ESyEMiFr9cWo-yxRRVqKJsCTBiloDdnY6E1GhnwPgwk0gx/s4032/20220428-IMG_8128.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoK1D2FpZtGokGLeD5DTNep2GOyHId1wqFGAm2jYYMSzS_UYunqkJuv5hmL5Z7WEhqHLvy-LdWP5b61B6gCJxXcZDkzY609H8OMAFgMREKrrglQ30JxQb38ISDzQ0312LUUs-uSDQ92ESyEMiFr9cWo-yxRRVqKJsCTBiloDdnY6E1GhnwPgwk0gx/w640-h480/20220428-IMG_8128.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise, Moonlight Tops Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObGMw-M1v7GyqWh7TeDXxo46WTiozX6PS8JIKmqlra5Oldg6vfjh72J31zj96U7ghMYIHbsoAJjGsMI671BA8x372ZlXDT8iRGh_MJYQbpWWFNCXqdmH2oRwyMTl2t9sBft7eWnLlc3YUw4IukPFryxi7OC5BLDuIcLeQPCDN1C7LpKkpKGXYHMXM/s4032/20220428-IMG_8129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObGMw-M1v7GyqWh7TeDXxo46WTiozX6PS8JIKmqlra5Oldg6vfjh72J31zj96U7ghMYIHbsoAJjGsMI671BA8x372ZlXDT8iRGh_MJYQbpWWFNCXqdmH2oRwyMTl2t9sBft7eWnLlc3YUw4IukPFryxi7OC5BLDuIcLeQPCDN1C7LpKkpKGXYHMXM/w480-h640/20220428-IMG_8129.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />It was another stunner, starting with a spectacular sunrise. The walk out along the escarpment was lovely, through wonderful gnarly mountain beech and drachophyllum, with occasional glimpses of the precipitous drop on the western side. However, the true grandeur of the escarpment is best appreciated from the hut.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXy2Fan7inRG9QeuvLALwM1MbXvcXxc5sN8rzXFqYLn8KBbpViz3xmQEb6S4MkXIp7O9StjtOQz5BPfnjTx5vsuo65L6bcMt7PtFbRzOVkH4Ocs8FuCCIzWU1bnldf0YKHZR7IWpgOdppj4HW2YvYuCAyblqLHMqk7_9a2ZTgFuNPjikU9RJ35kvI/s4032/20220428-IMG_8132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXy2Fan7inRG9QeuvLALwM1MbXvcXxc5sN8rzXFqYLn8KBbpViz3xmQEb6S4MkXIp7O9StjtOQz5BPfnjTx5vsuo65L6bcMt7PtFbRzOVkH4Ocs8FuCCIzWU1bnldf0YKHZR7IWpgOdppj4HW2YvYuCAyblqLHMqk7_9a2ZTgFuNPjikU9RJ35kvI/w640-h480/20220428-IMG_8132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUpbwLwtn-j_QEcD-oZz7jZt8TiL4fRFlKz2zbyWMzXDfLopWiY1moM_5CkW73KxRBvEq6NMPXAOd-Ep-irbQcgDp8v574Zc2mA1wztbeWBzUx9n5-PIR4B5PR05KSopFgUB2u2HFKALz1WYXJxJtJpe7DRBvkUgDngsPXkVY9uccvLYc36fxvxO0/s4032/20220428-IMG_8134.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUpbwLwtn-j_QEcD-oZz7jZt8TiL4fRFlKz2zbyWMzXDfLopWiY1moM_5CkW73KxRBvEq6NMPXAOd-Ep-irbQcgDp8v574Zc2mA1wztbeWBzUx9n5-PIR4B5PR05KSopFgUB2u2HFKALz1WYXJxJtJpe7DRBvkUgDngsPXkVY9uccvLYc36fxvxO0/w480-h640/20220428-IMG_8134.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43eqG3VR-4kcHHSNrRZ4vrYgPcOPTZWDuSj7wGA-KF6FZgz1b3ynAWJmweQT5Y9mYprda2LzBKRGphIvFHitChMCnqtYxy6myxHrWamLkRm6P9f1QJLyNBxCAR5KlkUjLTSyeGtywMmLPK9eZ-zM8JWJ84xy0o3l3_Qb-ckvLMzKe1OVxu3Rn1mzJ/s4032/20220428-IMG_8135.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43eqG3VR-4kcHHSNrRZ4vrYgPcOPTZWDuSj7wGA-KF6FZgz1b3ynAWJmweQT5Y9mYprda2LzBKRGphIvFHitChMCnqtYxy6myxHrWamLkRm6P9f1QJLyNBxCAR5KlkUjLTSyeGtywMmLPK9eZ-zM8JWJ84xy0o3l3_Qb-ckvLMzKe1OVxu3Rn1mzJ/w480-h640/20220428-IMG_8135.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdzGoJ5S5MUWweea9VQEfXwfbOcWl6fWckh-89bF71_bzZJL3jffP_d_hLokeMiZkHGmTR007lT-9vq11t4nidCBgsVQCt8CHREsLetEUTOWctqSeg_v0pbJImHmfSCAXgM1t6oFIguuinpxSNZWojmE5NrXynxCcV4vQ-2bUT-MffOAEy2mVFMkA/s4032/20220428-IMG_8137.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdzGoJ5S5MUWweea9VQEfXwfbOcWl6fWckh-89bF71_bzZJL3jffP_d_hLokeMiZkHGmTR007lT-9vq11t4nidCBgsVQCt8CHREsLetEUTOWctqSeg_v0pbJImHmfSCAXgM1t6oFIguuinpxSNZWojmE5NrXynxCcV4vQ-2bUT-MffOAEy2mVFMkA/w640-h480/20220428-IMG_8137.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1C6JVNLaktswKE0wb5jMTMZKHraZg4BT801yP7-ka0dKmmM2vj1oA67EBvBLmD0hRrNK2w-lwM0Z8z9N-4S8OAKX3oEkrFPXtP_09wfSW57NpV0WGmf-w9-r_esX7y2PeBi1cqUF96MuYjGrL65GlwAUBiyiO5z2Rh9hxl0DuBHQ1f8V9y2_2Dcv/s4032/20220428-IMG_8138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1C6JVNLaktswKE0wb5jMTMZKHraZg4BT801yP7-ka0dKmmM2vj1oA67EBvBLmD0hRrNK2w-lwM0Z8z9N-4S8OAKX3oEkrFPXtP_09wfSW57NpV0WGmf-w9-r_esX7y2PeBi1cqUF96MuYjGrL65GlwAUBiyiO5z2Rh9hxl0DuBHQ1f8V9y2_2Dcv/w640-h480/20220428-IMG_8138.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9Eam-X-8apeL4NH-R08SIv5o4DiGP0gJw5olj7iXxBNXZB2ZZXLKkEJTbOqbMAtNURb9fETPss95SFLMYOFXIV29QJW5l1wJ_a8lLE3dDd-UB9SvuTyVd1k0FqJO2_5sDCfXBGaKPL4RijGX6VEin7HhnmsW9Dps6RRe0lQvi1GC4yq8MVgvR1PD/s4032/20220428-IMG_8140.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9Eam-X-8apeL4NH-R08SIv5o4DiGP0gJw5olj7iXxBNXZB2ZZXLKkEJTbOqbMAtNURb9fETPss95SFLMYOFXIV29QJW5l1wJ_a8lLE3dDd-UB9SvuTyVd1k0FqJO2_5sDCfXBGaKPL4RijGX6VEin7HhnmsW9Dps6RRe0lQvi1GC4yq8MVgvR1PD/w480-h640/20220428-IMG_8140.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-vtyf_FfsUC1fz4HN1y-sXFiMc0m4qTBs-rUlmNquCI1z02F8QXehrGB8hn2iXZYQiG1yvVV-4jSTppDJs-33yx0O9owhwF8AONGZk_STdDwEw7tC_-KFHl4n8rnoAn1k4hjVUdgBVf3OYUzdBbTNdyRWLTvZtsum-8zbNGVe0psvPWYbwY9lC-K/s4032/20220428-IMG_8142.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-vtyf_FfsUC1fz4HN1y-sXFiMc0m4qTBs-rUlmNquCI1z02F8QXehrGB8hn2iXZYQiG1yvVV-4jSTppDJs-33yx0O9owhwF8AONGZk_STdDwEw7tC_-KFHl4n8rnoAn1k4hjVUdgBVf3OYUzdBbTNdyRWLTvZtsum-8zbNGVe0psvPWYbwY9lC-K/w640-h480/20220428-IMG_8142.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look closely and you can see Moonlight Tops Hut in distance</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rXk1FboMrAxxxKv3X3RCvuGIQECY0FzxLq2uQMsv_YexVtJK-apSLambCH8VsdFLeTpk1tC6KLfnsH8SFwGZpCnQ7lCsErPfUmM4VX8XJoQ_e_JP-frXy90ANtfqxb_EZcJXs9jsd8_EcKmKzVTLaWAShE3BMyEB9sT3KJdJjCd4M7E41-q3w9oj/s4032/20220428-IMG_8143.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rXk1FboMrAxxxKv3X3RCvuGIQECY0FzxLq2uQMsv_YexVtJK-apSLambCH8VsdFLeTpk1tC6KLfnsH8SFwGZpCnQ7lCsErPfUmM4VX8XJoQ_e_JP-frXy90ANtfqxb_EZcJXs9jsd8_EcKmKzVTLaWAShE3BMyEB9sT3KJdJjCd4M7E41-q3w9oj/w480-h640/20220428-IMG_8143.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXQH6EeOZAtbzOdv_NoZDRvcacAb5nlT7Jj2RwPIRFG-qTYMYQ8uMcbuRz5CbICnhz8sKlQEHW8b12Bm-URs-GIFbv6RwlSFG_PliPc1Nuk_j0uQ4dWPh3YxdrceHAzwx2Yaxbb9cUgeZLrg0TBxVkclDgir-lkf3Y_qGOKQGPyqH8r7Hu0SLh-b_/s4032/20220428-IMG_8144.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXQH6EeOZAtbzOdv_NoZDRvcacAb5nlT7Jj2RwPIRFG-qTYMYQ8uMcbuRz5CbICnhz8sKlQEHW8b12Bm-URs-GIFbv6RwlSFG_PliPc1Nuk_j0uQ4dWPh3YxdrceHAzwx2Yaxbb9cUgeZLrg0TBxVkclDgir-lkf3Y_qGOKQGPyqH8r7Hu0SLh-b_/w480-h640/20220428-IMG_8144.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pororari Hut in the distance, at the end of the first ridge to the left</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There was a new shelter being built, much bigger than the current shelter, with room for a large equipment shed for DOC. The section of track down off the escarpment is where they have all the slips occurring with wet weather events, so having access to track clearing equipment is a DOC priority.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWLne8oBW-7iTjeNcaveVho5m9z4iuWTHGxpke8xiqPluxD1w1FC1w5TXznk92qY7-FZGh-VEZfyhfW21M-K_ybveBBagW6EsKfkwzFkQaztMLqkbDHN9oajctqJI5hCDyQfZJ4CtaTHw8iFjWk5VV-8MfJZ6yKSaGFLQW0FEjgJkNTUtQ7u3pprB/s4032/20220428-IMG_8149.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWLne8oBW-7iTjeNcaveVho5m9z4iuWTHGxpke8xiqPluxD1w1FC1w5TXznk92qY7-FZGh-VEZfyhfW21M-K_ybveBBagW6EsKfkwzFkQaztMLqkbDHN9oajctqJI5hCDyQfZJ4CtaTHw8iFjWk5VV-8MfJZ6yKSaGFLQW0FEjgJkNTUtQ7u3pprB/w480-h640/20220428-IMG_8149.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old shelter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHJek1qt23qgT_Rh7o_Yv2dpvFvBknC-N0vg2ERMfY6SZHheR9janIGIFNSvZ_i2xu4qrRVwZPb0bcR-QXk7D_HTDWD2t8DLnOnUYJZHwpj9v0aQ5B6v1mHJI0Ql04zp9THjfl5DB26hWiv3b7UIciyzWwC803jlpM_5i1vMjKWOQBI959KUkkvYT/s4032/20220428-IMG_8148.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHJek1qt23qgT_Rh7o_Yv2dpvFvBknC-N0vg2ERMfY6SZHheR9janIGIFNSvZ_i2xu4qrRVwZPb0bcR-QXk7D_HTDWD2t8DLnOnUYJZHwpj9v0aQ5B6v1mHJI0Ql04zp9THjfl5DB26hWiv3b7UIciyzWwC803jlpM_5i1vMjKWOQBI959KUkkvYT/w640-h480/20220428-IMG_8148.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enormous new shelter</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After a cuppa and some lunch I headed back to Moonlight Tops. The weather stayed clear, and the hut slowly filled up with a new group of trampers. Still no cyclists, but a group on an organised tour having a very delicious looking gourmet dinner.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCS0tDTRisLH21_LYdEBh87LxAju2NltQw9EhA6NCSpdsRSt2XFbaDDyZAtYKKGCe0TAbwTyHnkr1Sn52LsWFXIK-5_I69YfJJB2pTrDQcA0SfZvWaTJMqaasm5jN3c6OL4gBwTg4i_oqmx-jjO1MZTyq0U9k3WVLyR-wQM8jby4KO-z4qADfbDoCT/s4032/20220428-IMG_8150.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCS0tDTRisLH21_LYdEBh87LxAju2NltQw9EhA6NCSpdsRSt2XFbaDDyZAtYKKGCe0TAbwTyHnkr1Sn52LsWFXIK-5_I69YfJJB2pTrDQcA0SfZvWaTJMqaasm5jN3c6OL4gBwTg4i_oqmx-jjO1MZTyq0U9k3WVLyR-wQM8jby4KO-z4qADfbDoCT/w640-h480/20220428-IMG_8150.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small cirque and waterfall off to the east of the track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRTrbEwkHyhlberfb1p_bMshiuUyuiEHbx88gg-3udyNvTkuVdjCFwD_xHABBzdPsxL7YPLEWexL2VHMqu-r0733kX9W1vbNqPU0tYEHDhnthVZU4JXNp-7l3jMr6S4xs2TLOl-_XRy6BtefZTHjrgx29Ps6lgLl9KCHC_4RJCj8Gqlivq4gmRVEf/s4032/20220428-IMG_8151.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRTrbEwkHyhlberfb1p_bMshiuUyuiEHbx88gg-3udyNvTkuVdjCFwD_xHABBzdPsxL7YPLEWexL2VHMqu-r0733kX9W1vbNqPU0tYEHDhnthVZU4JXNp-7l3jMr6S4xs2TLOl-_XRy6BtefZTHjrgx29Ps6lgLl9KCHC_4RJCj8Gqlivq4gmRVEf/w480-h640/20220428-IMG_8151.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNQJBZpITQ0xaaED5lEzxmcvP10ISHIyFMlGCyFhNeygwtGT6m7A6HTuY2xNA3GwtM9ATBwo0kXTDZXROPECeTLAakJiuUl-3LXer8TMp-9KyDWU_L6hhlp9-kwfoUKNPU3N1WlBmEg1yZzIfIa7WjQK6SyAZ8rFHEIGwViHn46kPjY7kPh7Le2No/s4032/20220428-IMG_8153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNQJBZpITQ0xaaED5lEzxmcvP10ISHIyFMlGCyFhNeygwtGT6m7A6HTuY2xNA3GwtM9ATBwo0kXTDZXROPECeTLAakJiuUl-3LXer8TMp-9KyDWU_L6hhlp9-kwfoUKNPU3N1WlBmEg1yZzIfIa7WjQK6SyAZ8rFHEIGwViHn46kPjY7kPh7Le2No/w640-h480/20220428-IMG_8153.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05C6KefpnP8scLoKeRqBnAlO7ntZLO8mmLTkFG_3eKO52MIDYCQSvIm_zfQB0NZsFVsk2byU9fPsawsWvpOHp_WCF5R84zz_o-4WeR39p5FFjajdZ60YWTQNx7tzMXuRUpVEUSQD8KiJyr4cWoyHsN0T_I4j2b7zoinjzh7oSBuoYo6wrjv3SHTdN/s4032/20220428-IMG_8154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05C6KefpnP8scLoKeRqBnAlO7ntZLO8mmLTkFG_3eKO52MIDYCQSvIm_zfQB0NZsFVsk2byU9fPsawsWvpOHp_WCF5R84zz_o-4WeR39p5FFjajdZ60YWTQNx7tzMXuRUpVEUSQD8KiJyr4cWoyHsN0T_I4j2b7zoinjzh7oSBuoYo6wrjv3SHTdN/w480-h640/20220428-IMG_8154.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJpwmpHdc7Y_QNApU-432OFME6xg9CEYnFXG4zuWiXBtOCGdpuUoQgnT4F4oubhcxFvXV0uTm9wc1OyBhC7lWz3GOO6iU3fT-1ADMys88j8uMC5hPwD0r5Aip1PEgyYS1mpbzGFxmvmyQ_A-HSodbZ3wWz8I9FTAQ0JRyS34KdAvm3BgXHA-Oo7Ni/s4032/20220428-IMG_8155.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJpwmpHdc7Y_QNApU-432OFME6xg9CEYnFXG4zuWiXBtOCGdpuUoQgnT4F4oubhcxFvXV0uTm9wc1OyBhC7lWz3GOO6iU3fT-1ADMys88j8uMC5hPwD0r5Aip1PEgyYS1mpbzGFxmvmyQ_A-HSodbZ3wWz8I9FTAQ0JRyS34KdAvm3BgXHA-Oo7Ni/w480-h640/20220428-IMG_8155.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinT3qKuJpBqW0JxsklHpcOekbgALmA6-oNUUcIJ1FGRTsldSe_2fGDgsS2dU_UdG9QOlN-qoQOsyZYqYEwbLeudTZlJlaxp67N9yIdGjaOurI2P5I1-F7LgzpRN_cPblodbTJH_m36N-whHnxS21aW1l1iSNQmEdPaCkF--MnLzPUvy7cGW-Altlxl/s4032/20220428-IMG_8156.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinT3qKuJpBqW0JxsklHpcOekbgALmA6-oNUUcIJ1FGRTsldSe_2fGDgsS2dU_UdG9QOlN-qoQOsyZYqYEwbLeudTZlJlaxp67N9yIdGjaOurI2P5I1-F7LgzpRN_cPblodbTJH_m36N-whHnxS21aW1l1iSNQmEdPaCkF--MnLzPUvy7cGW-Altlxl/w480-h640/20220428-IMG_8156.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fossil? Or explosive?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt59KTdatoPWREeyvbgUmJgqh87OjDg6K2fLAamCbxxrZLkGiP8pcuOkXQTPINNnNuM9FHTGPXB4sO-VzO-jtFdYGdarm1TCCzGgZlF0Wlz6xSkLeZa0qD83Z9CeJ_KUplaORHw4GBpuxcXYgrUK34yJfwJvD8OaMfBy1ZVfTwPQ0xTzFrJ4AQcMjg/s4032/20220428-IMG_8157.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt59KTdatoPWREeyvbgUmJgqh87OjDg6K2fLAamCbxxrZLkGiP8pcuOkXQTPINNnNuM9FHTGPXB4sO-VzO-jtFdYGdarm1TCCzGgZlF0Wlz6xSkLeZa0qD83Z9CeJ_KUplaORHw4GBpuxcXYgrUK34yJfwJvD8OaMfBy1ZVfTwPQ0xTzFrJ4AQcMjg/w640-h480/20220428-IMG_8157.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That magnificent escarpment in all it's glory</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The next morning I returned back along the track, this time continuing to Ces Clarke Hut and following the old packrtrack back to Smoke Ho carpark.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9v_o09igXV08vIMPC5CCHbxRKwLHKxOLLWwgW7p5r6qEaOoGI6V4wZKCJKRynLmqr8A_MZuEfMSKPJ2bZ9OUu20U-K20SdW2QatgKgoP2_4B1DFPJW2wjJzaPLUyXpIZAk_DZMparBpkIGCLR5GrBpF2HJq2_bqFnvh4CGt8w4tEs1Ft9sxbj4oJp/s4032/20220429-IMG_8160.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9v_o09igXV08vIMPC5CCHbxRKwLHKxOLLWwgW7p5r6qEaOoGI6V4wZKCJKRynLmqr8A_MZuEfMSKPJ2bZ9OUu20U-K20SdW2QatgKgoP2_4B1DFPJW2wjJzaPLUyXpIZAk_DZMparBpkIGCLR5GrBpF2HJq2_bqFnvh4CGt8w4tEs1Ft9sxbj4oJp/w640-h480/20220429-IMG_8160.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another stunning sunrise</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIl_uxKGisWabt6HYi1a4-Djl3cB42W42p7Mqw4r3ixlpIM3t3bc_5nhNNENU1tMFH7i0A7NUUC_nSX-jYTFBunWkVYt3SqCzb3mH8xITeTk8J6SaQ3WexBVGIWAqBpH273V3HYPHPZdLZw5dxttPhhLY7VT3rRcftlsv2gIfVEIiQGjdf_6k-IGVe/s4032/20220429-IMG_8162.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIl_uxKGisWabt6HYi1a4-Djl3cB42W42p7Mqw4r3ixlpIM3t3bc_5nhNNENU1tMFH7i0A7NUUC_nSX-jYTFBunWkVYt3SqCzb3mH8xITeTk8J6SaQ3WexBVGIWAqBpH273V3HYPHPZdLZw5dxttPhhLY7VT3rRcftlsv2gIfVEIiQGjdf_6k-IGVe/w640-h480/20220429-IMG_8162.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down to the west coast, no mist</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WcFlzVyqsfBKGfFPjcXA-U2p-wfzwk7aHBlx6tnqeTz8Fn-RbyRP3PpXKd4SlIfJmpE22iZ2x8TNTqJFzekEzlos1VFL1t4tFODaPxdzlyt8t-R9IJwkUltLs0LN-JM2yT_dl3sN8IbcK_79eY9IwTcCeirbKm186HZNmWpuQGUqdjRFNMhrohYW/s4032/20220429-IMG_8163.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WcFlzVyqsfBKGfFPjcXA-U2p-wfzwk7aHBlx6tnqeTz8Fn-RbyRP3PpXKd4SlIfJmpE22iZ2x8TNTqJFzekEzlos1VFL1t4tFODaPxdzlyt8t-R9IJwkUltLs0LN-JM2yT_dl3sN8IbcK_79eY9IwTcCeirbKm186HZNmWpuQGUqdjRFNMhrohYW/w480-h640/20220429-IMG_8163.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYHR4R0gzlt7JK-vHeBafwMPWr-SXF3YQt_OuAhzcS2xltTtMOguILZkRGbMCv2hxozNW_X9etks3Daq5_A_bm2TkI4HbJfzi5juIseVXCKrkt1jNROPphdKCmVOGCpCnL0WUdRSLlQ3Ps4Sycezlyif8wscobISxqBpp7yperzHF7VeCbwNCTWxj/s4032/20220429-IMG_8164.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYHR4R0gzlt7JK-vHeBafwMPWr-SXF3YQt_OuAhzcS2xltTtMOguILZkRGbMCv2hxozNW_X9etks3Daq5_A_bm2TkI4HbJfzi5juIseVXCKrkt1jNROPphdKCmVOGCpCnL0WUdRSLlQ3Ps4Sycezlyif8wscobISxqBpp7yperzHF7VeCbwNCTWxj/w640-h480/20220429-IMG_8164.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcIHcrE404YfPKhmOs5EKKaO7Gjl4UI-UBk-jKm2m5QG4XFKg_sL1vQ9q5vfkD5dqnnX5eNJtY-qY3td6JNKchNxWN-0dOODMu-JKQfpvRns3k4MY7Ps0Yz8PwpRZEyUsmrtU7MFjMgoUuP-B4KQvrmgTmaYk_qVUjhWL_P1dvLbpkbC7c4pspvBO/s4032/20220429-IMG_8165.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcIHcrE404YfPKhmOs5EKKaO7Gjl4UI-UBk-jKm2m5QG4XFKg_sL1vQ9q5vfkD5dqnnX5eNJtY-qY3td6JNKchNxWN-0dOODMu-JKQfpvRns3k4MY7Ps0Yz8PwpRZEyUsmrtU7MFjMgoUuP-B4KQvrmgTmaYk_qVUjhWL_P1dvLbpkbC7c4pspvBO/w480-h640/20220429-IMG_8165.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hazard markers are for the cyclists!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNXOzdsgD_bZQhNjRmASqxCnTVlyVKlZb3clela70bQe3PJyasztda0h0cn2XJkBY1RkrFyLkcf7qE3090UrIFROVK9aNKSEZcGzQx__bgItul9shPRrIOkU7ya_6wBkylJHZTj__yFOPyrfZHz1PYS2FRo77w7AXRTsvSFwEBvHj-xMAjNAUgYoQ/s4032/20220429-IMG_8166.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNXOzdsgD_bZQhNjRmASqxCnTVlyVKlZb3clela70bQe3PJyasztda0h0cn2XJkBY1RkrFyLkcf7qE3090UrIFROVK9aNKSEZcGzQx__bgItul9shPRrIOkU7ya_6wBkylJHZTj__yFOPyrfZHz1PYS2FRo77w7AXRTsvSFwEBvHj-xMAjNAUgYoQ/w480-h640/20220429-IMG_8166.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRilxQs1gQlYZtG5-_kdcVrDU6NbRGB_X1PZf9lv2HIfphSzHV0_oyXLB5cu_6ldVwNAy3ndYhwHPXbmGgcqZBBNaZcPaf1pDTglufFBzR7DU6jpLPM2SyhdZOUVLtx2T0Ir01GwkCdtDK8QPKmxIjD_HC8FWZjAB7Jzhli-TlRqgYc0w6oV_FqLKg/s4032/20220429-IMG_8167.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRilxQs1gQlYZtG5-_kdcVrDU6NbRGB_X1PZf9lv2HIfphSzHV0_oyXLB5cu_6ldVwNAy3ndYhwHPXbmGgcqZBBNaZcPaf1pDTglufFBzR7DU6jpLPM2SyhdZOUVLtx2T0Ir01GwkCdtDK8QPKmxIjD_HC8FWZjAB7Jzhli-TlRqgYc0w6oV_FqLKg/w640-h480/20220429-IMG_8167.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Croesus Knob on right</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1r3XyxQb39RcW5NZt9ShO2M5a4X87CB7d3P-M2HbZvuHKUda3azdF_581nv8uVEv0_WM-pYCcDCExMv0MafjZzHjzFv53vR1s74p6LefWoNxjng7b2-VtAaHdaWFVrzrIzrJwQPPf_OkIicy8HJpj2b_P91Bsj93ihlEWDRIiuY6Tlu8kkm4EANhv/s4032/20220429-IMG_8168.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1r3XyxQb39RcW5NZt9ShO2M5a4X87CB7d3P-M2HbZvuHKUda3azdF_581nv8uVEv0_WM-pYCcDCExMv0MafjZzHjzFv53vR1s74p6LefWoNxjng7b2-VtAaHdaWFVrzrIzrJwQPPf_OkIicy8HJpj2b_P91Bsj93ihlEWDRIiuY6Tlu8kkm4EANhv/w640-h480/20220429-IMG_8168.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West coast, Greymouth, and little old Aoraki in the distance</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8D9FTeUlPpaCIXxi4AdTXrmGcRHX97MosvGufxgFEpFGurt7n_Lmwi5bwcw87V25iCJry6gtR6Lr4-wSiZpqhyGMMTah9n82cySkQdSIpawdxTh9pcAGT2k2kIYURowMd5xwnWcHbo3rLMDOAscu2leTd8d4BPhgYMXBuVi-Rdk7jUZbPbahT3Zm/s4032/20220429-IMG_8170.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8D9FTeUlPpaCIXxi4AdTXrmGcRHX97MosvGufxgFEpFGurt7n_Lmwi5bwcw87V25iCJry6gtR6Lr4-wSiZpqhyGMMTah9n82cySkQdSIpawdxTh9pcAGT2k2kIYURowMd5xwnWcHbo3rLMDOAscu2leTd8d4BPhgYMXBuVi-Rdk7jUZbPbahT3Zm/w480-h640/20220429-IMG_8170.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8z4q_H3Wm6PD3chXrZUAAbHUehEPtmXf75OiCzso3A5SdGplCuohJiy43URM2Jea7mGw6CqTjAP2opJdpn_QzvkvzLcR5D2QX6q6I587w9mGaW96YAH7PwgLM3f6CFXxAoBEIoORn_Od_G6zgjXWGNwVMOukkKpH4YwmgQz9D6dNzV9btwHmnmp9/s4032/20220429-IMG_8171.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8z4q_H3Wm6PD3chXrZUAAbHUehEPtmXf75OiCzso3A5SdGplCuohJiy43URM2Jea7mGw6CqTjAP2opJdpn_QzvkvzLcR5D2QX6q6I587w9mGaW96YAH7PwgLM3f6CFXxAoBEIoORn_Od_G6zgjXWGNwVMOukkKpH4YwmgQz9D6dNzV9btwHmnmp9/w640-h480/20220429-IMG_8171.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The notch I walked down from a couple of days before</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1xtc_x-M7h7NPZJuolXkRUfihI-fhRdVVftbps_qaEVEPwFsC4l9JcfslGVKA9y-QQjdNaE5D6blJpOpslzpyWAd88X6MQGppJHRDHbZ8SnNBykE2OyRZeZmClFgYyH1cwnSjm6yoqKGQBhEHrILPuQ4X3xXbgP2UP3mG3f8P4mEy5ct-SIRIylV/s4032/20220429-IMG_8173.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1xtc_x-M7h7NPZJuolXkRUfihI-fhRdVVftbps_qaEVEPwFsC4l9JcfslGVKA9y-QQjdNaE5D6blJpOpslzpyWAd88X6MQGppJHRDHbZ8SnNBykE2OyRZeZmClFgYyH1cwnSjm6yoqKGQBhEHrILPuQ4X3xXbgP2UP3mG3f8P4mEy5ct-SIRIylV/w640-h480/20220429-IMG_8173.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ces Clark Hut, smoko stop</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There were a few huts to visit, some off the main track, and lots of mining history. A really enjoyable, mostly downhill amble.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdfvD2MoDICRmpklp9hmhQj-uLqiTHfN99i3N-KLwL5U_ubYVkSKbePEl-JkdVxWbOjSYOAQ13rvJxFKnyARVrxbUOaoTkPhmRPbiq9lYy5xDBrrRvHVPzuQjhGhUN9Cx_YJ_AII_5BLQBY9sRZ4Fx1oWZh1s7h4aK4ok7zJS2xfYsOaqoSdH6CI2/s4032/20220429-IMG_8174.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdfvD2MoDICRmpklp9hmhQj-uLqiTHfN99i3N-KLwL5U_ubYVkSKbePEl-JkdVxWbOjSYOAQ13rvJxFKnyARVrxbUOaoTkPhmRPbiq9lYy5xDBrrRvHVPzuQjhGhUN9Cx_YJ_AII_5BLQBY9sRZ4Fx1oWZh1s7h4aK4ok7zJS2xfYsOaqoSdH6CI2/w480-h640/20220429-IMG_8174.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq781K6z2IB655-0LHK6DYq_aEGn7ELGshYuqOmDIQ_1IjuPp7QMt7q7kVPimVCJ1K-4E4481aQI8wHprIz4dyB-MhA4a7sGdXQtrpY2masFteQ-q4rBBnp7b5YWX0X1Sdp2slEYYz5dLAT2vjVvvGARVerAskHKToJaL2HC2ZOIGBlcLCqj5EexlG/s4032/20220429-IMG_8175.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq781K6z2IB655-0LHK6DYq_aEGn7ELGshYuqOmDIQ_1IjuPp7QMt7q7kVPimVCJ1K-4E4481aQI8wHprIz4dyB-MhA4a7sGdXQtrpY2masFteQ-q4rBBnp7b5YWX0X1Sdp2slEYYz5dLAT2vjVvvGARVerAskHKToJaL2HC2ZOIGBlcLCqj5EexlG/w480-h640/20220429-IMG_8175.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3b2vmdZLlsQ_kZWKwntaEx6MRYK_JD1vodjfpY22Bal3YQgN6fLb1PwH4JEMnjSHEc0o3aKg51MKnHK8U0wBXL-2nxBaTFusH32fUY4vlry30xfhsyS2HwglkqVYc8-Svk5o7RqQRHGAH17PEtWolk1wmUTtUjP0PtEyYOlZsrd0fEb4l18pGLcn/s4032/20220429-IMG_8178.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3b2vmdZLlsQ_kZWKwntaEx6MRYK_JD1vodjfpY22Bal3YQgN6fLb1PwH4JEMnjSHEc0o3aKg51MKnHK8U0wBXL-2nxBaTFusH32fUY4vlry30xfhsyS2HwglkqVYc8-Svk5o7RqQRHGAH17PEtWolk1wmUTtUjP0PtEyYOlZsrd0fEb4l18pGLcn/w480-h640/20220429-IMG_8178.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JEOYizVct1j8XnQ_IG81DvKXOK1CbVraO5IIbNVLNeA3gm1bwHu16OJAUsjkXVoLy2bX5eri4urz2pcnTs8q10VyAPiIy3Y1GS68zjiX7PmS3BSZ49yxsbvXr2D2f-DwPUXwFiZV7VfFgKah2mC148KcbDT0_cnwv2WWXS9ZV4i0dBHaP9PpC5WW/s4032/20220429-IMG_8185.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JEOYizVct1j8XnQ_IG81DvKXOK1CbVraO5IIbNVLNeA3gm1bwHu16OJAUsjkXVoLy2bX5eri4urz2pcnTs8q10VyAPiIy3Y1GS68zjiX7PmS3BSZ49yxsbvXr2D2f-DwPUXwFiZV7VfFgKah2mC148KcbDT0_cnwv2WWXS9ZV4i0dBHaP9PpC5WW/w640-h480/20220429-IMG_8185.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dcxo_yHf9kZndGX9G_n3x5QyDhoi8k49bgsz1BYBPvFVPIqzVqT8efYMdWOhox7hHEEFJTPKuIwAuCAF2FcjihfxcgTos7Ko-6WkTB50hIginODV2DK4Ch14GcK1beurjEm6AMYJafLXbtQeAjPG84jF2szuotcGa7hkmm3sX3re71qeipLA35As/s4032/20220429-IMG_8186.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dcxo_yHf9kZndGX9G_n3x5QyDhoi8k49bgsz1BYBPvFVPIqzVqT8efYMdWOhox7hHEEFJTPKuIwAuCAF2FcjihfxcgTos7Ko-6WkTB50hIginODV2DK4Ch14GcK1beurjEm6AMYJafLXbtQeAjPG84jF2szuotcGa7hkmm3sX3re71qeipLA35As/w480-h640/20220429-IMG_8186.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY77Mpj6WJKvTyHaWCYOCsiado7k1fhpDvGxvEHyZLMylgwEbipfrmTP1k8evWUB30eqT8BnieyxVkaaT8REiLX_lhpYNDAG1isHoSI3CiW5XhhtlGkOBD1nqiqW-FTgfz_u0QtYJmCfVrcn4VgXCDoGeiTpST0ZTLhQajMTljIZ-oVh-nAMT_9Qtx/s4032/20220429-IMG_8188.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY77Mpj6WJKvTyHaWCYOCsiado7k1fhpDvGxvEHyZLMylgwEbipfrmTP1k8evWUB30eqT8BnieyxVkaaT8REiLX_lhpYNDAG1isHoSI3CiW5XhhtlGkOBD1nqiqW-FTgfz_u0QtYJmCfVrcn4VgXCDoGeiTpST0ZTLhQajMTljIZ-oVh-nAMT_9Qtx/w640-h480/20220429-IMG_8188.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqCa7QcS-JqY2zavTg_ic84B66INCDvPc1NA0KZufROqfb80lsqiNBZnfd3xW7-ZKadopvnAsytae5nuhpJNPgnjrfkCIaNvO-opOnSvpoXVWs25K9IYN9O6yHXgGyFQypbMNqK3AIAMhHUhfugFQCGeol5dR7ffQs7Ik_DjJ7O4x_d2s00mz6TNa/s4032/20220429-IMG_8190.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqCa7QcS-JqY2zavTg_ic84B66INCDvPc1NA0KZufROqfb80lsqiNBZnfd3xW7-ZKadopvnAsytae5nuhpJNPgnjrfkCIaNvO-opOnSvpoXVWs25K9IYN9O6yHXgGyFQypbMNqK3AIAMhHUhfugFQCGeol5dR7ffQs7Ik_DjJ7O4x_d2s00mz6TNa/w480-h640/20220429-IMG_8190.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSeepWA_Cd1b3sJr82rck6ja2ayZ0CDJfxkeoAV1Nt2YiPxPxObCUzAG-fn3QP7l78wet4rMfKnaCNnB3bIWJMYofHrGb5ZESLikrbW30n_5LCjZDTns-YhlTRAjjw8-04pERviOh0EEAfENT9LINBjUdgDxWdpI2FIiP6AX8GZFrEATdl6fe1IWG/s4032/20220429-IMG_8191.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSeepWA_Cd1b3sJr82rck6ja2ayZ0CDJfxkeoAV1Nt2YiPxPxObCUzAG-fn3QP7l78wet4rMfKnaCNnB3bIWJMYofHrGb5ZESLikrbW30n_5LCjZDTns-YhlTRAjjw8-04pERviOh0EEAfENT9LINBjUdgDxWdpI2FIiP6AX8GZFrEATdl6fe1IWG/w480-h640/20220429-IMG_8191.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfzPMBuPO9p5VYswKwJuOpBuijqA5soSHtlAjNM7jjkt8mSdVl6vMnB60jgMEevRsYaLiTmZeHe9OtPZSS0wAh0niNuJrn58tFe42RC1-zFYzisdEb-6KOQbcV59HSyM6hvATeNIZAVcAW_AR8F8JxL612D2uMs4ue73Lv34VWtodUb_kS7XBr_CS/s3616/20220429-IMG_8194.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3616" data-original-width="2713" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfzPMBuPO9p5VYswKwJuOpBuijqA5soSHtlAjNM7jjkt8mSdVl6vMnB60jgMEevRsYaLiTmZeHe9OtPZSS0wAh0niNuJrn58tFe42RC1-zFYzisdEb-6KOQbcV59HSyM6hvATeNIZAVcAW_AR8F8JxL612D2uMs4ue73Lv34VWtodUb_kS7XBr_CS/w480-h640/20220429-IMG_8194.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Back at Blackball I booked back in at the same hotel I'd stayed in 3 nights ago, and was entertained by the annual May Day debate. Topic: that the Wellington Protestors were an embarrassment. The affirmative team did a great job of dressing up as Ashley Bloomfield and Siouxsie Wiles (complete with pink wig!) and a decent argument, the negative team took themselves far too seriously with a strong anti-vax theme. The affirmative won, and no-one behaved badly, though it wasn't exactly a large turnout. The locals are wonderfully friendly, can't recommend the place more.<p></p><p>The next morning I headed down to the west coast. I left my car at the motor camp whilst I walked the other end of the track up to Pororari Hut and back again. I'd originally thought about bringing the packraft and paddling back out, but after speaking with Jess at Moonlight Tops I decided it wasn't worth the effort. The upper gorge was just too gnarly to be paddling alone, and the lower portion was probably better done as a half day trip, so I left the packraft in the car and just tramped it.</p><p>The track follows the Pororari River most of the way, at one point climbing up and away from the upper gorge, so I could see for myself that it definitely wasn't something I'd be paddling by myself, if at all! There were a number of rock sieves and drops, but it certainly looked portageable.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRcbNQpdfKnUQ92VY9z3s1Sz-u_VNJdEJGgD4OmS70WUjTZZRToK6Dc75lGJqe19SMWzNhULDWIrOxIPqVwiDagkkg6F_se7-dXaEzp8T3SeOUGxGV7r3cZABojvLgkNtytGEsA3Jl8ZM4_JQAOfmQbHvNMeo-BCE-eM3CIEnsRKjy2atoAVEcE1w/s4032/20220430-IMG_8200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRcbNQpdfKnUQ92VY9z3s1Sz-u_VNJdEJGgD4OmS70WUjTZZRToK6Dc75lGJqe19SMWzNhULDWIrOxIPqVwiDagkkg6F_se7-dXaEzp8T3SeOUGxGV7r3cZABojvLgkNtytGEsA3Jl8ZM4_JQAOfmQbHvNMeo-BCE-eM3CIEnsRKjy2atoAVEcE1w/w640-h480/20220430-IMG_8200.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqghyVLhz774T-xCsDGrxNVm1rLsykxlQemF5bkIu_QOVGTU8sz_kxwwBhJxLXsHX9pWXEWALEjvvEsvcHuIWNa49s3fHDSka6jAWoHrT1-p7SihYDaEBqEQ_lpzj5vo0rVMwGD1I58nUgSsqOtFZSn1JThBCiOqIx_H6O20U3dciHoBh2xhBt7E4/s4032/20220430-IMG_8201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqghyVLhz774T-xCsDGrxNVm1rLsykxlQemF5bkIu_QOVGTU8sz_kxwwBhJxLXsHX9pWXEWALEjvvEsvcHuIWNa49s3fHDSka6jAWoHrT1-p7SihYDaEBqEQ_lpzj5vo0rVMwGD1I58nUgSsqOtFZSn1JThBCiOqIx_H6O20U3dciHoBh2xhBt7E4/w480-h640/20220430-IMG_8201.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern start of Paparoa Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfFMRn9CVMby0tuNN2fB3pO0vtpkZ3UFoEv4SwtYXv6WJgOFHkGYrpOHNkJraor7GaqoqLDIeDR-zZDW4-LE1i2z0h1sttZYENP2olW2evt3qZ1ffL8eEPLKMSSQ_UH650_BGV8VBoEIwOBwIoo23eVes-xv4YrnT3PvMubxDBExgHvJSgxggndEr/s3379/20220430-IMG_8203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2534" data-original-width="3379" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfFMRn9CVMby0tuNN2fB3pO0vtpkZ3UFoEv4SwtYXv6WJgOFHkGYrpOHNkJraor7GaqoqLDIeDR-zZDW4-LE1i2z0h1sttZYENP2olW2evt3qZ1ffL8eEPLKMSSQ_UH650_BGV8VBoEIwOBwIoo23eVes-xv4YrnT3PvMubxDBExgHvJSgxggndEr/w640-h480/20220430-IMG_8203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up through Pororari Gorge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMGnOfs4g72_83U1GsvxEh5ks0M9EGTIlEgpuss_tkYsj9sY6AShuHL01mpLlfXaf3WXmEA52qLkMZmLE4UM1rKdPD0r5r9VgVnZCYJ-uYs8LVGP751HHP75c1lcWJKhxxygscJFbFELgen0pWy4A8ZuF4uKwlzn-2foWzdHJJV7A4rCiAaxqg-bZ/s4032/20220430-IMG_8204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMGnOfs4g72_83U1GsvxEh5ks0M9EGTIlEgpuss_tkYsj9sY6AShuHL01mpLlfXaf3WXmEA52qLkMZmLE4UM1rKdPD0r5r9VgVnZCYJ-uYs8LVGP751HHP75c1lcWJKhxxygscJFbFELgen0pWy4A8ZuF4uKwlzn-2foWzdHJJV7A4rCiAaxqg-bZ/w480-h640/20220430-IMG_8204.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">through a tunnel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs_bYOrYLyddC1NnjOab6Rnv_Pj8BNkO_ommZeU6cpi5EfmYNml0-mdnE89PmxUI5qqni1Vhf6IDWvO0qKzdYO1041b0UwPxXLiYWtcGW8vCXA6JvvGJPn0P9F98YsYWzY9MmfvQf4tXuZ4nfJRC--by82oRQIfnCcKJUXDKKvTUB-eY1ztvy-_Vn/s4032/20220430-IMG_8205.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs_bYOrYLyddC1NnjOab6Rnv_Pj8BNkO_ommZeU6cpi5EfmYNml0-mdnE89PmxUI5qqni1Vhf6IDWvO0qKzdYO1041b0UwPxXLiYWtcGW8vCXA6JvvGJPn0P9F98YsYWzY9MmfvQf4tXuZ4nfJRC--by82oRQIfnCcKJUXDKKvTUB-eY1ztvy-_Vn/w480-h640/20220430-IMG_8205.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">easy walking</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAFGIugjkgurNs-wjzDjT5TJPNiLAnK2vFwSHtAymUNvosqLgOhwaslt9fJ6ZvhIhSZNvm_75V7XHfhPKvvzBgShx4h9sNyCbd8Y7RtHllY-_aRmgkF9PJD5YjnoXoP5LEQwmVQJBAqG5d_v2ELrPqgp2QmBrqMxPBCLRSJe49KI3Fi_Ip_lc1D0d/s4032/20220430-IMG_8206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAFGIugjkgurNs-wjzDjT5TJPNiLAnK2vFwSHtAymUNvosqLgOhwaslt9fJ6ZvhIhSZNvm_75V7XHfhPKvvzBgShx4h9sNyCbd8Y7RtHllY-_aRmgkF9PJD5YjnoXoP5LEQwmVQJBAqG5d_v2ELrPqgp2QmBrqMxPBCLRSJe49KI3Fi_Ip_lc1D0d/w480-h640/20220430-IMG_8206.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonlight Tops Hut is on that ledge way in the distance</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The final climb up a ridge to Pororari Hut took about an hour. There was an American couple already there, celebrating 5 years living in NZ. Later, a lone cyclist turned up, and over a few cups of tea we made great conversation and solved most of the world's ills. Awesome company!!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrh9fR63bIGlQMvhkmg61j1ssqxJgJapvOyGJaXwqIG_tgLBz-ql_CyzZzqT54d6h5kW-POXf7IpNPgsyi2NsAa-WEZVm1y9bVznqm_ySRtwCd0D0UU2NsMjV55mEeVaG6kYUzfJ9KD2uaz5xrCaSc0hFoSlKzB4nUyf3vzA6CnE_2UP1ajvEvyJDt/s4032/20220430-IMG_8207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrh9fR63bIGlQMvhkmg61j1ssqxJgJapvOyGJaXwqIG_tgLBz-ql_CyzZzqT54d6h5kW-POXf7IpNPgsyi2NsAa-WEZVm1y9bVznqm_ySRtwCd0D0UU2NsMjV55mEeVaG6kYUzfJ9KD2uaz5xrCaSc0hFoSlKzB4nUyf3vzA6CnE_2UP1ajvEvyJDt/w640-h480/20220430-IMG_8207.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random woodcarving..</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaVpR6qIeSYaKin4Vkym3d0o6Qc0uRkhLNJU56pitAjNyOyLVZDEG-X2cfJJVC8tpUVhWdopjWu9pB2vSwy_db7wIImIYGubaRUiIw_nXrtJXxDi6K0UaL7pBFa35rdWegawZQw5d4PTHn0tgTAYv3Mgzo6aejZUETOVzIIEW8sqhm1JHz6pye2R4/s4032/20220430-IMG_8208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaVpR6qIeSYaKin4Vkym3d0o6Qc0uRkhLNJU56pitAjNyOyLVZDEG-X2cfJJVC8tpUVhWdopjWu9pB2vSwy_db7wIImIYGubaRUiIw_nXrtJXxDi6K0UaL7pBFa35rdWegawZQw5d4PTHn0tgTAYv3Mgzo6aejZUETOVzIIEW8sqhm1JHz6pye2R4/w640-h480/20220430-IMG_8208.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The craggy limestone mountains in the north of Paparoa National Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCuOp4ntv6a4CkW1egiZKnpQZmSD6nEXr3gH_cEnCuUrJGiYbXZ94YIiT9lphBlMB6LYEF2PzJ9pQL2PdIwJt1pchPNs4n83T9XD_0-Nhsv1fBFjC-2RbNNmt1-lTcb1ZtzhNhIvhH_p175yPXv2tqSTkV5C9tpjxa6Pv5wsHv1cvdJeldIF_YZB9/s4032/20220430-IMG_8209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCuOp4ntv6a4CkW1egiZKnpQZmSD6nEXr3gH_cEnCuUrJGiYbXZ94YIiT9lphBlMB6LYEF2PzJ9pQL2PdIwJt1pchPNs4n83T9XD_0-Nhsv1fBFjC-2RbNNmt1-lTcb1ZtzhNhIvhH_p175yPXv2tqSTkV5C9tpjxa6Pv5wsHv1cvdJeldIF_YZB9/w640-h480/20220430-IMG_8209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxZz0eFVQIl-vHZRA2EgA7jmDYXWEXhQRGa_wfZC2apFcflZhJrsc2Xen8hyJ0ou-QzCUpHZqieV9BgrckJEOlzNKbPvvaqcg-XMt_VcxSv0fYt7ezPtdAdrZ1iQQCBNKGOPpFNo5bhfeuWbDo9GnB3mzHMiMOvOtUdIt3k-XlxNonN6iXAJ5lZQc/s4032/20220430-IMG_8211.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxZz0eFVQIl-vHZRA2EgA7jmDYXWEXhQRGa_wfZC2apFcflZhJrsc2Xen8hyJ0ou-QzCUpHZqieV9BgrckJEOlzNKbPvvaqcg-XMt_VcxSv0fYt7ezPtdAdrZ1iQQCBNKGOPpFNo5bhfeuWbDo9GnB3mzHMiMOvOtUdIt3k-XlxNonN6iXAJ5lZQc/w640-h480/20220430-IMG_8211.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The escarpment, can you see the track descending off it on the left?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SQjJ7bXUeoEO7Dym8PxC7baiGtcOdN7ggcwLDXW_GYmFSahdOrm0rOh4MmNRVEznUg2xzYXlaUF5ub-hc3XaODFkWzDX0J4RJQROwmemaWcv6052Ngtfbf3NHoeg7hUJBs8Sw-w3P_dtQUKwK-9i5FBe07ntuPniM6k-qF8C-wJX9DNFQPtZDvZC/s4032/20220430-IMG_8212.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SQjJ7bXUeoEO7Dym8PxC7baiGtcOdN7ggcwLDXW_GYmFSahdOrm0rOh4MmNRVEznUg2xzYXlaUF5ub-hc3XaODFkWzDX0J4RJQROwmemaWcv6052Ngtfbf3NHoeg7hUJBs8Sw-w3P_dtQUKwK-9i5FBe07ntuPniM6k-qF8C-wJX9DNFQPtZDvZC/w480-h640/20220430-IMG_8212.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonlight Tops Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4i0UHtGL-3AuSGawOpa4rRUvHcZWgMHHyng4yESoiJkRWk2Bu5qU1bgu_S3KTZ_iR-v4x_t92vM6iMONXM_R_J49NUycDUDEZKFUQuwIp-Fo1EA23pv6gRleXFeVSBjC2iDN1Arh2v8G-ecG1Ae_TZCc4UWlOw2aJceANLdxr8Wx2mDhHDq5AmRn/s4032/20220430-IMG_8213.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4i0UHtGL-3AuSGawOpa4rRUvHcZWgMHHyng4yESoiJkRWk2Bu5qU1bgu_S3KTZ_iR-v4x_t92vM6iMONXM_R_J49NUycDUDEZKFUQuwIp-Fo1EA23pv6gRleXFeVSBjC2iDN1Arh2v8G-ecG1Ae_TZCc4UWlOw2aJceANLdxr8Wx2mDhHDq5AmRn/w640-h480/20220430-IMG_8213.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset, Pororari Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We all took our time leaving the next morning, it being an easy downhill walk, even easier cycle, back out. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqm4oyyMHy3g2NrJdyfLJoYj6odz1aVt6izozUJ_R2afYy6auT-QK0E-rYDU0dYqf1eEC6vqgT_wAhk-Db3wdIwgJzbb_2dFsmCREj4NbZ8pZQAtE_kM93qxlur4QNu1gKz32CDrVJdMPUgu9Bmt30BMrpcOnwcPQ8bX4h3AyY8tjVRlWVlUwRoPp/s4032/20220501-IMG_8215.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqm4oyyMHy3g2NrJdyfLJoYj6odz1aVt6izozUJ_R2afYy6auT-QK0E-rYDU0dYqf1eEC6vqgT_wAhk-Db3wdIwgJzbb_2dFsmCREj4NbZ8pZQAtE_kM93qxlur4QNu1gKz32CDrVJdMPUgu9Bmt30BMrpcOnwcPQ8bX4h3AyY8tjVRlWVlUwRoPp/w480-h640/20220501-IMG_8215.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwKATRjira7Zn6lX7oSiRTE1oFoKu3MuDb1zf1GNNaKL4q9kFUiKUpHeIs8FprXJl2_4jsSRg-eAKBqDGbBO7e52qKbgUJPkvIAD-0kRrgJ0PKGWuQdHR20-GHXnN-aEq8ubCyarIpaiFRtqJufTf87ZVkRHfu5qAoHXgifSOsEPKC2ceZwjXVdyq/s4032/20220501-IMG_8216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwKATRjira7Zn6lX7oSiRTE1oFoKu3MuDb1zf1GNNaKL4q9kFUiKUpHeIs8FprXJl2_4jsSRg-eAKBqDGbBO7e52qKbgUJPkvIAD-0kRrgJ0PKGWuQdHR20-GHXnN-aEq8ubCyarIpaiFRtqJufTf87ZVkRHfu5qAoHXgifSOsEPKC2ceZwjXVdyq/w480-h640/20220501-IMG_8216.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4s2bBHnMF0fwhx7MbqUsPkB1KTl7aKBtKAwV68IWquwX8fixI7oJMf1Q_-syXTP9cqsW5N74P8Nkdor5taQGIzd5Mv6aeQEbXmS6lXuVSP3Y5d7J5JpngI9niJ4fDQ8IWA2qp2J1MkWkA288QMg2livyxzOSedHB0CIwKfJAWRRTW1bTt_MJ6l4z/s4032/20220501-IMG_8219.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4s2bBHnMF0fwhx7MbqUsPkB1KTl7aKBtKAwV68IWquwX8fixI7oJMf1Q_-syXTP9cqsW5N74P8Nkdor5taQGIzd5Mv6aeQEbXmS6lXuVSP3Y5d7J5JpngI9niJ4fDQ8IWA2qp2J1MkWkA288QMg2livyxzOSedHB0CIwKfJAWRRTW1bTt_MJ6l4z/w480-h640/20220501-IMG_8219.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjS0FwGBaY7BKgf3oKe9KZVXoCQTyVBN6Wh8LlHh0I5-UZ6TZQ8lC0WrdfQdjunAyzskNKPxaKDUZDF7py3fqnN9iNZt0LA9JCmgF7OleHIX20qplS2-Phz5bFVPkGHutpphoaFMbgXejCZIZ2Xxf60SIXI25nw_ABiL2DupOkvUbnaGy7aldJMx-D/s4032/20220501-IMG_8221.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjS0FwGBaY7BKgf3oKe9KZVXoCQTyVBN6Wh8LlHh0I5-UZ6TZQ8lC0WrdfQdjunAyzskNKPxaKDUZDF7py3fqnN9iNZt0LA9JCmgF7OleHIX20qplS2-Phz5bFVPkGHutpphoaFMbgXejCZIZ2Xxf60SIXI25nw_ABiL2DupOkvUbnaGy7aldJMx-D/w480-h640/20220501-IMG_8221.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I booked in at the motor camp, enjoyed a nice hot shower, and the next day headed back down to Wanaka. I had no choice, all my footwear was buggered, and there was a brand new pair of trail shoes waiting in Wanaka for me.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZpriv3rZp-zq51yc5EVKzn8dRU11mqDMussMQ9rw1bAwt8hj4Ox5ZHQDB24LizEZl-C6RYX1iJBroFdjHgWb2vpSudYADWYUimYuTfNrmsG-5Q_v-x8RvZ5QQaVZ3AIXcv6FcjjhC8fPGko1rDE8tvxW-0eEb6m835h5cgY6bTJjKqxCCodZ9gsQ/s4032/20220501-IMG_8222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZpriv3rZp-zq51yc5EVKzn8dRU11mqDMussMQ9rw1bAwt8hj4Ox5ZHQDB24LizEZl-C6RYX1iJBroFdjHgWb2vpSudYADWYUimYuTfNrmsG-5Q_v-x8RvZ5QQaVZ3AIXcv6FcjjhC8fPGko1rDE8tvxW-0eEb6m835h5cgY6bTJjKqxCCodZ9gsQ/w480-h640/20220501-IMG_8222.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />There was also a bike to look at. What's that?? A bike??<p></p><p>That's next...</p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-67302742676723643592022-04-23T08:50:00.059+08:002022-12-06T06:33:01.150+08:00Getting into Grade Three<p>No, I'm not at school anymore, though I'm yet to stop learning new things, on a daily basis if possible. In this case the topic refers to my ongoing journey in tackling whitewater paddling with my packraft.</p><p>When I first purchased my packraft <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2019/04/my-epic-first-packrafting-trip.html" target="_blank">back in 2019 </a>I had simple goals. My purpose was to use a packraft to make a tramp a bit more interesting. To not be deterred by a lake or simple waterway but to use my portable craft to continue on. </p><p>Because of my double winters skiing, I'd not yet met many packrafting people in NZ. The annual NZ meetup happened in January, when I was in the Northern Hemisphere, but I'd been keeping an eye on things from the sidelines. I felt that the emphasis seemed to be too strongly focused on paddling whitewater, and after <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2019/03/packrafting-101.html" target="_blank">getting caught on a tree on my first packrafting outing with Arno</a> I was less than eager to go anywhere near rapids higher than Grade 2, EVER!!!</p><p>Due to COVID I've been stuck in NZ for a couple of summers, so at last got to attend some packrafting meetups and begin to make friends and contacts within the relatively small packrafting community. <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2021/01/emotional-highs-and-lows-my-ongoing.html" target="_blank">My first meetup </a>didn't really give me much confidence, tending to reinforce my initial prejudices about it's whitewater focus, but slowly, through more interaction and more paddling I now understand why that focus is there.</p><p>There are lots of people like me who aren't primarily interested in pushing the whitewater limits of packrafts, though there definitely are some hard core paddlers out there. I gravitated towards the "trampers who packraft" group, people like Stu and Jude who joined me on my <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2021/06/the-classic-packrafting-trip-hollyford.html" target="_blank">Hollyford Pyke trip</a>. Despite having each done it a number of times already, they loved the loop so much they were keen to do it again. We've now decided to try and make it a yearly event.</p><p>I learnt that many people within the packrafting community were interested in some of the trips I had done. Ones that crossed lakes rather than ran a river. They also had no problems enjoying floating down a Grade 1 river enjoying the spectacular scenery. It didn't have to be about the adrenaline rush at all.</p><p>I also began to realise that the whitewater focus came primarily from a concern around safety. People like Hugh Canard, who is NZ whitewater kayaking royalty, but now packrafts as he has got older, were concerned that the "tramping packrafter" didn't understand the rivers they were floating down, and with the increased stability of a raft over a whitewater kayak, could get into much more trouble by overestimating their skills. A kayaker needs a few more skills to tackle a Grade 2 rapid, a raft can just float it. So a packrafter may find themselves deciding to tackle a Grade 3 rapid without the skills needed.</p><p>The difference between a Grade 2 and Grade 3 is consequence. If you fall out in a Grade 2 rapid there's usually no consequences. There's an easy line not requiring much manoeuvring and usually a safe pool at the bottom of the rapid to recover in. A Grade 3, however, has consequence. There are moves you must make, to avoid holes, sieves or other hazards that could drown you, and falling out is something you'd rather avoid. However, the golden rule is if you don't think you could swim a rapid, you shouldn't run it either. That's when you should portage your extremely lightweight craft.</p><p>As mentioned earlier, I had decided early on that I was not interested in running Grade 3 rapids, and at the <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2022/01/paddling-is-fun.html" target="_blank">Wanaka meetup in January</a> I didn't bother tramping up to the G3 rapid on the East Matukituki, instead just paddling an easy G1-2 back to the cars. </p><p>In February Jude and I paddled the <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2022/03/a-few-days-with-jude.html" target="_blank">Grade 3 gorge on the Mararoa</a>, though we portaged the gnarly drops and the water was pretty low so it was probably 2+ at most. Both of us enjoyed the process of picking a line and deciding whether we would run or portage each rapid, running safety when required.</p><p>Then in March I joined Brendon Nevin and a group of others for a few days on a mini-meetup at Murchison on the mighty Buller River.</p><p>The first day we paddled for many hours on a rather low Buller, putting in just above the Owens river confluence and getting out at the campground in Murchison. I was quite tired after the long paddle, so decided not to paddle that afternoon on the O'Sullivans rapid, a Grade 3 rapid further downstream. The gang ran safety and talked people through, as it required hopping between eddies. I watched, but didn't feel intimidated by looking at the rapid, deciding that I would have given it a go if I hadn't been quite so tired.</p><p>The next day we decided to tackle the Maruia River. It's a gorgeous section that starts beside the highway then disappears into the wilderness for many kilometres before reemerging next to the highway for an easy takeout. We just needed to leave a few cars at the takeout and drive the rest up to the put in.</p><p>There were a few Grade 3 rapids on the run and when we got to the first one I had a good look at it and decided I wasn't going to run it. Then I watched others run it, and decided that perhaps it wasn't that scary, and that maybe I should give it a go. So I did.</p><p>The first part of the rapid required paddling across the rapid from right to left to get into an eddy on the left hand side. There was someone running safety from that rock who then gave us instruction on how to get through the next section. That involved ferry gliding across to some rocks and then breaking out to paddle like crazy across the current towards the right. I did it, and even have the video evidence!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz4W9UEIeqWNqud6zVx5lHLIh0AI1vy-kuoRWi8V8_-ZNtih8gShSxWl39Par1ZledcgYHEx2U1Gb1oOgLuEg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div><br /><br /> <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzeD8lWdm_j5c8re2_nLx26r_Q814XNAvbOT4pzvNawGWkmdC6yzHXDNkCIinGAFW0mkaMvFjdvpQmuSRj03w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><p></p><p>Once I had cracked my first Grade 3 my confidence level grew. I ran the rest of the rapids, even leading down one of them. I was stoked!</p><p>The next day my eyes were sore from paddling without sunglasses so I sat out a paddle along the Matakitaki, but on the fourth day I joined the Wellington crew for a paddle down the upper Wairau. This river had been super pushy when I'd paddled it the first time at the St Arnaud meetup, but this time the water levels were much lower and it was a really enjoyable paddle, with just a little bit of excitement.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKH6SHhipfLD8rdb-q98WUQvW-YoQ0KTW7_xcIyQsu8TaO5UErY-_gatmDj_IQYi5P17G7M5EH_ax0uwneC1-mflbi0cTTitffEZew9bMCNMTor6iRSC6OKJUNmVMinGp-v1vzPt9a84qg9YJb1PtLtFBI-3ki-TIoIjm-LG1xBOs9bY_XWnYrZGP_/s1080/277736545_10228583503233744_4763467899475859345_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKH6SHhipfLD8rdb-q98WUQvW-YoQ0KTW7_xcIyQsu8TaO5UErY-_gatmDj_IQYi5P17G7M5EH_ax0uwneC1-mflbi0cTTitffEZew9bMCNMTor6iRSC6OKJUNmVMinGp-v1vzPt9a84qg9YJb1PtLtFBI-3ki-TIoIjm-LG1xBOs9bY_XWnYrZGP_/w640-h480/277736545_10228583503233744_4763467899475859345_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />In April, a few of us gathered again at Murchison for some paddling. There were just four of us: Kelvin, Liz, Julie and I. Kelvin and Liz had just finished doing a course with Daan at the NZ Kayak School, and Daan had recommended paddling the earthquake rapids as the water levels in the Buller were real low. This made the rapids Grade 3 rather than 4-5s, so I decided to give it a go.<p></p><p>We had a great day. Kelvin and Liz are so experienced, and very safety conscious, so we scouted the rapids well before running them. Gunslinger was perhaps the most gnarly of them, but my ability to get into the eddy I'm aiming for is pretty good now.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjd1QN2vJi60Ztyf7yj_7XaCbOhx00yBUFe7oKggPwLXDmzwmkQ98R2NzmOxk4a-0MlNK8aphEjTKT996dQRD1xkQeoQr5CuJAInh8paYRYA-BHDXwtSqm_j2LnTgZubMo07hRQmLWwpNoe_FqgHq4-8OsbIcmyZVaWCViqqdG09HPW6_C3_DxLXlV/s3730/20220419-IMG_8021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2797" data-original-width="3730" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjd1QN2vJi60Ztyf7yj_7XaCbOhx00yBUFe7oKggPwLXDmzwmkQ98R2NzmOxk4a-0MlNK8aphEjTKT996dQRD1xkQeoQr5CuJAInh8paYRYA-BHDXwtSqm_j2LnTgZubMo07hRQmLWwpNoe_FqgHq4-8OsbIcmyZVaWCViqqdG09HPW6_C3_DxLXlV/w640-h480/20220419-IMG_8021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsdEupK-vlTTZm8KFOYO7U3truc2nYKptQVxEC6VMCuHVkhgg8bDsDbz67eClDUjC3ckRYjPeuFMPwKwh8szmoMRJdUej1knXhBEpfctZukU47qR0V4ViIEmiHS6Mb7ZKJi5mztemFUvECSVQoj5kyV5Tf_2rqb_jO15nRz-dyhCfLk3Nd754ue6F/s4032/20220419-IMG_8029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsdEupK-vlTTZm8KFOYO7U3truc2nYKptQVxEC6VMCuHVkhgg8bDsDbz67eClDUjC3ckRYjPeuFMPwKwh8szmoMRJdUej1knXhBEpfctZukU47qR0V4ViIEmiHS6Mb7ZKJi5mztemFUvECSVQoj5kyV5Tf_2rqb_jO15nRz-dyhCfLk3Nd754ue6F/w640-h480/20220419-IMG_8029.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKK7yYmzPcqx1RBuWYHofgl12C7Lhy6Ezs_mM6FVqoK2_XUEKJzPqCI3ucnXhXqdz6gYlzSzhX-ami8oG29r65aRPwtJB0iHgv4DDberCr6TFUUfFkHE1XWgCNh0CW5oIgHUH5OVvGuHJTbvhS7ngQ6RVuhOO_QvOmWgxIn06aKKIhxv0kYWk4-kaM/s4032/20220419-IMG_8030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKK7yYmzPcqx1RBuWYHofgl12C7Lhy6Ezs_mM6FVqoK2_XUEKJzPqCI3ucnXhXqdz6gYlzSzhX-ami8oG29r65aRPwtJB0iHgv4DDberCr6TFUUfFkHE1XWgCNh0CW5oIgHUH5OVvGuHJTbvhS7ngQ6RVuhOO_QvOmWgxIn06aKKIhxv0kYWk4-kaM/w640-h480/20220419-IMG_8030.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Lower down there's a wave near the Lyell confluence. I didn't try to ride it, but the others did, with varied success. Julie tipped out and lost her boat, and Liz couldn't get to it in time before it disappeared down the next drop. I was on a rock filming, so no help from me. Liz and Kelvin headed off to catch the boat and Julie walked along the river edge. Meanwhile, I capsized on the next drop and had to self rescue since no-one was around to help me. It was a big pool below the drop so an easy self rescue by swimming to the side and into shallow water holding onto all my gear so I didn't lose anything.<p></p><p>Kelvin came back and ferry glided Julie across to the other side of the river where she could walk easily to where her boat was, rescued by some kayakers who had been playing further down the rapids. I ran the last rapid without drama and then it was an easy paddle down to the take out.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZqTED6gLpL7m58UT_K99YP_z4KrtcYvF2qnrWHWYs1Iz-5PmUyUJa4rEvsxVO9P71yxczU3vFWbYABakVtRmAvc2qe9KvxHrYtpnL3tp4C2gZKY4CYFkVHqJOVQfBewN02Ghn17w0BJpZ5M84tCX0BIl-mlIkX_0hhHz8S3AtCFvNyLidTh3d-vo/s4032/20220419-IMG_8058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZqTED6gLpL7m58UT_K99YP_z4KrtcYvF2qnrWHWYs1Iz-5PmUyUJa4rEvsxVO9P71yxczU3vFWbYABakVtRmAvc2qe9KvxHrYtpnL3tp4C2gZKY4CYFkVHqJOVQfBewN02Ghn17w0BJpZ5M84tCX0BIl-mlIkX_0hhHz8S3AtCFvNyLidTh3d-vo/w640-h480/20220419-IMG_8058.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The next day Liz, Julie and I paddled the Matakitaki middle section. We'd run that before at the St Arnaud meetup, (the others had also paddled it in March) and although low, it was still navigable and a gentler experience than our more exciting previous day.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwVmY9Hxxb2RVnKS4gGZeM4Yx8QEeBhp-MTn0dCuvx1ah2TLrophi5LnQ51xv9AfuPdcYj7UGV93-Rlq89AypTvEzWzbq6s9GUmR7yr43rROmi10gx2y6GcqQhJIYh0FV77qxbGIgu8MxPkOVpzkzq1II-DPTYCzi2xcHSe9n2jXaeSDCaKIdJbKh/s3667/20220420-IMG_8061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2750" data-original-width="3667" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwVmY9Hxxb2RVnKS4gGZeM4Yx8QEeBhp-MTn0dCuvx1ah2TLrophi5LnQ51xv9AfuPdcYj7UGV93-Rlq89AypTvEzWzbq6s9GUmR7yr43rROmi10gx2y6GcqQhJIYh0FV77qxbGIgu8MxPkOVpzkzq1II-DPTYCzi2xcHSe9n2jXaeSDCaKIdJbKh/w640-h480/20220420-IMG_8061.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eP0V_jquMJktMwMWbEqIkR2UXfrYlacB-DjZqSa243GTLSdP4PKpeipzXHSh9VoUftcNeOC5iPWPH3tJrFFGez_YQolKm6hwDs5Dsh1l7x1A2qb_FT7q81f75tUSZT3KC_newE3pyjdwmeAvuHacp_QC5Pqqt7mvRUmueuamJFXfIqtvTfoZGXf_/s4032/20220420-IMG_8064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eP0V_jquMJktMwMWbEqIkR2UXfrYlacB-DjZqSa243GTLSdP4PKpeipzXHSh9VoUftcNeOC5iPWPH3tJrFFGez_YQolKm6hwDs5Dsh1l7x1A2qb_FT7q81f75tUSZT3KC_newE3pyjdwmeAvuHacp_QC5Pqqt7mvRUmueuamJFXfIqtvTfoZGXf_/w640-h480/20220420-IMG_8064.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4nLj99IIQQoSnArWhgaqKajOEZVjudLFXhwQERG2CwOzGtaemIg-rpMi6tZt3pcKWIqriwSatKinSi5sVZI-DP_fGwXg2j1Nva8uHV7V--isA3bQ48nITTCwhDjDY3wddcIbThqK2G6aCuBDLB7ITOXgJHwueShYI1GeI4Eh4KkbyaR137UxQ2L1/s4032/20220420-IMG_8065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4nLj99IIQQoSnArWhgaqKajOEZVjudLFXhwQERG2CwOzGtaemIg-rpMi6tZt3pcKWIqriwSatKinSi5sVZI-DP_fGwXg2j1Nva8uHV7V--isA3bQ48nITTCwhDjDY3wddcIbThqK2G6aCuBDLB7ITOXgJHwueShYI1GeI4Eh4KkbyaR137UxQ2L1/w480-h640/20220420-IMG_8065.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm8LmbILlmtiSe4IFBeZqLMTt-xj3QWI6uCwgfBMXwj6Vhn5v3fwHronJ6_ODjE67J0fBnE97dGMpGbBPxt47iiFNgP5LaZF-1JRMPTv7XOwaatLspei81dYzxEdSEp_n19d-DLjvYf-HYqLdiQWm5LD3zbGkjcmBuM4atg9GsRz9WKf-kX2TJJQj/s3610/20220420-IMG_8067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3610" data-original-width="2708" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm8LmbILlmtiSe4IFBeZqLMTt-xj3QWI6uCwgfBMXwj6Vhn5v3fwHronJ6_ODjE67J0fBnE97dGMpGbBPxt47iiFNgP5LaZF-1JRMPTv7XOwaatLspei81dYzxEdSEp_n19d-DLjvYf-HYqLdiQWm5LD3zbGkjcmBuM4atg9GsRz9WKf-kX2TJJQj/w480-h640/20220420-IMG_8067.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuxXAOgn4BgJuMoo9gTKomWfjaIimT6XumnzF_XnnZ227rp_Jt_T95kV_Dy5izvE3bkbrfDtFzumlRrUSD_IDK5CNETEQq-fV56D52SLGUrf1d0SCIMA7bV6kdd4W6l8rOdwhXEE3iIEv2ssQt-_Hb_TUAQ6PWaLKDOpGUud7Gw7fpgiC_p0A19EA/s3516/20220420-IMG_8068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3516" data-original-width="2637" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuxXAOgn4BgJuMoo9gTKomWfjaIimT6XumnzF_XnnZ227rp_Jt_T95kV_Dy5izvE3bkbrfDtFzumlRrUSD_IDK5CNETEQq-fV56D52SLGUrf1d0SCIMA7bV6kdd4W6l8rOdwhXEE3iIEv2ssQt-_Hb_TUAQ6PWaLKDOpGUud7Gw7fpgiC_p0A19EA/w480-h640/20220420-IMG_8068.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The following day was raining, so the rivers started to rise. It was also my birthday, so Liz and I had a leisurely brunch at the local cafe then browsed the shops before scoping out the Mangles for an afternoon paddle. In the end apathy got the better of us and we didn't bother getting wet.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3feguOkYWsEDiBLEp9gHWggfNvgOlWa1hFv6X1S1Ny7pbQzWaTHKOS9-YxA52rwRw69oJAR5qgemQwwvwilNu4B7_Ebl3qVrNc1y6As9D3oeNXceTxabyZiIgmweKcvGUtzaVrU6JntD94JS0_EFX2fDeEACkheupQnd_uHC1GoiqrH0VOyvP_wqP/s4032/20220421-IMG_8073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3feguOkYWsEDiBLEp9gHWggfNvgOlWa1hFv6X1S1Ny7pbQzWaTHKOS9-YxA52rwRw69oJAR5qgemQwwvwilNu4B7_Ebl3qVrNc1y6As9D3oeNXceTxabyZiIgmweKcvGUtzaVrU6JntD94JS0_EFX2fDeEACkheupQnd_uHC1GoiqrH0VOyvP_wqP/w480-h640/20220421-IMG_8073.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I now feel like a competent paddler. I know I have the skills to decide whether I will tackle a Grade 3 rapid or not, and also the confidence to happily say no and portage if I'm not up to it. Of course it's all very well saying you can paddle Grade 3, you still need to have fellow paddlers with you to ensure safety. So don't expect to see me doing any radical tramps with gnarly paddling sections any time soon...<p></p><p>But the lesson is: Never say never!</p>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227787658022807400.post-27589956296772797832022-04-14T08:21:00.992+08:002022-11-29T08:27:04.782+08:00Across the spine : Richmond Ranges Alpine Route<div dir="ltr"><div><div style="text-align: left;">Talk to any person who has walked the <a href="https://www.teararoa.org.nz" target="_blank">Te Araroa</a>, and almost all of them will cite the Richmond Ranges as one of the most memorable sections of their walk. Sometimes because of its spectacular alpine ridge walking and myriad huts, sometimes because they simply survived it, but it's considered to be one of the hardest sections of the entire route from Cape Reinga to Bluff.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's a long section without access to supplies, so you need to be well stocked with food. And almost all of the route is exposed alpine ridges, so it's susceptible to miserable weather, including high winds and fogs. There's also very little available water on much of the route.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I wasn't fazed by the hype, especially as I planned to walk the route in forecasted good weather. Assuming the weather algorithms could actually be correct for the full 6-7 days I planned to take for the crossing. Since I'd already walked <a href="http://www.whatsnextnaomi.com/2018/05/chasing-sun-in-marlborough.html" target="_blank">a loop along the Pelorus River and back via Browning and Rocks Huts a few years ago,</a> my tramp would start near St Arnaud and finish at the end of the Hackett Track on Aniseed Valley Road.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of my packrafting mates lives in Wakefield, so I hit him up for accommodation and a ride to the start of the track just off the SH63 east of St Arnaud. He would pick me up at the track end a week later. Since I had my Inreach I would be able to contact him to arrange a pickup time, and to confirm which day I would arrive. I made sure to bring some extra food in case of delays due to bad weather.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div> <h3 style="text-align: left;">Day 1 <i>Road end to Red Hills Hut 2 hours<br /> Red Hills Hut to Porters Creek Hut 10.5km, 5.5 hours </i></h3> <div>Brendon and I headed off a bit before 8am for the one hour drive from Wakefield to the track end at 6 Mile Creek. There's a carpark there so I was able to pull in off the highway and get my boots on, setting off around 9:15. Brendon took my car back to Wakefield for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>The walk up to Red Hills was initially on a single track through beech forest but then joined a shingle 4WD track for most of the climb up to the saddle. The hut was in an awesome location, in the sun, looking across some boggy ground to the Red Hills. I stopped to sign the book then continued on. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIQETfjcSEG4qii1DIsAkqMWNuNnCG676qB8HfOGE0K7dx0BLZQXaD4OPPIsN_u7wZjMrbVnivm2JA0OIdfM2wG6g9MYBe0VfNPLwClX0fBAwikFIVTvlhPeBQ0Es92FAF2skf1VjWtB4sWL-1YP11QfishuXQq8KZYNDZciR8gntsaxXEiHZT-rv/s4032/20220407-IMG_7884.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIQETfjcSEG4qii1DIsAkqMWNuNnCG676qB8HfOGE0K7dx0BLZQXaD4OPPIsN_u7wZjMrbVnivm2JA0OIdfM2wG6g9MYBe0VfNPLwClX0fBAwikFIVTvlhPeBQ0Es92FAF2skf1VjWtB4sWL-1YP11QfishuXQq8KZYNDZciR8gntsaxXEiHZT-rv/w640-h480/20220407-IMG_7884.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down to the Wairau Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLPL8Gb1oUTOwROqjRVYT4dbfT3PUOwr0fxXFAvkAZ7aiI2fzx1nRCncde0StkT2iecpIkeZEMc-vdgMTO-TOs1iz9rUxHKSmpvnxZ18QnvR5h4UaQHkd9vdhcubaIW5Movo1WduBhTzAJxOcZ1Z25RYF26gNVJUENPsXt_22AFJuaS-AITXDrAwm/s4032/20220407-IMG_7885.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLPL8Gb1oUTOwROqjRVYT4dbfT3PUOwr0fxXFAvkAZ7aiI2fzx1nRCncde0StkT2iecpIkeZEMc-vdgMTO-TOs1iz9rUxHKSmpvnxZ18QnvR5h4UaQHkd9vdhcubaIW5Movo1WduBhTzAJxOcZ1Z25RYF26gNVJUENPsXt_22AFJuaS-AITXDrAwm/w480-h640/20220407-IMG_7885.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Hills Hut, fantastic spot, just too soon in the day</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2di9GV84pVEgAAwpZ3c5yv2YMvhwwt9FDbRjAuMzfHuMal33yOCEj_xTjh5Z9hbj-S6N8K-7zhAhz5mE5kPepZEZxoEVB0100R9QTeZS38RDDWOe0q6M8-03c6A3fF5geLcDQXzxlYcybcK45MEVtpTATRMxFWkBee1CXY2lhDXnpiuey7i0VHne/s4032/20220407-IMG_7886.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2di9GV84pVEgAAwpZ3c5yv2YMvhwwt9FDbRjAuMzfHuMal33yOCEj_xTjh5Z9hbj-S6N8K-7zhAhz5mE5kPepZEZxoEVB0100R9QTeZS38RDDWOe0q6M8-03c6A3fF5geLcDQXzxlYcybcK45MEVtpTATRMxFWkBee1CXY2lhDXnpiuey7i0VHne/w640-h480/20220407-IMG_7886.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I came the short way, the long way is for the EFI crowd</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The track was quite boggy at first as it descended towards the Maitland River, then sidled along high above the river for some time before a pretty dodgy descent to the river bed. Once across the tributary it was a steep climb again to maintain the sidle above the river, with numerous smaller creeks to cross. I stopped at one of the side creeks for lunch, taking off my boots to give my feet some air. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCbzBRXArcfXsBm929CI0a2bT7CyIdjMXjySBPJBu1H7zt5uVdMeZWW4oEXmJDtFGtUCFXz0IbrlJAPwVEXEiGB2DbMyQjGZLcoakPpfED7Vd_sa2gabdmTwIN_XnV3kBdvY_ZK4naTjEkfrHMgsFgs3YoVubZp8euU204z7gOIw612cm1-6HdTxN/s4032/20220407-IMG_7887.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCbzBRXArcfXsBm929CI0a2bT7CyIdjMXjySBPJBu1H7zt5uVdMeZWW4oEXmJDtFGtUCFXz0IbrlJAPwVEXEiGB2DbMyQjGZLcoakPpfED7Vd_sa2gabdmTwIN_XnV3kBdvY_ZK4naTjEkfrHMgsFgs3YoVubZp8euU204z7gOIw612cm1-6HdTxN/w640-h480/20220407-IMG_7887.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 hours my arse!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_tvEBGz9J1lV_x1PLdM0BnPyXU4oi-O1XJ_4r5kdZvaUiMtHftqR6FTqT7UrUgWQSV-Joru4Dx9qFzw3k5FbPOw0_vNGLQS39eL_5z0tfh8thyFeVJpBhxe4DafTrOocmAVzXmOpokH1-h_eORnGG8neHfcmqJxyzB2u6nN7ucDuuFe3xnfbHFRv/s4032/20220407-IMG_7888.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_tvEBGz9J1lV_x1PLdM0BnPyXU4oi-O1XJ_4r5kdZvaUiMtHftqR6FTqT7UrUgWQSV-Joru4Dx9qFzw3k5FbPOw0_vNGLQS39eL_5z0tfh8thyFeVJpBhxe4DafTrOocmAVzXmOpokH1-h_eORnGG8neHfcmqJxyzB2u6nN7ucDuuFe3xnfbHFRv/w480-h640/20220407-IMG_7888.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through boggy grasslands</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x5PDnLl5JifqKXiv-ZB-x-oWWoLqqKnsqr_UyHJoRWXeLJEGlbxdVN36FmlWUg__3KzcdhMvBsFCbXJlkEsAlJBhbgaDtLghs6dEKiPoLw1AgcpvZ5vsxLYj-KpY0rdttymZSFnNbSavyQtqOAcrsfYzWat2lFmo_Qm-q6ukOTmlSjIwvN8IP2ph/s4032/20220407-IMG_7889.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x5PDnLl5JifqKXiv-ZB-x-oWWoLqqKnsqr_UyHJoRWXeLJEGlbxdVN36FmlWUg__3KzcdhMvBsFCbXJlkEsAlJBhbgaDtLghs6dEKiPoLw1AgcpvZ5vsxLYj-KpY0rdttymZSFnNbSavyQtqOAcrsfYzWat2lFmo_Qm-q6ukOTmlSjIwvN8IP2ph/w480-h640/20220407-IMG_7889.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending towards the river</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YLUiHEgblMp7NNnjZm9xBwUv3vuEOFsSYkYuHJ_uDagG6lmknW61_OLP1WoauGvuCYgnRIo3_VqxN1XyXoEtVZPW03w_GDyaXR4pCXwx-SZnvWco0Tc73Cn4FH4YwTfH7zErEgeJQ3lGt3r1v75pEp4NQutCyrLMnTKgrvL1gFLalWYPoo49FXqy/s4032/20220407-IMG_7890.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YLUiHEgblMp7NNnjZm9xBwUv3vuEOFsSYkYuHJ_uDagG6lmknW61_OLP1WoauGvuCYgnRIo3_VqxN1XyXoEtVZPW03w_GDyaXR4pCXwx-SZnvWco0Tc73Cn4FH4YwTfH7zErEgeJQ3lGt3r1v75pEp4NQutCyrLMnTKgrvL1gFLalWYPoo49FXqy/w480-h640/20220407-IMG_7890.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentians</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQy3G12Z0ZFeD0ESHsrIch3XKLmx1p864TL_c6kVja9tNkJAVJGiwqfBkvBSJjw6w31MF1w-FfwA1GzeIOTQKldD73u6ovlLOtpU2Bzu_TR1lV8n4PENrcOQHiJHfMvY0w2aNleII1ycRGs_DarThS082mI974dKYm-XjBPYc8icL8k1b0QnuGZjVg/s4032/20220407-IMG_7891.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQy3G12Z0ZFeD0ESHsrIch3XKLmx1p864TL_c6kVja9tNkJAVJGiwqfBkvBSJjw6w31MF1w-FfwA1GzeIOTQKldD73u6ovlLOtpU2Bzu_TR1lV8n4PENrcOQHiJHfMvY0w2aNleII1ycRGs_DarThS082mI974dKYm-XjBPYc8icL8k1b0QnuGZjVg/w480-h640/20220407-IMG_7891.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following the river, you can see the track top right</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI70GzwJZPWC90RlwjtsuNbIkjf3q-RlaWt2W5SxRhyPrQS90a-WRlAtS94TvkX4b-noDsz9y5SQUvkSbwo9V7XRFGVW-TuRhP7oPv8Z4m3xNGXGc2De4lAwpA8Jzl_oSIuVIJ6bxyuEp1wd4MroUTh9L_ycHLfmLdCHpCH3FZd5ItEZFfWCds9BOV/s4032/20220407-IMG_7892.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI70GzwJZPWC90RlwjtsuNbIkjf3q-RlaWt2W5SxRhyPrQS90a-WRlAtS94TvkX4b-noDsz9y5SQUvkSbwo9V7XRFGVW-TuRhP7oPv8Z4m3xNGXGc2De4lAwpA8Jzl_oSIuVIJ6bxyuEp1wd4MroUTh9L_ycHLfmLdCHpCH3FZd5ItEZFfWCds9BOV/w480-h640/20220407-IMG_7892.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mostly the track stayed high above the river, would have been a bit of a scramble to get down to these pools</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJzQE4z9EKFBzLAhG-NemDD3nxLF3-QmgGcIoLl5OOEk5qxr0OrofGNqPaTRFCij_I1L2cIANQAg9J-2ptKbf35qhvxkE7eBOCZr-r-PcHOVj8FiSk4ag7HJWK9uUYx_9qNeYFjSdZdqCQsY_igI08HnjLBy0hNlZdY86yIdO9Tk0suus7JBFEHwP/s4032/20220407-IMG_7893.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJzQE4z9EKFBzLAhG-NemDD3nxLF3-QmgGcIoLl5OOEk5qxr0OrofGNqPaTRFCij_I1L2cIANQAg9J-2ptKbf35qhvxkE7eBOCZr-r-PcHOVj8FiSk4ag7HJWK9uUYx_9qNeYFjSdZdqCQsY_igI08HnjLBy0hNlZdY86yIdO9Tk0suus7JBFEHwP/w480-h640/20220407-IMG_7893.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of scrambles like this</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I've been wearing Injinji mid socks and using hikers wool to prevent blisters but there wasn't quite enough padding on my left heel and although I could feel a blister developing I didn't stop to attend to it, just soldiered on. The track climbed away from the Maitland and up a long ridge. The ground all day had been very rocky, and the vegetation dry, mostly Manuka and low shrubs, so not much respite from the sun. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once I got to the top of the ridge the track disappeared straight into a lovely moist beech forest and the temperature plummeted a good five degrees which was extremely welcome. The descent was fairly steep down to a boulder strewn river which required walking up within the river bed. Stone hopping isn't a favourite with me. At last the poles indicated the final ascent, a fairly brutal climb straight up to avoid a very large slip. Then the track crossed above the slip, climbed a little more and then descended to a shrubby clearing with Porters Creek Hut sitting in the sun. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemjG4wJk8gcEv4Tmsh6Z9VaV3ysK8E6HhH3e1w6NO0nu8lLGXqS7MSi78_XTghY68to9GYQHKFy8ygqTs41E_NVR5uobp82gyD3qNEwmifAEhZC_jHcXzhJNO6dz2Gx2Xf7bZaRsZcZi7W0hJN4JlIu9p9OMKAyPzpJOOgx2ePB7KgSrA1mPNFOT-/s4032/20220407-IMG_7895.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemjG4wJk8gcEv4Tmsh6Z9VaV3ysK8E6HhH3e1w6NO0nu8lLGXqS7MSi78_XTghY68to9GYQHKFy8ygqTs41E_NVR5uobp82gyD3qNEwmifAEhZC_jHcXzhJNO6dz2Gx2Xf7bZaRsZcZi7W0hJN4JlIu9p9OMKAyPzpJOOgx2ePB7KgSrA1mPNFOT-/w640-h480/20220407-IMG_7895.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The sun didn't last long and soon the hut was in shade. It had been a tough day, and many other walkers in the hut book also attested to the walk being a tough one. The lack of shade and the dry rocky environment is quite wearying.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3fmVhlC_tDmkqFMqNgb1A0JYJpgB9if2WkooehDE8l94PN1bs2ElOWCaOi0gbjiF6gV9uqdCE9b6VvnDccwbrbCNrZ9cU65HSIGuaSDSaH5psxmlcgMYtFSdxOF8g8RBv6hOmOAdj2rYoqlcxeMTwNE3lBVv031bxaIg-kxNAUZqxOV39qarySg3/s4032/20220407-IMG_7897.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3fmVhlC_tDmkqFMqNgb1A0JYJpgB9if2WkooehDE8l94PN1bs2ElOWCaOi0gbjiF6gV9uqdCE9b6VvnDccwbrbCNrZ9cU65HSIGuaSDSaH5psxmlcgMYtFSdxOF8g8RBv6hOmOAdj2rYoqlcxeMTwNE3lBVv031bxaIg-kxNAUZqxOV39qarySg3/w640-h480/20220407-IMG_7897.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Porters Creek Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After a wash and attending to the small blister on my left heel I had dinner and had an early night. However, at 8:30pm I saw torches and a family of five turned up. <a href="https://goodmagazine.co.nz/family-walks-with-newborn-on-te-araroa-trail/" target="_blank">Mum, dad, two kids and a five month old baby!! </a>They took 7.5 hours from Red Hills and walked the last couple of hours with head torches. Walking up that dry riverbed must have been pretty tough in the dark, and they wouldn't have been aware of the huge drop not far off the track. Yet the kids were great, not grumpy at all. They were doing TA NoBo and planned to just go to Hunters Hut tomorrow, having planned to take 12 days to do the entire crossing out to Pelorus Bridge. After a wee chat they cooked their dinner and went to bed. I pulled out my earplugs so I wouldn't be disturbed by the baby.</div> <div><br /></div> <div> </div> <h3 style="text-align: left;">Day 2 <i>Porters Creek Hut to Hunters Hut 7km, 3.5 hours<br /> Hunters Hut to Top Wairoa Hut 10.5km, 6 hours </i></h3> <div>Another tough day. My alarm went off at 6am but I didn't manage to get away until 7:30. The walk to Hunters Hut was fairly straight forward with some scree downhills and uphills and a longish sidle across red boulders. The hut was in a lovely spot in the sun well above the river, the old hut having been washed away some years ago killing two occupants. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeG2ob-RU9vmjZVFntHpR8d7cLkiKAvmEBjh95lFI8P5yF5XgkYf1unlX6wp73qQU56i4JnGH9QylhZ3ZtZ6EKXRW5J6jjU8V06sCwKtoL1E3lfyl2kJusin8b6AirAkdlJx9Fh4IIbLzMT5EfEtRP3D-P82F3n0UAgHFQM765cttUaLHZmkyQbmIU/s4032/20220408-IMG_7899.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeG2ob-RU9vmjZVFntHpR8d7cLkiKAvmEBjh95lFI8P5yF5XgkYf1unlX6wp73qQU56i4JnGH9QylhZ3ZtZ6EKXRW5J6jjU8V06sCwKtoL1E3lfyl2kJusin8b6AirAkdlJx9Fh4IIbLzMT5EfEtRP3D-P82F3n0UAgHFQM765cttUaLHZmkyQbmIU/w480-h640/20220408-IMG_7899.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many boulder fields that had to be crossed</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1W-tnf9cZQT5kAxntnriCOM_FiD0aGzgZDGnMs5DHy47SN3_olS_TVdEDZDvLvYU25KgE9PGk_Ig66KwK5feLoU6E7GnKJ4ammm-f3K_lUmg1rL04DgD4GnzLin9Gzb8dJ3rQe5XMVeatlSE7yTfIGFfKqXnxhnZED8J574m6Ba7o11OSjvriaI5D/s4032/20220408-IMG_7900.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1W-tnf9cZQT5kAxntnriCOM_FiD0aGzgZDGnMs5DHy47SN3_olS_TVdEDZDvLvYU25KgE9PGk_Ig66KwK5feLoU6E7GnKJ4ammm-f3K_lUmg1rL04DgD4GnzLin9Gzb8dJ3rQe5XMVeatlSE7yTfIGFfKqXnxhnZED8J574m6Ba7o11OSjvriaI5D/w640-h480/20220408-IMG_7900.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back at Porters Creek Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUf687hmMZKiDn9XqmvCX1Te5LH5Cx_2ZWMAVdUzuWEozFHAIIsnc0ExuTWc891d4kH42ZIZ8eWYLdih3Gs2SHaRO_VoVqwSZokhL_Jy3_v643sHv0Ru0-KI86MpA6EuQB46Y8ZkpIV6NIjvGha4yyjfug_wgkwB_NOoSiYNYYnX_23SBfkJw6W-S/s4032/20220408-IMG_7901.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUf687hmMZKiDn9XqmvCX1Te5LH5Cx_2ZWMAVdUzuWEozFHAIIsnc0ExuTWc891d4kH42ZIZ8eWYLdih3Gs2SHaRO_VoVqwSZokhL_Jy3_v643sHv0Ru0-KI86MpA6EuQB46Y8ZkpIV6NIjvGha4yyjfug_wgkwB_NOoSiYNYYnX_23SBfkJw6W-S/w640-h480/20220408-IMG_7901.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scree scramble up</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNr_io-xosAJPlLSoq_iOBDl-5kN2bVnr1Uvx5fJFWTsm_dZSPU807BT25klWcWCccoYGgPss443qzvMGXkONUTdNOe_jo3dlOrehAFAoT_-X-ViHSdHcUGFlEB_ACmckNYxmFmvkfd8EKHavTipyF5iyztAd3iqFBrWCTZLRI1LyakIrvf-GET3G/s4032/20220408-IMG_7902.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNr_io-xosAJPlLSoq_iOBDl-5kN2bVnr1Uvx5fJFWTsm_dZSPU807BT25klWcWCccoYGgPss443qzvMGXkONUTdNOe_jo3dlOrehAFAoT_-X-ViHSdHcUGFlEB_ACmckNYxmFmvkfd8EKHavTipyF5iyztAd3iqFBrWCTZLRI1LyakIrvf-GET3G/w480-h640/20220408-IMG_7902.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice wee slippery down</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz_qhhbMgWdNuDmPr6iglnPR-69YV8I6BK8angCuJZz9Pswu_q-w3iDfCsOeTHthULyz9dUc3bzGp49JvP_Np279-MOHv71fWrpduhHfyHoMO_RXgIktdraAvy49fCPeutSK3N-Ri58vAo1Apvdx968lmCHyxTM0FrZit8vq7M4W2QMbVE1Iik7f2/s4032/20220408-IMG_7903.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz_qhhbMgWdNuDmPr6iglnPR-69YV8I6BK8angCuJZz9Pswu_q-w3iDfCsOeTHthULyz9dUc3bzGp49JvP_Np279-MOHv71fWrpduhHfyHoMO_RXgIktdraAvy49fCPeutSK3N-Ri58vAo1Apvdx968lmCHyxTM0FrZit8vq7M4W2QMbVE1Iik7f2/w480-h640/20220408-IMG_7903.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down the bottom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4V6rX7FCye4nZqnOpRZZMjf3sFBIM5dumNZ2P7czNCfVqPmypriQqT10n6rR7m5uadrAb2X-AUT3kMWPLIEiPJgxFnJuJP-PjzYo9Ryx6cvO09_Dhwawv1r_0ZZpS6aU0QRIv5E73Jnju_cthoJqgQ_PZl7Gy_h125_cVPX44vmynq5hy4wchiX2r/s4032/20220408-IMG_7904.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4V6rX7FCye4nZqnOpRZZMjf3sFBIM5dumNZ2P7czNCfVqPmypriQqT10n6rR7m5uadrAb2X-AUT3kMWPLIEiPJgxFnJuJP-PjzYo9Ryx6cvO09_Dhwawv1r_0ZZpS6aU0QRIv5E73Jnju_cthoJqgQ_PZl7Gy_h125_cVPX44vmynq5hy4wchiX2r/w480-h640/20220408-IMG_7904.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice wee path through some beech forest</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhoTS0u7iQ-cc6sAucYsdwmOG_gukdcXlLuK_PEUjqM-2Dz0QT4HON18JnVueAaYCid-y5jZfwoulbOKRi870Vk4P2l8XtF29WxY_XW5NKk-BLoqADZlX_tmQDpdAYxLkhh60Ac53fqAEiFCbJPnRRSq_M_UlM4EklZ6J6DJBI8ErZ5LgaXjHHdjE/s4032/20220408-IMG_7905.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhoTS0u7iQ-cc6sAucYsdwmOG_gukdcXlLuK_PEUjqM-2Dz0QT4HON18JnVueAaYCid-y5jZfwoulbOKRi870Vk4P2l8XtF29WxY_XW5NKk-BLoqADZlX_tmQDpdAYxLkhh60Ac53fqAEiFCbJPnRRSq_M_UlM4EklZ6J6DJBI8ErZ5LgaXjHHdjE/w480-h640/20220408-IMG_7905.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to the more usual track quality for the day</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneNnEfFtaaJJohzM130Ord1zFdcfqP7Um-i_Eubs7ZVa8NMbCmv2sklksfrGoTcwKMrGHvqKIb8Gv10BhSQ-NaTTZes1bU6C6uET9CpbZDZXIkX1zgo4C_fk-TvgO61DBabBrMoVpsC2wkHm9scRFiYJh7GSqUCHGKCEyPYg6-qeeTzrcqBjiim9E/s4032/20220408-IMG_7908.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneNnEfFtaaJJohzM130Ord1zFdcfqP7Um-i_Eubs7ZVa8NMbCmv2sklksfrGoTcwKMrGHvqKIb8Gv10BhSQ-NaTTZes1bU6C6uET9CpbZDZXIkX1zgo4C_fk-TvgO61DBabBrMoVpsC2wkHm9scRFiYJh7GSqUCHGKCEyPYg6-qeeTzrcqBjiim9E/w480-h640/20220408-IMG_7908.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which then became big ugly boulder fields to cross</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLpZVupE3rF7NJVViXrKHurwYT1dsqmYcrR9TMXmtHeGZePAKfesUsT5FpRvZN0-ErzEOqwwE4bp0SSdcVbmjc_lp-762wgu-VMlsNkUwi8hs10PpnMCHkyYG6CbVGO3lYJbUuUd2kfFXO2Za03H_0kigLVD9dGCvEImG85SRl-GV25Nh7Jk8Fvyb/s4032/20220408-IMG_7910.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLpZVupE3rF7NJVViXrKHurwYT1dsqmYcrR9TMXmtHeGZePAKfesUsT5FpRvZN0-ErzEOqwwE4bp0SSdcVbmjc_lp-762wgu-VMlsNkUwi8hs10PpnMCHkyYG6CbVGO3lYJbUuUd2kfFXO2Za03H_0kigLVD9dGCvEImG85SRl-GV25Nh7Jk8Fvyb/w480-h640/20220408-IMG_7910.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of those bloody boulders</td></tr></tbody></table><br />From the river below the hut the track began to climb, sidling along above the river which had gorgeous pools perfect for swimming in. The wind picked up, not much of an issue at first but once the real climb began it was quite strong. As I got higher I could see down to Tasman Bay. There was also cell coverage so I checked the weather forecast. Still good. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisArYx7CC3mHAL4eidmk9E3-SHJ_WKWZkvXIOCSoRzKByfaodWCgRi-8w4MADskh7fha3yucCvYhKlckvR3xZmgorakR5OtjoZdb0VbHfxUuN7M2bjQ2WVlJlyVXgn8ck1rfwGtlQs0bjHd0MOQcjbVlSDuvqgsamXI5SoLBIv5vCRjH33dudIs0XX/s3607/20220408-IMG_E7907.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3607" data-original-width="2704" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisArYx7CC3mHAL4eidmk9E3-SHJ_WKWZkvXIOCSoRzKByfaodWCgRi-8w4MADskh7fha3yucCvYhKlckvR3xZmgorakR5OtjoZdb0VbHfxUuN7M2bjQ2WVlJlyVXgn8ck1rfwGtlQs0bjHd0MOQcjbVlSDuvqgsamXI5SoLBIv5vCRjH33dudIs0XX/w480-h640/20220408-IMG_E7907.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRjFZgYI8RdtozQChyKln46bWqcS8mJqX8-4b0TriMlYa2k3bpBpVXFQ0TznMgqXO3ydDFYnKK678lHRk_gp0Z6qwKXgWqbE9PIfbSW71_oZ115e9kZn-F55VymuhqqfRz3gNOwjPBdjZs3Bt869tqIZWOb2cJtFQRml5i90RKxNBz9a7FOVTCYP5/s4032/20220408-IMG_7911.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRjFZgYI8RdtozQChyKln46bWqcS8mJqX8-4b0TriMlYa2k3bpBpVXFQ0TznMgqXO3ydDFYnKK678lHRk_gp0Z6qwKXgWqbE9PIfbSW71_oZ115e9kZn-F55VymuhqqfRz3gNOwjPBdjZs3Bt869tqIZWOb2cJtFQRml5i90RKxNBz9a7FOVTCYP5/w480-h640/20220408-IMG_7911.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up the ridge towards Mt Ellis</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was a long climb. The wind was blustery and at times strong enough to knock me sideways, so I was using both poles for support. It climbed up to just below Mt Ellis, then there was a very long sidle below the rocky outcrop to join another ridge line. I could see Hunters Hut the whole time!! </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7pioVPpJ9AAMclmv0MUuMoJizClqP6td3WqqjJmzlvvFk8C285llT9LRYFpJD7tC5reN-Hc_7FwgYNHuPHeTPVijLGFbXYt60uGm41ICahcuix491497OBtcml9ttYY7AxKzbv3TN1U78jnojQvPyqrNV5JbJvbmpJD6RkU1A3bivQgIQdHyzAzF/s4032/20220408-IMG_7913.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7pioVPpJ9AAMclmv0MUuMoJizClqP6td3WqqjJmzlvvFk8C285llT9LRYFpJD7tC5reN-Hc_7FwgYNHuPHeTPVijLGFbXYt60uGm41ICahcuix491497OBtcml9ttYY7AxKzbv3TN1U78jnojQvPyqrNV5JbJvbmpJD6RkU1A3bivQgIQdHyzAzF/w480-h640/20220408-IMG_7913.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Ellis</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWqYSqswCSDfVEg82H4RsJ0gwZ964yNwEyrQSct6v4uU5xStN2BgqRG_lfJ9RxzRwV0zfIsbjn7fJ2DD2xd4XG82aVWnu_3JTGr0TtSU--JbzhV7IvJo1NhmjLw0wZGa3RE7NcaYtZdlnIcDv2ePhgETok367GQX78d7I-uUlUPvReYvL2p1_F9kq/s4032/20220408-IMG_7914.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWqYSqswCSDfVEg82H4RsJ0gwZ964yNwEyrQSct6v4uU5xStN2BgqRG_lfJ9RxzRwV0zfIsbjn7fJ2DD2xd4XG82aVWnu_3JTGr0TtSU--JbzhV7IvJo1NhmjLw0wZGa3RE7NcaYtZdlnIcDv2ePhgETok367GQX78d7I-uUlUPvReYvL2p1_F9kq/w640-h480/20220408-IMG_7914.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sidling across under Mt Ellis to the ridge in the distance</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2XDAW0B3hrpEvskmuluf_IkuR6gbYMH0W82kk3JUrdq001_1jreInKVT1Bi095rgTNv7outdv0T_90m3oOZDdFovSF9wznZ3husYB3dchLJKomNKXHfya10bXh_91m89WEw5CTDCVWQfaQ3nHCJglOgOsPkvixNDZxgK7oHZeP86rQBQe9-a-BcK/s4032/20220408-IMG_7915.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2XDAW0B3hrpEvskmuluf_IkuR6gbYMH0W82kk3JUrdq001_1jreInKVT1Bi095rgTNv7outdv0T_90m3oOZDdFovSF9wznZ3husYB3dchLJKomNKXHfya10bXh_91m89WEw5CTDCVWQfaQ3nHCJglOgOsPkvixNDZxgK7oHZeP86rQBQe9-a-BcK/w640-h480/20220408-IMG_7915.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to head down into the Wairoa Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The route followed the ridge down and then headed straight downhill into Wairoa Valley. It was a very long and brutal descent, through tussock, bogs and huge red boulder fields. At times I thought my legs would give out and I had a few falls and scrapes, but nothing serious. At last the bright yellow hut came into view, although the toilet could be seen from even further up, but it still took forever to get to.</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4QqYII0E0jGMy4VP9nV88XNxXydbadSnst_aoBtQU6oecgOSijUO2iokZ8YhCNXsBfIk-jjyAXhiymKIRj6qNVNX5Z1P-SMX9w7jAmEDzqss_CMJYhdv13Qbyt0ycuIeSMTrKgFHKtg4_t_tJrn7VrbANRBSqFKVD4kup6OY6EwEGMqTI447lNbP/s4032/20220408-IMG_7916.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4QqYII0E0jGMy4VP9nV88XNxXydbadSnst_aoBtQU6oecgOSijUO2iokZ8YhCNXsBfIk-jjyAXhiymKIRj6qNVNX5Z1P-SMX9w7jAmEDzqss_CMJYhdv13Qbyt0ycuIeSMTrKgFHKtg4_t_tJrn7VrbANRBSqFKVD4kup6OY6EwEGMqTI447lNbP/w480-h640/20220408-IMG_7916.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Wairoa Hut, another 20 minutes of horrible descent to go</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPM9lEwvqBXOaTTYVXAt4wQ7Mclsbmuv_adYVxElHTd9lXmV0k86Rel_SCgCGSW5EHCcj0qjX0qG8HLsnhIofKcRrjGlbkR7GgNOIroTBgSNp4AOjaJsYOaX3sfPQsm0kUmeUhiJ1uxrCYmPA4vT367abGe2eYpbknTNF8F5n6dKbgR-OnmU45ILrK/s4032/20220408-IMG_7918.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPM9lEwvqBXOaTTYVXAt4wQ7Mclsbmuv_adYVxElHTd9lXmV0k86Rel_SCgCGSW5EHCcj0qjX0qG8HLsnhIofKcRrjGlbkR7GgNOIroTBgSNp4AOjaJsYOaX3sfPQsm0kUmeUhiJ1uxrCYmPA4vT367abGe2eYpbknTNF8F5n6dKbgR-OnmU45ILrK/w480-h640/20220408-IMG_7918.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So happy to have arrived..</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was an old, but cosy hut, and no-one else turned up. I was glad the family had chosen to just walk to Hunters Hut, that wind would have been pretty brutal on the kids, and no way would you want to negotiate those boulder fields in the dark. I was exhausted, so it was another early dinner and straight to bed.</div> <div><br /></div> <h3 style="text-align: left;">Day 3 <i>Top Wairoa Hut to Mid Wairoa Hut 7km, 5 hours </i></h3> <div>I had planned to tramp another big day so I got up before 6 and managed to get away about 7:15. First I had to negotiate a rather slippery scree slope down to the river, cross it, then follow the river downstream. My mates Renee and Billy had told me that this section was pretty wild, with lots of washouts, so I was prepared for another difficult day.</div><div><br /></div><div>The route down river was mostly sidling along above the river until the way got bluffed out, which meant multiple crossings. I'm never keen to do dodgy rock hopping to save myself from getting wet feet, so I mostly waded across. The river was pretty low, but had some lovely pools and waterfalls. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxx19QUS9r-0aVRgG1O6czH8pF57BtoSvj4IguazAMP7DW6IIDboXkJ2UDfUbIuRSB9vonUH66cHy51oaNrL1p_TEMDleNyKN_dp-cDKdH_XR9z92MQoFycO7yCaPC8R2MaWMazvmtry6tAkikHjI7sBo5awO0rOZYLPIFV772g0zqz-NLwUuycVO6/s4032/20220409-IMG_7920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxx19QUS9r-0aVRgG1O6czH8pF57BtoSvj4IguazAMP7DW6IIDboXkJ2UDfUbIuRSB9vonUH66cHy51oaNrL1p_TEMDleNyKN_dp-cDKdH_XR9z92MQoFycO7yCaPC8R2MaWMazvmtry6tAkikHjI7sBo5awO0rOZYLPIFV772g0zqz-NLwUuycVO6/w480-h640/20220409-IMG_7920.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />My hydration plan for the morning was to drink a cup of water every time I crossed a stream or river. Subsequently I drank lots and had to stop to pee lots!! There was some easy walking in the forest but a lot of narrow sidling well above the river and a few ledges to climb up and around. Pretty hard to make good time and at times quite terrifying. </div><div><br /></div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrG56T5FfF5X6nvEgSsAW7asyDe7jBPAfj0KF-5XVDIbRf5z2mODmKJLTcIiF6iOPRJVwqpsCd0xN2-C0fGEm__6eJTuVmsY3hLzbWFQ4pjkeowsXhlbwkOMtG8SF-LRATi-jnpYXFFOFUiKEaKQPDVtt7aSJSdn7mD7fs03YEyihkVDvoGRgi03R/s4032/20220409-IMG_7921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrG56T5FfF5X6nvEgSsAW7asyDe7jBPAfj0KF-5XVDIbRf5z2mODmKJLTcIiF6iOPRJVwqpsCd0xN2-C0fGEm__6eJTuVmsY3hLzbWFQ4pjkeowsXhlbwkOMtG8SF-LRATi-jnpYXFFOFUiKEaKQPDVtt7aSJSdn7mD7fs03YEyihkVDvoGRgi03R/w640-h480/20220409-IMG_7921.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJYbvJkBHD50kJhLSNKz3P4nELGgwKGf0iQAObzi3VJ1CsS33NP4tJcxYVWEsQOeRyYW5bnT7PV9MZMOmEv35hP9ixJdxeAqVRVovJjcDeByJBsu5oAxDtk6AMqqnVMzuQtUJafHRKvW-p7cCjavh08suv4RmTgX-iznf2jnRkvBpjxpULKvVIvoX/s4032/20220409-IMG_7922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJYbvJkBHD50kJhLSNKz3P4nELGgwKGf0iQAObzi3VJ1CsS33NP4tJcxYVWEsQOeRyYW5bnT7PV9MZMOmEv35hP9ixJdxeAqVRVovJjcDeByJBsu5oAxDtk6AMqqnVMzuQtUJafHRKvW-p7cCjavh08suv4RmTgX-iznf2jnRkvBpjxpULKvVIvoX/w480-h640/20220409-IMG_7922.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLT_7wknYpXQQ93k02SMNGeNInEjmCQb0F9Vb9EDqPKwymdCoJ1totR45TVnBvy1lQL-bFBr08xOHwcCsNvV_kSdNfWgIdY8mT8ukIQLGoOIM1NEmrdHXTzZFTqpbMWWRaXwfm34RyVYH-DgH1h8jwOXZxtm0YL6rM-BuJRXn9bWgfEJxtKCuLW0aq/s3616/20220409-IMG_E7923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3616" data-original-width="2713" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLT_7wknYpXQQ93k02SMNGeNInEjmCQb0F9Vb9EDqPKwymdCoJ1totR45TVnBvy1lQL-bFBr08xOHwcCsNvV_kSdNfWgIdY8mT8ukIQLGoOIM1NEmrdHXTzZFTqpbMWWRaXwfm34RyVYH-DgH1h8jwOXZxtm0YL6rM-BuJRXn9bWgfEJxtKCuLW0aq/w480-h640/20220409-IMG_E7923.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3C6Z5kMHAGRzNgTLzFUVHhqQEVTf0T2OGcgvJUR02BTVXwTm8ZzPyETkpy--EKWDHgezsKo2rMy3Nt9B9onYnRQPyLYyzDOWxtbzAlanpZWwmcuVzmlmDMzkfMaFKxOpbdgGn-YLdEAdG-H8U9-k_p74yAGHfzX8iTvtWmOdfb0W4YICKDZc14Lp/s3616/20220409-IMG_E7924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3616" data-original-width="2713" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3C6Z5kMHAGRzNgTLzFUVHhqQEVTf0T2OGcgvJUR02BTVXwTm8ZzPyETkpy--EKWDHgezsKo2rMy3Nt9B9onYnRQPyLYyzDOWxtbzAlanpZWwmcuVzmlmDMzkfMaFKxOpbdgGn-YLdEAdG-H8U9-k_p74yAGHfzX8iTvtWmOdfb0W4YICKDZc14Lp/w480-h640/20220409-IMG_E7924.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />There were spectacular waterfalls and pools for swimming in, but the track was rarely at river level except where there was a crossing to the other side. I thought I was making okay time and then encountered a big tree fall. First I tried to climb through it as I couldn't see a track around it. That ended hilariously when I slipped and went for a fairly spectacular upside down number with one leg still dangling around a branch a la monkey bar. Only I'm not as flexible as I was when I was a kid!! I managed to extricate myself and then backed out and tried a different route a bit lower down and found evidence others had gone that way too. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAlxyPl5_yFPymPzbnYtn472xrLfNXAdKr5MH1riqANC91nzcsHKKZ-TteiNde398WwoYg6BP_hlKHgecxN8UY7irFffdIf5HvcS5sk5UHnb49HsZjP1d64kdlYnhyZlqykvLVIBzSI4SQELF0ZDM3rXRkaSLaYm5B3LQMbS0jnVdXTgx5Qvti933/s3607/20220409-IMG_E7927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3607" data-original-width="2704" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAlxyPl5_yFPymPzbnYtn472xrLfNXAdKr5MH1riqANC91nzcsHKKZ-TteiNde398WwoYg6BP_hlKHgecxN8UY7irFffdIf5HvcS5sk5UHnb49HsZjP1d64kdlYnhyZlqykvLVIBzSI4SQELF0ZDM3rXRkaSLaYm5B3LQMbS0jnVdXTgx5Qvti933/w480-h640/20220409-IMG_E7927.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Once back on the track it was another 30-40 minutes to Mid Wairoa Hut, sitting in a lovely sunny clearing.</div><div> </div> <div>After stopping to have lunch I decided to stay. I was tired, the sun was out, and there was a really nice big pool in the river for swimming in. For the last 3 days I had taken considerably longer than the advertised DOC times so although it said 4.5 hours to Tarn Hut I couldn't be sure it wasn't going to take considerably longer. I figured I could make Rintoul from Mid Wairoa in one day, then Slaty the following day, and still have a day up my sleeve. After checking my food supplies I realised I could manage for another 2 days extra should bad weather come in. I even checked the weather forecast on my Inreach and it looked good for the next couple of days.</div><div><br /></div> <div>Decision made I had a cup of tea and sat reading my Kindle in the sun, dodging sandflies. A young couple turned up having walked in from Wairoa roadend, scoping the river for kayaking or canyoning. After they left I went for a swim in the river, and laundered the smalls. The sun and wind did a good job of drying everything, and I congratulated myself on deciding to stop and rest at such a great location.</div><div><br /></div> <div>Late afternoon a chap named Kim turned up, having walked from Rintoul. It was good to compare notes and I felt even happier with my decision to have a half day. </div> <div><br /></div> <h3 style="text-align: left;">Day 4 <i>Mid Wairoa Hut to Tarn Hut 6.5km, 3:45 hours<br /> Tarn Hut to Rintoul Hut 8km, 4:40 hours </i></h3> <div>I was up at about 5:30 am and left at 7, Kim leaving even earlier. I'm slow getting away in the morning, I think I enjoy that cup of coffee too much. It was a bit of a clamber to get onto the swing bridge across the river and then it was a steep climb up to about 700m when the climb just became steady, all the way up to the ridge line. There was a handy shortcut along a long sidle below Bushy Tops which knocked off a bit of altitude and then the track followed the ridge line all the way to the turn off to Tarn Hut.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qabpF_91r9uTaN4UTzSfsKLA8TZQ0EeZNtbIpUNMFL92VvQqh13_p36e-CM9Z9-P1GNOX2cMUoY5kMedhWqU1L9eefLrMfphKH-dsp1D0ztxyMn1jEHa7f-rRqUkgr94nc8DSx91OXi6bj5ono2Am4C0gR3vLX8uUWvu9mUftwEyIMhomDANnqit/s4032/20220410-IMG_7929.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qabpF_91r9uTaN4UTzSfsKLA8TZQ0EeZNtbIpUNMFL92VvQqh13_p36e-CM9Z9-P1GNOX2cMUoY5kMedhWqU1L9eefLrMfphKH-dsp1D0ztxyMn1jEHa7f-rRqUkgr94nc8DSx91OXi6bj5ono2Am4C0gR3vLX8uUWvu9mUftwEyIMhomDANnqit/w640-h480/20220410-IMG_7929.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8h5N4TNwhz-whfyCuHGBZdalAJvGpPCdTVKAxYPi-LNQkIJqv6PaZEdis9dDy84xGFDoA7jGqiXt6Q8na7iYb5NZk9evkPUJdGq2BSRk77n3YeYTFAqWM_LSfv6NcPOqOuqfBp21uswvW4MRDVWqPjRrp5_52QLGnw1Q-SPUN-XJWRCjEh1ZH4__H/s4032/20220410-IMG_7930.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8h5N4TNwhz-whfyCuHGBZdalAJvGpPCdTVKAxYPi-LNQkIJqv6PaZEdis9dDy84xGFDoA7jGqiXt6Q8na7iYb5NZk9evkPUJdGq2BSRk77n3YeYTFAqWM_LSfv6NcPOqOuqfBp21uswvW4MRDVWqPjRrp5_52QLGnw1Q-SPUN-XJWRCjEh1ZH4__H/w480-h640/20220410-IMG_7930.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmXo6B6jI0LxHxPC_2-KvsJAldMKM_EQyII2xhh5w9wOEQeVdrxKG21sOfRF6eu70eIaRmXSt9kVXwZdd5FiXLEJOtalfq8Ii6-TptWG__04Lya3oAgYuvWZxKETQFgPgExYC78etDJJDIyQydqIU-b7S8mI0tFaEJDQogRlM3QmCZRCYRRNJ2DQm/s4032/20220410-IMG_7931.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmXo6B6jI0LxHxPC_2-KvsJAldMKM_EQyII2xhh5w9wOEQeVdrxKG21sOfRF6eu70eIaRmXSt9kVXwZdd5FiXLEJOtalfq8Ii6-TptWG__04Lya3oAgYuvWZxKETQFgPgExYC78etDJJDIyQydqIU-b7S8mI0tFaEJDQogRlM3QmCZRCYRRNJ2DQm/w480-h640/20220410-IMG_7931.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bishops Cap, the track sidles under it after following that ridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The ridge line had lots of rocky outcrops with stunted beech trees and a lot of wasps. These <a href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/animal-pests/wasps/" target="_blank">European immigrants</a> outcompete with native bees for the honeydew produced during late summer by a native scale insect that lives on beech trees, and can give you a very nasty sting. There were no bait stations up on the ridge and the wasps were plentiful, but only in the sunny spots, not in the forest below the ridge. Needless to say I didn't linger long anywhere I could see or hear the wasps, but I did take advantage of cell coverage to get an updated weather forecast. It was looking like cloudy conditions in two days, so I planned to get most of the alpine section done by then.</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Kn3908jfx3cEZ3PmCwIWL9e4npxpD3YyKhxx59oZ4dzI94T-uZaoNySZar9x5NYpzvbkRGSPIyr9wVuf40OvFAc6Nr5lweQjA4iUlqaXhEXjm2vG1eXf-KBeRhf1Sug8y8dWu5huLGk42syXmb_avYq7sXOSQkb73nLhwKNGfxl0vh9dNkuAK6RM/s4032/20220410-IMG_7932.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Kn3908jfx3cEZ3PmCwIWL9e4npxpD3YyKhxx59oZ4dzI94T-uZaoNySZar9x5NYpzvbkRGSPIyr9wVuf40OvFAc6Nr5lweQjA4iUlqaXhEXjm2vG1eXf-KBeRhf1Sug8y8dWu5huLGk42syXmb_avYq7sXOSQkb73nLhwKNGfxl0vh9dNkuAK6RM/w640-h480/20220410-IMG_7932.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slaty Peak, to get there I have to follow a lot of ridges...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1AXF-85wDgQZtuwLvrvKUtRfZI0ZziqK5ZdkSeF5zjuc_3hMfegvlacRAg7wRc_6dtBTjVxcF7k0nW2hXvnkCpdRYW0ZsXGr0604hPvH57QiKHVpN3XNRp0aJByvVOmduISSMLO7-gv0N6q5EA8qWL2cvsYEdfcr-SaQKpQ-Zqp-QjrFFdVZ0EXP/s3740/20220410-IMG_7933.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2805" data-original-width="3740" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1AXF-85wDgQZtuwLvrvKUtRfZI0ZziqK5ZdkSeF5zjuc_3hMfegvlacRAg7wRc_6dtBTjVxcF7k0nW2hXvnkCpdRYW0ZsXGr0604hPvH57QiKHVpN3XNRp0aJByvVOmduISSMLO7-gv0N6q5EA8qWL2cvsYEdfcr-SaQKpQ-Zqp-QjrFFdVZ0EXP/w640-h480/20220410-IMG_7933.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down to Tasman Bay, and checking the weather forecast and my emails...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoLUGjT6cqs80AjWG-B_MHN02wa3PR96vf2-DcObZ5kCd_6UGRv-Qpu0LqGMk8Tzv6BgRovY3QU7CATjOQBuL0Xe7QKdBt9MronIyMu08L7yl2siKckR4q9SSiSAVjqkwXVGIkXasZwlz_yh74mqU2mb8rnNY82bt_KFrzGHTXq_3VY8WWKFe1ihC/s4032/20220410-IMG_7936.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoLUGjT6cqs80AjWG-B_MHN02wa3PR96vf2-DcObZ5kCd_6UGRv-Qpu0LqGMk8Tzv6BgRovY3QU7CATjOQBuL0Xe7QKdBt9MronIyMu08L7yl2siKckR4q9SSiSAVjqkwXVGIkXasZwlz_yh74mqU2mb8rnNY82bt_KFrzGHTXq_3VY8WWKFe1ihC/w480-h640/20220410-IMG_7936.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnadTgpIch_KeR9kglrn6Ibbr23IkijqLjtAHQVA6lEffDe4lzrCXuTQ_EXJ4dXr9FLj2aos3uCg_C3GR1VcpPeVCDrbefliK8Yh7ZVLrN2nts26C5wkCokgWae7KFLBLxAdcuIsg99_v8CUBlAsqCG_wDjVBE4GH0MmOAqvAs5mYi9__jvAu8VHj/s4032/20220410-IMG_7937.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnadTgpIch_KeR9kglrn6Ibbr23IkijqLjtAHQVA6lEffDe4lzrCXuTQ_EXJ4dXr9FLj2aos3uCg_C3GR1VcpPeVCDrbefliK8Yh7ZVLrN2nts26C5wkCokgWae7KFLBLxAdcuIsg99_v8CUBlAsqCG_wDjVBE4GH0MmOAqvAs5mYi9__jvAu8VHj/w480-h640/20220410-IMG_7937.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgra_6BJmelwcCN-a6eBJKP11GCRm4MEL-oHbzkPCCsELPjg_jSb1OfUHIWDAO1cyOpdQA-S-lF7MGCv3E6owpYcKduvxvbLjtL7BBzRoTLSbZsufmtT5KlookuwepzOKZSXjT-a1Ix7oj1-qbYX01Px5A7NiKdUt59W7IAJmSNQbCEUlsvQpsUpLVY/s4032/20220410-IMG_7938.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgra_6BJmelwcCN-a6eBJKP11GCRm4MEL-oHbzkPCCsELPjg_jSb1OfUHIWDAO1cyOpdQA-S-lF7MGCv3E6owpYcKduvxvbLjtL7BBzRoTLSbZsufmtT5KlookuwepzOKZSXjT-a1Ix7oj1-qbYX01Px5A7NiKdUt59W7IAJmSNQbCEUlsvQpsUpLVY/w640-h480/20220410-IMG_7938.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the track following the ridgeline? Slaty in background</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I plunged off the ridge to take the track down to Tarn Hut, another pearler sitting in a grassy clearing. The nearby tarn was looking a little sad, not particularly inviting for a swim. I had a little lunch, filled up my water bladder and returned to the ridge along a different track.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QFjaKE83ps3wTBfD2s_fvHVF8whLJG5JC8zn5yXZ_jSOjfPwVXDj2zUdJVPOcm0_kTEs87FHdObKujI0qaVGMf2uS6_S4EfpS8CJPTYZW_Rhk19xMJNFMP7BU62s-iUVXLm-9_m5_7rDCvc0lf_oX4eYKh3XGuBsvR-0PizQVmUiTTHnm68MFZSh/s4032/20220410-IMG_7928.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QFjaKE83ps3wTBfD2s_fvHVF8whLJG5JC8zn5yXZ_jSOjfPwVXDj2zUdJVPOcm0_kTEs87FHdObKujI0qaVGMf2uS6_S4EfpS8CJPTYZW_Rhk19xMJNFMP7BU62s-iUVXLm-9_m5_7rDCvc0lf_oX4eYKh3XGuBsvR-0PizQVmUiTTHnm68MFZSh/w640-h480/20220410-IMG_7928.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarn Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>The ridge climbed steadily to Bishops Cap, where the track sidled well below the summit then joined another ridge up to Purple Top. I passed John, an American fast packing through, and heading out at Wairoa as he had a flight back to the North Island the next day. The final climb to Purple Top Saddle was over some scree and boulder slopes, with great views, including Rintoul Hut in the distance. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmOZQeuJ20vgzE4pgo_5oGy8qALG_wJW2EUq1ls5wcQWKdPtIiCQUOvYew8vahZZkmYPk43mbKzzf7wXC6nNVwbQFBeP4J018q0GoHZHsZ35VQoLGotrkHpc0vNdhCna8xEZpmt26zEgKDzM6i0jYDW6TGFrAaEQw2Dq8T-nrKr1hqtSBP-ZwdTaO/s4032/20220410-IMG_7939.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmOZQeuJ20vgzE4pgo_5oGy8qALG_wJW2EUq1ls5wcQWKdPtIiCQUOvYew8vahZZkmYPk43mbKzzf7wXC6nNVwbQFBeP4J018q0GoHZHsZ35VQoLGotrkHpc0vNdhCna8xEZpmt26zEgKDzM6i0jYDW6TGFrAaEQw2Dq8T-nrKr1hqtSBP-ZwdTaO/w480-h640/20220410-IMG_7939.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaddJ5EwFzSC08zWc8cy9duMEgiDg5ijc7dNKmFV3daKQtxAVKmwP5vred_Pvcq00vckWHT97HjvwZmBBnFSW6YiKTIgKsa8OLsNCOKie6DhX7VcNoBC9_4sv6OoYgWw9DY5_4irJ9X9QquekjPy80mawse8MoxabO3TbKBPI2yHH53teGo8uCDO_/s4032/20220410-IMG_7940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaddJ5EwFzSC08zWc8cy9duMEgiDg5ijc7dNKmFV3daKQtxAVKmwP5vred_Pvcq00vckWHT97HjvwZmBBnFSW6YiKTIgKsa8OLsNCOKie6DhX7VcNoBC9_4sv6OoYgWw9DY5_4irJ9X9QquekjPy80mawse8MoxabO3TbKBPI2yHH53teGo8uCDO_/w640-h480/20220410-IMG_7940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Rintoul from Purple Top</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I stopped on the saddle to enjoy the second half of my lunch then headed down. It was an easy scree sidling slope across to the next ridge line then a steep downhill, mostly in forest. My legs were feeling great though the final bit to the hut was a bit of a slog uphill. </div><div><br /></div><div>John the American had told me that a local chap, Mark, was staying at hut. Both had walked over from Old Man Hut, but Mark had opted for a lazy half day. What I would have considered doing if the weather wasn't forecast to clag in the day after. </div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwe2cDaczxMJpNeo3qWjw-lQENxewpCYGSrgPaO4bh6kSu1biwSjiC4_plnuwAoatn7SD0hpdimilm0Gene3NyAwKM1lGJWHMoRIg1ZXr_vSvceG6GbCZ_fnrtq_AYaku7je6Z7jg5IDwFzEx-MSS2oDPf4EY7jzTWA0pWY4wp7zYGukLaHzsMx_3/s4032/20220410-IMG_7941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwe2cDaczxMJpNeo3qWjw-lQENxewpCYGSrgPaO4bh6kSu1biwSjiC4_plnuwAoatn7SD0hpdimilm0Gene3NyAwKM1lGJWHMoRIg1ZXr_vSvceG6GbCZ_fnrtq_AYaku7je6Z7jg5IDwFzEx-MSS2oDPf4EY7jzTWA0pWY4wp7zYGukLaHzsMx_3/w640-h480/20220410-IMG_7941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset glow on Mt Rintoul</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ft5Rt-Cm_WaVVKhY3IJIo8OKlL3kL6qj7ZQ_8HyQG7Jiv-Vz7HAUFnyxJqEuzFAPY7VtJwfZXDuzQp5zADDPPIIpmSDlchnrMpeNkndrzS5fULC1427k-sdHqx9y5v7BrDUJXJ0_w-Kmo53-NetGtY2ZpbhgvYzOPGCvZ6sWKeHrIfi4ACQzrmDX/s4032/20220410-IMG_7942.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ft5Rt-Cm_WaVVKhY3IJIo8OKlL3kL6qj7ZQ_8HyQG7Jiv-Vz7HAUFnyxJqEuzFAPY7VtJwfZXDuzQp5zADDPPIIpmSDlchnrMpeNkndrzS5fULC1427k-sdHqx9y5v7BrDUJXJ0_w-Kmo53-NetGtY2ZpbhgvYzOPGCvZ6sWKeHrIfi4ACQzrmDX/w480-h640/20220410-IMG_7942.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpenglow and half moon</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Even though I'd tramped for over 8 hours, it was by far the easiest tramping day so far: nothing technical and good track through the forest. The Red Hills section had been much tougher, but tomorrow I would be crossing Mt Rintoul, the crux of the trip!</div> <div><br /></div> <h3 style="text-align: left;">Day 5 <i>Rintoul Hut to Old Man Hut 4.5km, 4:15 hours<br /></i><i>Old Man Hut to Slaty Hut 10km, 4 hours</i></h3> <div>I don't know what Mark's problem was, but he got up so many times overnight going out and in of the hut and then at 4:30 he cooked his breakfast outside so as not to disturb me. I got up at 5 as his continuous disturbance meant I couldn't get back to sleep anyway. He left at 6, whereas I had a leisurely pack up and got to enjoy my coffee before leaving just after 7. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was yet another stunning sunny day. The slog began straight away, first a steep climb through the forest, and then up crumbly scree. It wasn't very pleasant, and I found it slightly less slippery clambering up on the bigger rocks to the side of the main "track". Once up this scree slope there was a small section where you needed to climb down some rocks and then sidle across above a steep gut to gain the main Rintoul plateau. It was nowhere near as gnarly as I'd been led to believe.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X_ofq40bYmGMk-QsDvyOng-ZRiEGai1p4FP33v0bE8CzXvgawSZNAPYPk3lxGqiW19hYssPj33mWscJf9FwCgsXgFCNvLhFEKIVlUr9rqmh6APW8GbNDxckrE2iPQOoFX0NBnBJR8hxemMAxdQSxwIEbR8fpgdJ9mwPWxBzi7jH6G6hzzMOhmHN9/s4032/20220411-IMG_7944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X_ofq40bYmGMk-QsDvyOng-ZRiEGai1p4FP33v0bE8CzXvgawSZNAPYPk3lxGqiW19hYssPj33mWscJf9FwCgsXgFCNvLhFEKIVlUr9rqmh6APW8GbNDxckrE2iPQOoFX0NBnBJR8hxemMAxdQSxwIEbR8fpgdJ9mwPWxBzi7jH6G6hzzMOhmHN9/w640-h480/20220411-IMG_7944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up early...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2d9JTpATbQ_MqBvplLZ77_A57_sgs6iklhgzA-FZpdm-hjM4JyvJXqLZbvk5oHwOQapd25mCZjjW9I9R9eUHMNcCsLI-MYLuD4YT4M4E3c-_J4ALoxBiFDtapvlqsCF6nfQ8W9l1bPT5Dwn3DtjXFiTXeCGrID8IGqi0dkJO2fIoSRQOeVgdTFbu/s4032/20220411-IMG_7947.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2d9JTpATbQ_MqBvplLZ77_A57_sgs6iklhgzA-FZpdm-hjM4JyvJXqLZbvk5oHwOQapd25mCZjjW9I9R9eUHMNcCsLI-MYLuD4YT4M4E3c-_J4ALoxBiFDtapvlqsCF6nfQ8W9l1bPT5Dwn3DtjXFiTXeCGrID8IGqi0dkJO2fIoSRQOeVgdTFbu/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7947.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first scree slope to climb</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1QCkFt1MsVF6oYlTqkeIcVi4vVC1yFCmABnUiIpSlRVJv5ihicHvQwmVaJYNu9FV0NtL-T0hAF4OBSYTw3-2BaH04NlJ_WyGhs92oiR72qf0_rGGSucjvWWQHVIFK_whbRS6A5CWCnhJRdTyALZ8RNfvgzg7hQV-3LjzNCDnUJmsoMpwtp7nnJwd/s4032/20220411-IMG_7948.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1QCkFt1MsVF6oYlTqkeIcVi4vVC1yFCmABnUiIpSlRVJv5ihicHvQwmVaJYNu9FV0NtL-T0hAF4OBSYTw3-2BaH04NlJ_WyGhs92oiR72qf0_rGGSucjvWWQHVIFK_whbRS6A5CWCnhJRdTyALZ8RNfvgzg7hQV-3LjzNCDnUJmsoMpwtp7nnJwd/w640-h480/20220411-IMG_7948.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views of Southern Alps, Nelson Lakes area</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhC1Okp3WoNni6gtGHoXxFqyrqe46-rAyu9xm9bpK_zZ0dEd_d1l_BZLhGto66r3M6OKOKxhnTQ1bBO0Ek4koa-iEH-qkgnLYL-SlUQL84UiXlhWeXloz5V5eD9o4SN17BQjsclICUWmHkbZcoKvik9_Dsj7TnL3DZG4DChkysZxeaBM4OUzqgxHIS/s4032/20220411-IMG_7949.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhC1Okp3WoNni6gtGHoXxFqyrqe46-rAyu9xm9bpK_zZ0dEd_d1l_BZLhGto66r3M6OKOKxhnTQ1bBO0Ek4koa-iEH-qkgnLYL-SlUQL84UiXlhWeXloz5V5eD9o4SN17BQjsclICUWmHkbZcoKvik9_Dsj7TnL3DZG4DChkysZxeaBM4OUzqgxHIS/w640-h480/20220411-IMG_7949.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasman Bay, Kahurangi behind</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAkgclT6EGoZLQQ41jHz-Mu3G-k2d-s_Z85zFaceqEo206GHgMGJTwNnDdk-7N7OsdLeya00_D9177E7fk53wlekOvGZPDkaJRs_bobiechEosbDmFMW3aFsirR-7nQo38V_YOWI4NMHVMravRLZf0PZCFfP0jytImoAs71joEeCEFjoPzRG28T9t/s4032/20220411-IMG_7950.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAkgclT6EGoZLQQ41jHz-Mu3G-k2d-s_Z85zFaceqEo206GHgMGJTwNnDdk-7N7OsdLeya00_D9177E7fk53wlekOvGZPDkaJRs_bobiechEosbDmFMW3aFsirR-7nQo38V_YOWI4NMHVMravRLZf0PZCFfP0jytImoAs71joEeCEFjoPzRG28T9t/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7950.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A more gentle ridge climb once above the first scree scramble</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZjiEt37dPMnAzjiJ1_FELWAnkXlh90wlqvr5RTUidHB6qXuXMjnrE0r1_TPsEf5RhWm8M1f-ptqQrjcWPaxcI8zAwLss1QGCbz4sRBsG71s3JcMtQQZRij1_g2NymnwyOrlXgCN5gsSThXf2To4dizLFNxohc1n9wq55hJRZ1UgaM58qapyMivS1/s4032/20220411-IMG_7951.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZjiEt37dPMnAzjiJ1_FELWAnkXlh90wlqvr5RTUidHB6qXuXMjnrE0r1_TPsEf5RhWm8M1f-ptqQrjcWPaxcI8zAwLss1QGCbz4sRBsG71s3JcMtQQZRij1_g2NymnwyOrlXgCN5gsSThXf2To4dizLFNxohc1n9wq55hJRZ1UgaM58qapyMivS1/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7951.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bit where it climbs down and then across a steep gut to the next ridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaUIlXL8Xvlp4pAcRY3OKR74iXEtLsVczvDUICTMFbQ5xmHP0cARe86zT_4MORqNYh-mmqRpMgfT_l_Vvclf3m3mw5abwD8j5SmQ01fxqmVRq5P5j6-p6EUDPBxOJUlhHjUA7bGocg5vQpvtftXBLqWzPxcnf6csKU5oGp3EtdcrBfw8VzCS0Biou/s4032/20220411-IMG_7952.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaUIlXL8Xvlp4pAcRY3OKR74iXEtLsVczvDUICTMFbQ5xmHP0cARe86zT_4MORqNYh-mmqRpMgfT_l_Vvclf3m3mw5abwD8j5SmQ01fxqmVRq5P5j6-p6EUDPBxOJUlhHjUA7bGocg5vQpvtftXBLqWzPxcnf6csKU5oGp3EtdcrBfw8VzCS0Biou/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7952.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the ridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The main Rintoul plateau was broad and fairly featureless, and you wouldn't want to be up there in whiteout conditions as the poles were rather widely spaced. It climbed steadily up to Mt Rintoul itself, and then the hardest part of the crossing revealed itself.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd7YK0J1c4ejACK6WHOaQnKtFKig_CyBXYFXyxvoTjzionWWbqtmgQWqTfXucB_IN_bJixz0FxxJ85P1AotAhiSnMDXGMdDRKEzD0EQZzdwr2a500RayTkoYYhFwuadwF2857ZSbX_CYHctYaUfykqNeC3QOCmPjd07-pjf_3Mvrcm_s_fveoIUXq/s4032/20220411-IMG_7954.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd7YK0J1c4ejACK6WHOaQnKtFKig_CyBXYFXyxvoTjzionWWbqtmgQWqTfXucB_IN_bJixz0FxxJ85P1AotAhiSnMDXGMdDRKEzD0EQZzdwr2a500RayTkoYYhFwuadwF2857ZSbX_CYHctYaUfykqNeC3QOCmPjd07-pjf_3Mvrcm_s_fveoIUXq/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7954.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankful for those Waratahs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrjV-qjCKUQZ6qCpwoxesDafgQq9PH7SkNZL7teMI2zIgK_qWqJoH6xquhinWwmZ6T02SmKaPggdO0GqoTyK4sjwS5ddcw8px-Bwfa0qITT2fbujBABdHonOnKkbUl-5XoY4H_2mqMJxk0d41BqSgJLX1o2492P5frK0mCJCpG9eGfpRqJpNhG_-Q/s4032/20220411-IMG_7955.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrjV-qjCKUQZ6qCpwoxesDafgQq9PH7SkNZL7teMI2zIgK_qWqJoH6xquhinWwmZ6T02SmKaPggdO0GqoTyK4sjwS5ddcw8px-Bwfa0qITT2fbujBABdHonOnKkbUl-5XoY4H_2mqMJxk0d41BqSgJLX1o2492P5frK0mCJCpG9eGfpRqJpNhG_-Q/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7955.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYQhuHr8JOD9MtvhoQTBXqKh0mYisLvrHfgN-T8kD0RwDjlBz6Z_vv1haagciZE-ikgA6cJoqevsnZUyRFMR3pz_dQEAdCyVIKRrv1yWDz5DlE4G2Tmyy9p0PJcMR0l_wFOize2M9saxLgevfXjx488SLsJaF8FbD-AfQXFpvgxWf6TkeVvMbXE6U/s4032/20220411-IMG_7956.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYQhuHr8JOD9MtvhoQTBXqKh0mYisLvrHfgN-T8kD0RwDjlBz6Z_vv1haagciZE-ikgA6cJoqevsnZUyRFMR3pz_dQEAdCyVIKRrv1yWDz5DlE4G2Tmyy9p0PJcMR0l_wFOize2M9saxLgevfXjx488SLsJaF8FbD-AfQXFpvgxWf6TkeVvMbXE6U/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7956.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading towards the summit of Mt Rintoul</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgentuV3BHc4TqoVhUEUPDGoYHv0cX7cL0pd-tRK2mGlhwv8_kwrkitgQlTBX0C8bevKLvyMdrB5dOHXZESI8Snho2kG8pbVHzh0NfcXDCPAOuqCBR5hg7wCYoHi7ADvws9VLEvSgNSBpyBvuUgJDwt3xQO0OTGyPn5VKXj1V26zrdGFrUZakFRSWtX/s4032/20220411-IMG_7957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgentuV3BHc4TqoVhUEUPDGoYHv0cX7cL0pd-tRK2mGlhwv8_kwrkitgQlTBX0C8bevKLvyMdrB5dOHXZESI8Snho2kG8pbVHzh0NfcXDCPAOuqCBR5hg7wCYoHi7ADvws9VLEvSgNSBpyBvuUgJDwt3xQO0OTGyPn5VKXj1V26zrdGFrUZakFRSWtX/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7957.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dm_LwvngK10VbNgWad1udrol8-guno2sh-xXBFUO17pU_PhZyCEkKK_9QRWy_z95fLv7PZotxKtcFLQWqm-_VNf88sbF4BalM_862PEHVbndrzvIsqTPoGvApIkLNHOJHD_WfDpfXzYZg0A4ijxYZZjNlRTKc75LrK9kAea3veuRA8w2AzzeDS_C/s4032/20220411-IMG_7958.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dm_LwvngK10VbNgWad1udrol8-guno2sh-xXBFUO17pU_PhZyCEkKK_9QRWy_z95fLv7PZotxKtcFLQWqm-_VNf88sbF4BalM_862PEHVbndrzvIsqTPoGvApIkLNHOJHD_WfDpfXzYZg0A4ijxYZZjNlRTKc75LrK9kAea3veuRA8w2AzzeDS_C/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7958.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And now to head down that ridge, Wairau Valley in background</td></tr></tbody></table><br />To get to Little Mt Rintoul you needed to climb down through rocks, which was easy, but then there was a steep slippery scree descent, a long sidle across a number of boulder fields, and finally a climb up on a mixture of rock and loose scree to at last make Little Rintoul. It was by far the slipperiest section, but it wasn't particularly exposed, so a fall would scrape skin rather than cause a major injury. Unless you were stupid enough to run it!!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4WBPAxnkVIsJ6wXtzaAD-I7EyNiVluC8nONL9h2uwTybgUXqCSBfTeQpThOthbV3TWGKlUmgE_D8CAjWyzNbmmRbvDng0PHEyFrxw9lfyvoTT8dA2ifZ6amtLhsWR8rA7Kjk_p_9JHAS2uWePTVUUdCR_SWzr7zNl8pNLlWmB8WO3RVUD3gdwB67/s4032/20220411-IMG_7959.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4WBPAxnkVIsJ6wXtzaAD-I7EyNiVluC8nONL9h2uwTybgUXqCSBfTeQpThOthbV3TWGKlUmgE_D8CAjWyzNbmmRbvDng0PHEyFrxw9lfyvoTT8dA2ifZ6amtLhsWR8rA7Kjk_p_9JHAS2uWePTVUUdCR_SWzr7zNl8pNLlWmB8WO3RVUD3gdwB67/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7959.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The easy bit of the descent, looking back up at Rintoul</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho94FFDCSxEXTscmvTx_TqOkWcm_dIvLXpX-wp0d7rivGLre-xMgUSTEa12rvdPx-gm8N87ynOb-VMURKJRcGVlmvZii2ax0QfnoEGLcSTyADtu-5HY8UbOijI0ysDFkHHhTM1Y8mh1Y1V2bskDPu5svBlwrxgU3DcdiTZAQyGHvBOCQ_mNACcw_Le/s4032/20220411-IMG_7960.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho94FFDCSxEXTscmvTx_TqOkWcm_dIvLXpX-wp0d7rivGLre-xMgUSTEa12rvdPx-gm8N87ynOb-VMURKJRcGVlmvZii2ax0QfnoEGLcSTyADtu-5HY8UbOijI0ysDFkHHhTM1Y8mh1Y1V2bskDPu5svBlwrxgU3DcdiTZAQyGHvBOCQ_mNACcw_Le/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7960.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The track does NOT continue along this ridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcsvtIiHHXKaUAexTjdHFnCRHlWRqm4wzTTwDZwpB1SyQPkLGckMDWdWK1tfLdy3Qe1mKzurydIXMVK8qcIGsWP8n65Petuen31OFAUWbh7OmAU8ulZ-O7Kx01gu9M1RCSd8BeH8JemRlKJ6qILfAXdLwYTwuxaqce8ZKUSSAFiPuOEulFOw83qZS/s4032/20220411-IMG_7961.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcsvtIiHHXKaUAexTjdHFnCRHlWRqm4wzTTwDZwpB1SyQPkLGckMDWdWK1tfLdy3Qe1mKzurydIXMVK8qcIGsWP8n65Petuen31OFAUWbh7OmAU8ulZ-O7Kx01gu9M1RCSd8BeH8JemRlKJ6qILfAXdLwYTwuxaqce8ZKUSSAFiPuOEulFOw83qZS/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7961.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It drops down on this ugly scree and sidles along before climbing up again</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_oKvJm20XWyKGF_cgRcfbO2cmIRAhNRUn0yf19fUYyTYhlsD94Ef7YFHaICJzndMPpv6zFZIUkfsV4Aw6P8pU7roSOO87oUFTc84TF8jOsYvlHF1MlRFNK3WDdSr_hCSuiujYsO38K0GOTZEG7C4a0tJvw3JOrpaVERiesjCvIJE9mWrDnE9mn-m/s3810/20220411-IMG_7962.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3810" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_oKvJm20XWyKGF_cgRcfbO2cmIRAhNRUn0yf19fUYyTYhlsD94Ef7YFHaICJzndMPpv6zFZIUkfsV4Aw6P8pU7roSOO87oUFTc84TF8jOsYvlHF1MlRFNK3WDdSr_hCSuiujYsO38K0GOTZEG7C4a0tJvw3JOrpaVERiesjCvIJE9mWrDnE9mn-m/w508-h640/20220411-IMG_7962.jpg" width="508" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Rintoul</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I met a couple of women with their dog just as I got to Little Rintoul, who were a little concerned whether their dog would make it. I reassured them the route wasn't as gnarly as I had been expecting: there were rock scrambles on the Wairoa river section I'd found harder. It took about 3 hours over the tops and then another hour down the steep descent to the ridge line to Old Man. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiiuph7-UJc1ZsLC2BR7NDCDDm6RSRbcQY54r8MhzxBHg3CGHzZp39pf5N3rAoWF6GNEBOnc_ftYD1F9qMYyXQy_o5O-Y5qnSbmJZJQkjNTjaBg69-iMTg2B2p8PFu9LlggV980Lk5MKvC4SqBGSG6Yetq4UEKa_spbuvS8hIh0h042BKN61zrHtc/s4032/20220411-IMG_7963.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiiuph7-UJc1ZsLC2BR7NDCDDm6RSRbcQY54r8MhzxBHg3CGHzZp39pf5N3rAoWF6GNEBOnc_ftYD1F9qMYyXQy_o5O-Y5qnSbmJZJQkjNTjaBg69-iMTg2B2p8PFu9LlggV980Lk5MKvC4SqBGSG6Yetq4UEKa_spbuvS8hIh0h042BKN61zrHtc/w640-h480/20220411-IMG_7963.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back up at Little Rintoul</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFno6qtbrQQoCC1Ts5-hS0nwQdNIeMW66t2KFOY9xYloZom685rxsBNa6bjFRlXOhQl7IwhK5xsiv_VhkbarfU6LSGUBlADb3mxRB-MwKQH4QmWpiofu645wgj_AwwD3hBCVJhVh3Jq-l9sB_TyEQ0wdTriIq4WZVGCVwaWi7DdZ7eXgk54hq1_Uau/s4032/20220411-IMG_7964.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFno6qtbrQQoCC1Ts5-hS0nwQdNIeMW66t2KFOY9xYloZom685rxsBNa6bjFRlXOhQl7IwhK5xsiv_VhkbarfU6LSGUBlADb3mxRB-MwKQH4QmWpiofu645wgj_AwwD3hBCVJhVh3Jq-l9sB_TyEQ0wdTriIq4WZVGCVwaWi7DdZ7eXgk54hq1_Uau/w640-h480/20220411-IMG_7964.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Continuing down to Old Man ridgeline, Hut in clearing to right of centre</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The detour to Old Man Hut involved a loss of 200m vertical, and a climb back up to the ridge again. Since I was making good time and hadn't found the Rintoul crossing too difficult, I knew I wouldn't bypass it, simply because I couldn't NOT bag it! So down I went on a steep track through the forest to another sunny clearing. I had enough water so I just had a big cupful to drink whilst there and took my shoes and socks off for 15 minutes whilst checking out the hut, signing the book and having a snack. Then back on with the boots and back up to the ridge. All up the detour took me over an hour: 15 minutes down, 30 minutes up and about 30 minutes chilling, but I had heaps of time, leaving the hut at 11:45am for Slaty. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWuSdKZF1jvv6cRYl8TJke_eiWw50LrbWkQPdsREu5eRK30ssitfDTJYsAEETfgKMBNtNuCAdGydJivOnMQSGM0zYDt1lOo3Jee28K7FG-Iz5D9AvW8cnJ5rIoAEcT_UYHOhPPAEBNnyP2HTeIhm_WscU72oQVivPch7FiWuf9ha-WLVYg_bbGn6W/s4032/20220411-IMG_7965.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWuSdKZF1jvv6cRYl8TJke_eiWw50LrbWkQPdsREu5eRK30ssitfDTJYsAEETfgKMBNtNuCAdGydJivOnMQSGM0zYDt1lOo3Jee28K7FG-Iz5D9AvW8cnJ5rIoAEcT_UYHOhPPAEBNnyP2HTeIhm_WscU72oQVivPch7FiWuf9ha-WLVYg_bbGn6W/w640-h480/20220411-IMG_7965.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Man Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaWgwQ0MsQr-xgl8h7xmUpu6ErZI6hXTUdDHgtk09W0BH0jMkq6ErD29N93-PwlaN5DrFJA-icI9cPMB4qleVH_RJD3RyhspAVsmAm-WrkNf3lj4xGT-J2wMAEmECTiA6lAgFaRBZdWaQ21aCUtapeGKC2NnNM2iFfnoxhd67CYibB6JCXyPRkMDf/s4032/20220411-IMG_7966.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaWgwQ0MsQr-xgl8h7xmUpu6ErZI6hXTUdDHgtk09W0BH0jMkq6ErD29N93-PwlaN5DrFJA-icI9cPMB4qleVH_RJD3RyhspAVsmAm-WrkNf3lj4xGT-J2wMAEmECTiA6lAgFaRBZdWaQ21aCUtapeGKC2NnNM2iFfnoxhd67CYibB6JCXyPRkMDf/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7966.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rintoul in background</td></tr></tbody></table><br />When I had been up on Rintoul the wind had started to kick in but I was sheltered coming down from Little Rintoul. However once back on the main ridge the wind was quite strong but not as gusty as it had been on the crossing from Hunters. As I left the trees heading towards Old Man Peak it became quite exposed so I put my jacket on. I'd kept my gloves on all day.</div><div><br /></div> <div>The ridge walking was spectacular, views of the Southern Alps in one direction, Kahurangi and Tasman Bay the other. The wind was annoying but wasn't strong enough to knock me around so I could continue, though it was cold enough for me to put the hood up, and later to put my trousers on as well. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CMll71JlCkuTxdvWppGBuboswzWJMmasutoAiuv2k-Pnk1qVP7aITP4N2S4RzmMRfEcKzrmls-tQvS5AE1YtjWSzvztwAttvBQL7AZ45di4iFl9Nkv2NhZMnXKJdWhvFPvW1e2rlE9vmiC5eIdMg2GjW-I6vGAzMiQBrxeQwbg3Q0ooUsS_N1498/s4032/20220411-IMG_7967.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CMll71JlCkuTxdvWppGBuboswzWJMmasutoAiuv2k-Pnk1qVP7aITP4N2S4RzmMRfEcKzrmls-tQvS5AE1YtjWSzvztwAttvBQL7AZ45di4iFl9Nkv2NhZMnXKJdWhvFPvW1e2rlE9vmiC5eIdMg2GjW-I6vGAzMiQBrxeQwbg3Q0ooUsS_N1498/w640-h480/20220411-IMG_7967.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back on the main ridge, my destination for the day: Mt Slaty (the pointy one)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsXJG_HtrizcAn5Vpmb_gkBkUCzZtf5gDd_LVmtKCR7uBfQatNP_1avcQLVJvmqXTm_csQTE62-yo4vasOvq-5sjPnJIm7WD3SYR-9WV4ut2QallSNqE6zWaHfl_kt3Q_tRKG3-7wAaRJ2ODpKuOO3jmM01JRNuzHoFt9eP-m6SE1EQnxHgXLOFSY/s4032/20220411-IMG_7968.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsXJG_HtrizcAn5Vpmb_gkBkUCzZtf5gDd_LVmtKCR7uBfQatNP_1avcQLVJvmqXTm_csQTE62-yo4vasOvq-5sjPnJIm7WD3SYR-9WV4ut2QallSNqE6zWaHfl_kt3Q_tRKG3-7wAaRJ2ODpKuOO3jmM01JRNuzHoFt9eP-m6SE1EQnxHgXLOFSY/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7968.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous rock formations along the ridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXUpZnIroBSi8M-10cLH-j-x5Jp2hPjyC44KxH4X0yTHOcJwLnPV7MrzNVwve-maZ0QGLrUgbhy0RkIB8CrWMIn05aUI2Z1WVBBclQcb4LfJv9ey0Qyr8szl2rCCKLjKLxJT00IJt_-b-T8hg09nszLkHTwtLiWmRW_NHl3841A6_h7wlM1jtDwpl/s4032/20220411-IMG_7969.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXUpZnIroBSi8M-10cLH-j-x5Jp2hPjyC44KxH4X0yTHOcJwLnPV7MrzNVwve-maZ0QGLrUgbhy0RkIB8CrWMIn05aUI2Z1WVBBclQcb4LfJv9ey0Qyr8szl2rCCKLjKLxJT00IJt_-b-T8hg09nszLkHTwtLiWmRW_NHl3841A6_h7wlM1jtDwpl/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7969.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The track climbing up towards Old Man Peak</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8j61mhr_PhNvDn_FV-91lFjaEHNSmMW4ods9PMzHuZcXJHke9LoJmuyxqPIIsuOmp_j9bDUGSN-8AxqEMj0yVMZshO5JYOSutBAtVvRJ4uS7cmCBVVLDMXUE67mULFbgLHPtoqxZE_lddbe91-Wgj8JkpUKFgpxnKubK_mqeoCQhsA3QBdCe5gsd/s4032/20220411-IMG_7970.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2539" data-original-width="4032" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8j61mhr_PhNvDn_FV-91lFjaEHNSmMW4ods9PMzHuZcXJHke9LoJmuyxqPIIsuOmp_j9bDUGSN-8AxqEMj0yVMZshO5JYOSutBAtVvRJ4uS7cmCBVVLDMXUE67mULFbgLHPtoqxZE_lddbe91-Wgj8JkpUKFgpxnKubK_mqeoCQhsA3QBdCe5gsd/w640-h404/20220411-IMG_7970.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down to the Wairau Valley from Old Man Peak, there's a track that heads down that ridgeline to Goulter Hut </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once I had climbed to Old Man Peak the trail turned west to follow the ridge to Slaty Peak, which meant down some scree and then up again to some wonderful tussock covered meadows. It was the easiest walking of the day and nice to stretch the legs. By now the wind was a headwind, but it was sunny, and with the right clothing I was warm and thoroughly enjoying the expansive views in all directions, including across to Mt Rintoul. The track undulated further until at last Slaty Peak towered above me. The hut was nestled next to the bush line well below the peak with a narrow sidle track across to it. I made it to the hut just before 4pm. </div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3iK2XphNqsN7qHTvCi6rEKS5hzM7AXp77hLG_WRH2tBviCHE4mph6sjvisaddTG_qHw87xdV-XlYt0ZOrn_01Hp8l9o4psD985VU0hy-ISbBuxq9v5t9qD0TXnLM4nsS4CzXpYLuGUuYMReh33AgOWvG9IkY2O-JyGtTPoivlR4tqriqEPGwZYL0/s4032/20220411-IMG_7971.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3iK2XphNqsN7qHTvCi6rEKS5hzM7AXp77hLG_WRH2tBviCHE4mph6sjvisaddTG_qHw87xdV-XlYt0ZOrn_01Hp8l9o4psD985VU0hy-ISbBuxq9v5t9qD0TXnLM4nsS4CzXpYLuGUuYMReh33AgOWvG9IkY2O-JyGtTPoivlR4tqriqEPGwZYL0/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7971.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windy, but stunning!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljgTkFKe3GLYo6fqTm78r_gNvyMgsSSGP9pQicGmTyT6_46uJ_oPAz6t0V8TgyPkE1p_3l4nXutbVHfiKCU-NYpUVX-ALZ8h5vwpLqwCYfOfsn05bMbqbiGxIxSRFSMALSheWDOpgzGqu37t0HduxZgu7PDa3d9OmOuazxzOF0hoXFG_HM5vM2qii/s4032/20220411-IMG_7973.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljgTkFKe3GLYo6fqTm78r_gNvyMgsSSGP9pQicGmTyT6_46uJ_oPAz6t0V8TgyPkE1p_3l4nXutbVHfiKCU-NYpUVX-ALZ8h5vwpLqwCYfOfsn05bMbqbiGxIxSRFSMALSheWDOpgzGqu37t0HduxZgu7PDa3d9OmOuazxzOF0hoXFG_HM5vM2qii/w640-h480/20220411-IMG_7973.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back at Old Man Peak (left) and Rintouls (right)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9dhWlXrOgzQQEyuNuLGNbPHeTgn1e7qlSXwTNHD70Ouud1J7NavvMUD47X3mnn5jcHoWUTXl3dqKfj7SyOyslvYZjEKxSJB5dagN0vE1tcuoeNaAPXcd0vEaaKfM5TJmgzqNSb_h1tfQdsNTQoCGLGZMqCMMAWLCTG99SPY7Hh7NYbI72hTnl63S/s4032/20220411-IMG_7974.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9dhWlXrOgzQQEyuNuLGNbPHeTgn1e7qlSXwTNHD70Ouud1J7NavvMUD47X3mnn5jcHoWUTXl3dqKfj7SyOyslvYZjEKxSJB5dagN0vE1tcuoeNaAPXcd0vEaaKfM5TJmgzqNSb_h1tfQdsNTQoCGLGZMqCMMAWLCTG99SPY7Hh7NYbI72hTnl63S/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7974.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading towards Slaty Peak</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQg3lHUQd3Qt7aK0YSKwCmzR22n4myhk6Zpa0l3XullYWE21gx9Kqu9Q08Tp_DmIaPmHM_6T4DBQPBJERB0UCBAxPxUi8SXiVbN45VAXV413OeT4Dteoo5_ViJ4TlhMJ60v5fjKP4VCreqQCno0IEgkjACoiUCZ6B69uf8fflsbPDjoud1wFcyOR1/s4032/20220411-IMG_7976.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQg3lHUQd3Qt7aK0YSKwCmzR22n4myhk6Zpa0l3XullYWE21gx9Kqu9Q08Tp_DmIaPmHM_6T4DBQPBJERB0UCBAxPxUi8SXiVbN45VAXV413OeT4Dteoo5_ViJ4TlhMJ60v5fjKP4VCreqQCno0IEgkjACoiUCZ6B69uf8fflsbPDjoud1wFcyOR1/w480-h640/20220411-IMG_7976.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And there's the hut!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I hadn't been there long when a young Swedish chap turned up. He told me he wanted to make it to Tarn Hut the following day and didn't appear to have done much NZ tramping at all. I suggested that Tarn might be a bit ambitious given the weather may not be great tomorrow and he has to make it over Rintoul first. He took 6 hours from Hackett which isn't much under the DOC times. I suggested he help me collect some firewood, and introduced him to a few tenets of hut etiquette, but he didn't seem very interested, though was happy to enjoy the fire I lit!! I also told him I'd be sleeping in, as I had an easy day, but would wear my earplugs so he wouldn't disturb me when he got up to go.</div> <div><br /></div> <h3 style="text-align: left;">Day 6 <i>Slaty Hut to Starveal Hut 5km, 2.5 hours<br />Starveal Hut to Hackett Hut 6km, 2 hours<br />Hackett Hut to Aniseed Valley Rd 7km, 1.5 hours </i></h3> <div>I woke up as daylight filtered in to the hut, and enjoyed a leisurely coffee. My Swedish friend was surprised that I was up so early, as I'd said I was sleeping in. He obviously wasn't used to the common practice of packing up in the dark and heading off at first light, or earlier!!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4PmF9_kjA1ZemptN7joL9lg9nCzjtD_wqzaUXyx-98QFt6flrdzPwajI4WZTO4-mWAnOWsqKP1FDQt5u6YwzT0UCYEIiLgJ_YhU0vvavtgAu9_SlW6YOl4aFUaoagr_wZX4SV2_TBT_rS55CuIA_MJ2cJ9FAz68S1tWjHxDiS1TUEzlJ6Sv6MbE4/s4032/20220412-IMG_7977.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4PmF9_kjA1ZemptN7joL9lg9nCzjtD_wqzaUXyx-98QFt6flrdzPwajI4WZTO4-mWAnOWsqKP1FDQt5u6YwzT0UCYEIiLgJ_YhU0vvavtgAu9_SlW6YOl4aFUaoagr_wZX4SV2_TBT_rS55CuIA_MJ2cJ9FAz68S1tWjHxDiS1TUEzlJ6Sv6MbE4/w480-h640/20220412-IMG_7977.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slaty Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As expected it was cloudy on the tops, coming in and out. The Swedish fellow set off a little before me and was immediately swallowed into the mist. I left about 8:30, not concerned about the cloud as I only had to get to Starveall Hut and then I would be descending off the alpine ridge into the forest. There was one more climb up to Mt Starveall before a gentle descent to the hut. By the time I got to the hut the sun was out and I'd left all those clouds behind.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQAcuWV4cgICN0EAb3SkdQSf3OGWHbWhdlU665vapIbs_8_maY4ehkoR6kcYS2_lzxNlsxJRUANH00W7skm8iFQBFK_VejUeJVVpedoqlgdTiteIHwPL-IttoNs7nho5TbVDu3q5WpH8ork3kYvsDCoT832LxA6H4LioaGwgbbWIjFZ1B5S8kY_VZ/s4032/20220412-IMG_7978.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQAcuWV4cgICN0EAb3SkdQSf3OGWHbWhdlU665vapIbs_8_maY4ehkoR6kcYS2_lzxNlsxJRUANH00W7skm8iFQBFK_VejUeJVVpedoqlgdTiteIHwPL-IttoNs7nho5TbVDu3q5WpH8ork3kYvsDCoT832LxA6H4LioaGwgbbWIjFZ1B5S8kY_VZ/w480-h640/20220412-IMG_7978.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clouds over the ridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjchG0J2oiroqMdTccseElPtZlo7PJvIdxecTQCjMR3FutJ8GDTZyw5t5lve_8oCByAdBy4IxczCIIUpW3BsZbeU6u3CYFDpiBiKovQ4crAvHCu9RqFTyAblwyslh6lsPochXM61G6ve1eLG_MF5_2xjVYDOTSusxLTwOSV9RASaSrzpooZdHA_KL5/s4032/20220412-IMG_7979.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjchG0J2oiroqMdTccseElPtZlo7PJvIdxecTQCjMR3FutJ8GDTZyw5t5lve_8oCByAdBy4IxczCIIUpW3BsZbeU6u3CYFDpiBiKovQ4crAvHCu9RqFTyAblwyslh6lsPochXM61G6ve1eLG_MF5_2xjVYDOTSusxLTwOSV9RASaSrzpooZdHA_KL5/w480-h640/20220412-IMG_7979.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makes for moody walking, as long as there's a path to follow....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAUMAn0ILhBWgfGgmxMdDEBENjrrMiiPoaVOVKvD4QFfSf3eOQe0BlnhzRmnTH7jrfmbsJPMH0omcL7ZDyGjVnE_gP03VbpIgeSPym6EJxHLwxUvdDfiFDZ7k3Z74sw_DQREFTjd3I8imAnvzgzJVrYm2_BAfNPb3nHDtW-vpG_6FVQerzxGDHo4f/s4032/20220412-IMG_7980.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAUMAn0ILhBWgfGgmxMdDEBENjrrMiiPoaVOVKvD4QFfSf3eOQe0BlnhzRmnTH7jrfmbsJPMH0omcL7ZDyGjVnE_gP03VbpIgeSPym6EJxHLwxUvdDfiFDZ7k3Z74sw_DQREFTjd3I8imAnvzgzJVrYm2_BAfNPb3nHDtW-vpG_6FVQerzxGDHo4f/w480-h640/20220412-IMG_7980.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetable sheep, a sure sign you're in the alpine zone</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyOYNpTI3aWs22JAJHt6o-ssSuzYo7yq5LkrmXcTV1NQSAeZfDIoHshnS5wxY1ClE8i6YdpUcuoGNoPd76gxKM6LhJlKVGind7NKMnEciRGPi2UndRxXWchTc44a4SLcQMUWG3non15LzneQGxIrINaaDuwuZRQNuWfpUQtu9nTU-V3D9NHOwkzF_/s4032/20220412-IMG_7981.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyOYNpTI3aWs22JAJHt6o-ssSuzYo7yq5LkrmXcTV1NQSAeZfDIoHshnS5wxY1ClE8i6YdpUcuoGNoPd76gxKM6LhJlKVGind7NKMnEciRGPi2UndRxXWchTc44a4SLcQMUWG3non15LzneQGxIrINaaDuwuZRQNuWfpUQtu9nTU-V3D9NHOwkzF_/w480-h640/20220412-IMG_7981.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starveall Hut, alpine crossing complete!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Then it was downhill all the way to Hackett, often on quite a steep track. I crossed the first streams I'd seen since the Wairoa 3 days ago. After lunch at Hackett Hut I then walked out to the roadend. I passed more people day-walking up the Hackett track than I'd met the entire week!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8e4ScOtihZqr7b_wksQxw5shC0p8bXITyeouSox2_sdf7qGPjddd9fkZ6VV4DI5KTqOKa2KkGVXf2CeOq5CyZiLEc-p0YgiTrVCX6KMOnja07qMxVDlEFi-OIm-KuEXFUT6xab5chnB2rUCGXvi9YoecEUfqa5P3_48WbVzIhM78y9OYZFfJuOWM/s4032/20220412-IMG_7982.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8e4ScOtihZqr7b_wksQxw5shC0p8bXITyeouSox2_sdf7qGPjddd9fkZ6VV4DI5KTqOKa2KkGVXf2CeOq5CyZiLEc-p0YgiTrVCX6KMOnja07qMxVDlEFi-OIm-KuEXFUT6xab5chnB2rUCGXvi9YoecEUfqa5P3_48WbVzIhM78y9OYZFfJuOWM/w640-h480/20220412-IMG_7982.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first running water since the Wairoa River 3 days ago</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwV46bjiiHxsWyMRNwSV5QG0CT-Gy0LhrfUMAZDfGVK63eiz1YzEph2pgjL1eefcFSZoHPkmQGt_yaespAxuQmuvAkD77mcgvM_92Ih35Hbiup1VNQoM0oxnk8G5gDdXKFw1rQii4uUSy7L4bgfk5Wr_fmfaI4mZ2s1SSPefRR8miPqDqOuBD7iPwG/s4032/20220412-IMG_7983.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwV46bjiiHxsWyMRNwSV5QG0CT-Gy0LhrfUMAZDfGVK63eiz1YzEph2pgjL1eefcFSZoHPkmQGt_yaespAxuQmuvAkD77mcgvM_92Ih35Hbiup1VNQoM0oxnk8G5gDdXKFw1rQii4uUSy7L4bgfk5Wr_fmfaI4mZ2s1SSPefRR8miPqDqOuBD7iPwG/w480-h640/20220412-IMG_7983.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pyramid Rock</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNEn-wVj6CxC8KTop4o8M3P3XNUAm6v19AxQ5weGyvyL6QFmNCARDnm4uolRL-0TpeSd7A68eP-h8PKpBSlDY9G1AK4kbY5kl6JlXiz_hFFc572n_YSbOMq3p8-s3RRe8_R-DqXpWfiKk7iGkEhQF95SLEea3dvFvrOPTQY-agOCxng91FnNU_U7J/s4032/20220412-IMG_7984.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNEn-wVj6CxC8KTop4o8M3P3XNUAm6v19AxQ5weGyvyL6QFmNCARDnm4uolRL-0TpeSd7A68eP-h8PKpBSlDY9G1AK4kbY5kl6JlXiz_hFFc572n_YSbOMq3p8-s3RRe8_R-DqXpWfiKk7iGkEhQF95SLEea3dvFvrOPTQY-agOCxng91FnNU_U7J/w480-h640/20220412-IMG_7984.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following the Hackett Stream, not possible if the river is up as the track is often in the stream bed</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpjyvWmYF99RhrOU3knFwiN1i_U6_3cr_wfwevXUOskveh_X9_g_mdjZRgk633OvG62kOMMXw-cZZBJvtETYMVPq-78ik__Zf6xS1qSxcRmZ6iIksu1Audr_WdvgLnzzrEaDbCz1ghRiqf9Cj_rZ6II56Um5hIFrB517Q7y_FLUb9swPDnCkVrw-f/s4032/20220412-IMG_7985.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpjyvWmYF99RhrOU3knFwiN1i_U6_3cr_wfwevXUOskveh_X9_g_mdjZRgk633OvG62kOMMXw-cZZBJvtETYMVPq-78ik__Zf6xS1qSxcRmZ6iIksu1Audr_WdvgLnzzrEaDbCz1ghRiqf9Cj_rZ6II56Um5hIFrB517Q7y_FLUb9swPDnCkVrw-f/w480-h640/20220412-IMG_7985.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hackett Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3cRM3pPDs3pU0L8crgdZ41P8f-v4H56VKzfjAx8AlWjxbDY_3c1B9K0Gb-kOEZSdmTNBhRiOS9v0JsgdcGPGZGVMyzDBiB8zg46MMuP5e-OVd7ALAjeBLkHRnoaZWECmAUHRFwKqqPQLyyr6HE6kP_akIal-4WOjo8fu3VyWml7iTREJ8FfhBnrg/s4032/20220412-IMG_7986.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3cRM3pPDs3pU0L8crgdZ41P8f-v4H56VKzfjAx8AlWjxbDY_3c1B9K0Gb-kOEZSdmTNBhRiOS9v0JsgdcGPGZGVMyzDBiB8zg46MMuP5e-OVd7ALAjeBLkHRnoaZWECmAUHRFwKqqPQLyyr6HE6kP_akIal-4WOjo8fu3VyWml7iTREJ8FfhBnrg/w480-h640/20220412-IMG_7986.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final walk out to Aniseed Valley Road</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I had messaged Brendon to pick me up at 4. I got there about 3:40 and took off my boots and walked in to the cold river to soothe my feet. Bliss!! The kids and Brendon turned up and after the kids had explored for a while we went back to Wakefield. </div><div><br /></div><div>My boots were buggered. I didn't get any more blisters after packing a little more hikers wool around my heel, but the sole has begun to come apart so it may be time to retire them. I've actually done more tramping in trail shoes than boots over the last few years, but the boots always come on the particularly rugged trips. And the terrain beats the shit out of them!</div><div><br /></div> <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3S0WV9GofScIG2PP5_3Nxy_S3Oaz5bWgfdtTlmoh--2KI8IpBv0ed9tnFlDPYwCaTfD8JThGVHNjB4pQ2vEhMGnSsHv9MeezDbEDojKilFORrUiogCz-LjGug-vePlImllyhb0Fg5PhKmkEDLerHSNfx4iPvRqJuWGpJANoqEzEvl9_kI56AB7Hm4/s4032/20220413-IMG_7991.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3S0WV9GofScIG2PP5_3Nxy_S3Oaz5bWgfdtTlmoh--2KI8IpBv0ed9tnFlDPYwCaTfD8JThGVHNjB4pQ2vEhMGnSsHv9MeezDbEDojKilFORrUiogCz-LjGug-vePlImllyhb0Fg5PhKmkEDLerHSNfx4iPvRqJuWGpJANoqEzEvl9_kI56AB7Hm4/w480-h640/20220413-IMG_7991.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking worse for wear....</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After a lovely evening enjoying dinner with Brendon's family and a friend, I headed off the next morning for a few days R and R camping by the beach in Tasman Bay. Brendon's daughter tested positive for Omicron two days later, but luckily I didn't catch it. I had some paddling to do.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's next...</div> </div><div dir="ltr"></div>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570190523277625370noreply@blogger.com0