tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28106981168118561282024-03-16T11:52:52.654-07:00Tramping in the New Zealand backcountry: NZ Bush AdventuresA discourse on the New Zealand outdoors including tramping, hiking, MTB riding, outdoor equipment and outdoor literature.
Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.comBlogger453125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-62337981717563836752023-11-28T11:52:00.000-08:002023-11-28T11:52:34.987-08:00Nelson Lakes National Park, Bushline Hut: 16-20th November<p style="text-align: center;"></p><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Visiting Bushline Hut</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I went for a flying visit to Nelson Lakes NP in the first week of November with the intention of doing a series of day walks in the area. I was using St Arnaud as a base and walking some tracks around both Lake Rotoiti and also Lake Rotoroa. I managed to walk the Mt Robert Circuit track which is the circuit around Mt Robert. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6CNKbXfenOGLlkz0AbjEtmXoWvMgzwXzPTdATaUbcE-LZv6wzGKRw6em_AkeqfyDsnE56Ly2DHjrW_7reMsn2JB56-OYd11tcvDcc08QMkqdquyCD_bVYymGVNe81MbvePZi5VBv-UeqwFvWH4shzplbBmUrED-tpe-Xq54IL41cQpMExtV7tHp0F7aH/s6000/IMG_1956.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6CNKbXfenOGLlkz0AbjEtmXoWvMgzwXzPTdATaUbcE-LZv6wzGKRw6em_AkeqfyDsnE56Ly2DHjrW_7reMsn2JB56-OYd11tcvDcc08QMkqdquyCD_bVYymGVNe81MbvePZi5VBv-UeqwFvWH4shzplbBmUrED-tpe-Xq54IL41cQpMExtV7tHp0F7aH/w640-h426/IMG_1956.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High of Mt Robert heading for Relax Shelter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have previously walked the Mt Robert Circuit via Pinchgut and Paddy's Tracks but decided I would revisit them as I am scouting out a possible trip to Lake Angelus later this year. I also love Nelson Lakes NP so always enjoy visiting my favorite tramping destination. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ckguDmaUHqBhczFmkNEEDU4y7xuwfzcdMIe7K6iuZWGCluWK7znbRSosfEys7oMtkI0X5uooPoGfTWqUf_KS2KfgSM-saBh1597VwCbX2xxumWlIftDB37on76yNoxbbozInv7_h13k/s981/Mt+RobertCircuit.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="981" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ckguDmaUHqBhczFmkNEEDU4y7xuwfzcdMIe7K6iuZWGCluWK7znbRSosfEys7oMtkI0X5uooPoGfTWqUf_KS2KfgSM-saBh1597VwCbX2xxumWlIftDB37on76yNoxbbozInv7_h13k/w640-h476/Mt+RobertCircuit.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visible sections of Mt Robert Circuit from Kerr Bay</td></tr></tbody></table></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/AVvXsEjrVGIgBjN6dmFfYFdpoPusXkuYs-8UowkEW45hCpkdNAgmQoqHQLLvNqa4QEvXUBN28-why5EqNJt9fnfq5nHYMk1Gyw__JlmyXdBkNQ7a5aJSpgO46xt2LYl1gPtGWniezGgVlmphxuzex9qNp4XhmLtcKwe2Zbaef6-4aKaw8FscFsO6s2KzUBxKyxTu/s6000/IMG_1902.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVGIgBjN6dmFfYFdpoPusXkuYs-8UowkEW45hCpkdNAgmQoqHQLLvNqa4QEvXUBN28-why5EqNJt9fnfq5nHYMk1Gyw__JlmyXdBkNQ7a5aJSpgO46xt2LYl1gPtGWniezGgVlmphxuzex9qNp4XhmLtcKwe2Zbaef6-4aKaw8FscFsO6s2KzUBxKyxTu/w640-h426/IMG_1902.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The overflow carpark from Mt Robert carpark</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhLAjvGf3MGs6RlhvuDt39q2oFGIqBqHPpsk5brwbvm03Ev7rY4U_kW7Y3-9ypltFLXRX3cepJ2W3_WeMu3EsS3DUoHsTGLvpn65XGOTPzu0CFRzQOKqe3kNZ-eNWXspnyAyWgE2fL-x6HnkwfzmshF8aI3AjorcYajPGRQfP4NigISayMWhdk0VdGSbq94/s6000/IMG_1903.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAjvGf3MGs6RlhvuDt39q2oFGIqBqHPpsk5brwbvm03Ev7rY4U_kW7Y3-9ypltFLXRX3cepJ2W3_WeMu3EsS3DUoHsTGLvpn65XGOTPzu0CFRzQOKqe3kNZ-eNWXspnyAyWgE2fL-x6HnkwfzmshF8aI3AjorcYajPGRQfP4NigISayMWhdk0VdGSbq94/w640-h426/IMG_1903.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down on the Brunner Peninsula from the Mt Robert carpark</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjK1cmgHH55tempjG7wz6xsGJ2G9JXcYcd4FdVpBH52ZW7Pjs_gwrsyVz0GNuWTBh_3QWoxmQahXUrnrolohH1BJdzmm0TZCNtGgZP92CjzcANGBtAHzEG8hxwC24h3azU3JQfO3ynBLAwxcSNFFdLfTkDvTbN9Mx3MXN4KhWEJI4mEfRGBBF_xHHpvujDB/s6000/IMG_1904.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1cmgHH55tempjG7wz6xsGJ2G9JXcYcd4FdVpBH52ZW7Pjs_gwrsyVz0GNuWTBh_3QWoxmQahXUrnrolohH1BJdzmm0TZCNtGgZP92CjzcANGBtAHzEG8hxwC24h3azU3JQfO3ynBLAwxcSNFFdLfTkDvTbN9Mx3MXN4KhWEJI4mEfRGBBF_xHHpvujDB/w640-h426/IMG_1904.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My car was left at the Mt Robert carpark</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The circuit starts from the Mt Robert carpark and heads up the steep Pinchgut Track before curving around Porangahau/Mt Robert and heading back down to the carpark. </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/AVvXsEjmkswONw-QmY0Q2qqQvELE3oElVKK5SkpfhG7cEjqg32Zi0DI-q_mYbmpMO-FsIrob1xnRcvs2IyJRfvY3OtKw2Alq75hOiYgQgH3jk_p3NTKhHodvZUS7qS8JYYuSflM4U4bq1cf9RXJIcTZ29hhdNVCplD5q1Wknb4JEXAWgXqq5voM8voPttdMCYoxC/s6000/IMG_1905.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkswONw-QmY0Q2qqQvELE3oElVKK5SkpfhG7cEjqg32Zi0DI-q_mYbmpMO-FsIrob1xnRcvs2IyJRfvY3OtKw2Alq75hOiYgQgH3jk_p3NTKhHodvZUS7qS8JYYuSflM4U4bq1cf9RXJIcTZ29hhdNVCplD5q1Wknb4JEXAWgXqq5voM8voPttdMCYoxC/w640-h426/IMG_1905.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map board in the Mt Robert Shelter, Nelson Lakes NP</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/AVvXsEi7blQPSJpuRf6ONyBALwqOskXzpxWvBG0hW7BcwMASsgT3JfTzPrQfrXtxfukPDK2oob6QYdfI_WImJFIQJvPrceRSjhMylJqB0GF0Gj1tNR38IVDZpFKxvxOTb1Z7dXATZAInw8N-LvrpLKafvtyqe78zG8Isul59feAsqIJJbWrlspOR5916XO44CBwf/s6000/IMG_1906.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7blQPSJpuRf6ONyBALwqOskXzpxWvBG0hW7BcwMASsgT3JfTzPrQfrXtxfukPDK2oob6QYdfI_WImJFIQJvPrceRSjhMylJqB0GF0Gj1tNR38IVDZpFKxvxOTb1Z7dXATZAInw8N-LvrpLKafvtyqe78zG8Isul59feAsqIJJbWrlspOR5916XO44CBwf/w426-h640/IMG_1906.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Pinchgut Track starts from the 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/AVvXsEjjbroZsIGh_zEUEUPXG7bB7hGYn60rXj6Vfu_m2YvFGE6h58kG9HHQG3h97dCw5WVA1f4RoccNGZjgG0bpvhZ3Vh__hlQ-z2y3UlaLxwED7fXHVilhhG8wWgrGCdVObp_6kSJrSe78F2Glr0s0Tls45g5MM2bSvBmwJTFkRkIik-tizfGloTh88dj83g0Q/s6000/IMG_1909.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbroZsIGh_zEUEUPXG7bB7hGYn60rXj6Vfu_m2YvFGE6h58kG9HHQG3h97dCw5WVA1f4RoccNGZjgG0bpvhZ3Vh__hlQ-z2y3UlaLxwED7fXHVilhhG8wWgrGCdVObp_6kSJrSe78F2Glr0s0Tls45g5MM2bSvBmwJTFkRkIik-tizfGloTh88dj83g0Q/w640-h426/IMG_1909.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer look at information in the shelter, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The best views are visible once you break the bush-line after walking for about an hour and once you are clear of the forest you can see as far out as Nelson Bay, Mt Owen, Kahurangi NP and south down the Southern Alps. Relax Shelter is another ten minutes along the track and is a place to get out of the elements for a break and it has water tanks and toilets if required.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEh828Dygk6mH-jJbPrlxhHFULI6XytKLk5B2SwRUHKBfrWBCh5XfY7Cjg3ChWs53WdsoH8OxtCLSD4rZjYIBoOzm40n9NbOQo-LT6R-k5dW9iYv6MG2L_VoyTg1wxYiGU6Mfx240kMeZaft6R774OioxmmqMREczIKA9A9fdEIT1cNpGnN9ZfC-me7gkFMF/s6000/IMG_1911.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh828Dygk6mH-jJbPrlxhHFULI6XytKLk5B2SwRUHKBfrWBCh5XfY7Cjg3ChWs53WdsoH8OxtCLSD4rZjYIBoOzm40n9NbOQo-LT6R-k5dW9iYv6MG2L_VoyTg1wxYiGU6Mfx240kMeZaft6R774OioxmmqMREczIKA9A9fdEIT1cNpGnN9ZfC-me7gkFMF/w640-h426/IMG_1911.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the start of Pinchgut Track, Nelson Lakes NP</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/AVvXsEh9IKaMMwXw2U8Y-qsoEmT3gzUsmbwMHW5YuAqYlStaCIjEu0kwa6CnKAs84-HUetiMFirpgAgxNdPCoZjFdtAOJqIbcCB41_OQJ6Q0gZYL0cdmSaMYtowdl4falC3gzXBW24BlU78WbIjs6ge44OVGXEHr8bQIMG_gBXKM3qoq56CclPU1wTkInCJxs5uY/s6000/IMG_1913.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IKaMMwXw2U8Y-qsoEmT3gzUsmbwMHW5YuAqYlStaCIjEu0kwa6CnKAs84-HUetiMFirpgAgxNdPCoZjFdtAOJqIbcCB41_OQJ6Q0gZYL0cdmSaMYtowdl4falC3gzXBW24BlU78WbIjs6ge44OVGXEHr8bQIMG_gBXKM3qoq56CclPU1wTkInCJxs5uY/w640-h426/IMG_1913.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some distance up the track looking at the Mt Robert carpark</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are occasional views out through the forest canopy to Lake Rotoiti, the Mt Robert carpark and the surrounding mountains. It was a blue sky day with only thin wispy cloud so you could see for quite a way...it was probably in the low 20's with little to no wind. A perfect day to be climbing to the tops in Nelson Lakes National Park.</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/AVvXsEgwLdYE4fmBH9odrmhbgZIHSTJLVm6gO6-7gtZ-ha9NXlrLSOJJcwgDJzrbJlmwzBVtVNZaoN5RXruADCiWuDZrF_648lVJXK34vtoHbRvuW1oP3Rx9uskpr7d_wNKlmsMijwm4bHfdVHmmIMjc3w3ZiOeTBmPykCP09qH9S4xK1jeqUFfemXjgtW2JSjAG/s6000/IMG_1915.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLdYE4fmBH9odrmhbgZIHSTJLVm6gO6-7gtZ-ha9NXlrLSOJJcwgDJzrbJlmwzBVtVNZaoN5RXruADCiWuDZrF_648lVJXK34vtoHbRvuW1oP3Rx9uskpr7d_wNKlmsMijwm4bHfdVHmmIMjc3w3ZiOeTBmPykCP09qH9S4xK1jeqUFfemXjgtW2JSjAG/w640-h426/IMG_1915.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Rotoiti with the Richmond Mountains 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/AVvXsEhi8eYycnRMcU4aacoT5xIz3QOXt0CScLpYT-jAYwbDOwtn4XErICBl7KluzXc8CLtO1oAlVK7184fCpIwzSi6tZLfikSKT5ejRs5HpLO2uRvB0vAo2gsrSxsydrum3rcUE8uMr-yVZ64XjjZR2Uh5VM1N8m5Tv0qHhCdbzozzArg2exUQJO7DZwWiaScDD/s6000/IMG_1918.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8eYycnRMcU4aacoT5xIz3QOXt0CScLpYT-jAYwbDOwtn4XErICBl7KluzXc8CLtO1oAlVK7184fCpIwzSi6tZLfikSKT5ejRs5HpLO2uRvB0vAo2gsrSxsydrum3rcUE8uMr-yVZ64XjjZR2Uh5VM1N8m5Tv0qHhCdbzozzArg2exUQJO7DZwWiaScDD/w640-h426/IMG_1918.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the high ground along the Pinchgut Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After 15 minutes you break out into open grasslands as the Pinchgut Track follows the edge of the bushline up to Mt Robert itself. You can see the track ahead running along the bush edge and I could see a number of other trampers ahead of me who were also climbing the track. </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/AVvXsEgaXSSCvBjTejUwTxS6vsQFa2LYA9o0mkKft6_GW6OGd1Ycv6tIWNKeXeQWae0JlRxw17Z9O78UWI5mcqpeiNlRPlNjo0dMhCK8Sr8z7SWKuP3u4Xadv6GFzK-jgK3cLvsXjALj0CJ7RfOBLTTW_Nql_hlePoXJgilPQd-PKnMI5wQBybiBewjrRU134LZ1/s6000/IMG_1920.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXSSCvBjTejUwTxS6vsQFa2LYA9o0mkKft6_GW6OGd1Ycv6tIWNKeXeQWae0JlRxw17Z9O78UWI5mcqpeiNlRPlNjo0dMhCK8Sr8z7SWKuP3u4Xadv6GFzK-jgK3cLvsXjALj0CJ7RfOBLTTW_Nql_hlePoXJgilPQd-PKnMI5wQBybiBewjrRU134LZ1/w640-h426/IMG_1920.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming out of the forest enroute to Mt Robert. Nelson Lakes NP</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/AVvXsEhVas0IPxpfRiR8rEGAhqqCarhl1-slJnuhAkk_0zSGMI2D900naXb718urOJvzurXWRCw50hBOez-PzBH1NV9_z49F9hhJFJWH5Wr_o0cDKCCqfobf6turWLV67DDQSCyB9tlfLGv2v-rcMV9Q3iH7h5kxCDKaVHTsgobL8vjrRQz6A00mqkMz1t794a77/s6000/IMG_1922.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVas0IPxpfRiR8rEGAhqqCarhl1-slJnuhAkk_0zSGMI2D900naXb718urOJvzurXWRCw50hBOez-PzBH1NV9_z49F9hhJFJWH5Wr_o0cDKCCqfobf6turWLV67DDQSCyB9tlfLGv2v-rcMV9Q3iH7h5kxCDKaVHTsgobL8vjrRQz6A00mqkMz1t794a77/w640-h426/IMG_1922.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo taken of the Pinchgut Track, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The views just keep getting better the higher you climb and eventually you can see all the surrounding mountain ranges. Lake Rotoiti and the Brunner Peninsula are laid out before you like some giant 3-D diagram and the sun shining on West Bay enhanced the whole vista. You continue to climb going into and out of the bush as you make your way ever higher.</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/AVvXsEgaYjgDLWDWdOuuaq-ksZCtwSOi_RzM_5LKAnng0nc7fINpBcWOEZrbsHVW8isH0Hj9dlDChm_1vfjCFAQ4epygt5vUuT13qedn-wpJNwn-KQLmipu66NjR7bb1STNq0RVPkiUsky63wPQCRVkmsPAj1tCmPvzwj96i-_DgI7v4utACZi_JhyEqMSuD2QwG/s6000/IMG_1924.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYjgDLWDWdOuuaq-ksZCtwSOi_RzM_5LKAnng0nc7fINpBcWOEZrbsHVW8isH0Hj9dlDChm_1vfjCFAQ4epygt5vUuT13qedn-wpJNwn-KQLmipu66NjR7bb1STNq0RVPkiUsky63wPQCRVkmsPAj1tCmPvzwj96i-_DgI7v4utACZi_JhyEqMSuD2QwG/w640-h426/IMG_1924.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View toward the St Arnaud Range, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGSvOhrXp7C-d3hIbIYAVd4dQe5sPMTbjhe7vkVLdCGCjo-0AbLBmUaj9uMeoX01BGQxvPT0RilNlA0WjtJ3GiH2MiZhD3kkkW6ZATLTyNYDXPPMvAdRJKK2MaCQ0uNPE7gDRq1VTzbMllOUnWsl0ewUJEKaJJo4tWTvVBDhvAxSwSM_gtbGur78Zl4IS/s6000/IMG_1926.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGSvOhrXp7C-d3hIbIYAVd4dQe5sPMTbjhe7vkVLdCGCjo-0AbLBmUaj9uMeoX01BGQxvPT0RilNlA0WjtJ3GiH2MiZhD3kkkW6ZATLTyNYDXPPMvAdRJKK2MaCQ0uNPE7gDRq1VTzbMllOUnWsl0ewUJEKaJJo4tWTvVBDhvAxSwSM_gtbGur78Zl4IS/w640-h426/IMG_1926.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pinchgut Track is a series of switch backs</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGp6bddMvblzX2zl7gW-64OT-rarRCdj68usasmY6lf6DkuOFW-ixOPJ5jwNZ1unKdfGAWUflR8nE_FlP8VoFocf7-BR2_JueiPTYQ3bpuJSHr-6jthLkSPEUvGsW532KPgtnWrBMDxSlvgsbvL0qZvKfe1pRkG1_FJPArB9VCJ70DLXARsc6UJUJUYWU/s6000/IMG_1928.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGp6bddMvblzX2zl7gW-64OT-rarRCdj68usasmY6lf6DkuOFW-ixOPJ5jwNZ1unKdfGAWUflR8nE_FlP8VoFocf7-BR2_JueiPTYQ3bpuJSHr-6jthLkSPEUvGsW532KPgtnWrBMDxSlvgsbvL0qZvKfe1pRkG1_FJPArB9VCJ70DLXARsc6UJUJUYWU/w640-h426/IMG_1928.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forest track along the Pinchgut Track, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">There is a bench seat in the forest with a great view of Lake Rotoiti about 40 minutes into the climb so I stopped here for a five minute break. Then it was steady climbing along a bush covered track for another 25 minutes as I worked my way up to the tussock line at around 1400 meters. I could hear people coming up the track behind me but they never managed to pass so must have stopped for an extended break somewhere. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEg4QhfbK_ZQVvwt6PK6GcGxhTV94wjhBGLxYZCilaahYGc8amMmqoJKaMK_J3w5MHcOFNfsmlVJlygzPiEo5uEN4Jdem9W_3k8E5xn6_PPq9KMb-C0FAdx9O_mvkMv2QULwQi-opj__IAuYiUQQvNs-FTODvFDOkapi5mxBqSPBTAoUhZZzBuyrFDXv6O79/s6000/IMG_1932.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QhfbK_ZQVvwt6PK6GcGxhTV94wjhBGLxYZCilaahYGc8amMmqoJKaMK_J3w5MHcOFNfsmlVJlygzPiEo5uEN4Jdem9W_3k8E5xn6_PPq9KMb-C0FAdx9O_mvkMv2QULwQi-opj__IAuYiUQQvNs-FTODvFDOkapi5mxBqSPBTAoUhZZzBuyrFDXv6O79/w640-h426/IMG_1932.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming to the bush edge on the Pinchgut Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEjXZmCZ4LPJ0oiKUlAj_4Ah4QdAfbs3lfGyUjKKIusa9hczopt7aZn8NlNIwnYBv0a5VuXizUmNlwHt5QeVG8KVkLafXQU294Yo3Xp6K75KJBjQA0Et7mmKT-0mloIMeOsFbAUFfr5-rp5_a-I8GcD8hAFdYYmmBCpqPzt3blQI2C8SPgct4zVPWTdd6Yal/s6000/IMG_1929.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZmCZ4LPJ0oiKUlAj_4Ah4QdAfbs3lfGyUjKKIusa9hczopt7aZn8NlNIwnYBv0a5VuXizUmNlwHt5QeVG8KVkLafXQU294Yo3Xp6K75KJBjQA0Et7mmKT-0mloIMeOsFbAUFfr5-rp5_a-I8GcD8hAFdYYmmBCpqPzt3blQI2C8SPgct4zVPWTdd6Yal/w640-h426/IMG_1929.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my rest area onPinchgut Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I eventually broke out of the top of the bush after climbing for about an hour and ten minutes and found myself in an area of tussock and rocky spires. You climb through this area onto the Robert Ridge which stretches off to the south towards the interior of the park. You climb a couple more switchbacks and find yourself on the western flank of Mt Robert just down from the summit. <br /><br />There is a hut marked on the LINZ topographic maps near the 1400 meter line called Bushedge Hut but it was actually removed a couple of years ago. Instead there is a nice bench seat just down from the summit of Mt Robert with superb views in all directions. To the north you can see as far as the mountains of Abel Tasman NP, to the west are the Matiri and Lyell Ranges, to the east the St Arnaud Range.<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/AVvXsEg-zouX_F5lGmwhRWAJQpOFwpF1tXiz2_brCWAsZ_q7LYdZmtcjM5zh0FZQa9PBIzpjusYly_hwRWXq6i9wqC7GXtYW0x-qo6ECEusNHGUQBUDWKy1UQQW3gMUVcl4UwnjCDpWDfcfGFQ8bKBL6_5rhSJ7HsReASaDfiteA-aZoLgyIeKv41T5njGR09wzm/s6000/IMG_1938.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zouX_F5lGmwhRWAJQpOFwpF1tXiz2_brCWAsZ_q7LYdZmtcjM5zh0FZQa9PBIzpjusYly_hwRWXq6i9wqC7GXtYW0x-qo6ECEusNHGUQBUDWKy1UQQW3gMUVcl4UwnjCDpWDfcfGFQ8bKBL6_5rhSJ7HsReASaDfiteA-aZoLgyIeKv41T5njGR09wzm/w640-h426/IMG_1938.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seat with a view of Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes NP</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/AVvXsEgDubF4PefMbkY_Gt5rLH1h0A7tZcXBGBJgF-VB4l2nUaMzB1ZNiZ9JD97ZLj_u8pt3EU8M1DnHyZQsYuvqY1Y6TQxcD4gcUC7HuVjfFdJTCTQWTOPRGRvXoQMDkV4Yxhb415YuvO_uIPmC_Q9uUqcyBz8n9-k227Bwq5DEO1fIo21COeKPteIQcEXoBZue/s6000/IMG_1936.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDubF4PefMbkY_Gt5rLH1h0A7tZcXBGBJgF-VB4l2nUaMzB1ZNiZ9JD97ZLj_u8pt3EU8M1DnHyZQsYuvqY1Y6TQxcD4gcUC7HuVjfFdJTCTQWTOPRGRvXoQMDkV4Yxhb415YuvO_uIPmC_Q9uUqcyBz8n9-k227Bwq5DEO1fIo21COeKPteIQcEXoBZue/w640-h426/IMG_1936.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign at the bush edge on Pinchgut 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/AVvXsEglMHEVRiDupAmuGk2bxeKjTgOu7imCvzXkWD4rnWtIFUNGhXSHE0rhVs2Czx42rU-fKAI4zoEbY7nJ1DRDOYuamH8zO8gLMoBUUNpJ8NYDiWZgQI4-mXIIHNuqF9-ZdUA4VNYM_vQlP0OunapfYbu6efO8K3IBgXkrieWCCq5CQFbxfpSBP9Z-pK56nKYO/s6000/IMG_1934.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMHEVRiDupAmuGk2bxeKjTgOu7imCvzXkWD4rnWtIFUNGhXSHE0rhVs2Czx42rU-fKAI4zoEbY7nJ1DRDOYuamH8zO8gLMoBUUNpJ8NYDiWZgQI4-mXIIHNuqF9-ZdUA4VNYM_vQlP0OunapfYbu6efO8K3IBgXkrieWCCq5CQFbxfpSBP9Z-pK56nKYO/w640-h426/IMG_1934.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Rotoiti and the distant Richmond Range</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>From Mt Robert you follow a track along Robert Ridge marked with snow-poles as you make your way to Relax Shelter about 300 meters along the ridge. This is easy travel during the warmer months but after a good dump of snow this can be a dangerous place with the potential for deep, slippery snow and cold, windy conditions.</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/AVvXsEjXwinklll5jcwsa27Xm0Wc2M95t7dpIjZA91UoJbLU3Vi39mNHXS44QvXMIwr8emEysyTSW68pEFdb9drnM1lc0RrfA3QKwMwKSBxsqmRlMJGd68Nm4i_E4tKij7Vo9043_m7o9i8WmBSM4zvSATLlUe38ZGvSh_5zKyFr29Sql_el5_ptgcqRsZortb6h/s6000/IMG_1940.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwinklll5jcwsa27Xm0Wc2M95t7dpIjZA91UoJbLU3Vi39mNHXS44QvXMIwr8emEysyTSW68pEFdb9drnM1lc0RrfA3QKwMwKSBxsqmRlMJGd68Nm4i_E4tKij7Vo9043_m7o9i8WmBSM4zvSATLlUe38ZGvSh_5zKyFr29Sql_el5_ptgcqRsZortb6h/w640-h426/IMG_1940.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Arnaud Range raises over Lake Rotoiti</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div> If you are just day walking up here in winter then this is probably the best place to turn around and head back down Pinchgut Track. You are mostly protected from the elements by the beech forest and the views from near Mt Robert are magnificent all on their own. Otherwise head for Relax Shelter and figure out your next step.</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/AVvXsEg7aDsZmEyKx_m37o9EDUtxG55SsXmyUWFa0Xt4zVmJs1jOGto5N2O7r0xh0sTnL_m7H1Q6ToV8tA0nGAEydaS8mGNC1WMN7SqHn-a7iZ9IHFDOD1cvaxGR9b2Xf9zdQWnur-4BiR2GdWA21TeC0ektwSa8j_NvaSLCTz6Gptg0X7RhKdOu1Mw2JdB7f-To/s6000/IMG_1939.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aDsZmEyKx_m37o9EDUtxG55SsXmyUWFa0Xt4zVmJs1jOGto5N2O7r0xh0sTnL_m7H1Q6ToV8tA0nGAEydaS8mGNC1WMN7SqHn-a7iZ9IHFDOD1cvaxGR9b2Xf9zdQWnur-4BiR2GdWA21TeC0ektwSa8j_NvaSLCTz6Gptg0X7RhKdOu1Mw2JdB7f-To/w640-h426/IMG_1939.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of the bushline on Pinchgut Track, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEg1cbz0Z_QIArlcso_Ly0c8_YobCbFpLAqAhZXn7883mGvxoStkxax2d0jhYjrxOUfzUzQ-ALtMDFxuFFwnwZ1KmFLJSUIPMiuGtUKMC76LcFEZQ7WhqCv6O1okqZ6t8m4dSkwO8oBdjdbyLQgRIIF6UloLJguSakn3FPw65fPEkZuBZI_QHrkA3EhqOsyf/s4320/IMG_7312.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cbz0Z_QIArlcso_Ly0c8_YobCbFpLAqAhZXn7883mGvxoStkxax2d0jhYjrxOUfzUzQ-ALtMDFxuFFwnwZ1KmFLJSUIPMiuGtUKMC76LcFEZQ7WhqCv6O1okqZ6t8m4dSkwO8oBdjdbyLQgRIIF6UloLJguSakn3FPw65fPEkZuBZI_QHrkA3EhqOsyf/w640-h480/IMG_7312.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View further along the Robert Ridge, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the view looking off into the South West....a front was working its way up country and by the time I reached the hut it was cool and raining. </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/AVvXsEild8ZFR46Qh39j5OfgQrXYC8bRYh0fQ8jAyDGc-CZKrULZEfY-SjGMmgaGcvLR9FambkuzHVV0b5_JpAVoVkpcIQ6Ls9XF1CkbbFQacKH613L008GvAJXL3eWaRtCLHekRTFvGxqh1CCusIkYBZzB3xGN8WtbsXMquFvplacCuR0XDTnJ-cRvTFRarxa1l/s6000/IMG_1942.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEild8ZFR46Qh39j5OfgQrXYC8bRYh0fQ8jAyDGc-CZKrULZEfY-SjGMmgaGcvLR9FambkuzHVV0b5_JpAVoVkpcIQ6Ls9XF1CkbbFQacKH613L008GvAJXL3eWaRtCLHekRTFvGxqh1CCusIkYBZzB3xGN8WtbsXMquFvplacCuR0XDTnJ-cRvTFRarxa1l/w640-h426/IMG_1942.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to the Matiri Range south of Robert Ridge</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the Relax Shelter you leave the Mt Robert Ridge Route and head down the start of Paddy's Track to Bushline Hut. There are awesome views along this section down to Lake Rotoiti, St Arnaud and out to the Richmond Range. You pass the Nelson Ski Club (NSC) Kea Hut on the way before arriving at 14 bunk Bushline Hut. </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/AVvXsEjLCULRpKaP5cUO1yM5QVmaoCK3Dz4f7LYeHSUfETwLTYF5OF9v9OFEGmHbHXZ6IHAlSPYAhQiyVYy6I8OYGzUZdnMUi0ie2hj4-LVngrzq-3rQCfrxQRB62wyC84lbMwcN5vjNNFbBLss6MrJf13clYdLTNdQrZ4olKZEtVVlcvCsJutXe7EnFldy8K2QG/s6000/IMG_1943.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCULRpKaP5cUO1yM5QVmaoCK3Dz4f7LYeHSUfETwLTYF5OF9v9OFEGmHbHXZ6IHAlSPYAhQiyVYy6I8OYGzUZdnMUi0ie2hj4-LVngrzq-3rQCfrxQRB62wyC84lbMwcN5vjNNFbBLss6MrJf13clYdLTNdQrZ4olKZEtVVlcvCsJutXe7EnFldy8K2QG/w640-h426/IMG_1943.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Relax Shelter is an old ski lodge...</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgF52cTZ92xaMrX9AU8L12zoDnQAZzFFhT_OoDrzv0loextHiI2JwwAHA8tUDy-z0dswpQHEXGHlyWl6lQZ0Z2WVk1VdvLVF3mZo27OfmtYB11y8SYIbif4SZHDM9Vad0uJvVQsLu3HCdIgMMOevP6Vs-VuYwHpgy3Qj5I6RZIT2Xh33ZgsGzYoExf5_4LX/s4320/IMG_7315.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF52cTZ92xaMrX9AU8L12zoDnQAZzFFhT_OoDrzv0loextHiI2JwwAHA8tUDy-z0dswpQHEXGHlyWl6lQZ0Z2WVk1VdvLVF3mZo27OfmtYB11y8SYIbif4SZHDM9Vad0uJvVQsLu3HCdIgMMOevP6Vs-VuYwHpgy3Qj5I6RZIT2Xh33ZgsGzYoExf5_4LX/w640-h480/IMG_7315.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relax Shelter, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I eventually made it to Relax Shelter after about two hours of walking and I was pleased to be able to sit down for a short break. Relax Shelter is an old ski hut built by the Nelson Ski Club back in the days when people skied in the surrounding basin. There are a number of basins and gentle slopes around Mt Robert which would be excellent skiing terrain given enough snow.</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/AVvXsEgC0G3owVhG-BOcDbtC0tJ91D083Q2aKSpA_QGiOAYL7aKwBRubiNuYS0pav4nkwKhNWnYQEKChr5cPSCcUrNYHLOYhyphenhyphenANiYefrz1iqDie4IvIhFErokF4UVUaDRSUTotx7YUvJd01V-zkB8RiTAX491iwFNwJFIcmG_uf_lsK_7JKbSmG-98vRjEe7LhNh/s6000/IMG_1949.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0G3owVhG-BOcDbtC0tJ91D083Q2aKSpA_QGiOAYL7aKwBRubiNuYS0pav4nkwKhNWnYQEKChr5cPSCcUrNYHLOYhyphenhyphenANiYefrz1iqDie4IvIhFErokF4UVUaDRSUTotx7YUvJd01V-zkB8RiTAX491iwFNwJFIcmG_uf_lsK_7JKbSmG-98vRjEe7LhNh/w640-h426/IMG_1949.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...inside Relax Shelter is quite spartan...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: center;">The shelter is spartan inside...benches down both sides of the hut with one window for light but it is dry and warm enough so would make good location for a lunch break. There is a toilet and water tank to the rear of the shelter if required. Note: this is one of only two water resupply points on this track...the other is at Bushline Hut. There are none from Relax Shelter to Angelus Hut. </span></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/AVvXsEgd6x3W3rwTbji9GuBPko6EAAEpGPz30DnvVS3t2EIE5-rRqrqnz0YcYWbWeBF9ERBnchhUW5IMWIBfkjbi4HRBVAtCsuhen7c6tcSn02mzU_YsK5-HoKyXhn1t6ThZW9xSHRzrLbra9kJT4ScidxAp7wjGpG5mwn9RU8r-09yu198eD2_4nw4hSjpB5F_J/s6000/IMG_1948.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6x3W3rwTbji9GuBPko6EAAEpGPz30DnvVS3t2EIE5-rRqrqnz0YcYWbWeBF9ERBnchhUW5IMWIBfkjbi4HRBVAtCsuhen7c6tcSn02mzU_YsK5-HoKyXhn1t6ThZW9xSHRzrLbra9kJT4ScidxAp7wjGpG5mwn9RU8r-09yu198eD2_4nw4hSjpB5F_J/w640-h426/IMG_1948.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A potted history of Relax Shelter, Nelson Lakes NP</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/AVvXsEjFDRdetCxbdTa278L26fQy4BMmZjcwzY6zTIK2w798oZnCdMxK7pir8r07XlLgdDpOhfBSRiBaMRy1lQz6dHy1dF8xeeqWojZOIf7n5rP0m3tX0_eLRTWA4AmSSLvZEFq9wqoaqVeIuWBciyG6Do8-xkOr42AsVDPwdrHA_-7tMjlMoK0QCRbwlLmad3fs/s6000/IMG_1945.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDRdetCxbdTa278L26fQy4BMmZjcwzY6zTIK2w798oZnCdMxK7pir8r07XlLgdDpOhfBSRiBaMRy1lQz6dHy1dF8xeeqWojZOIf7n5rP0m3tX0_eLRTWA4AmSSLvZEFq9wqoaqVeIuWBciyG6Do8-xkOr42AsVDPwdrHA_-7tMjlMoK0QCRbwlLmad3fs/w640-h426/IMG_1945.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up view of the information board in Relax 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/AVvXsEjQb5dRIPkCIp4GOs-YF7eyKSg0FXdnVnatlm4qjlKOnv3VFuh8JqL2oMQ3S2m7KYjV61wuUJiJNEBSCK2sxZUBrwXbUcDmYZ4xlIUby7NXeCQ94u1iR1mxiS3CKMOr2vjGpVbZK2lVHEDZGeKFqKSa_yhyphenhyphenta6wRIRs3mTID7LhWVARQzMt856zR0FUMNfu/s6000/IMG_1946.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQb5dRIPkCIp4GOs-YF7eyKSg0FXdnVnatlm4qjlKOnv3VFuh8JqL2oMQ3S2m7KYjV61wuUJiJNEBSCK2sxZUBrwXbUcDmYZ4xlIUby7NXeCQ94u1iR1mxiS3CKMOr2vjGpVbZK2lVHEDZGeKFqKSa_yhyphenhyphenta6wRIRs3mTID7LhWVARQzMt856zR0FUMNfu/w640-h426/IMG_1946.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out of the window from within Relax Shelter</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After a 10 minute break I gathered my gear and set off for the track junction between the Robert Ridge Route and Paddy's Track. It is 100 meters to the turn off point to Paddy's Track and junction of the track is well sign posted by DOC.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFK8PvlZD2RlyjPvoFiQz1Kuceb-1p3BtwpHJ7GnlG54B6eXx-0YbBVhfFyLN3OE_nBavHKhMcPpYYCLjGA46aqkFwFTSwWXpQcQgaj8GolJKb2RtGXZs1h2nRwrCof9PSd23kWP6apAmdGW5FIYhibu-B8HRztxyHx7DZKIlf1k5zKktLKKRr7sPmb4_/s6000/IMG_1950.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFK8PvlZD2RlyjPvoFiQz1Kuceb-1p3BtwpHJ7GnlG54B6eXx-0YbBVhfFyLN3OE_nBavHKhMcPpYYCLjGA46aqkFwFTSwWXpQcQgaj8GolJKb2RtGXZs1h2nRwrCof9PSd23kWP6apAmdGW5FIYhibu-B8HRztxyHx7DZKIlf1k5zKktLKKRr7sPmb4_/w640-h426/IMG_1950.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Junction of the Pinchgut Track and Paddy's Track, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Note: if you are continuing to Angelus Hut then you are entering an avalanche zone from this point onwards. While the first section of Robert Ridge is relatively safe the terrain becomes more rugged the further you progress. Do not go beyond this point in winter without all the avalanche gear (shovel/probe/beacon) and the ability to judge your risk. There have been multiple fatalities and injuries on this route so be prepared. Check with DOC St Arnaud before starting ANY trip to Lake Angelus...</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/AVvXsEg4DUv5z5hgCR217TzsvgbNwSjjJfSBSdC9rQBV5R45VEaEPTOViRNA4zuwlJLRW-vUikYiFs6alDrwxWg9VcsCp5GIAS6_i9Yx7oDCqUiIAVfxcGGsw5O_Yg_Ip-kZ-N7EsrncIP3-7iemXCccSwXq1AfpWBg-7127Cb5kbK1v0s6Ncu-2OOqFIKuwYGfb/s6000/IMG_1952.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DUv5z5hgCR217TzsvgbNwSjjJfSBSdC9rQBV5R45VEaEPTOViRNA4zuwlJLRW-vUikYiFs6alDrwxWg9VcsCp5GIAS6_i9Yx7oDCqUiIAVfxcGGsw5O_Yg_Ip-kZ-N7EsrncIP3-7iemXCccSwXq1AfpWBg-7127Cb5kbK1v0s6Ncu-2OOqFIKuwYGfb/w640-h426/IMG_1952.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the ridgeline towards Bushline 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/AVvXsEhHGw22m0CTHHegl2l11lwhRDJoBHTYC3_WmXDyjdd2NbP8J3D_ZdM3Ua5vcKu_pJmuYUWS9SXUMDm7stlwnVGiOLdwLVMhL5pnN16gxjRUGkudYztosOg1cLIypKAfv2w59dg6dqlx3BvljOdxSoTKclC31VRN-RLblw6g39axQWRTCQ1SmToD9OSIQQzO/s6000/IMG_1954.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGw22m0CTHHegl2l11lwhRDJoBHTYC3_WmXDyjdd2NbP8J3D_ZdM3Ua5vcKu_pJmuYUWS9SXUMDm7stlwnVGiOLdwLVMhL5pnN16gxjRUGkudYztosOg1cLIypKAfv2w59dg6dqlx3BvljOdxSoTKclC31VRN-RLblw6g39axQWRTCQ1SmToD9OSIQQzO/w640-h426/IMG_1954.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meandering down Paddy's Track, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the track junction it is a gradual one kilometer or 30 minute descent down to Bushline Hut along Paddy's Track. You will be following this track for the rest of the tramp and eventually it will deposit you down on the Mt Robert Road just downhill from the carpark. </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/AVvXsEgJ_oGxEXmxaYe_T6-jGfZu7tlcF0DHljpcC-KBhjzHVf_5glIwM8EEO6BKOAybBQ6dtz_avLa23Y9helPMfx6JtRn-Vige-ddEIIJRlrhaSI6Un0LPnd0WwYkMaALqUQ0Bc2qf_qqHWORzdErryeIirFvW7waBqrCpQw_fyyQXlt-Q977QFg1QGBoAk932/s6000/IMG_1957.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_oGxEXmxaYe_T6-jGfZu7tlcF0DHljpcC-KBhjzHVf_5glIwM8EEO6BKOAybBQ6dtz_avLa23Y9helPMfx6JtRn-Vige-ddEIIJRlrhaSI6Un0LPnd0WwYkMaALqUQ0Bc2qf_qqHWORzdErryeIirFvW7waBqrCpQw_fyyQXlt-Q977QFg1QGBoAk932/w640-h426/IMG_1957.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View up to Robert Ridge from Paddy's Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The track is well marked by six foot high snow poles which gives you an idea of the amount of snow you could expect to find up here in the winter. It is an easy track to follow but take care as it is a boggy area and is a bit slippery in places. There are a couple of saddles along the track where you can see down into Lake Rotoiti...stay clear of the edges especially if there is any snow or ice present. </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/AVvXsEiiDvOhdLQrqwinsje4hmEYiMODXSRU35D3leu87KgwOnfAB20BChyphenhyphenfZp-n_jvVgqj0n9JYxkOmpYJDEhWiny66SA9lVIfwhw18ghuabANuPZ9jsLDmmZOBnc4aYhNkgYFaBm7JJLqYGQ8pcfv9EGxABIsmjQHRFR8LJQhK9BOYSzX0WiPi-iI0enhyp2xH/s6000/IMG_1958.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDvOhdLQrqwinsje4hmEYiMODXSRU35D3leu87KgwOnfAB20BChyphenhyphenfZp-n_jvVgqj0n9JYxkOmpYJDEhWiny66SA9lVIfwhw18ghuabANuPZ9jsLDmmZOBnc4aYhNkgYFaBm7JJLqYGQ8pcfv9EGxABIsmjQHRFR8LJQhK9BOYSzX0WiPi-iI0enhyp2xH/w640-h426/IMG_1958.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...exposed section of Paddy's 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/AVvXsEhoibkLZVGICJHRHUgPZzktxsvHHBmYpJr2Bp28ZbYnVig0FnTw8HJb7OT4-VvpCBySSHN9PPQEaHZ4IcFO0rIgDlqk48fDn5lQaBGdQ62coQ8a9K0XDC7We1mAaUdhQgu0uoShhjsnng-C0X-OQmWi1o0gnM6M7xAczflEygv8Dqg9G19zY8mX7WR94794/s6000/IMG_1959.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoibkLZVGICJHRHUgPZzktxsvHHBmYpJr2Bp28ZbYnVig0FnTw8HJb7OT4-VvpCBySSHN9PPQEaHZ4IcFO0rIgDlqk48fDn5lQaBGdQ62coQ8a9K0XDC7We1mAaUdhQgu0uoShhjsnng-C0X-OQmWi1o0gnM6M7xAczflEygv8Dqg9G19zY8mX7WR94794/w640-h426/IMG_1959.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes NP from the exposed section</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/AVvXsEhSjSrqLez7DAq4Hq4BnhkH9PHC-bM6Qt8Hn648tNroHYsWvzZanUWEcaIs9Tu0Sg8Vp8S4f4lXe9Oj5qA3VSf9JNBLUFJYd4Wzv89KhrepXtTLLzOxcgjbTEq3-a3UdiIrikHrlr0weIHMFCqI5aqoUNDqcNqEtsvFTsR4ffgPpDCNvTIqBigkf3nsvzm0/s6000/IMG_1960.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjSrqLez7DAq4Hq4BnhkH9PHC-bM6Qt8Hn648tNroHYsWvzZanUWEcaIs9Tu0Sg8Vp8S4f4lXe9Oj5qA3VSf9JNBLUFJYd4Wzv89KhrepXtTLLzOxcgjbTEq3-a3UdiIrikHrlr0weIHMFCqI5aqoUNDqcNqEtsvFTsR4ffgPpDCNvTIqBigkf3nsvzm0/w640-h426/IMG_1960.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two people were walking just ahead of me</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Nelson Ski Club used to use the basin along the track for skiing...it would have been a good ski field as the slope is easy to moderate but snow fall here is patchy at best and there are winters when there is no snow here at all. They eventually developed the Rainbow Skifield further along the Robert Ridge but even this is no longer in use. </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/AVvXsEig-DvuQSdm2wFjgWjaBquipZp1w1RwBABW2ou1THiBkcKXpWVrOMV1sbHBmVUGPV45pW191LXBsVEQ36L-hP-fhk5Vvpqhl_7jYae6Che_Lfnkib95qXWkNAUiVAe-nD7gMgMpObEKylJmDS1lelQPZ1M2e1Z0BTYZt5u0aYu7ESLO9DivtIhZRNgEYugi/s6000/IMG_1961.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-DvuQSdm2wFjgWjaBquipZp1w1RwBABW2ou1THiBkcKXpWVrOMV1sbHBmVUGPV45pW191LXBsVEQ36L-hP-fhk5Vvpqhl_7jYae6Che_Lfnkib95qXWkNAUiVAe-nD7gMgMpObEKylJmDS1lelQPZ1M2e1Z0BTYZt5u0aYu7ESLO9DivtIhZRNgEYugi/w640-h426/IMG_1961.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the ridge leading to Bushline 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/AVvXsEiCR8LnOGj_qtxj_IfCEy72CHYmNilhNPm_iQDY9egg1KMibAEWu4BczdsGzDhTQAe7tQq4e5g0HPMCafyzSj1l53-hca_Ul707RvfJyJK_LHsNQOV-BQVMePPFMoBHwCoTugBlECeJTXZtT6CmB93h8a_7_yjUelod98lhe54r77nvgsL8QT36EHGgt1V0/s6000/IMG_1964.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR8LnOGj_qtxj_IfCEy72CHYmNilhNPm_iQDY9egg1KMibAEWu4BczdsGzDhTQAe7tQq4e5g0HPMCafyzSj1l53-hca_Ul707RvfJyJK_LHsNQOV-BQVMePPFMoBHwCoTugBlECeJTXZtT6CmB93h8a_7_yjUelod98lhe54r77nvgsL8QT36EHGgt1V0/w640-h426/IMG_1964.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up to Robert Ridge along Paddy's Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a point along the track where you can see right up Travers Valley to the confluence with the Arnst River and you can see right along the full length of the St Arnaud Range. Unfortunately Mt Travers and Travers Saddle are around the bend of the river just out of sigh</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/AVvXsEjFIGig0EahTGTW2sxSGCVIZ03jPavzYcTdsMnoc-pxhMXTbla148aTHdYI-xZhYJphyUPBkEjgnGG5vn2RYpHStvDRifMoyeHHPheC-rGpMDCkVp5gqoX-qGSEuXcjXDwOC_KXObp4emTFPSEU-Br2o3EzVcRkvAYXiBlQ4U9Ih3cfdypryZXOLi69ldPp/s6000/IMG_1967.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIGig0EahTGTW2sxSGCVIZ03jPavzYcTdsMnoc-pxhMXTbla148aTHdYI-xZhYJphyUPBkEjgnGG5vn2RYpHStvDRifMoyeHHPheC-rGpMDCkVp5gqoX-qGSEuXcjXDwOC_KXObp4emTFPSEU-Br2o3EzVcRkvAYXiBlQ4U9Ih3cfdypryZXOLi69ldPp/w640-h426/IMG_1967.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking deep into Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You are heading for Bushline Hut but on the way you will pass the NSC Kea Hut...another old ski lodge built back in the 1930's. Kea Lodge is beautifully placed in a stand of beech trees and while it is locked it is still used by members of the Mt Robert Snow Sports Club. </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/AVvXsEjtSj6-SFsum0_73Mo2I4qq_BnYkdkyvisWx5SDywrA4qbbwBs38BCHY0AW6nw1ZoTqagjkzrRV0qrcUkU1N6ARvI-4KP1LKa5qhd7HeKN6Ym7-ojkk4wMNuOIdsL082I5V3zZ72IsQgKP4RCO-e5Lrb_hrJZYvbmpuIiiojM7GTv77sE4bUJ-kawUvF2bz/s6000/IMG_1969.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSj6-SFsum0_73Mo2I4qq_BnYkdkyvisWx5SDywrA4qbbwBs38BCHY0AW6nw1ZoTqagjkzrRV0qrcUkU1N6ARvI-4KP1LKa5qhd7HeKN6Ym7-ojkk4wMNuOIdsL082I5V3zZ72IsQgKP4RCO-e5Lrb_hrJZYvbmpuIiiojM7GTv77sE4bUJ-kawUvF2bz/w640-h426/IMG_1969.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NSC Kea Hut as seen from Paddy's 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/AVvXsEhdXwh03F2Zjvf3QMTCksYUs1LUaU26_nQAj_H6Y4xaT2wVjlaRdU-rXqCIBTeBPDMYknAH1EiefM1aMdf9oXPfvoH9MwRJwI_ZxvcGqxnReFic0HIfHjwA3yR-83gLv4f98-17YdubD-hattBDmvEARCiOn1dne2AEspiBChelHph4wr6o1fV_NsTuIzxW/s6000/IMG_1970.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXwh03F2Zjvf3QMTCksYUs1LUaU26_nQAj_H6Y4xaT2wVjlaRdU-rXqCIBTeBPDMYknAH1EiefM1aMdf9oXPfvoH9MwRJwI_ZxvcGqxnReFic0HIfHjwA3yR-83gLv4f98-17YdubD-hattBDmvEARCiOn1dne2AEspiBChelHph4wr6o1fV_NsTuIzxW/w640-h426/IMG_1970.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NSC Kea Hut, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bushline Hut is 200 meters or five minutes walk from NSC Kea Hut and stands on the far side of an arm of Beech forest at around 1300 meters. It is easy walking through red tussock and beech forest on a well marked and maintained track. </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/AVvXsEiGUEpH62b0K4byTHuQMJ18VfRHroWqitkfQ4eb-bXldwHZGbv6qRyFXnSdcLtWY6jNkSH8pUkYhinROErjH9zsbF_W6ExwIoOxdOgWMGcRrmc6-Go1ahWQQwaohT253unl6hj-CKWLJBZt1U65vz1OEPj99Y323slS1IRoXRSsPDnmLgHk4VuUKH4sltjt/s6000/IMG_1972.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUEpH62b0K4byTHuQMJ18VfRHroWqitkfQ4eb-bXldwHZGbv6qRyFXnSdcLtWY6jNkSH8pUkYhinROErjH9zsbF_W6ExwIoOxdOgWMGcRrmc6-Go1ahWQQwaohT253unl6hj-CKWLJBZt1U65vz1OEPj99Y323slS1IRoXRSsPDnmLgHk4VuUKH4sltjt/w640-h426/IMG_1972.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...heading down Paddy's Track to the hut...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I arrived at Bushline Hut after walking for 2.5 hours so it is basically the halfway point for those people who are walking the Mt Robert Circuit. It is a 14 bunk serviced hut with platform bunks, a wood burner with supplied wood, water tanks and a decent amount of living space inside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hut is on the online booking system and must be booked right through the year for any overnight stay. There is usually a Hut Warden here over the summer months</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yBBCEfc34R2AQrUdyjB2TxmNIM7Tkg6fNVMoiQ0RjwukhsjHl16rCaHOa7cWLRPYlPbg5JxXRa-aDSfMOyxF90qN1au-KzLU1ytEegyzElrTPOF9qRVuGhg_ZmcpghXbmU0LhqD_VZM/s4320/IMG_7341.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yBBCEfc34R2AQrUdyjB2TxmNIM7Tkg6fNVMoiQ0RjwukhsjHl16rCaHOa7cWLRPYlPbg5JxXRa-aDSfMOyxF90qN1au-KzLU1ytEegyzElrTPOF9qRVuGhg_ZmcpghXbmU0LhqD_VZM/w640-h480/IMG_7341.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bushline Hut is a tidy 14 bunker...Nelson Lakes NP<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></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/AVvXsEggUncZ35EmRJIFfbM0ZocUye39SZipnUFcQHHFpXN93SJR4QonBbXdny_3YQZDxeGg9WxwWc55NutVZ7owRismoLJm54VjtTmJxc6tOiujn7HIul3iCqbzk1GdLguvF0c5gS_a45uUQyv9F7eMnvLxRN1ztRnk4fS2K3Q-1xiXXYnHblfSxL-Mk5vfuY-J/s6000/IMG_1974.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUncZ35EmRJIFfbM0ZocUye39SZipnUFcQHHFpXN93SJR4QonBbXdny_3YQZDxeGg9WxwWc55NutVZ7owRismoLJm54VjtTmJxc6tOiujn7HIul3iCqbzk1GdLguvF0c5gS_a45uUQyv9F7eMnvLxRN1ztRnk4fS2K3Q-1xiXXYnHblfSxL-Mk5vfuY-J/w640-h426/IMG_1974.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of the front of Bushline Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_djEKmIeVkeldrBCUQqB615-zlWjC2QILjssNeUTZA_xuqY4LRSrdfQYq4XYWOZjLInXmWkANw51sZx8MkIppdnOVLRllOcyDqPKn0dg1fMqZZld6fU8eXdLGD23VxXPs7RPrQXKlrbIxXFFj0xwvJoGkOZONviWQFrEhpujeuS1fQ-z-ommu36WRckR/s8000/20231116_150133.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8000" data-original-width="6000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_djEKmIeVkeldrBCUQqB615-zlWjC2QILjssNeUTZA_xuqY4LRSrdfQYq4XYWOZjLInXmWkANw51sZx8MkIppdnOVLRllOcyDqPKn0dg1fMqZZld6fU8eXdLGD23VxXPs7RPrQXKlrbIxXFFj0xwvJoGkOZONviWQFrEhpujeuS1fQ-z-ommu36WRckR/w480-h640/20231116_150133.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Bushline Hut</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bushline Hut sits on a small plateau high above Lake Rotoiti and there are some awesome views of the lake from up there. A motor boat was passing along Lake Rotoiti while I was there and it looked like a toy over 800 meters below me. There is also that iconic view from the toilets at Bushline Hut of the St Arnaud Range to the north east and on the other side of the lake. </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/AVvXsEghunUKS5sQumz2CxfTjDO13LKzgl3dN2q4pSyCfVPLvYWFWHlJowWBtVFEtw3ZXarr2aQf9WBQbqoVmxjc4YWONvz0dvjOmXn6lCP9Df-FI5qAcxEOXUDCCZjrg9W0cF-yYAyfhyphenhyphen_EExebU6nRnmXdjboH3aFKHoXo-SlZTB8cI-cbQFYifQ4ejrKlktQ-/s6000/IMG_1975.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghunUKS5sQumz2CxfTjDO13LKzgl3dN2q4pSyCfVPLvYWFWHlJowWBtVFEtw3ZXarr2aQf9WBQbqoVmxjc4YWONvz0dvjOmXn6lCP9Df-FI5qAcxEOXUDCCZjrg9W0cF-yYAyfhyphenhyphen_EExebU6nRnmXdjboH3aFKHoXo-SlZTB8cI-cbQFYifQ4ejrKlktQ-/w640-h426/IMG_1975.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at Lake Rotoiti from Robert 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/AVvXsEhO_g4d4QpbKVJpasmsQ8fl3ATp7Z2drGoUWckvEMNtr8fLrOZQyJQ8oCc05Q02BuVedCk-0zSp1as49x7wnR-UrW9RLurw0_4-wVsHG8lZM00k-qrilT4BxXW96hUNeJin3GSE-_QcpYNrvi7TGsSBQ51HnP5ZjIRuofhkqv8w99L4SClWIRvQNpzwy2cB/s6000/IMG_1979.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_g4d4QpbKVJpasmsQ8fl3ATp7Z2drGoUWckvEMNtr8fLrOZQyJQ8oCc05Q02BuVedCk-0zSp1as49x7wnR-UrW9RLurw0_4-wVsHG8lZM00k-qrilT4BxXW96hUNeJin3GSE-_QcpYNrvi7TGsSBQ51HnP5ZjIRuofhkqv8w99L4SClWIRvQNpzwy2cB/w640-h426/IMG_1979.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..view of Golden Bay hidden in the mist...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I spent two nights at Bushline Hut...the first it was very quiet with just myself and another guy sharing the hut. The second night it was much busier...I started off by myself and the first people didn't arrive till nearly 12.30 but after that time we gained people until the hut was basically full. It rained fairly solidly for two days and I was forced to take shelter in my sleeping bay for much of the second days as it was so cold. </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/AVvXsEjWzuFowI8MMdxL8B-Q2UA7O1Syp7uFup8JXbiG2_Om8TNypzqZYdHSUdSGyZJ4f_F-dvjeEQR1aEw3IgFO3hRzr4q-JBrWQU-gl_90ABZdaEnlTOmHx0P05jezyd8A_f5ZDn4nlznTpR3_1B7VItnXE0IJN8WG_a2Hguu-GaPMZ-3bW9g1MSOHJ_assmFa/s6000/IMG_1980.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzuFowI8MMdxL8B-Q2UA7O1Syp7uFup8JXbiG2_Om8TNypzqZYdHSUdSGyZJ4f_F-dvjeEQR1aEw3IgFO3hRzr4q-JBrWQU-gl_90ABZdaEnlTOmHx0P05jezyd8A_f5ZDn4nlznTpR3_1B7VItnXE0IJN8WG_a2Hguu-GaPMZ-3bW9g1MSOHJ_assmFa/w640-h426/IMG_1980.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the veranda of Bushline Hut, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhHADmgy8LZoG1lmZ4jt1i67FAnIIrJhrmpqq_Qotj_OEHheg6BsJsjUNKE4oVVYEOSt0Kja9j2Fn2xU9GsEBEiGyg6wJpYqxapEv8yrrIoNf_MT7hPBAwe8B1tf4-uSwQ1KgHPbWdvuQBIDe8cP0zQNGrlNx6yOezooyBZr4c5w9T-JXEc7_BDa60dNtVj/s6000/IMG_1982.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHADmgy8LZoG1lmZ4jt1i67FAnIIrJhrmpqq_Qotj_OEHheg6BsJsjUNKE4oVVYEOSt0Kja9j2Fn2xU9GsEBEiGyg6wJpYqxapEv8yrrIoNf_MT7hPBAwe8B1tf4-uSwQ1KgHPbWdvuQBIDe8cP0zQNGrlNx6yOezooyBZr4c5w9T-JXEc7_BDa60dNtVj/w640-h426/IMG_1982.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was typical weather during the weekend, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I spent the two days in the hut and wished there was enough wood in the woodshed to have the fire going. DOC did not provide wood for the hut this year so it was cold and I was huddled in the hut </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">by myself for much off the time. It was warmer after 2 pm when people started arriving at the hut and their body heat warmed it. </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/AVvXsEjXDcq5qzjFolmT5Tt3qkvU40vSlW1suHOcLq1X_0IRVBnBu-yUyjCMJhA_8RRYtqSp6c9igS8df6eUJu2UT_ohtJYwFv8Tj9a_z55VLnKvWLkrRQi7TytzIXQzCr9bTmvDhZEcxfWlGU8zIQ99X2dw1AuBYcPi4Z_mzBMwttRIkNHQxHRQQT6K68a-gnQh/s6000/IMG_1987.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDcq5qzjFolmT5Tt3qkvU40vSlW1suHOcLq1X_0IRVBnBu-yUyjCMJhA_8RRYtqSp6c9igS8df6eUJu2UT_ohtJYwFv8Tj9a_z55VLnKvWLkrRQi7TytzIXQzCr9bTmvDhZEcxfWlGU8zIQ99X2dw1AuBYcPi4Z_mzBMwttRIkNHQxHRQQT6K68a-gnQh/w640-h426/IMG_1987.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon enjoys a coffee before the people arrived</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/AVvXsEgXvVR5C7PiEYDPB6QaeEJk4mr7-u7tF7NG5WcadAqfD1N296SnKvpyrxrk9_F3Vwr6Qy1EQuJsKAeegvl25qSXnvq6dceneCEDQTLyNJYGkRbdr4cxJiABLOx7mmWV9fdIoU2K73yMrrJRS0RZ05JfssPlUG1EgssEVlSrla2DL9gW1O9PnaQYcHNZujgy/s6000/IMG_1988.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvVR5C7PiEYDPB6QaeEJk4mr7-u7tF7NG5WcadAqfD1N296SnKvpyrxrk9_F3Vwr6Qy1EQuJsKAeegvl25qSXnvq6dceneCEDQTLyNJYGkRbdr4cxJiABLOx7mmWV9fdIoU2K73yMrrJRS0RZ05JfssPlUG1EgssEVlSrla2DL9gW1O9PnaQYcHNZujgy/w640-h426/IMG_1988.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Bushline Hut prior to the arrival of people</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From Bushline Hut you drop down the northern edge of Mt Robert along an exposed track through tussock and stunted Matagouri. Once you lose a bit of altitude it is back into the forest for the last couple of kilometers out to the Mt Robert Road.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Day3: Bushline hut to the Mt Robert Carpark</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>There are some truly amazing views as you head down Paddy's Track to the road...you are still at 1300 meters near the hut so you can see right out to the horizon. It was gradually getting cloudier as the day progressed as a front was moving in but it was still hot in the sunny ravines with temperatures well into the mid 20's. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><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/AVvXsEgOs3lhXMwIM2UMSsiw1BS-85fqt0sw4-92wf14Mi28ZbWlsr6NQR51B5hMYTMktSUkhZWHtmgD2atbrepnwK_pc3Zt2Ir7bNKpuN21zAe27d_l8rL4Vi8PAgq0MF2FRAvmATMV-Y2iVeE/s4320/IMG_7347.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs3lhXMwIM2UMSsiw1BS-85fqt0sw4-92wf14Mi28ZbWlsr6NQR51B5hMYTMktSUkhZWHtmgD2atbrepnwK_pc3Zt2Ir7bNKpuN21zAe27d_l8rL4Vi8PAgq0MF2FRAvmATMV-Y2iVeE/w640-h480/IMG_7347.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up the Motueka Valley from near Bushline Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEgZsxTkuN1phOOJxVO6P2bpkIJgeoOFjr92x1G55ax4wn6eBZ6PKr9At42gCDGpVmmDpAaoAMcEcvp48H88dGL2ENNfEmSu7YY9TTVfXnnQtOjp_x_mPU9SWkAHcIzkSnkr4R9ynovOIqQ/s4320/IMG_7351.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsxTkuN1phOOJxVO6P2bpkIJgeoOFjr92x1G55ax4wn6eBZ6PKr9At42gCDGpVmmDpAaoAMcEcvp48H88dGL2ENNfEmSu7YY9TTVfXnnQtOjp_x_mPU9SWkAHcIzkSnkr4R9ynovOIqQ/w640-h480/IMG_7351.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pancake Rocks are on the third spur to the left...St Arnuad Range</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAnKUJD5O9V-tCJehpWJoaX1NcvqvRj-kXqS_1NjHJzSkoaukFS4WqRuz15qbzEeZVqZCOl8Hh-SOi0GIZ0lUe_f07dfVsXdBGJG6FaDDXFevjVeIIUjrHyXYwCdlihOJNvb4rNyYVZ0/s4320/IMG_7353.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAnKUJD5O9V-tCJehpWJoaX1NcvqvRj-kXqS_1NjHJzSkoaukFS4WqRuz15qbzEeZVqZCOl8Hh-SOi0GIZ0lUe_f07dfVsXdBGJG6FaDDXFevjVeIIUjrHyXYwCdlihOJNvb4rNyYVZ0/w640-h480/IMG_7353.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last view of Bushline Hut, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>This part of the track is down and along tussock covered ridgelines so make sure you cover up with sun screen and a hat as you are out in it for nearly an hour. The track condition was excellent with soil and larger gravel for a base. I had minor slips here and there but it was generally very nice to walk over. </div><br style="text-align: left;" /><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78VkGW3xgI8f_z1QrSXoCD6LDmnLp18ArNPwOYuEf4la_VLo0zhDh5t1t5SslLpvoCKKznQtkQqkg_t1HpqQUTIN929kNdaU3Bl8LYgXr6SpIxmmsTNXC8C38KJ4paBK8MsNqLNP6MQE/s4320/IMG_7354.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78VkGW3xgI8f_z1QrSXoCD6LDmnLp18ArNPwOYuEf4la_VLo0zhDh5t1t5SslLpvoCKKznQtkQqkg_t1HpqQUTIN929kNdaU3Bl8LYgXr6SpIxmmsTNXC8C38KJ4paBK8MsNqLNP6MQE/w640-h480/IMG_7354.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Richmond Range starts just to the north of St Arnuad</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNUsO-kD1iHHqBdfz88fD_ZqNH9sKOQvxZOYq6IWr_y1W_BDMzeDYDWHmCCc13f5OJfEHAW-gO49yuZIem6vJ6DcTLLM-hxvj64wGKT7SllnnTfX6ZIBm6nnmAh99ArwmrXgXRMlGbhE/s4320/IMG_7355.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNUsO-kD1iHHqBdfz88fD_ZqNH9sKOQvxZOYq6IWr_y1W_BDMzeDYDWHmCCc13f5OJfEHAW-gO49yuZIem6vJ6DcTLLM-hxvj64wGKT7SllnnTfX6ZIBm6nnmAh99ArwmrXgXRMlGbhE/w640-h480/IMG_7355.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Bay of Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>You can see the track in front of you winding its way down the northern flank of Mt Robert. There are great views down to St Arnaud and Kerr Bay and you can really see the size and shape of Brunner Peninsula at the northern end of Lake Rotoiti. </div><div><br /></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizR3Lm7R9xcxD9V5lTn3CaMrpDSST-odUWv3mE6GDEKJMXUrOqeYImarhNZlIDg9iofgx5rzu03enrV3xHWMKkj4JaIAZGq-dnjMCCTA8D_Ag4Y_Dp1sKxTP-rFsQRY88n0dXfuf0Us2s/s4320/IMG_7356.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizR3Lm7R9xcxD9V5lTn3CaMrpDSST-odUWv3mE6GDEKJMXUrOqeYImarhNZlIDg9iofgx5rzu03enrV3xHWMKkj4JaIAZGq-dnjMCCTA8D_Ag4Y_Dp1sKxTP-rFsQRY88n0dXfuf0Us2s/w640-h480/IMG_7356.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddy's Track winds down the northern flank of Mt Robert</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZcNU5dwm-VPJncyubq9ACGJJsa0sNBoJkNs6Jx22Wo3hrisP4m8B4kH91LSRju51-OBn5jSK7v8r-E2TJUFFBiQ0GIHSnzSn_mesTcUFbVp9RHeR1Ysvucv2grxqQ0oMgwsAGWRQQ-0/s4320/IMG_7357.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZcNU5dwm-VPJncyubq9ACGJJsa0sNBoJkNs6Jx22Wo3hrisP4m8B4kH91LSRju51-OBn5jSK7v8r-E2TJUFFBiQ0GIHSnzSn_mesTcUFbVp9RHeR1Ysvucv2grxqQ0oMgwsAGWRQQ-0/w640-h480/IMG_7357.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up the Wairau Valley from Near Pt.1098, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEhUIjIjTWkZ-eWuZT9EZ9ewMaeAO_HzzszTAOPqPwOB88hx1fFWDp5bM-m7sZFaYxYtgeJqtU02Nszdt73MPWVQEUJUJ1E5VQuum_vfgFMlcymtOrQWl_9jH3KIlpEKOf3wmdhnTUjIWqQ/s4320/IMG_7359.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIjIjTWkZ-eWuZT9EZ9ewMaeAO_HzzszTAOPqPwOB88hx1fFWDp5bM-m7sZFaYxYtgeJqtU02Nszdt73MPWVQEUJUJ1E5VQuum_vfgFMlcymtOrQWl_9jH3KIlpEKOf3wmdhnTUjIWqQ/w640-h480/IMG_7359.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Pt. 1098 on Paddy's Track, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPR8EY05P62HkFUTNVVVzTPVwK0o1QmTqMpLKaFUj3n1oVYzawPnVcLv3BVVVn58dguovY1HWN9rFR_ANgpte28ugWgQTB9wvLF2YFNGuE2qgRCnnytfMJvb9LlXivG9EoBfv7V-uuLDQ/s4320/IMG_7360.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPR8EY05P62HkFUTNVVVzTPVwK0o1QmTqMpLKaFUj3n1oVYzawPnVcLv3BVVVn58dguovY1HWN9rFR_ANgpte28ugWgQTB9wvLF2YFNGuE2qgRCnnytfMJvb9LlXivG9EoBfv7V-uuLDQ/w640-h480/IMG_7360.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern end of Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2tU6mZUwPdpjCToxyDB80nvgY3RPHD2jRVJBsnjVxfJHUph01t8WudTHevOQwDuUb8SiwE7V47CEG5jXt4QDiLdQAHCTlbR5Vygi5xKZoKL5d1uDeSwQT7MHYzAzD9L-6IW_b1R0scE/s4320/IMG_7361.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2tU6mZUwPdpjCToxyDB80nvgY3RPHD2jRVJBsnjVxfJHUph01t8WudTHevOQwDuUb8SiwE7V47CEG5jXt4QDiLdQAHCTlbR5Vygi5xKZoKL5d1uDeSwQT7MHYzAzD9L-6IW_b1R0scE/w640-h480/IMG_7361.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kerr Bay, Lake Rotoiti from Paddys Track</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>You finally arrive at the forest at the 1000 meter mark and after descending for another 100 meters find yourself back in Manuka with a flattish sidle track to follow. The last two kilometers of the track are mostly flat with only minor 20 meters drops and gains along the way. It is good to be out of the sun after nearly two hours in the open...</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/AVvXsEggW8uczYqigwMZ60BDFamui-KrOHQ1t6vYYlRBaxf9CgpJ2lveqLy9_EOc07nJRjIRi2pnq_yjSMQOc_S1ZD_z37JduibDiOUNtl7K2hAbSrGpEMZ-aItLbFGRGlFHGWQelCKuNUAQ2oY/s4320/IMG_7362.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggW8uczYqigwMZ60BDFamui-KrOHQ1t6vYYlRBaxf9CgpJ2lveqLy9_EOc07nJRjIRi2pnq_yjSMQOc_S1ZD_z37JduibDiOUNtl7K2hAbSrGpEMZ-aItLbFGRGlFHGWQelCKuNUAQ2oY/w640-h480/IMG_7362.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back into the bush along Paddy's Track, Mt Robert</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdX7l_hsbo_7hZGBmS72LpMpxpMqze9gajFgFcNmC_nB_gdaLWsBmbBYnXy9Gnjr9DhgYbxmMw0WqT_3QOrdYO36TvP1UBDu7OPAatKKdaT-fCLrUMFrQWI7OSfQDgUqIKiV9qLtrqO4/s4320/IMG_7365.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdX7l_hsbo_7hZGBmS72LpMpxpMqze9gajFgFcNmC_nB_gdaLWsBmbBYnXy9Gnjr9DhgYbxmMw0WqT_3QOrdYO36TvP1UBDu7OPAatKKdaT-fCLrUMFrQWI7OSfQDgUqIKiV9qLtrqO4/w640-h480/IMG_7365.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last hour is through Manuka/Beech Forest...Paddy's Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Two kilometers from the end of the track you reach a track junction...if you go down you will eventually end up on the last 200 meters of the Lakeside Track. Go this way if you want to walk back into St Arnaud as it save walking down the Mt Robert Road. Go straight ahead if you are going to Mt Robert carpark to stay on an even sidle line to the road. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NAz5IfUBMsfWQi62NYwuFVJ8SEH6_LffYqVEXnv_U6luQmHlow2heNqki315Et-DlxfI0TmaYtGxTBTX79-hW4uvUjdl52lWTjtLHK1V_c7Esr-XKNmArUJhOtfJbtAhlAR23KYONoc/s4320/IMG_7366.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NAz5IfUBMsfWQi62NYwuFVJ8SEH6_LffYqVEXnv_U6luQmHlow2heNqki315Et-DlxfI0TmaYtGxTBTX79-hW4uvUjdl52lWTjtLHK1V_c7Esr-XKNmArUJhOtfJbtAhlAR23KYONoc/w640-h480/IMG_7366.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddy's Track....only 30 minutes left to walk!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWGCdZNtBJu8iKI_CVONqPcGZHozKy3y8__V_g0Cs6eMMmSJtMZvi6OWs3EU5mHzB02QV3myqGk820BWH3GKq-tj-XW_ILcraXA0CznP940RUiJCHGPavLN2W0E9bgp3ZQL8DeXCY2jY/s4320/IMG_7368.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWGCdZNtBJu8iKI_CVONqPcGZHozKy3y8__V_g0Cs6eMMmSJtMZvi6OWs3EU5mHzB02QV3myqGk820BWH3GKq-tj-XW_ILcraXA0CznP940RUiJCHGPavLN2W0E9bgp3ZQL8DeXCY2jY/w640-h480/IMG_7368.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side track to Lakeside Track and Mt Robert Road, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>I think this side of Mt Robert was milled for timber at some time...it is covered in Manuka forest which you usually get after an area was milled and is regenerating. Eventually it will be overtaken by Beech forest and the Manuka will more or less die out. This will also happen in areas where fires have damaged the forest...</div><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJrb6G5sxhShitTqsPdt3EOQGkgzE8bhGbhs1gzYict2wzmvqXuSnAGDsWpJMAyKSlke5AkpH7plcUocssdrMpi8h-pzQKPnbsveDwUlCRDtJfITYoo0nn7em07NdiJt4zWa2V_LmZWU/s4320/IMG_7372.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJrb6G5sxhShitTqsPdt3EOQGkgzE8bhGbhs1gzYict2wzmvqXuSnAGDsWpJMAyKSlke5AkpH7plcUocssdrMpi8h-pzQKPnbsveDwUlCRDtJfITYoo0nn7em07NdiJt4zWa2V_LmZWU/w640-h480/IMG_7372.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the last kilometer of Paddy's Track, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlfMIsoDlAMPFprxtdxD0SOouKap3Lisf79CM5Bq0r8N0SefWDlfeQnyuyn_1Q2BPyNthA62xVF92oZorY6R7ZKj3INmiKr8-W08uu_MfV4yxn7dvVMpPwZh9mSOaEz9MpesaZEeebko/s4320/IMG_7374.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlfMIsoDlAMPFprxtdxD0SOouKap3Lisf79CM5Bq0r8N0SefWDlfeQnyuyn_1Q2BPyNthA62xVF92oZorY6R7ZKj3INmiKr8-W08uu_MfV4yxn7dvVMpPwZh9mSOaEz9MpesaZEeebko/w640-h480/IMG_7374.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting moss growing alongside Paddy's Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSc4RjIWQAEvZOwby07voahuGwzkxfLwUCt_v50VeCDAE0kfIihKCFYvaFgZMQdfaO3pXwD-0prZn3WfJXsLwTA0zY16rP7_tqjknzggyfFGpuvxYIojQu1Nm24gz2tyUwCmIDIq-ixkk/s4320/IMG_7375.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSc4RjIWQAEvZOwby07voahuGwzkxfLwUCt_v50VeCDAE0kfIihKCFYvaFgZMQdfaO3pXwD-0prZn3WfJXsLwTA0zY16rP7_tqjknzggyfFGpuvxYIojQu1Nm24gz2tyUwCmIDIq-ixkk/w640-h480/IMG_7375.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regenerating Manuka forest along Paddy's Track, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After 30 minutes you will find yourself at a couple of slip faces which start up near the summit of Mt Robert and fall almost to the lakeside. There are a couple of scree faces to cross separated by a forested spur. There is a stream along here which is usually dry but it can be a problem in heavy rain as it is the main drainage point for this side of Mt Robert. Exercise extreme caution if crossing here in the rain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWOIn94EMYK7fZHTR-Rgtm8b6r5pQ4zeNkeaDEE-NgRAH7Xvz6OkgCrlEU5l3jfMqMUwikOa37i95dndTSKDLvs1cFBCTEH7KwHd3Sg6ws1yhp40p-v3qHc0gkMSPElUGO8R7WshdfdE/s4320/IMG_7376.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4320" data-original-width="3240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWOIn94EMYK7fZHTR-Rgtm8b6r5pQ4zeNkeaDEE-NgRAH7Xvz6OkgCrlEU5l3jfMqMUwikOa37i95dndTSKDLvs1cFBCTEH7KwHd3Sg6ws1yhp40p-v3qHc0gkMSPElUGO8R7WshdfdE/w480-h640/IMG_7376.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing a scree field along Paddy's Track, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxql33OFipmrgjZQL-Py-uS9vCThZuN7heoJ2b76afhvAJhyywLs40KaHY6nWn5ii7dScduPT2HMBre8lbL_GNWDwzRr5AkKwbJOHSSeY5iopmvFK88wWLHN7TAVWdDY636AV852HyJc/s4320/IMG_7377.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxql33OFipmrgjZQL-Py-uS9vCThZuN7heoJ2b76afhvAJhyywLs40KaHY6nWn5ii7dScduPT2HMBre8lbL_GNWDwzRr5AkKwbJOHSSeY5iopmvFK88wWLHN7TAVWdDY636AV852HyJc/w640-h480/IMG_7377.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This stream can be a problem in heavy rain...Paddy's Track<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>You pass over the second of the slip faces about 10 minutes from the end of Paddy's Track. From the open rocky area you can look up to the hillside you climbed while walking the Pinchgut Track earlier in the day. You just have one last small spur to sidle around and you are back on the Mt Robert road. </div><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG77uxoU78fK9ll2mkz5eycjVSNN6fjAVmjzpaBNtReIroPU1KeZ5AxqTZASG1XCsfUSrPBWK6sBF7nwravlU9zhVTfWMJRUNerKjRpeuhrfdhxfXjNaJO9TGpQ1z4APDc0M4M9m8wOk8/s4320/IMG_7382.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4320" data-original-width="3240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG77uxoU78fK9ll2mkz5eycjVSNN6fjAVmjzpaBNtReIroPU1KeZ5AxqTZASG1XCsfUSrPBWK6sBF7nwravlU9zhVTfWMJRUNerKjRpeuhrfdhxfXjNaJO9TGpQ1z4APDc0M4M9m8wOk8/w480-h640/IMG_7382.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nelson Lakes NP: looking to Pinchgut Track from Paddy's Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAUnhAA_1IS1ZRzddU6yEQzE_veAtFYhgvZrHBRqExmEtBB_HcxjJLnpULNAxC3bKAMDgi8jRs7BcMGPvhTqPNpyBjIGTT-AhyphenhyphendPcEX8powk9fR_YSHgHGxjuQ5zGGiEUPRyl5YvpIgo/s4320/IMG_7383.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAUnhAA_1IS1ZRzddU6yEQzE_veAtFYhgvZrHBRqExmEtBB_HcxjJLnpULNAxC3bKAMDgi8jRs7BcMGPvhTqPNpyBjIGTT-AhyphenhyphendPcEX8powk9fR_YSHgHGxjuQ5zGGiEUPRyl5YvpIgo/w640-h480/IMG_7383.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last spur to cross on Paddy's Track, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table></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;">Paddy's Track ends approximately 500 meters away from the Mt Robert carpark and 100 meters lower down the hillside. There is an overflow carpark here for use if the main carpark is full. You just start walking back up the Mt Robert Road towards the start of the track...it takes about 5 minutes to walk back to the DOC shelter.</div><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizy6KvDZzZdL_7oPRDTJJTxXVeTMT858RAS8wpMPHzmaskUkquC9T3CAUJeHEKGfz6ZjuodR7_kH_zPf4oyt872a8dn6m6HjrCNQECrARg1GHGpyghQkzHeKhfg_CCnonHrxfoQat6YCQ/s4320/IMG_7390.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizy6KvDZzZdL_7oPRDTJJTxXVeTMT858RAS8wpMPHzmaskUkquC9T3CAUJeHEKGfz6ZjuodR7_kH_zPf4oyt872a8dn6m6HjrCNQECrARg1GHGpyghQkzHeKhfg_CCnonHrxfoQat6YCQ/w640-h480/IMG_7390.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Robert Road climbs 100 meters to the carpark...</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlB0zGe59SulbooS-6YWOwGLaiqVJru6tlLCnH-SmR2tY642uRkaxpcvhnlK9SQo6BVphWAt0nZfJKOyKq_a5ihiCfyNeiDGrVaAeS0xJRbSTzkm5h896fp8-lcja16nUnJAtvHeRFHQ/s4320/IMG_7391.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlB0zGe59SulbooS-6YWOwGLaiqVJru6tlLCnH-SmR2tY642uRkaxpcvhnlK9SQo6BVphWAt0nZfJKOyKq_a5ihiCfyNeiDGrVaAeS0xJRbSTzkm5h896fp8-lcja16nUnJAtvHeRFHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7391.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overflow carpark on Mt Robert Road, Nelson Lakes NP</td></tr></tbody></table></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/AVvXsEheXriwmK5J1c1Rm82fZUrmWyANFVg1zVGpjUYMrmlrgdUCFhYVnx2qh3_AsVd0chBKGmuB4HAevoUWC2qJlNqjtzZGCeg5OjOy7YEJrc0TcMfQ0g16630RnjzHpcb9K0RVxB9smr3lMCB8LO8p_x01v4wEa-Y9kmidQnVfdUnj6DcZ0rfhF3N4l3SVCVKW/s6000/IMG_1990.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXriwmK5J1c1Rm82fZUrmWyANFVg1zVGpjUYMrmlrgdUCFhYVnx2qh3_AsVd0chBKGmuB4HAevoUWC2qJlNqjtzZGCeg5OjOy7YEJrc0TcMfQ0g16630RnjzHpcb9K0RVxB9smr3lMCB8LO8p_x01v4wEa-Y9kmidQnVfdUnj6DcZ0rfhF3N4l3SVCVKW/w640-h426/IMG_1990.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Rotoiti looking at Mt Robert</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was my third walk around the Bushline Circuit and I must say I enjoyed it even though it was hard work in places. It is a lovely 4-5 hour round trip and has excellent views along much of its length.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>Access: </b>The Mt Robert Circuit<b> </b>can be accessed from <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">the Mt Robert carpark above Lake Rotoiti</span>. Turn off SH 6 approximately one kilometer before St Arnaud and follow the narrow gravel road to the top. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Track Times: </b>It is <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">approximately six kilometers (3-4 hours) around the Mt Robert Circuit first on Pinchgut Track and then on Paddy's Track. The circuit starts and finishes at the Mt Robert Carpark. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Hut details:</b> <i>Relax Shelter</i> (Shelter, water tank, toilet), <i>NSC Kea Hut</i> (Private locked hut), <i>Bushline Hut</i> (Serviced, 14 bunks, water tank, wood burner, wood shed, toilets).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Miscellaneous: </b>This is a high alpine environment at times above 1300 meters asl. Be prepared for all conditions. Some avalanche risk on Paddy's Track over the winter if snow on Mt Robert...check with DOC St Arnaud before attempting this track in winter. Bushline Hut must be booked all year for overnight stay. Stay on the marked track as there are fall hazards along both tracks. Mt Robert carpark is often targeted by vandals/thieves so lock away all valuables.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>YouTube video:</b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEALWKE1te0">Mt Robert Circuit</a> </div></div>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Tasman 7072, New Zealand-41.836699 172.8232033-70.146932836178848 137.6669533 -13.526465163821157 -152.0205467tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-6868619815341940362023-11-12T13:39:00.000-08:002023-11-12T15:38:47.128-08:00New tent and camping at Waikuku...<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Retreat 150</h3><p style="text-align: center;">Karen and I have brought a new tent...it is the Retreat 150 from Kathmandu....it cost us $600 dollars when you took the club member savings into account. Added to this the tent was on sale with 40% off... </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEgNSomzKLx0fnn3u4aYTbh6vZfhcuEO8dF804EvM82jqH7GvxheNjBu_NvvMRM-wQpVP4rwPxUZePYT4i9RhELbw-ZR5b0MUEU0t_xlxrqMzSvfIwY6OLI4lLnopXOzjzmYvSaOAXShNmNdVvXcpg35BiJsU4e6sR53bcfdiTrqg0s407dZ1edgY3daNika/s1000/Retreat%20150.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="1000" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSomzKLx0fnn3u4aYTbh6vZfhcuEO8dF804EvM82jqH7GvxheNjBu_NvvMRM-wQpVP4rwPxUZePYT4i9RhELbw-ZR5b0MUEU0t_xlxrqMzSvfIwY6OLI4lLnopXOzjzmYvSaOAXShNmNdVvXcpg35BiJsU4e6sR53bcfdiTrqg0s407dZ1edgY3daNika/w640-h312/Retreat%20150.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kathmandu Retreat 150</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We found my Coleman tent was just too small for use. You couldn't stand up inside it and while it is fine for one person it just isn't going to cut the mustard for two people. The new tent is so much bigger and it can be configured so that you can spend some time inside on a foul weather day. You can stand upright in it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will use the Coleman for one man car camps. </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/AVvXsEi8KEqowYNrZUKMvDM2zuJpwtIlA2PhOzShboOeuPgL_V-shrXg3IuVIq2mZPwBTKIn7QZSr_LZ_X2u_758iT0Jm7tPSmxCkHS6IcWJ47X_BVomHxW8XAcdJXDPnyZvzh-_089-prSpOKuz0gEbK064DY3wAB-D4_E6xcplmKBe-Zxy-ATt5tvzf-MbHUYS/s400/Retreat150ii.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KEqowYNrZUKMvDM2zuJpwtIlA2PhOzShboOeuPgL_V-shrXg3IuVIq2mZPwBTKIn7QZSr_LZ_X2u_758iT0Jm7tPSmxCkHS6IcWJ47X_BVomHxW8XAcdJXDPnyZvzh-_089-prSpOKuz0gEbK064DY3wAB-D4_E6xcplmKBe-Zxy-ATt5tvzf-MbHUYS/w640-h640/Retreat150ii.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the Retreat 150</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Over the weekend we took it out to Waikuku to try it out and with the fine weather we are having it worked out to be a good weekend. I've never been to Waikuku Beach before...it reminded me of what Woodend was once like about 40 years ago. </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/AVvXsEh4TFhMLTmHisR7kC8NvwyN1uFqAQJNPuLhFj1sI2tV8gCvMCtdMr659gFBBJ-6icthZTHvx6GTK-772oI8hdEr44MCoTF9yABjrR-vrlTLpVuWyq-nkzfNsSzRuHqHKu_6RtY57S-yGR6krJdnEf1qd8q8qVsgHaNz8q3QVH_4A2dyUjEibEuSw8-kTKez/s6000/IMG_1886.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TFhMLTmHisR7kC8NvwyN1uFqAQJNPuLhFj1sI2tV8gCvMCtdMr659gFBBJ-6icthZTHvx6GTK-772oI8hdEr44MCoTF9yABjrR-vrlTLpVuWyq-nkzfNsSzRuHqHKu_6RtY57S-yGR6krJdnEf1qd8q8qVsgHaNz8q3QVH_4A2dyUjEibEuSw8-kTKez/w640-h426/IMG_1886.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The retreat 150 erected in Waikuku campground</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> It took about an hour to set up...the time taken to erect the tent will become less as we get to know its particulars. We tried setting it up according to a video I had watched but we found it to be incorrect. No matter as we worked out the correct sequence to setting it up. </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_bUyiba6jkcs_bL3apFXqy8PbwCPfmsrvR-XY-4_LZXNt_b-_ONwZ3VCOnvEwhANLDrEKfFY0Ro4s8AmMlEgNyXmCFOCQaYth-qC4H7ILOevqtJZbrfQXtReDpfiKK0UmbiaIH5oyZvcslBx2q9lY3AnCbteYIV-OAVJEizRIQbq7T-q92wAInI0u9TkZ/s6000/IMG_1887.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bUyiba6jkcs_bL3apFXqy8PbwCPfmsrvR-XY-4_LZXNt_b-_ONwZ3VCOnvEwhANLDrEKfFY0Ro4s8AmMlEgNyXmCFOCQaYth-qC4H7ILOevqtJZbrfQXtReDpfiKK0UmbiaIH5oyZvcslBx2q9lY3AnCbteYIV-OAVJEizRIQbq7T-q92wAInI0u9TkZ/w640-h426/IMG_1887.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have to work out the ends of the tent</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/AVvXsEgRm2dDel_YGlJTlA2fVCLYV5NjbMME3sNt-TaSe4BYF6CXRXNVYppwa3nzrmW0kscHMH35yDt3sRsJ1Krvnr8mtl53_q2oLYlL_gUBwFCcYmqZXZdqwiX7IozDncjDatXvC2m1AjcmQH0vQ8z2BasyjMdRLeDpYxl2l64xGQJFYFgSYcpRomHlC7A0d6pL/s4192/IMG_1888-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="4192" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRm2dDel_YGlJTlA2fVCLYV5NjbMME3sNt-TaSe4BYF6CXRXNVYppwa3nzrmW0kscHMH35yDt3sRsJ1Krvnr8mtl53_q2oLYlL_gUBwFCcYmqZXZdqwiX7IozDncjDatXvC2m1AjcmQH0vQ8z2BasyjMdRLeDpYxl2l64xGQJFYFgSYcpRomHlC7A0d6pL/w640-h426/IMG_1888-EDIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Retreat 150 with all our gear inside</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJAcmFYfDHGXBtW0lO4bzePpqmz7Aw0J8-uplnZNnhB_O1itMrZ4beoTzx9pGM5pu6_03bnU7vnWzhrrNBIWbhWn8WRxn6At_F66EDCbLmS-dUVY5gOGk3JLeilmGoECtxdid2_OJFo1x1carjjRCqmBkrXZGbSp6P2Vb_Ow4IZlflpiYNbC9TZk2vey4/s4192/IMG_1889-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="4192" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJAcmFYfDHGXBtW0lO4bzePpqmz7Aw0J8-uplnZNnhB_O1itMrZ4beoTzx9pGM5pu6_03bnU7vnWzhrrNBIWbhWn8WRxn6At_F66EDCbLmS-dUVY5gOGk3JLeilmGoECtxdid2_OJFo1x1carjjRCqmBkrXZGbSp6P2Vb_Ow4IZlflpiYNbC9TZk2vey4/w640-h426/IMG_1889-EDIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice weather at Waikuku Beach</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After setting up the tent we had coffee made with my Windburner. We used it to boil water and cooked our main meal on the main cooker we had brought with us.</div><br /><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/AVvXsEiFALeBmDol1nsE3l5oepOQCOuGRI2pLxKvKbTyGe0zV2DhrYE0EVQ4jjf3nX-M5UpKuLT3t2O5Gq9V0AYjDEOOjAj6n7A0SUT4w18HTioSJJG6Hm9cD1HC7-WSSO9zRoB7FvNm_sDAXmXTHud-_fVb3gtUoSlEKKpgwgwxLHtTjg9QILEF3nk4Ik21hMnM/s4192/IMG_1890-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="4192" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFALeBmDol1nsE3l5oepOQCOuGRI2pLxKvKbTyGe0zV2DhrYE0EVQ4jjf3nX-M5UpKuLT3t2O5Gq9V0AYjDEOOjAj6n7A0SUT4w18HTioSJJG6Hm9cD1HC7-WSSO9zRoB7FvNm_sDAXmXTHud-_fVb3gtUoSlEKKpgwgwxLHtTjg9QILEF3nk4Ik21hMnM/w640-h426/IMG_1890-EDIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boiling water on my Windburner stove</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The campsite at Waikuku is very nice. It is mostly occupied by people who live there all the time but does have some powered and unpowered sites that you can use. I would like to come back in January to see how busy it is...I imagine it gets busy at that time like every campsite does. </div><p style="text-align: center;">We took the opportunity with the fine weather of going down to the beach. It was cool even though it was 25 degrees because there was an incoming breeze of the ocean. The beach consists of the estuary and the beach proper. </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/AVvXsEhCKx8VfVv4iZgO2ktj6Sm3TZDNr2vspUS_QjsiKDYEqP2vNO5bCGrUj5UHEsoCzxEUlhyphenhyphenCKkV81p7mJ4qIR4AoRu3b7Ln4dAmQy21sJzkyH_X6YK9prm8Fi_e5TOSnmAc0gRxLQ4xaSOY6Tp0qnh-YD5RX5vkpQJZ9X9rS_x1DUfOgSYAacSZg71xViFuf/s4192/IMG_1891-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="4192" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKx8VfVv4iZgO2ktj6Sm3TZDNr2vspUS_QjsiKDYEqP2vNO5bCGrUj5UHEsoCzxEUlhyphenhyphenCKkV81p7mJ4qIR4AoRu3b7Ln4dAmQy21sJzkyH_X6YK9prm8Fi_e5TOSnmAc0gRxLQ4xaSOY6Tp0qnh-YD5RX5vkpQJZ9X9rS_x1DUfOgSYAacSZg71xViFuf/w640-h426/IMG_1891-EDIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The estuary at Waikuku Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You are close to the mountains when you are at Waikuku and they dominate the horizon when you are on the beach. The typical view of the Port Hills was much smaller and consisted of a distant view of hills way off in the distance. </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/AVvXsEjAbJSNpa6bZ5pZbIBUHtBO-ibyru6mjGw_XzUwUzjepnUb6uqM2HOBKv0VZNjiOC9FbIZOj9Z8XWeAYHRpYNaUsLtEdHZ2dnqPdhe6RfW90t0XKfK2dJqu-HTiJNqWvD69_lxrtSv7qNZa4bJ_5cLViEnH1g9lG0h2B1KX9R1nHaOyUml5qKgr2onvYgMv/s6000/IMG_1892.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbJSNpa6bZ5pZbIBUHtBO-ibyru6mjGw_XzUwUzjepnUb6uqM2HOBKv0VZNjiOC9FbIZOj9Z8XWeAYHRpYNaUsLtEdHZ2dnqPdhe6RfW90t0XKfK2dJqu-HTiJNqWvD69_lxrtSv7qNZa4bJ_5cLViEnH1g9lG0h2B1KX9R1nHaOyUml5qKgr2onvYgMv/w640-h426/IMG_1892.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the foot hills from Waikuku 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/AVvXsEiA-1osoTlmvU1fYMP9eZq5PBsJSabFcycf3e1ILM0iEx9Uu2YkIWTdak9MEEF4FH4Omgx1BHuVwAtIT77lNR7U0DoZUfPglDZQv-WzbaKOzieNh__k6UE-qJUIePlPRasppji-23HsK2kbg3XdsxxV_gKU5RPHIBdDDgKJEZuNqGECJqk85dgiCQc4yZ1U/s4192/IMG_1893-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="4192" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-1osoTlmvU1fYMP9eZq5PBsJSabFcycf3e1ILM0iEx9Uu2YkIWTdak9MEEF4FH4Omgx1BHuVwAtIT77lNR7U0DoZUfPglDZQv-WzbaKOzieNh__k6UE-qJUIePlPRasppji-23HsK2kbg3XdsxxV_gKU5RPHIBdDDgKJEZuNqGECJqk85dgiCQc4yZ1U/w640-h426/IMG_1893-EDIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distant Port Hills seen as a smudge on the horizon</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/AVvXsEjSAhtktqcsNT8um2rjKtd9N6p0vFEpSu7s2cOlHpc36CeYcI_DN4gCIxYfXzDHiEYM93kvA_2QbGwpoXVBxskp5nY2wFX8ungrf7l4oWOUybc4fo25pOthHh2U7VWZP-7OrSxwxDSuP2qrIW8PjwOd_3KiTuuUml_X8kKDSnn_1zacU4MMjTtVqHxHSKqh/s4192/IMG_1895-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="4192" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAhtktqcsNT8um2rjKtd9N6p0vFEpSu7s2cOlHpc36CeYcI_DN4gCIxYfXzDHiEYM93kvA_2QbGwpoXVBxskp5nY2wFX8ungrf7l4oWOUybc4fo25pOthHh2U7VWZP-7OrSxwxDSuP2qrIW8PjwOd_3KiTuuUml_X8kKDSnn_1zacU4MMjTtVqHxHSKqh/w640-h426/IMG_1895-EDIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..the campground was separate from the beach...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The camp ground and the tent were just the ticket for us...the tent will look more taught the next time we set it up because we will know its peculiarities.</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/AVvXsEid9kYNhFW3tp4NhfpgzGNUKL6cF97qkjCXXkSxfn6DLBN6R9Czl9OFI91tqjgkVbcipi7RN2dkJg7NyDSGBjoiDgp_qEok6WqtjFPSnHFDJ6k2rCZyt3hMLS0915kw6UuixVbm5LXfNnx_F-yG3FrRZ4QW-Ts4x9cCdHpAZo3EA_CEzwPXBS-MfyoRXFgA/s4192/IMG_1898-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="4192" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9kYNhFW3tp4NhfpgzGNUKL6cF97qkjCXXkSxfn6DLBN6R9Czl9OFI91tqjgkVbcipi7RN2dkJg7NyDSGBjoiDgp_qEok6WqtjFPSnHFDJ6k2rCZyt3hMLS0915kw6UuixVbm5LXfNnx_F-yG3FrRZ4QW-Ts4x9cCdHpAZo3EA_CEzwPXBS-MfyoRXFgA/w640-h426/IMG_1898-EDIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Karen adjusting the tent..</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/AVvXsEjSkLmRPaaCY9Kb_JG9ndKRON1WYrHONCQcSq3KHr5CZogBWxG-8Id3qUz3gddTr9guH9CzTpaRydL64kMx_TcYdnLpqTgcDrIw3-8JhfVd2uc0SRLMKlYc-jm5z9sR95XTCQVzKyjU-yperqnzI8ypW-dyqcYwPDnXw3ocW8wTmGGFnaWYGXh3b16C-5l4/s4898/IMG_1899.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="4898" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkLmRPaaCY9Kb_JG9ndKRON1WYrHONCQcSq3KHr5CZogBWxG-8Id3qUz3gddTr9guH9CzTpaRydL64kMx_TcYdnLpqTgcDrIw3-8JhfVd2uc0SRLMKlYc-jm5z9sR95XTCQVzKyjU-yperqnzI8ypW-dyqcYwPDnXw3ocW8wTmGGFnaWYGXh3b16C-5l4/w640-h426/IMG_1899.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waikuku campgrounds were mostly empty</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had hamburgers for dinner (no photo) which turned out really well and bacon butty's for breakfast. I was surprised by how well they turned out so we will cook more of them in the future. </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/AVvXsEgXipnU_TOvzO-Bh9c5PttO3r8Ib7kHg6Nz2DFGGTxBbS83o6daJnwJIoJiEb3FjUa2jIMlt29bJKNgMFINPzCCPdnP_ZXZqaBG-XX-rHxBLYEhZ5j5zSjieMbRd_viwKXhbK6rAk-3iTc1SsM2y_4-c6VQbmp5UTVur0vTdNppubjOxC0YExyKsRQm9PSb/s4898/IMG_1900.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="4898" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXipnU_TOvzO-Bh9c5PttO3r8Ib7kHg6Nz2DFGGTxBbS83o6daJnwJIoJiEb3FjUa2jIMlt29bJKNgMFINPzCCPdnP_ZXZqaBG-XX-rHxBLYEhZ5j5zSjieMbRd_viwKXhbK6rAk-3iTc1SsM2y_4-c6VQbmp5UTVur0vTdNppubjOxC0YExyKsRQm9PSb/w640-h426/IMG_1900.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tent sitting in the sun to dry</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The next morning we left the tent up to dry it in the sun. We broke the tent down in about half an hour because we were looking to stick it on the washing line to dry it. </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/AVvXsEhYIs3kT1dHLsHVlEaFSRShBVNBGJGC4jCkbQG-xiFAAKUNySb0Bo-1HQelhDnjquwNsCra51mSQkI3iFOW2_nLXZqYr1cJDyEhaNm95oIXhxKDaiMiIxfgICT7fxt6b859poSrWZve-MZ1Rg7uAsCn-rQPKnTjPpPDA7GUe_OMIAtaPTAar9KQPWGQhkUU/s4898/IMG_1901.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="4898" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIs3kT1dHLsHVlEaFSRShBVNBGJGC4jCkbQG-xiFAAKUNySb0Bo-1HQelhDnjquwNsCra51mSQkI3iFOW2_nLXZqYr1cJDyEhaNm95oIXhxKDaiMiIxfgICT7fxt6b859poSrWZve-MZ1Rg7uAsCn-rQPKnTjPpPDA7GUe_OMIAtaPTAar9KQPWGQhkUU/w640-h426/IMG_1901.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packing all of the gear in the car</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">We look forward to using the tent more and hope to camp much more over the summer.</p>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Waikuku, New Zealand-43.2923575 172.6846616-71.602591336178847 137.5284116 -14.982123663821156 -152.15908839999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-15011715660140169652023-11-01T21:58:00.011-07:002023-11-02T14:08:20.020-07:00Equipment for the Milford Track<h3 style="text-align: center;">...have I mentioned I'm walking the Milford... </h3><p style="text-align: center;">As you are no doubt aware (because I mention it so often) I am going to walk the Milford Track in January. I am going the guided way and Karen and myself will be gathering gear to specifically walk the track. This time around I will not require so much gear as Ultimate Hikes is providing us with meals and accommodation. What I will need to take is basically my own personal gear...</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/AVvXsEgu4-N8NqeZs9cyUCotDDmUyoTKd6Ry9GJNH2JpYyhI1DL4Mj10jg9nl0m6AK8TybHLQUnS5PneofibYNgK9ELuGm1i60JCiZqlkrxeOiNI0QPkfQ7xpwSvHkujmJpeeJEP9hvV90S-pODpIoYIYEToWj_Zg5XlLxNVuqy-5LVvfldjasu4OCHQebNQnrWQ/s4032/DistantSutherlandFalls.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/AVvXsEgu4-N8NqeZs9cyUCotDDmUyoTKd6Ry9GJNH2JpYyhI1DL4Mj10jg9nl0m6AK8TybHLQUnS5PneofibYNgK9ELuGm1i60JCiZqlkrxeOiNI0QPkfQ7xpwSvHkujmJpeeJEP9hvV90S-pODpIoYIYEToWj_Zg5XlLxNVuqy-5LVvfldjasu4OCHQebNQnrWQ/w640-h480/DistantSutherlandFalls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sutherland Falls from the Arthur River</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">First lets look at the gear that I don't need...I don't need my sleeping bag, cooker, or food because all these are supplied. These will save a good deal of weight that I would otherwise need to haul over McKinnon Pass.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So lets look at the gear I will be taking to walk the Milford Track. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Pack:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I will be taking my Vaude Brenta 40l pack with me to haul all my gear in... </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/AVvXsEisd_b3kA-tyZI0iGmumN8L-otmQivq2U1ej64W2uNlb7NDCk1ByRBBOqF4d_uPhRMG3yPNE55G3VrLj87Fm0Iz3i8rBLqS9rLmvUCSXxLXEb3kEERTUPnrGGogfNF0HgU3lh1XiFXYGvAdlUbN393i6b1GkWjFaWSU-ADXNHJ_cPJhkyKd2CEgRUKcHQNp/s4000/DSCN0032.JPG" 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/AVvXsEisd_b3kA-tyZI0iGmumN8L-otmQivq2U1ej64W2uNlb7NDCk1ByRBBOqF4d_uPhRMG3yPNE55G3VrLj87Fm0Iz3i8rBLqS9rLmvUCSXxLXEb3kEERTUPnrGGogfNF0HgU3lh1XiFXYGvAdlUbN393i6b1GkWjFaWSU-ADXNHJ_cPJhkyKd2CEgRUKcHQNp/w480-h640/DSCN0032.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..my Vaude 40l pack should suffice...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;">I figure that this pack should be large enough to haul my gear. I don't need to take a lot with me so this pack will be fine for carrying my gear. It is big enough to carry everything with me but not so large that it slows me down...</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/AVvXsEgzClBW-M7FOARvEy1KE-Zr7L3up02WY4jObttqxXuE_uwfMb4_4441FZwOIEOjYbcBYmTr4hq-hfs7RMIeIcVADXqW3-QhIHhoAa3Ri3Msan0aKk3L2dmokrqJzBHGmmnOGzNJXhsMM7eSVEjuas5TncJnuNFypFk6UN_V-tqhKZXacXtHxzdKiA5Epf0a/s4000/DSCN0031.JPG" 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/AVvXsEgzClBW-M7FOARvEy1KE-Zr7L3up02WY4jObttqxXuE_uwfMb4_4441FZwOIEOjYbcBYmTr4hq-hfs7RMIeIcVADXqW3-QhIHhoAa3Ri3Msan0aKk3L2dmokrqJzBHGmmnOGzNJXhsMM7eSVEjuas5TncJnuNFypFk6UN_V-tqhKZXacXtHxzdKiA5Epf0a/w480-h640/DSCN0031.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vaude Brenta 40l will see me right</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Walking poles:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I will be taking my Lexi poles with me on this trip...</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/AVvXsEi27CGUx6i5g6PKnOTRUCCGoXjh7Sls4XjoYzHGDO_y9lpg4WGFWHFSF4GHE5QaCRxZr_pBkTw01QBXWG788MgHvisLho0Qb35ZJKAshLHmZ5VOK2F6SSg2AIrtLbNFFqwWFQtmSR_upUIUeEDmqVzpcXbQlNRgjaAMC-H1VwSEKOLdisSiNyaZlUmbwfti/s6000/IMG_3983.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27CGUx6i5g6PKnOTRUCCGoXjh7Sls4XjoYzHGDO_y9lpg4WGFWHFSF4GHE5QaCRxZr_pBkTw01QBXWG788MgHvisLho0Qb35ZJKAshLHmZ5VOK2F6SSg2AIrtLbNFFqwWFQtmSR_upUIUeEDmqVzpcXbQlNRgjaAMC-H1VwSEKOLdisSiNyaZlUmbwfti/w640-h426/IMG_3983.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...remember to bring your walking poles...</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I didn't carry any poles with me when I walked the Milford Track back in 2018...it was a mistake so I will be taking them for this trip. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Water botltes:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">My standard water bottles will go with me on the track...I will carry two 1 liter bottles to be sure I have water for all the day. </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/AVvXsEic4-pRgT5D3GXc5dBbmeiG1-oa1rqv3lgR0ddy2XNoe237G5Y642RAfI_9o3i8K8nV1J0KJBsTFtDymPcjJQLc_braOlj7L7hSefB-44ZJy63lo4C2wpcJZg-hVD-B3-KPDN4z0syoXYEjI3qpbC-oD6OYKdewLWhwkRG2MeM3wZ553zhmTyPJHvQm1hCW/s4320/IMG_1871.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4-pRgT5D3GXc5dBbmeiG1-oa1rqv3lgR0ddy2XNoe237G5Y642RAfI_9o3i8K8nV1J0KJBsTFtDymPcjJQLc_braOlj7L7hSefB-44ZJy63lo4C2wpcJZg-hVD-B3-KPDN4z0syoXYEjI3qpbC-oD6OYKdewLWhwkRG2MeM3wZ553zhmTyPJHvQm1hCW/w640-h480/IMG_1871.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...I will be carrying two of my 1liter bottles...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I will be filling it as necessary over the days....</div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Clothing:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Clothing is the one thing I will have to carry with me...I need my standard tramping kit plus something to wear in the lodges when I get there. These are broken down into the clothes I will be wearing and the clothes I will carry for emergencies...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Wearing:</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">I will be wearing my standard kit for tramping i.e. I will wear a short sleeved shirt and shorts. The total clothing I will wear is:</p><p style="text-align: center;">short sleeve shirt, shorts, technical underwear, socks, boots (my Lowa Ranger III's should be fine), a hat. Additionally I will carry my wet weather gear for wearing while on the trail...because it will rain!!!</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/AVvXsEjhdREPZAH1w8Oy0oQSqcDsAgX_KFRTAXFLSF3e87HwikEoeh9rk9WSsiYlwH_L3IUcXuVqWKpqEKXk6WRuNLFS9Zu0fFK7ac0YZu2qBAW99kRLGTzfc7KNq4KKIQ-2Egf5WjosEkvm2Eq1PU67qnn22an_mbJJhvcUdZDri7XyaW7yBRR2HjYtYqUKcD_I/s6000/IMG_0057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdREPZAH1w8Oy0oQSqcDsAgX_KFRTAXFLSF3e87HwikEoeh9rk9WSsiYlwH_L3IUcXuVqWKpqEKXk6WRuNLFS9Zu0fFK7ac0YZu2qBAW99kRLGTzfc7KNq4KKIQ-2Egf5WjosEkvm2Eq1PU67qnn22an_mbJJhvcUdZDri7XyaW7yBRR2HjYtYqUKcD_I/w640-h426/IMG_0057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My usual attire: shorts, short sleeve shirt, sun hat</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Emergencies:</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">I will carry a few items for emergencies namely: </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/AVvXsEiB7365lq1COD-yN4ctVuGMw5mSoaqgG-RKo7F-ju3NycmUWXpP3yJAUvB9p-NVFKqGreicOG5o4uDxrf-JqYgT3TXSlle48kmA2_oIY9HiIf03YiFQwOSYwMBT_amFse7m59XYF0AotBV8O0RZNycbxI0w3Ug9PDGjmL4m6rHj8Ou3tuslkYqKmI0a3Hgc/s4000/DSCN0098.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7365lq1COD-yN4ctVuGMw5mSoaqgG-RKo7F-ju3NycmUWXpP3yJAUvB9p-NVFKqGreicOG5o4uDxrf-JqYgT3TXSlle48kmA2_oIY9HiIf03YiFQwOSYwMBT_amFse7m59XYF0AotBV8O0RZNycbxI0w3Ug9PDGjmL4m6rHj8Ou3tuslkYqKmI0a3Hgc/w640-h480/DSCN0098.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...spare clothing I will take with me...</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Spare short sleeved shirt</p><p style="text-align: center;">Long sleeved thermal top</p><p style="text-align: center;">Thermal bottoms- I will wear merino for warmth</p><p style="text-align: center;"> Polar fleece</p><p style="text-align: center;">Down jacket</p><p style="text-align: center;">Track suit pants</p><p style="text-align: center;">Hat and gloves- warm</p><p style="text-align: center;">This should provide me with spare clothing to wear if I get wet or if any of my kit gets damaged. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Safety gear:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I carry some kit for my personal safety including my PLB, maps and other gear.</p><p style="text-align: center;">PLB, maps, first aid kit, a SOL emergency bivy, pocket knife, tape for my feet </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/AVvXsEhcCcAgpNlcfQs32yH3NEb-f4DmxzNNLUAzHfUe0T0_fKSmgJTZ1a2oZcSpI5Ui0B2d93rVgbf28n1slQ4hgESe56tQT96PKwwXszyr1BdM7qORNQS1m0CXLcckvW_8Dh8nl0HygSwGjpWsoQ_6MW3N_H8cd6EvV_wYSAC4P8_Sq0TcUwaXIGQM-km3cgeS/s500/PLB2jpg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCcAgpNlcfQs32yH3NEb-f4DmxzNNLUAzHfUe0T0_fKSmgJTZ1a2oZcSpI5Ui0B2d93rVgbf28n1slQ4hgESe56tQT96PKwwXszyr1BdM7qORNQS1m0CXLcckvW_8Dh8nl0HygSwGjpWsoQ_6MW3N_H8cd6EvV_wYSAC4P8_Sq0TcUwaXIGQM-km3cgeS/w400-h400/PLB2jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...I will be carrying my PLB...</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Personal items:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I will be carrying a few items which are intended to make my stay more comfortable. These include:</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/AVvXsEgtmX-8OvtU7CcKY_NXUalqP54gbTgzuzR_w90cpT1WT4mjj3gdz4qy7VWAgY75f3eQekU23pFrdDTTg2ksNGEWH7XvMy8h_D6DihCWwBgGKIMMmONB_nWBj64aksweoCfcevRbUSETs6YcuXdY7wJfF3aUa5xwaN7gMkqWDOdgTmC8CgZm8L-FvBCIC5r8/s6000/IMG_1266.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmX-8OvtU7CcKY_NXUalqP54gbTgzuzR_w90cpT1WT4mjj3gdz4qy7VWAgY75f3eQekU23pFrdDTTg2ksNGEWH7XvMy8h_D6DihCWwBgGKIMMmONB_nWBj64aksweoCfcevRbUSETs6YcuXdY7wJfF3aUa5xwaN7gMkqWDOdgTmC8CgZm8L-FvBCIC5r8/w640-h426/IMG_1266.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...I will be carrying various camera gear...</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Paperwhite, toiletries kit, repair kit, head lamp, various electrical cables, camera, keys, wallet</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Brown bag lunch:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Every day the Ultimate Hikes people supply you with a brown bag lunch to consume while on the trail. Items such as sandwich's, fresh fruit, biscuits, chips and chocolate feature on the menu and provide you with much needed calories while you are walking. </p><p style="text-align: center;">This is about all that I have to carry.</p>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-86078472257709125792023-11-01T17:29:00.008-07:002023-11-28T12:46:12.823-08:00Lewis Pass Conservation Area: Lake Daniell, 29th-30th October<p style="text-align: center;"></p><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At Lake Daniells</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I went for an adventure this past weekend....the destination was Manson-Nichols Hut at Lake Daniell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the carpark at Marble Hill campsite (five kilometers from Springs Junction) you walk on an easy track for 8.4 kilometers or 1.5 to 3 hours walk. Despite its closeness to the road Lake Daniell's has a lovely remote feeling about it..it seems like you are a lot further away from civilization than you really are.</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/AVvXsEjLn5dbiznglj7EurtRJ3G9wPiLjl-GhicAj1JH-zoUqDwUlx2ykPNoMq74zzBXOisbOwUqfPBCohe2_Qa2HfXwMEdzbftNqt5gmHu92ik2MdF_5S2Xkx_L6Xx5-Ka6cWxX-RzdhDaIePBkwP60GGkhyphenhyphenD7G0K2CoLYt-3IH4qDw0iwEacL_m2DDEhXyec1M/s6000/IMG_1759.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn5dbiznglj7EurtRJ3G9wPiLjl-GhicAj1JH-zoUqDwUlx2ykPNoMq74zzBXOisbOwUqfPBCohe2_Qa2HfXwMEdzbftNqt5gmHu92ik2MdF_5S2Xkx_L6Xx5-Ka6cWxX-RzdhDaIePBkwP60GGkhyphenhyphenD7G0K2CoLYt-3IH4qDw0iwEacL_m2DDEhXyec1M/w640-h426/IMG_1759.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Silver Surfer parked at Marble Hill</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I will be going to Lake Daniell every year for the first tramp of the new winter season as it is a cool hut with a nice lake nearby, close to the road and it can be booked. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Day 1: Road end to Manson Nichols Hut...</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I tramped into the hut on a Sunday and walked back out on the Monday thus missing the usual weekend crowds. On the night I stayed I was one of 15 people who stayed in the hut. I was surprised there were so many people staying in the hut. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Karen could not get time off work so this was once again a solo trip...</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/AVvXsEiZtyzTR29mbZ4hypTOb94PigzRvz6PX_xq4PJEgmOp5tNk4_bncJ1PPbXUYVptaemRqriE-qwCeFfhTugBLaQiAT3BWQkV2ao8Nodv8pVk0wytvrlHBRjlyEc2cCAZyKRF9RtUA8LTnvhuVCesp7uObDB-U1Umd7pbNBgloAQEkYL7xDzXuxQI8gtNULHH/s6000/IMG_1760.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtyzTR29mbZ4hypTOb94PigzRvz6PX_xq4PJEgmOp5tNk4_bncJ1PPbXUYVptaemRqriE-qwCeFfhTugBLaQiAT3BWQkV2ao8Nodv8pVk0wytvrlHBRjlyEc2cCAZyKRF9RtUA8LTnvhuVCesp7uObDB-U1Umd7pbNBgloAQEkYL7xDzXuxQI8gtNULHH/w640-h426/IMG_1760.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the Lake Daniell Track, Lake Daniell 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/AVvXsEizLsjkInugXWcgQDIZC_6fCQ1x08c0tKjU2Wgvn5Duu-o91-Wg4qXVUBBX01BhBmC-l2vSDJhyVY80zLwp5MvEWXvmOdKkIoh20hSLfE6aVr24C1dzB-aR5loeyZ04A0ef0ZVjIho4wdDn6eW6FFoQEc79MRu4ZSuemqxbslgAgETsK7Mn5KS65kYrO0aw/s6000/IMG_1762.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLsjkInugXWcgQDIZC_6fCQ1x08c0tKjU2Wgvn5Duu-o91-Wg4qXVUBBX01BhBmC-l2vSDJhyVY80zLwp5MvEWXvmOdKkIoh20hSLfE6aVr24C1dzB-aR5loeyZ04A0ef0ZVjIho4wdDn6eW6FFoQEc79MRu4ZSuemqxbslgAgETsK7Mn5KS65kYrO0aw/w640-h426/IMG_1762.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Information kiosk at Marble Hill</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">The track starts at the Marble Hill campsite off SH 7 five kilometers short of Springs Junction...there is plenty of parking at the track start as this is also a popular day walk. It t is a lovely and mostly flat track well suited to anyone with a modicum of fitness and will take 1.5-3 hours.</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/AVvXsEjLB0DmsC6xjz7ND2UZhihOUE4UIlm2O3rK8fgYL4HJozMmaUsOOXnWKNZkFs84oWLP0IMzDxElDuPlinL0dSOE1Y_k4hTs0MHeOvZ_k4TPymRVywElaQSAF3e_EW1TOb1IdDJ3LzslwROnFiD6Iv-mcViKZCfLFCPbyiS5L9xVfU_rCul-zeNkngDOlFdu/s6000/IMG_1764.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLB0DmsC6xjz7ND2UZhihOUE4UIlm2O3rK8fgYL4HJozMmaUsOOXnWKNZkFs84oWLP0IMzDxElDuPlinL0dSOE1Y_k4hTs0MHeOvZ_k4TPymRVywElaQSAF3e_EW1TOb1IdDJ3LzslwROnFiD6Iv-mcViKZCfLFCPbyiS5L9xVfU_rCul-zeNkngDOlFdu/w640-h426/IMG_1764.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Lake Daniell's Track 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/AVvXsEh5M-zoqzKIgU2o4rVYDQBICWumg8w6z4CNzhp1ZBM6ia7lWrYjdfxgGNBl-5TYmERanqndX_W0FnprOwTCm_RpMF66Mlm26mEEVCx_-z57mcCFh_DghyphenhyphenM6zGEUl0RbMRsJnfl598JadwPZ6es67EXi7L6etcXV6XgCTHhZ6YMAwQGaOZIN_U0tjbWUyRBM/s6000/IMG_1766.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5M-zoqzKIgU2o4rVYDQBICWumg8w6z4CNzhp1ZBM6ia7lWrYjdfxgGNBl-5TYmERanqndX_W0FnprOwTCm_RpMF66Mlm26mEEVCx_-z57mcCFh_DghyphenhyphenM6zGEUl0RbMRsJnfl598JadwPZ6es67EXi7L6etcXV6XgCTHhZ6YMAwQGaOZIN_U0tjbWUyRBM/w640-h426/IMG_1766.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sluice Box approximately 300 meters down 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/AVvXsEhaie18KIsCklsO0-Vlw_6uX2T2W1p0KR0VH8TLKAD7D7nP51XczW3Fvt2coJafoV4je6yWrf2Wt98oJ7nkSlJQ3hzioB_sOEBJucPfmSuN2i-bVJXyzr9emZQHypF17dyiTtXZy13lyQGhyz5ZZCoMb5XBK76r-TTQJ7WzG2GnEc5j0aKg4vvAF9KHCCFU/s6000/IMG_1768.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaie18KIsCklsO0-Vlw_6uX2T2W1p0KR0VH8TLKAD7D7nP51XczW3Fvt2coJafoV4je6yWrf2Wt98oJ7nkSlJQ3hzioB_sOEBJucPfmSuN2i-bVJXyzr9emZQHypF17dyiTtXZy13lyQGhyz5ZZCoMb5XBK76r-TTQJ7WzG2GnEc5j0aKg4vvAF9KHCCFU/w640-h426/IMG_1768.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep aqua blue of the Sluice Box, Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">The Lake Daniell Track is an easy track with bridges over all the side streams, boardwalk and a decent track surface so it only takes about 2-3 hours to cover the 8.4 kilometers to the lake. The surrounding hills were sunny and it was chilly in the forest so I had my jacket on for most of the time I was walking to the lake. </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/AVvXsEiyFrb2ZQ81Dp6M8siIDw4KvEwD5TUFMU_cuQQb0Dm-L5NCTKUILDgfwHWDKuvShsmlXB5Et2WTypeVqp7Q_VZE24cX2vk00kqIsoE4vaURC17tXu4Wp1sbiuItEV_9BnzaiS3VEY_5NmAveld2DocSD87TAJvTvP371Z6VQMm9YJUEfJvh4lBwPYDGwv9Y/s6000/IMG_1769.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFrb2ZQ81Dp6M8siIDw4KvEwD5TUFMU_cuQQb0Dm-L5NCTKUILDgfwHWDKuvShsmlXB5Et2WTypeVqp7Q_VZE24cX2vk00kqIsoE4vaURC17tXu4Wp1sbiuItEV_9BnzaiS3VEY_5NmAveld2DocSD87TAJvTvP371Z6VQMm9YJUEfJvh4lBwPYDGwv9Y/w640-h426/IMG_1769.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Track continues on the far bank of the Sluice Box</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">My last visit to Lake Daniell was back in June 2022 when I visited on the first of my Winter 2022 trips. Little had changed along the track since then except for a bit more erosion along the sides of the Alfred River particularly at the lower river flats. </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/AVvXsEig138xXfNHip8YbtNHRS25t2s2wZOjZ1jI_9yOW7RtTpbxRbWB1fbSw7Tzrhn0Pacl-9JWYE02rzFCcPyj4Teku8pLm6CR0DDaJMeL0nZ3oy_Zko30szh91RRREXk4J2BC3ZsnNcmcIU8_uWs5A2eGTmkm08i5vj-4L-yookpOv92wN7fh6Yoo72-HZS0z/s6000/IMG_1772.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig138xXfNHip8YbtNHRS25t2s2wZOjZ1jI_9yOW7RtTpbxRbWB1fbSw7Tzrhn0Pacl-9JWYE02rzFCcPyj4Teku8pLm6CR0DDaJMeL0nZ3oy_Zko30szh91RRREXk4J2BC3ZsnNcmcIU8_uWs5A2eGTmkm08i5vj-4L-yookpOv92wN7fh6Yoo72-HZS0z/w640-h426/IMG_1772.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conflueance of Alfred River and Maruia 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/AVvXsEgcY0tOHPs11TnpwQGKaMi2yZZ1TxxKvMRZa9lVJTKg_xdV6ZWnmAbBuq5NqzzgiG3qO4bE5sWfCTPG7RNXtzkraEqGOpj3LKr4F62HblTh7u54ygcqebJeti4wu2GwLVtk3cTJKUeWMJcR5YFKXIgO97f7RqRukKdvXLRO_sVVYG8GVhIbO3eJoIOh7Ys5/s6000/IMG_1773.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcY0tOHPs11TnpwQGKaMi2yZZ1TxxKvMRZa9lVJTKg_xdV6ZWnmAbBuq5NqzzgiG3qO4bE5sWfCTPG7RNXtzkraEqGOpj3LKr4F62HblTh7u54ygcqebJeti4wu2GwLVtk3cTJKUeWMJcR5YFKXIgO97f7RqRukKdvXLRO_sVVYG8GVhIbO3eJoIOh7Ys5/w640-h426/IMG_1773.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On to the track proper...Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">After about 20 minutes you descend down to the first of two large clearings in the forest. You can get down to the river to resupply with water here as there are a couple of places with paths to the river.</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/AVvXsEg4dDcP_skzva1XZ7cB-uv4TqPxfWok2F8NVYUVnefzzbnPQeGGZzXZX13C32y1mN9EY6oV6WBTihrlyQdZxVrRfEeHtVI6dLKY6oi12r22TFYPVR-gDsSY_SyoXz8njcDdiOuFcL7_tQey9f9XH0hNN-mqvRhQyX3MhXWIMRdNQL5rf2pStCXZSscIiHPz/s6000/IMG_1775.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dDcP_skzva1XZ7cB-uv4TqPxfWok2F8NVYUVnefzzbnPQeGGZzXZX13C32y1mN9EY6oV6WBTihrlyQdZxVrRfEeHtVI6dLKY6oi12r22TFYPVR-gDsSY_SyoXz8njcDdiOuFcL7_tQey9f9XH0hNN-mqvRhQyX3MhXWIMRdNQL5rf2pStCXZSscIiHPz/w640-h426/IMG_1775.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View out across the first clearing...Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I was at the iconic tree swing within 40 minutes so I was making good time. There is an overhanging branch next to the track which thousands of kids must have swung on over the years. </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/AVvXsEh5RFMOpNM0jucejE8u07c19q7gyChtOMSy8LfEbsH-XmIS0OksEf6_Humtqgwuki_zJ15_0OGpNjiBbyWqSwPJ21P2M_kFFRQNUWqYYVW5hSMbvYMWW2N7qdb7TxrWpExO5SzAt4L0jgcE37ghqyAOQGismzCizbpNDDC-IRLY-rdXVFn1q7DTVjtbds_J/s6000/IMG_1777.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RFMOpNM0jucejE8u07c19q7gyChtOMSy8LfEbsH-XmIS0OksEf6_Humtqgwuki_zJ15_0OGpNjiBbyWqSwPJ21P2M_kFFRQNUWqYYVW5hSMbvYMWW2N7qdb7TxrWpExO5SzAt4L0jgcE37ghqyAOQGismzCizbpNDDC-IRLY-rdXVFn1q7DTVjtbds_J/w640-h426/IMG_1777.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infamous swing approximately 30 minutes down the track</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">From the tree swing you start the first real climb of the day as you head up and around the lower gorge of the Alfred River. You climb about 80 meters above the river and sidle along the side of the hills heading for the second and higher of the two river flats along the Alfred River.</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/AVvXsEgGiuEcY3EoekHhGWBJ6VXNVXaO7xTRj5gqUD-ebcx0FR9lP_x3-VxRQq5P9Uge05UiMt1nM10aGru7stXNBgwvG-g73wkjEstau9lqd2pOUscZ8DFCidfgO4wRAm2Nesz4gF59CBuSIEjl7J6Eb8N0ch9fMrYM1qSq8Z0xGbv7a4skycwzfqt_OcrhzVvC/s6000/IMG_1779.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiuEcY3EoekHhGWBJ6VXNVXaO7xTRj5gqUD-ebcx0FR9lP_x3-VxRQq5P9Uge05UiMt1nM10aGru7stXNBgwvG-g73wkjEstau9lqd2pOUscZ8DFCidfgO4wRAm2Nesz4gF59CBuSIEjl7J6Eb8N0ch9fMrYM1qSq8Z0xGbv7a4skycwzfqt_OcrhzVvC/w640-h426/IMG_1779.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down on the first gorge in the Alfred River<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-NxF-_e5p4h8yECZF-NofZFDfVu5Ai6_QzhdKkVEr7xecV2KhpNQp29RdA2Hz0BSd6FZ9RSf2QaV0wo6RM957dLWUEx0JrpEpsd-0NVz-3uL0hENlIU2WprmmxbOO_qmh4idecI333C38t_Py350bHTdvD0ESLGdSVzViyH3fj9jIuO5mMgIG0Ftxc_2/s6000/IMG_1781.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-NxF-_e5p4h8yECZF-NofZFDfVu5Ai6_QzhdKkVEr7xecV2KhpNQp29RdA2Hz0BSd6FZ9RSf2QaV0wo6RM957dLWUEx0JrpEpsd-0NVz-3uL0hENlIU2WprmmxbOO_qmh4idecI333C38t_Py350bHTdvD0ESLGdSVzViyH3fj9jIuO5mMgIG0Ftxc_2/w640-h426/IMG_1781.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area of boardwalk along the Lake Daniell 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/AVvXsEgFfGdsxY4WsP6RD5ht0Nk6N44m88O4xM19ARofhgt7ZvGO1G0enJohPIGhgRNjmPozHTCt50pOzSs-rGrhda_PFen8Szb5hVPaTvqGN5o9-p_ohJJ-iXg-aKwyjssXcVlLb238OzCa7sKHnVvlm_-M7K8BkxUjJiuJ2fOIoC19Mx7vpLxxQikTJOvbeI_p/s6000/IMG_1783.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfGdsxY4WsP6RD5ht0Nk6N44m88O4xM19ARofhgt7ZvGO1G0enJohPIGhgRNjmPozHTCt50pOzSs-rGrhda_PFen8Szb5hVPaTvqGN5o9-p_ohJJ-iXg-aKwyjssXcVlLb238OzCa7sKHnVvlm_-M7K8BkxUjJiuJ2fOIoC19Mx7vpLxxQikTJOvbeI_p/w640-h426/IMG_1783.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The side streams were all roaring with water, Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">There was sunny conditions over the second river flat when I arrived and I stop for a break as is my custom. I saw some deer sign along the side of the river and I imagine if you were here at dusk and dawn you would see Red Deer grazing the flats. </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/AVvXsEhJj-XR9tPeLT5KuAo1sEajcj8J89vGPMWtt7YyaOttn_cWt9Xz7rvuHGxTaur9uTQDJqgRCVTWTkczpMu_ubLqTXjIzjuUbrnhuzWf1e-xxu6eltIhFBv0vxh9VWlY8tJXWo7KiD3fsUybNMhFlJe8UDfqLw0HVSPjID79YqpJ3K3lD7p0WHdtDFy3K_hP/s6000/IMG_1785.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJj-XR9tPeLT5KuAo1sEajcj8J89vGPMWtt7YyaOttn_cWt9Xz7rvuHGxTaur9uTQDJqgRCVTWTkczpMu_ubLqTXjIzjuUbrnhuzWf1e-xxu6eltIhFBv0vxh9VWlY8tJXWo7KiD3fsUybNMhFlJe8UDfqLw0HVSPjID79YqpJ3K3lD7p0WHdtDFy3K_hP/w640-h426/IMG_1785.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good camp sites abound near the second clearing, Lake Daniells 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/AVvXsEg13TiaAjcgw_lKbYHt4VFxy3rv8I_o49r55xoM44Ktd9q026-v0vHNw6cQYNpleZtXz96o5JjJ3c3FJ_whB-SNzu_C1XNScd_uf0-YXkcyaSbyu6C1coENagmZq2zpDEobu5wk3CYwINmZqYIuRJY5kiIqZqrnu_eS_a8Axaod3_E9HqA68dh7uvwoF0p8/s6000/IMG_1788.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13TiaAjcgw_lKbYHt4VFxy3rv8I_o49r55xoM44Ktd9q026-v0vHNw6cQYNpleZtXz96o5JjJ3c3FJ_whB-SNzu_C1XNScd_uf0-YXkcyaSbyu6C1coENagmZq2zpDEobu5wk3CYwINmZqYIuRJY5kiIqZqrnu_eS_a8Axaod3_E9HqA68dh7uvwoF0p8/w640-h426/IMG_1788.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the forest heading for the apex of the track, Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I was at the river access point just before the upper gorge in the Alfred River after tramping for an hour. I stopped for about 10 minutes before starting the climb up and over the upper gorge. You can cross the Alfred River here to access the Pell Stream 4 W/D track or get down riverside to fetch water from the river. </span></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/AVvXsEh4UoYevrCVaX_ZwKXATzEVeXBwwI9rh_N3kNk4EdD120tpMdaX0ADVfEk1_ktroxrTciX3bQssrSh_kqZpGX-pmPgDaNDG9Mt8SpsR42kJ-o76JX5tSMhRh_bKYGZgPsRRSQ9ebVvOIpqoz-WbYy9HWJkRZyogfPzPXx823IXl62_FrDruZGy0GAP84qim/s6000/IMG_1790.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UoYevrCVaX_ZwKXATzEVeXBwwI9rh_N3kNk4EdD120tpMdaX0ADVfEk1_ktroxrTciX3bQssrSh_kqZpGX-pmPgDaNDG9Mt8SpsR42kJ-o76JX5tSMhRh_bKYGZgPsRRSQ9ebVvOIpqoz-WbYy9HWJkRZyogfPzPXx823IXl62_FrDruZGy0GAP84qim/w640-h426/IMG_1790.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alfred River access point near the Troll Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">From the river access point you climb up about 100 odd meters above the river on your way to the Pell Stream seat. You are by-passing the upper gorge and this will be the longest uphill section you face on this track. It is not that bad of a climb and 15 minutes will see you up at the old Pell Stream Lookout.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Enroute to the seat you cross over Troll Stream which is roughly the mid way point of the track. From here it is 4.1 km's to Marble Hill and 4.3 km's to Lake Daniell. It usually takes me about 40-45 minutes to reach this point. The Troll Bridge is nearly at the half way point between Marble Hill campsite and Lake Daniell.</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/AVvXsEijSdj-qkRsMl_8lWlVZDzMpf3KHlRjpV14r8VWGxeovgXj15qL29Gwz2eBDK9-bEo4l7etY6Oek8IS_Vk17lZJRZ9k66x8ptbqcaEghVSp56bEI9PuiU1wLQHH1QygfbIf-emK5VkQ9hyUTMBw1nscI4V3b5aeuo-2XmbraKKLVwL_j6jaKmu_aBapHikf/s6000/IMG_1791.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSdj-qkRsMl_8lWlVZDzMpf3KHlRjpV14r8VWGxeovgXj15qL29Gwz2eBDK9-bEo4l7etY6Oek8IS_Vk17lZJRZ9k66x8ptbqcaEghVSp56bEI9PuiU1wLQHH1QygfbIf-emK5VkQ9hyUTMBw1nscI4V3b5aeuo-2XmbraKKLVwL_j6jaKmu_aBapHikf/w640-h426/IMG_1791.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Troll Bridge is the half way point of Lake Daniell 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/AVvXsEjQHRaURjwwWfcOSX4EpwHYF9rGDLksUoiVnTQt4Ae_4-B1iZP0HGQIEUuB4nvJ5pxlYmZWUoL9bDKPqrn0CJmXkWoAHJvIbQdJyeKC2sKFneASyJO8QnfGE1KQQNaDSEhxBuk_Uic4cabKg4olF-ItsCDgInndXEKZPBq3fFkaQRe60MFH8iQ1-_Wam93C/s6000/IMG_1793.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHRaURjwwWfcOSX4EpwHYF9rGDLksUoiVnTQt4Ae_4-B1iZP0HGQIEUuB4nvJ5pxlYmZWUoL9bDKPqrn0CJmXkWoAHJvIbQdJyeKC2sKFneASyJO8QnfGE1KQQNaDSEhxBuk_Uic4cabKg4olF-ItsCDgInndXEKZPBq3fFkaQRe60MFH8iQ1-_Wam93C/w640-h426/IMG_1793.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another side stream on the Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Pell Stream seat is just 200 meters further along the Lake Daniell Track from the old slip and is a good spot for a break. I usually stop here for a drink and snack before continuing on my way. I didn't stop here on the day as there was a family just up the track on their way to the seat. Instead I kept walking and had a break further along the track...</span></p><p></p><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/AVvXsEg2Lg7jVv-1DED-vFGO5QbpGsFFWyaznWjOEZT3Zbk-5HG3WOhEEZ0hxAoPW5oZBN2Ao2eyY_iPwdybQv6t3-1pmTOm4J1hFaNN0dJWDcfu6Pak7P2lvl_HpNGsyQRYInUkLTUNuL4rd9ZKER0dzg6QP-2gPRi-2TOCR__WXXeYk6BarvXiF9DpbgF3Vj5k/s6000/IMG_1796.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Lg7jVv-1DED-vFGO5QbpGsFFWyaznWjOEZT3Zbk-5HG3WOhEEZ0hxAoPW5oZBN2Ao2eyY_iPwdybQv6t3-1pmTOm4J1hFaNN0dJWDcfu6Pak7P2lvl_HpNGsyQRYInUkLTUNuL4rd9ZKER0dzg6QP-2gPRi-2TOCR__WXXeYk6BarvXiF9DpbgF3Vj5k/w640-h426/IMG_1796.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pell Stream Seat, Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">From the Pell Stream seat it is downhill as you head for the confluence of the Alfred River and Fraser Stream. Fraser Stream is the outlet for Lake Daniell which flows down from the lake to a point about a kilometer on from the Pell Stream seat.</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/AVvXsEhkTVwpA2In_usoo2pA0eipsm7Q_xt4rA1xNaR-NfKSwqNLY8WY56Q4p73hRSBKWlad4SlSluQOYCSc9u_MtUr3knWsIL2LnwE7jBEpavYS1KTGce7VWLSL-1q4_QTXbflc4hF4w46B3YkpO_t4l-AINN4OYBniDTBil8BvuOy6Yh1UlQAtGIguhS9kYOWo/s6000/IMG_1798.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTVwpA2In_usoo2pA0eipsm7Q_xt4rA1xNaR-NfKSwqNLY8WY56Q4p73hRSBKWlad4SlSluQOYCSc9u_MtUr3knWsIL2LnwE7jBEpavYS1KTGce7VWLSL-1q4_QTXbflc4hF4w46B3YkpO_t4l-AINN4OYBniDTBil8BvuOy6Yh1UlQAtGIguhS9kYOWo/w640-h426/IMG_1798.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the Pell Stream seat heading down</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Once you get to the top of the debris field you have about 1.5 kilometers to walk to get to Lake Daniell and the hut located there. It is flat for much of the way and the track can be a bit boggy so they have installed a lot of boardwalk through here to stop you damaging the delicate plants.</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/AVvXsEjnIdpILxlP4m5ij0L8qdpsEmTnq2w5QordMuM4zQDdS0tgONtXXUbFQMVGgtZcTNnEOjVf2-42QSe_cgglY7GVE92h5vRr8VmYPzwv1AVZf-oWJizjpIvCXEl3eImGrRtJtBRb9WmUTNKz0qDB7oppoZH6NzcE57E64tGbdAqaLumiimTIHLsanVeM84nV/s6000/IMG_1801.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIdpILxlP4m5ij0L8qdpsEmTnq2w5QordMuM4zQDdS0tgONtXXUbFQMVGgtZcTNnEOjVf2-42QSe_cgglY7GVE92h5vRr8VmYPzwv1AVZf-oWJizjpIvCXEl3eImGrRtJtBRb9WmUTNKz0qDB7oppoZH6NzcE57E64tGbdAqaLumiimTIHLsanVeM84nV/w640-h426/IMG_1801.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Fraser Stream, Lake Daniell 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/AVvXsEjQwPvMWKX-kIq35GyfkDPMWuiQO1LJCY-927LoGRRBAhog1GttRHIDlvV_VZk41hHvUOQD3BoLEgCCIBB36GqGYxAcffhu9cj-PJJzemRj1CtCT0SxetMdu6ZN3TOCGBY5UNIhLSzk1AYlemP9F3636D-Z6SW1ZVxCTMsTtDPH_xqaw_bjQ9kgAl5aAy_S/s6000/IMG_1803.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwPvMWKX-kIq35GyfkDPMWuiQO1LJCY-927LoGRRBAhog1GttRHIDlvV_VZk41hHvUOQD3BoLEgCCIBB36GqGYxAcffhu9cj-PJJzemRj1CtCT0SxetMdu6ZN3TOCGBY5UNIhLSzk1AYlemP9F3636D-Z6SW1ZVxCTMsTtDPH_xqaw_bjQ9kgAl5aAy_S/w640-h426/IMG_1803.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty side stream...Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Here I am looking down on the Upper Alfred River at the point where the Fraser stream flows into it. It looks quite full as a result of the rain that had been falling in the area for several days before </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/AVvXsEigFolSdB4wATupr9ej3otp6WPnTzG4dADfFXPNAbvZ54l58x5hlnvSCNr8tiKSGysXnt1lxP646V0zEDiFAHaXZCyXSTPKJ4udIiq2jRE0BmMbktgcBkPFtwB1lu21xjVkyEgZ_HvHKkx7slPl-oTqzB3wHg84gy7mbq5S98f-EZ8nweEarwVSKoe6hnpu/s6000/IMG_1804.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFolSdB4wATupr9ej3otp6WPnTzG4dADfFXPNAbvZ54l58x5hlnvSCNr8tiKSGysXnt1lxP646V0zEDiFAHaXZCyXSTPKJ4udIiq2jRE0BmMbktgcBkPFtwB1lu21xjVkyEgZ_HvHKkx7slPl-oTqzB3wHg84gy7mbq5S98f-EZ8nweEarwVSKoe6hnpu/w640-h426/IMG_1804.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down at the upper Alfred River</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I soon found myself at the small footbridge over Fraser Stream down near its confluence with the Alfred River. The stream is only about 1.5 meters wide and ankle deep but can be much higher when Lake Daniell is full and the outlet stream fills with flood water. Prior to the bridge this point was sometimes impassable and meant you had to turn back to the hut or the car-park...</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/AVvXsEgVTHSO0uNdIxn24J7OgSMWN2nWrUiC6pUjSk8X2M0E1FL23L4GIsaKeU1l6S9BcFPeBFIVS68vc8k5Qg5AA6aknfYCpl6RPC84mzDNPDGBaxJL53AAeV-J-zIH2b_oefuYae1Mdd2iZXp_UU0n6Lg3nhIFfufVb7AWubWB7jdNet462sfh6-xjTaR4aAtS/s6000/IMG_1806.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTHSO0uNdIxn24J7OgSMWN2nWrUiC6pUjSk8X2M0E1FL23L4GIsaKeU1l6S9BcFPeBFIVS68vc8k5Qg5AA6aknfYCpl6RPC84mzDNPDGBaxJL53AAeV-J-zIH2b_oefuYae1Mdd2iZXp_UU0n6Lg3nhIFfufVb7AWubWB7jdNet462sfh6-xjTaR4aAtS/w640-h426/IMG_1806.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge crossing Fraser Stream, Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">From the Fraser Stream bridge you climb up onto an long expanse of flat ground which covers the last 1.5 kilometers to Lake Daniell. The flat is quick, easy walking so when you reach this point you are about 30-40 minutes from the lake. </span></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/AVvXsEi1pv53blHzbn7JMCrEMUmCSQ40L_f37bcoyUs6rjLhNZqo6oh2d_gn4NKmbU6Ka8Iz_9iA0x3ByBP3YvTbvBJxcsxI3eVNHeH8tbDwnx7RAsTFndK9lUe28aMs0OqY0hwZvv5CpUjcmidQHIVdAuFARcD4unoLJcYmtI0MVsHEzt9PMGivACXpNB1Nt37c/s6000/IMG_1809.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pv53blHzbn7JMCrEMUmCSQ40L_f37bcoyUs6rjLhNZqo6oh2d_gn4NKmbU6Ka8Iz_9iA0x3ByBP3YvTbvBJxcsxI3eVNHeH8tbDwnx7RAsTFndK9lUe28aMs0OqY0hwZvv5CpUjcmidQHIVdAuFARcD4unoLJcYmtI0MVsHEzt9PMGivACXpNB1Nt37c/w640-h426/IMG_1809.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up the debris field on the way to Lake Daniell</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">When you get to the point where the Fraser Stream is next to the track you are about 700 meters from the hut. Travel along this part of the Lake Daniell Track is swift and it takes about 30 minutes to cover the 1.5 kilometers from the edge of the debris field to the lake.</span></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/AVvXsEiltnjtx-R2SHI14abFOv6RVeDjDQ7ed_r-ySFHADDTaA-r0aa075_pNZvV1ROb1Llswd6e0jxqKwaJnajEe0PLyGl32w4k37puJGftxYjp93oHq0IFMeGC2O4i9fpM0S11NyDk5mcAHhH7mUNbS5rO_MyHq4vk6d4lbJ7rnqV7KIC-y28FG2VDTuzZbeGW/s6000/IMG_1813.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltnjtx-R2SHI14abFOv6RVeDjDQ7ed_r-ySFHADDTaA-r0aa075_pNZvV1ROb1Llswd6e0jxqKwaJnajEe0PLyGl32w4k37puJGftxYjp93oHq0IFMeGC2O4i9fpM0S11NyDk5mcAHhH7mUNbS5rO_MyHq4vk6d4lbJ7rnqV7KIC-y28FG2VDTuzZbeGW/w640-h426/IMG_1813.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fraser stream is the outlet for Lake Daniell</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">The section of Fraser Stream you see in the photo below is only 200 meters from Manson Nichols Hut and is actually a small, shallow bay off the main lake. When Lake Daniell is full it looks like this but the rest of the time the bed of the stream is clearly visible...</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/AVvXsEjE4fLBQxeSSlMztOoJBvFbqPryhojBkUdMbO7EIFQTa2uq2Udfe3nIyq7qUbYfFJ-U4kjBGmFw7RcZoa8w1_Nmu3cBd9oKnwL9uyP4w773G3LVtg9oTStCasobRexMYtV-AJvywoImsJe_clo-1DF_kktL6hR-yZON47xYbBLGp9vqnUsC4UQP7F6-3Q41/s6000/IMG_1817.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4fLBQxeSSlMztOoJBvFbqPryhojBkUdMbO7EIFQTa2uq2Udfe3nIyq7qUbYfFJ-U4kjBGmFw7RcZoa8w1_Nmu3cBd9oKnwL9uyP4w773G3LVtg9oTStCasobRexMYtV-AJvywoImsJe_clo-1DF_kktL6hR-yZON47xYbBLGp9vqnUsC4UQP7F6-3Q41/w640-h426/IMG_1817.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This section to Lake Daniell is a big outlet</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Soon I arrived at the edge of the forest and lovely Manson-Nichols Hut came into view...</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/AVvXsEh9jA3_rea6ZkuvQc7_iNxdgzYnpXGJse-WfAKdLPldx98vPbyndrVmoF-ULCM6u4BUbW9J3wHVy670GD1eNobAvRKEIXYpCercWyKBUOE32kVme72mAqY9lQOp1hTW-G3k6RZ27ESw3U828deyfhfDsXeTjjuynIsBPpvvpOU-7BtU8gRTc5eBo4Fw0tZz/s6000/IMG_1819.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jA3_rea6ZkuvQc7_iNxdgzYnpXGJse-WfAKdLPldx98vPbyndrVmoF-ULCM6u4BUbW9J3wHVy670GD1eNobAvRKEIXYpCercWyKBUOE32kVme72mAqY9lQOp1hTW-G3k6RZ27ESw3U828deyfhfDsXeTjjuynIsBPpvvpOU-7BtU8gRTc5eBo4Fw0tZz/w640-h426/IMG_1819.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manson-Nichols Memorial Hut, Lewis Pass</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It took me 2 hours and 40 minutes to walk from Marble Hill to the hut at Lake Daniell and when I arrived I had the hut to myself for the next few hours. The first visitors didn't arrive until about 3pm so about 1-1.5 hours after me.<b style="text-align: left;"> </b></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>At the hut...</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I was staying overnight at the hut so as soon as I arrived I rolled into my usual set of hut chores so that I was ready for the rest of the afternoon. Some of the tasks included chopping firewood for the night, giving the hut a sweep and clean, setting up my Pit, changing out of wet clothes and getting my gear organised. </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/AVvXsEjEfohvwSxTZ8NBHZ1W_k_inxM6CJ-mtoIokRkphEIxEdoI53dFDD5xd_NE-4uU6jYDL3prV3CWOxuKI4HXDESINtBG3OejGLN_a7tKeHqTV-LIU8AalQaWruPP3ZerKRzUaPPdf5804KD3GSbCZzT-hT82rN0QHngIvXZm2RDvIMlLiySt57_7I4Cv3Fy_/s6000/IMG_1823.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfohvwSxTZ8NBHZ1W_k_inxM6CJ-mtoIokRkphEIxEdoI53dFDD5xd_NE-4uU6jYDL3prV3CWOxuKI4HXDESINtBG3OejGLN_a7tKeHqTV-LIU8AalQaWruPP3ZerKRzUaPPdf5804KD3GSbCZzT-hT82rN0QHngIvXZm2RDvIMlLiySt57_7I4Cv3Fy_/w640-h426/IMG_1823.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manson-Nichols Hut sitting in the sun</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjCvLRUQ1SbGXClne1EoTSXwqkKspHfAMzBOyFFMTAvgOHnv6y0tjP-x3GCDYxLwDYmSRg96fnTT0A-D7ifIctOwRskpJxVm-UPRPXP5boiuVmfPddZ-qWPjnHYuaCW7GEDob-UqsNvbOFqY3GONYHNGW_r3IRDF55uM73qqW6dRjWZi_iGnV3o9Y-Z2SLz/s6000/IMG_1827.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvLRUQ1SbGXClne1EoTSXwqkKspHfAMzBOyFFMTAvgOHnv6y0tjP-x3GCDYxLwDYmSRg96fnTT0A-D7ifIctOwRskpJxVm-UPRPXP5boiuVmfPddZ-qWPjnHYuaCW7GEDob-UqsNvbOFqY3GONYHNGW_r3IRDF55uM73qqW6dRjWZi_iGnV3o9Y-Z2SLz/w640-h426/IMG_1827.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Daniell, Lewis Pass Conservation Reserve </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The previous night occupants had done a decent job so I had everything done in 30 minutes and could sit down. I wont go into too much detail about the hut as we have been here before but it was built in late 2020 after the previous memorial hut was deemed uneconomic to repair. It has 20 bunks, solar lighting, indoor water and fancy composting toilets. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The hut is lovely...it is all plywood inside and has both double glazing and insulation so once you warm it up it stays warm. I have been to Manson-Nichols Hut five times now and as I say it will be the first hut I visit each Winter season. </div></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/AVvXsEjIl-b7tY7dMi4sBp3g3PpwsdD4exgW7rFGvEXyrMoq0G4MhQlv0nMyr8LaIrg3MbIqKnAp88l3cOyzYKqcNLH3hFeBAbps_CgUcqzzdY-KWgGO2tzwzlVnatmBMGtHTA4FcF_hySDC98-XDgPV7IbrbOtcde-omA1f1Ui3SQQaZEywyEwzO3dFHDMbzvro/s6000/IMG_1828.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIl-b7tY7dMi4sBp3g3PpwsdD4exgW7rFGvEXyrMoq0G4MhQlv0nMyr8LaIrg3MbIqKnAp88l3cOyzYKqcNLH3hFeBAbps_CgUcqzzdY-KWgGO2tzwzlVnatmBMGtHTA4FcF_hySDC98-XDgPV7IbrbOtcde-omA1f1Ui3SQQaZEywyEwzO3dFHDMbzvro/w640-h426/IMG_1828.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of the Manson-Nichols Memorial 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/AVvXsEgGIwFlzH1NfL_wPJeol-0d8vyvn3wZ3M0O8tV8-nJqQD6CpCcgsWL65QTbUY4Zr3SScL50AE72mguzxCLFh6uXdedILcFUmwvfU8cwNtpshv898kLMBhxNawiUuXxYLfAK1ru7hJ7d2aikSdbNeJzj9j46hF8rwUq5cfkgLeDY0hnRLbofuuHwyuyGjgC1/s6000/IMG_1829.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIwFlzH1NfL_wPJeol-0d8vyvn3wZ3M0O8tV8-nJqQD6CpCcgsWL65QTbUY4Zr3SScL50AE72mguzxCLFh6uXdedILcFUmwvfU8cwNtpshv898kLMBhxNawiUuXxYLfAK1ru7hJ7d2aikSdbNeJzj9j46hF8rwUq5cfkgLeDY0hnRLbofuuHwyuyGjgC1/w640-h426/IMG_1829.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Manson-Nichols Memorial Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="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/AVvXsEjdQw-gw0Bay9KkXab04A8JtD-nzeRqmhIkLLeZzmqSesBr8tZISiCPyTPK9iExniD5ip4nm9PiWOkzJxJ37dcLXnpskHwVEe0_34DcSvk4eMPMAuTW0rVkuD1jJDj0JLH5KNIcW7z8MtxIB8RAn7Zi0JNLaCh2K8B4Sr8Gd09Ef0fp2F_xnXkmaqua9Ae4/s6000/IMG_1833.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQw-gw0Bay9KkXab04A8JtD-nzeRqmhIkLLeZzmqSesBr8tZISiCPyTPK9iExniD5ip4nm9PiWOkzJxJ37dcLXnpskHwVEe0_34DcSvk4eMPMAuTW0rVkuD1jJDj0JLH5KNIcW7z8MtxIB8RAn7Zi0JNLaCh2K8B4Sr8Gd09Ef0fp2F_xnXkmaqua9Ae4/w640-h426/IMG_1833.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireplace in Manson-Nichole Memorial Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There is a nice veranda at Manson Nichols Hut and later in the afternoon many of the people sat outside and enjoyed the sun. On a dry, sunny day it is a great spot to sit....</div></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/AVvXsEgYCH0ijM5rwSJ1zP3c1m29bJVYY6NhGhNPxbcWhgL7kUCYF_WYdHdTcoy56zzqWrxya4fKrOHBorB2G85mgb_kpLm3IZAv1R5kytRZOp6-Sbh_3Z8sthHQSWfpxZUiSWHiKlEAkXk4Ctch3BdM-PnfkDpdtneeXX9V01QKnPg54WTpgMHlk_7_N0mcBDkS/s6000/IMG_1831.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCH0ijM5rwSJ1zP3c1m29bJVYY6NhGhNPxbcWhgL7kUCYF_WYdHdTcoy56zzqWrxya4fKrOHBorB2G85mgb_kpLm3IZAv1R5kytRZOp6-Sbh_3Z8sthHQSWfpxZUiSWHiKlEAkXk4Ctch3BdM-PnfkDpdtneeXX9V01QKnPg54WTpgMHlk_7_N0mcBDkS/w640-h426/IMG_1831.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Lake Daniell from the hut Veranda</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I walked around the hut and checked out the facilities. There is quite a nice camp shelter located next to the hut for people to use when camping. There is space here for a dozen tents behind the shelter and along the edge of the forest...</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;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpgRHTPdUk7Vt6mr4oa34DToMcpn_L1RaunhyqGOqPaBFXKwMQXyaMXt-DYjnvu12YHPpvPdTkYyHg4AnZB2A9hdXaVDz7cHcj7igwnC0FyKhpizMsplv1WujEJEgB4z86o91OLM_enR9rTnnoRYTjnVTBSVOgWvvT3_oMK2t-IAeH5FIavgE2rNJsLHY/w640-h426/IMG_1832.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping shelter near Manson-Nichols Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpgRHTPdUk7Vt6mr4oa34DToMcpn_L1RaunhyqGOqPaBFXKwMQXyaMXt-DYjnvu12YHPpvPdTkYyHg4AnZB2A9hdXaVDz7cHcj7igwnC0FyKhpizMsplv1WujEJEgB4z86o91OLM_enR9rTnnoRYTjnVTBSVOgWvvT3_oMK2t-IAeH5FIavgE2rNJsLHY/s6000/IMG_1832.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The lake is located near the hut with a short dock heading out into the water. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lake Daniels is a very shallow lake with the maximum depth being about 45 meters up at the far end of the lake. It is great for swimming in the summer as it gets quite warm...</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/AVvXsEg6C9ESbpI0tUrCGnkMYQb-GV_Pucx82T0-3TKsraJUKbUiyReL6tukm8YJDe31gB-J_NDvBfV6JURvpNm_J1EbMRRVbwKPDAaYDUPcl1zqinfUitEW2Tc0nZ4H82hmec6tyK1Ur-EnuwHDUxflNAjfWi9ojkOW2Y6K2PbFbyrUrOgS2djO3a-Ci_d5-16h/s6000/IMG_1834.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C9ESbpI0tUrCGnkMYQb-GV_Pucx82T0-3TKsraJUKbUiyReL6tukm8YJDe31gB-J_NDvBfV6JURvpNm_J1EbMRRVbwKPDAaYDUPcl1zqinfUitEW2Tc0nZ4H82hmec6tyK1Ur-EnuwHDUxflNAjfWi9ojkOW2Y6K2PbFbyrUrOgS2djO3a-Ci_d5-16h/w640-h426/IMG_1834.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy was just visiting the hut site, Lake Daniell</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Plenty of wood in the wood shed for the fire..I gathered some wood for the night though we didn't need to lit the fire because it was so warm.</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/AVvXsEhOj8CL6QabfJb1YOobA_f8Be4S0dytE7tXJt_bKVRLj3cZZeenXEWa6mH5d2tJi09MXPdMhoDjP8Iu_fO_lg3naCGJhehXOrijI18KW0kn1ScmGg2sDmw7xnqbDjXC7GSCoOifvLgLwB8arpmU8XtbtjHXl063Bc423Nr_FRN6hR5mZmfcfLeW9M6-kK4F/s6000/IMG_1835.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOj8CL6QabfJb1YOobA_f8Be4S0dytE7tXJt_bKVRLj3cZZeenXEWa6mH5d2tJi09MXPdMhoDjP8Iu_fO_lg3naCGJhehXOrijI18KW0kn1ScmGg2sDmw7xnqbDjXC7GSCoOifvLgLwB8arpmU8XtbtjHXl063Bc423Nr_FRN6hR5mZmfcfLeW9M6-kK4F/w640-h426/IMG_1835.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well stocked woodshed at Manson-Nichols 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/AVvXsEhY4eGsPw9xEsxU-_MQN5kN3Ropc7JBmpiTm6BUYd5lmr-dXkRIdaxWdr0g9lUajKB9xIXvhohrT-2ErtXRzt_3DG0muWsa8ui1fLuIzZVKLPWyybyRC7UWx9aZa1yKnnCMBXAScMnG8o8DmqSMkDTfVsF6TSLC-qqdFGzSt4MtTw6tK8IBdH6eoRDWxsZO/s6000/IMG_1836.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4eGsPw9xEsxU-_MQN5kN3Ropc7JBmpiTm6BUYd5lmr-dXkRIdaxWdr0g9lUajKB9xIXvhohrT-2ErtXRzt_3DG0muWsa8ui1fLuIzZVKLPWyybyRC7UWx9aZa1yKnnCMBXAScMnG8o8DmqSMkDTfVsF6TSLC-qqdFGzSt4MtTw6tK8IBdH6eoRDWxsZO/w640-h426/IMG_1836.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Later as the sun was sitting, Manson-Nichols 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/AVvXsEjH1d8FracSXJ3kJ7Vo0AOBexdZn9fj7hVwqickbQrP8Y-RGqNvytQjsS6VNAAwPdx2W_oub9PJrBm2499K5F0mung2eG8d2SjgkFpYMV0BN7BnAFnujOJ6wv6k3VXhE0H9541dtkkIAyGDdTedYiLAug_s1osglIZNxDxT7UG842CmICAwbuz7kUjrq13E/s6000/IMG_1837.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1d8FracSXJ3kJ7Vo0AOBexdZn9fj7hVwqickbQrP8Y-RGqNvytQjsS6VNAAwPdx2W_oub9PJrBm2499K5F0mung2eG8d2SjgkFpYMV0BN7BnAFnujOJ6wv6k3VXhE0H9541dtkkIAyGDdTedYiLAug_s1osglIZNxDxT7UG842CmICAwbuz7kUjrq13E/w640-h426/IMG_1837.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun was on Manson-Nichols Hut to late in the afternoon</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The rest of the time I was reading, drinking tea or snacking...not super exciting but its good to be able to stop and enjoy some quiet time for a change. I had a freeze dried for dinner...Lamb Fettuccine and it was really 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/AVvXsEhMbU2QMrAOpcaCaAJpcC9467tgfCmU-nhyphenhyphenvxo-qRU_YwLyGIhQ1p4ZRdmTCgLR8iPKsqVWNZHE36qjjEs8XISKMbzAcPKxb6PH98R9Rp9WvVoc1DKvKIDk2Jn0geAPMzSkdUS73gQEhZC2iD-JQLimufMJ990SgI51Ln_jMUT8IQ0hex5FKTIPZUR6OTx3/s6000/IMG_1838.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbU2QMrAOpcaCaAJpcC9467tgfCmU-nhyphenhyphenvxo-qRU_YwLyGIhQ1p4ZRdmTCgLR8iPKsqVWNZHE36qjjEs8XISKMbzAcPKxb6PH98R9Rp9WvVoc1DKvKIDk2Jn0geAPMzSkdUS73gQEhZC2iD-JQLimufMJ990SgI51Ln_jMUT8IQ0hex5FKTIPZUR6OTx3/w640-h426/IMG_1838.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...I ate Lamb Fettuccine for dinner...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After dinner I didn't have much to do so sat up reading until about 8 o'clock when I went and jumped into the Pit. I turned off the lights and went to sleep about 8.30 pm which is early for me but I was feeling tired after a long day. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Day 2: Lake Daniell's to the road end...</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had a great sleep and only woke up at 7 am when the birds starting singing outside...I was warm and comfortable in my sleeping bag but I was forced out of it by the ever whelming need to pee.</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/AVvXsEg_t3ZYrqV1kOXoV72S_IORV7KDZVLemlACEwCMnx7x1dfgh_E4qJKwu3rc92ZZNcJI3E7fYybiV9Omtt9USkt5FQUMaA7LUmnP0y1VER8BsFCiwSkqdVB3x1I_rJT23SDWeHSIuIfSJIjOXQdZBzUms8ns5sC_DbVhKpsSFIvH_8ML8bUO-PibMkSsXWHr/s6000/IMG_1839.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_t3ZYrqV1kOXoV72S_IORV7KDZVLemlACEwCMnx7x1dfgh_E4qJKwu3rc92ZZNcJI3E7fYybiV9Omtt9USkt5FQUMaA7LUmnP0y1VER8BsFCiwSkqdVB3x1I_rJT23SDWeHSIuIfSJIjOXQdZBzUms8ns5sC_DbVhKpsSFIvH_8ML8bUO-PibMkSsXWHr/w640-h426/IMG_1839.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early the next day at Lake Daniell</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before leaving Lake Daniell I went down for one last look at the lake and views back towards the hut and took some photos and films. It was another overcast day and it was a bit dim looking out over the lake.</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/AVvXsEiVS5gyLKGOZNcvKnZFZ9EEXugsWBER_EHlmKcC4ff6BiBU9jnyb7A4Abo1wm6KmDOMbtcoIo-y5rWhvNJ7YW64jEjl-2HefBngG0qBeK4xBnqMtcSP25R6XHSPgq2hxWgZY7mhyYVq4RMVc2Pw-Qu-DD-HP2e3a-6s33MIhETbpTKKMD2tZ1MH0LhgYnsM/s6000/IMG_1840.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVS5gyLKGOZNcvKnZFZ9EEXugsWBER_EHlmKcC4ff6BiBU9jnyb7A4Abo1wm6KmDOMbtcoIo-y5rWhvNJ7YW64jEjl-2HefBngG0qBeK4xBnqMtcSP25R6XHSPgq2hxWgZY7mhyYVq4RMVc2Pw-Qu-DD-HP2e3a-6s33MIhETbpTKKMD2tZ1MH0LhgYnsM/w640-h426/IMG_1840.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking toward Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">After making sure my pack etc. was adjusted and sitting right I headed for the edge of the clearing and the start of the three hour walk back to my car...</span></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/AVvXsEgWlhwgM6khXPDBmbYE2PouWy8RePWe1zP0U1AkIpZCYGcpMTjMxZH2nOvOtYxLh1gfqdyCTJT3q5nA8RKn1krlG6FNQSFBHey7far408ljFznx2obp-lCFrWcFv4qyd_i9Tm8IniQsALNGqqGxItJ7pdD4C0b-nx8WDHw6z9ofGhHE8uUOeBumZ1VCBX1H/s6000/IMG_1843.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlhwgM6khXPDBmbYE2PouWy8RePWe1zP0U1AkIpZCYGcpMTjMxZH2nOvOtYxLh1gfqdyCTJT3q5nA8RKn1krlG6FNQSFBHey7far408ljFznx2obp-lCFrWcFv4qyd_i9Tm8IniQsALNGqqGxItJ7pdD4C0b-nx8WDHw6z9ofGhHE8uUOeBumZ1VCBX1H/w640-h426/IMG_1843.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Lake Daniell Track near 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/AVvXsEgJ1F98oe8eCgpgZLpEIkX42LqPRS0N6So5T0NXQ-yscfElwGWgnEy4kgmO1QLuvgInLlqivG9jA6Y0Eb7O7I3smolsXAV0VZTvOQi07d5k4peIXZ4qLyYwVwPVCaC7uTUPnikC0oxShWbyQdN_b5safci-ZRfzuySbhlYQ3P00W8GoQ2cMZAkt7Rv6gMBp/s6000/IMG_1844.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1F98oe8eCgpgZLpEIkX42LqPRS0N6So5T0NXQ-yscfElwGWgnEy4kgmO1QLuvgInLlqivG9jA6Y0Eb7O7I3smolsXAV0VZTvOQi07d5k4peIXZ4qLyYwVwPVCaC7uTUPnikC0oxShWbyQdN_b5safci-ZRfzuySbhlYQ3P00W8GoQ2cMZAkt7Rv6gMBp/w640-h426/IMG_1844.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the end of the flat area approaching the Fraser Stream crossing</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Return to Marble Hill is the reverse of the trip in so I headed off into the forest across the big flat from Lake Daniell to Fraser Stream bridge. I had the forest to myself and the only sounds were the wind and the occasional bird call. </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/AVvXsEhy-37YPDByNriRJD8xZDqjZBdmXAczruEvO3yOhjRwq04hB04OLeXgtbShMUKcjmPq8yg_C6vhJYCviZe44vJw1uJiqZ_Gt8ZNj4gglZeF5RlhAzQ8GnmT3c0gmf301Z26FXl6Jbok3DZnNgZ7LycGtXDQ0p-EuwTbQdHFJRLziuHRKZGjMWb6cj-eT9Be/s6000/IMG_1846.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-37YPDByNriRJD8xZDqjZBdmXAczruEvO3yOhjRwq04hB04OLeXgtbShMUKcjmPq8yg_C6vhJYCviZe44vJw1uJiqZ_Gt8ZNj4gglZeF5RlhAzQ8GnmT3c0gmf301Z26FXl6Jbok3DZnNgZ7LycGtXDQ0p-EuwTbQdHFJRLziuHRKZGjMWb6cj-eT9Be/w640-h426/IMG_1846.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bend in the Alfred River on the Lake Daniell 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/AVvXsEi8FR577BK3gC8PloyCMXjOVnwquaOkm3hk_dss9_8pm6QwoXIHljWeEkCV26_XoZNWIA3Yy4dh8N6reyy59zhD-wQPYi7XMX_3HLmiLxGUWP1Ft2djwsE1lm41gwnai20bAbMrmLgtpwQy1LKz4uqGiO9Yuj7yCUH0lsC4OEMFIIeA-0q9foG907iyjJVi/s6000/IMG_1848.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FR577BK3gC8PloyCMXjOVnwquaOkm3hk_dss9_8pm6QwoXIHljWeEkCV26_XoZNWIA3Yy4dh8N6reyy59zhD-wQPYi7XMX_3HLmiLxGUWP1Ft2djwsE1lm41gwnai20bAbMrmLgtpwQy1LKz4uqGiO9Yuj7yCUH0lsC4OEMFIIeA-0q9foG907iyjJVi/w640-h426/IMG_1848.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stream crossing the track, Lake Daniell 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/AVvXsEg-FibWXaxV63CRUjsaPNwlwdVM5qYMePhUQZFcYdZv90xtajKfohoN_xTvts-tTCooVdv1qDI6oMZvm0Ce1zXswaMW11h9vyb3wcZcRL7XIhJ64Z9-fLkAha4qRf94GUmYBG_wAZ0V_Of00lpo5lsQhLmx7dmsu-DWT7ttdb1iZ7xQT5EJNY1tXlXjXJA4/s6000/IMG_1850.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FibWXaxV63CRUjsaPNwlwdVM5qYMePhUQZFcYdZv90xtajKfohoN_xTvts-tTCooVdv1qDI6oMZvm0Ce1zXswaMW11h9vyb3wcZcRL7XIhJ64Z9-fLkAha4qRf94GUmYBG_wAZ0V_Of00lpo5lsQhLmx7dmsu-DWT7ttdb1iZ7xQT5EJNY1tXlXjXJA4/w640-h426/IMG_1850.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just past the Pell Stream seat, Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was back at the Pell Stream seat 40 minutes after leaving the hut door that morning. The trip out from Lake Daniel is always much quicker than the trip in and I think this is due to the very gradual incline from Marble Hill to Lake Daniell. It is gradual but you do gain 100 meters in altitude between the two...</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/AVvXsEiN46YHOjytNEyKnRo5LParJ3hexd-CMyB629aY6ydnfdWxXx5N0KC4vzU6tWOzM2q93zzaDY3XsWplo1MmbeiU5HuDkiaedKu7ZMr-JpJJz_Xy4Q-ij_PJEU8IPtPY9r4hbYxbUAUySvxaSXlVgHoU0W9WSJcNC72Js4p7WpPhQkqeYe6SKdW9DBbdFc4n/s6000/IMG_1852.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN46YHOjytNEyKnRo5LParJ3hexd-CMyB629aY6ydnfdWxXx5N0KC4vzU6tWOzM2q93zzaDY3XsWplo1MmbeiU5HuDkiaedKu7ZMr-JpJJz_Xy4Q-ij_PJEU8IPtPY9r4hbYxbUAUySvxaSXlVgHoU0W9WSJcNC72Js4p7WpPhQkqeYe6SKdW9DBbdFc4n/w640-h426/IMG_1852.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High above the gorge of the Alfred River, Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjahlNTpNPL-qH0EUdregKmOxoZjymnAJdwV7FWsceY4kNEfwv-Lp8ug5Yp6hZwFHyEgDzGj51RkNcfkwKHiMdv75sibd7GM7Ip9HtBS0YuaB66VaW2EQveMUxzLX8AQJvnkDaxqmOiZiexlrGKVwKFyH-jFOFbGleobO_ec82TSlnYQdB8B7kHCbWC4AKH/s6000/IMG_1855.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahlNTpNPL-qH0EUdregKmOxoZjymnAJdwV7FWsceY4kNEfwv-Lp8ug5Yp6hZwFHyEgDzGj51RkNcfkwKHiMdv75sibd7GM7Ip9HtBS0YuaB66VaW2EQveMUxzLX8AQJvnkDaxqmOiZiexlrGKVwKFyH-jFOFbGleobO_ec82TSlnYQdB8B7kHCbWC4AKH/w640-h426/IMG_1855.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Troll Bridge, Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>I stopped by the side of the Alfred River at the bottom of the top gorge for a five minute snack and drink break before continuing on my way...</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/AVvXsEhQr5ki669NLbjna7zrrqUt5n2-OTA5hN6JMS73tjiKqZQ7NJWSPDx7p4pm5wkFwziJtNXMmFT-WUXqH2VueIN8DlXfCcFFhSHuCV5JvGAQgrjWM24lxc__FJBGi3uLYSDEjYfSD_pAjS2_yGr-miyNztH_4cBP5lffkYnFKmuGtdFXvjb14nfV6SHcMj8M/s6000/IMG_1859.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQr5ki669NLbjna7zrrqUt5n2-OTA5hN6JMS73tjiKqZQ7NJWSPDx7p4pm5wkFwziJtNXMmFT-WUXqH2VueIN8DlXfCcFFhSHuCV5JvGAQgrjWM24lxc__FJBGi3uLYSDEjYfSD_pAjS2_yGr-miyNztH_4cBP5lffkYnFKmuGtdFXvjb14nfV6SHcMj8M/w640-h426/IMG_1859.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at the Alfred River Crossing, Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I quickly traveled the short distance to the second clearing and </div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjpftnVq4NEBbOqFTLStAnAUJ_sYbA-1daXx694KdM-BLI3M-Zk9s4VLEF4Pf399gmpMe7tCSP6z50aj6byhcEV-hOWiE9obUNtVrGI7aZFsLFFAI9JIZzmy2pY3y3A-BrsEL5IM58kW8YZJFyzMR7nFxyVugZBjD7ePDzkYkgEZvfjfx-HlarGSpu5Kosg/s6000/IMG_1861.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpftnVq4NEBbOqFTLStAnAUJ_sYbA-1daXx694KdM-BLI3M-Zk9s4VLEF4Pf399gmpMe7tCSP6z50aj6byhcEV-hOWiE9obUNtVrGI7aZFsLFFAI9JIZzmy2pY3y3A-BrsEL5IM58kW8YZJFyzMR7nFxyVugZBjD7ePDzkYkgEZvfjfx-HlarGSpu5Kosg/w640-h426/IMG_1861.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making my way down river to the second clearing, Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table></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/AVvXsEg4rB8n0KqX4TSHoIcxjCNoE3h6BR__w97XWg5THsV2v8Ti-w5PHU_sug_cbi4YNGOf1sMrWw381nCIW-kvW7xRhBqmatAGA9PjF0Fy-y-YZb4AI-1uM9QoHk68hAMtmqh_Wj2bBzvhhlAU5wC8METcZRQ1Eel4_7Azuw_xYg8iVe0XEC1Oct9LWLlEKAVZ/s6000/IMG_1863.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rB8n0KqX4TSHoIcxjCNoE3h6BR__w97XWg5THsV2v8Ti-w5PHU_sug_cbi4YNGOf1sMrWw381nCIW-kvW7xRhBqmatAGA9PjF0Fy-y-YZb4AI-1uM9QoHk68hAMtmqh_Wj2bBzvhhlAU5wC8METcZRQ1Eel4_7Azuw_xYg8iVe0XEC1Oct9LWLlEKAVZ/w640-h426/IMG_1863.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the forest between the fist and second clearing, Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="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/AVvXsEiuuU7Angc-JSYh-IeLAUrMK4fYBNbs75MM1QzFI8hqrb_P1Ba7bxUz5j70MdOUoc1Y-7bd3Mfowkkd875vQnCMebCapMwj18A-1TTOtcQj3Jd5XJ8VPFXXK4NQZjkEj-hztZMTG9SINyX8MG1Q5t7M9cfLnFZJSx9CO6q9l2xEo27Erz72c51vnnY8k4YD/s6000/IMG_1865.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuU7Angc-JSYh-IeLAUrMK4fYBNbs75MM1QzFI8hqrb_P1Ba7bxUz5j70MdOUoc1Y-7bd3Mfowkkd875vQnCMebCapMwj18A-1TTOtcQj3Jd5XJ8VPFXXK4NQZjkEj-hztZMTG9SINyX8MG1Q5t7M9cfLnFZJSx9CO6q9l2xEo27Erz72c51vnnY8k4YD/w640-h426/IMG_1865.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Alfred River, Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was slippery walking on the muddy track across the top river flat so I ended up walking along the grass verge. The soil is clay so once it gets wet your feet will slip and slide all over the place.</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/AVvXsEhEnk6EfxYSNboOGLOfmQ7eRy3p95TA6hTJ4G6cja_Bc1MFe3S7oYRnu1dlldrxOkmV07cUMBBM7WJrzu2i_xS2zlzh_BUtAXyWVOSfKoBCML-8jOfVaw78WIxsLG5Um2npg3Vb3PD4lAhXRA39XNDzfDa_CE2Ncg4c1tAUkZzbGSpR_deHseV9A55uUNUW/s6000/IMG_1867.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnk6EfxYSNboOGLOfmQ7eRy3p95TA6hTJ4G6cja_Bc1MFe3S7oYRnu1dlldrxOkmV07cUMBBM7WJrzu2i_xS2zlzh_BUtAXyWVOSfKoBCML-8jOfVaw78WIxsLG5Um2npg3Vb3PD4lAhXRA39XNDzfDa_CE2Ncg4c1tAUkZzbGSpR_deHseV9A55uUNUW/w640-h426/IMG_1867.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clear land marks the first clearing along Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgZtPra89rGDVsF1ILlEfQzfG4lU1-GqWwM7ekiQYWe7a1qfHQFOTgTOSejtyvfNxHWtiNXQ_JnpRIMGxEkalJ06-zixyqpkIBJILKwJ90DwdbkYgZKnKczD6MhQipAmYabOsZj9QHSPA-nYWDdBuk4W9ns6jKofcxsE9PBMxOD8dc0nxZVUbC1exhHUfUO/s6000/IMG_1869.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtPra89rGDVsF1ILlEfQzfG4lU1-GqWwM7ekiQYWe7a1qfHQFOTgTOSejtyvfNxHWtiNXQ_JnpRIMGxEkalJ06-zixyqpkIBJILKwJ90DwdbkYgZKnKczD6MhQipAmYabOsZj9QHSPA-nYWDdBuk4W9ns6jKofcxsE9PBMxOD8dc0nxZVUbC1exhHUfUO/w640-h426/IMG_1869.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the forest after the first clearing, Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Alfred River was raised from the previous days level but certainly not as fast or high as I have seen it in the past. I came up here back in 2016 after a big storm and the river was roaring and full from bank top to bank top...a certain death trap for anyone idiotic enough to go into it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The last track section is along the side of the lower Alfred River and then around the bottom of a ridgeline to the Sluice Box and the bridge over the Maruia River. </div></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/AVvXsEh2f6En1He5sqPN-HkYtoki53cA0yBczU-eathonZUm-DPaoOFp0J_41stl3-koe5jYNmYWup-rw6u0kQzNEudSdJmFfADlok7s5TRWiRxX_wGbmKd55FbylRuBlFQoJcyuYCrCIYXW1GnSFMJ1MCP1sgmZYa_ncw0TdRToi0HHNK6Lbn-_DDAar1GY2caS/s6000/IMG_1870.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f6En1He5sqPN-HkYtoki53cA0yBczU-eathonZUm-DPaoOFp0J_41stl3-koe5jYNmYWup-rw6u0kQzNEudSdJmFfADlok7s5TRWiRxX_wGbmKd55FbylRuBlFQoJcyuYCrCIYXW1GnSFMJ1MCP1sgmZYa_ncw0TdRToi0HHNK6Lbn-_DDAar1GY2caS/w640-h426/IMG_1870.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alfred River as seen near the confluence</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here you can see the confluence of the Alfred River and The Maruia. The Alfred River flows into the Maruia making it much bigger. It is glimpsed from along the last stretch of the river down near the Sluice Box...</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/AVvXsEh2ZqzZZW3DnBzgRN2YcJIc2SFpcfXKa2JMbdCcRe2kAgeia_TvDIv0hQLbrayDSlvI_5-F-4TfSGMpmYfXc3LWmlcQdoQL-l2GHhg5nHVsrATZMCfpwypB2ufZkPeVq92aL9W-Niz0uT3eyeBw2kERza34aiLUmbrGzJhiYCj9tCCsKi0khxbyWSE7NtUE/s6000/IMG_1873.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZqzZZW3DnBzgRN2YcJIc2SFpcfXKa2JMbdCcRe2kAgeia_TvDIv0hQLbrayDSlvI_5-F-4TfSGMpmYfXc3LWmlcQdoQL-l2GHhg5nHVsrATZMCfpwypB2ufZkPeVq92aL9W-Niz0uT3eyeBw2kERza34aiLUmbrGzJhiYCj9tCCsKi0khxbyWSE7NtUE/w640-h426/IMG_1873.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A clearer view of the river confluence of Alfred and Maruia Rivers</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Once around that last ridge line you can see the Sluice Box again and know you are on the last 500 meters of the track. I stopped for about 10 minutes filming the river and admiring the aquamarine pools under the bridge.</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/AVvXsEh16ptTCioWi-RKNb4HxsYVbxaybJafI9ehk4K1R2dDtDU-a5xboMyD2ybJZSEjr48w8djRw_EhZd1YPHm0-bcVyvZMR_pfIAaedWSTmj_U9qQZtkQGErT2_QFeQWHiqys6AsLcFBS2KvNeZEC9YEIFpqTZRcDqzha5skiiC2CP9VzHdfsFFbWrLtXYfnxe/s6000/IMG_1874.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16ptTCioWi-RKNb4HxsYVbxaybJafI9ehk4K1R2dDtDU-a5xboMyD2ybJZSEjr48w8djRw_EhZd1YPHm0-bcVyvZMR_pfIAaedWSTmj_U9qQZtkQGErT2_QFeQWHiqys6AsLcFBS2KvNeZEC9YEIFpqTZRcDqzha5skiiC2CP9VzHdfsFFbWrLtXYfnxe/w640-h426/IMG_1874.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of the Sluice Box</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/AVvXsEgjtUOWPKDxGem_QsV1bFdpTUoJsF6lG35W6enq88gpetOZh1FiQqve9uWXyr4c1i6pHcfLooELkONAcouCCQnd3bWcMH5Xcs_hcr4coXd7MHtWtTfAjM8Nml-pWu9o7bLiPne0v2Uwelm6q4JnK7vWGn1N3asAy9iycOGW7DboiQ0yh0ucnKC3Z0uJAp4a/s6000/IMG_1876.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtUOWPKDxGem_QsV1bFdpTUoJsF6lG35W6enq88gpetOZh1FiQqve9uWXyr4c1i6pHcfLooELkONAcouCCQnd3bWcMH5Xcs_hcr4coXd7MHtWtTfAjM8Nml-pWu9o7bLiPne0v2Uwelm6q4JnK7vWGn1N3asAy9iycOGW7DboiQ0yh0ucnKC3Z0uJAp4a/w640-h426/IMG_1876.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge over the Sluice Box, Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here I am about three minutes from the end of the track...it is the last spot to take a photo without being disturbed.</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/AVvXsEiDIcx5YD4y94UmfFe3az7UmnwOcw13_CkKpQoBClg4r_u5Lrf7vGn2cDFMX9qZfHIqLHa1TSnO1pdBmKArYPTu0wGA1JWmBCHtgyhEt0V_6M9PH3UUtkLCbtXjph0Naw75T4boLehJnPqRKUeYZBn87z-G6xR80uRMdi3yZMDu9QA0I5_-ykTXxxc4ztED/s6000/IMG_1882.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIcx5YD4y94UmfFe3az7UmnwOcw13_CkKpQoBClg4r_u5Lrf7vGn2cDFMX9qZfHIqLHa1TSnO1pdBmKArYPTu0wGA1JWmBCHtgyhEt0V_6M9PH3UUtkLCbtXjph0Naw75T4boLehJnPqRKUeYZBn87z-G6xR80uRMdi3yZMDu9QA0I5_-ykTXxxc4ztED/w640-h426/IMG_1882.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon in a photo taken on the last 100 meters, Lake Daniell Track </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then it was just the last 10 minutes walking from the Sluice Box to the campsite at Marble Hill...</div><div style="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/AVvXsEjqtn67couwhb580hHX4d48s4BkUkFRRu1xNChOaAEKVeCGfXSF4mW7Hrp2JN0Pb7ULWgjjnNV_vC3X1CNllVAiMkg9IrdMZWed_OwqBa-BUESue5y19L1V-KrZAz_Q37-8c4WCu-hKGXA0gUqId-GCmov5Y5acBcD1iekWTw0gW7QRPXghO5r1VbhdCRYL/s6000/IMG_1883.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtn67couwhb580hHX4d48s4BkUkFRRu1xNChOaAEKVeCGfXSF4mW7Hrp2JN0Pb7ULWgjjnNV_vC3X1CNllVAiMkg9IrdMZWed_OwqBa-BUESue5y19L1V-KrZAz_Q37-8c4WCu-hKGXA0gUqId-GCmov5Y5acBcD1iekWTw0gW7QRPXghO5r1VbhdCRYL/w640-h426/IMG_1883.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Information kiosk and the start of the Lake Daniell Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lake Daniell is an awesome destination any time of the year with a nice track, newer hut and plenty to do in the area. If you have never been you should add it to your 'to do list'. Come back soon for my next instalement...I don't know where I will go but it will be awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Access:</b> Take SH7, the Lewis Pass Highway, turn off at Marble Hill campsite 5 km's west of Maruia Springs, track starts next to car park shelter</div><div><b>Track Times:</b> 8.4 kilometers or 2-3 hours to Manson-Nicholls Hut at Lake Daniell</div><div><b>Hut Details:</b> Kohanga Atawhai/Manson-Nichols Hut: Serviced, 20 bunks, wood burner, water tank, wood shed, toilets: Lake Daniell campsite: standard rate, space for 5-10 tents with additional space in the forest. There is a very nice campsite cooking shelter with a bench, water tank and several picnic tables. </div><div><b>Miscellaneous:</b> All weather track to a good standard with all streams now bridged. Kohanga Atawhai/Manson-Nichols Hut is on the DOC hut booking system. It can be busy in summer or over the holidays and a hut warden will be in attendance at these times. </div><div><b>You Tube:</b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjquXkTmNMw&t=35s">To Lake Daniell</a></div>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Lake Daniell, West Coast 7895, New Zealand-42.297947099999988 172.2895572-70.608180936178826 137.1333072 -13.987713263821142 -152.5541928tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-88564341863489784322023-10-28T04:00:00.001-07:002023-10-28T04:00:00.136-07:00Camping at Spencer Park...<h3 style="text-align: center;">...a short camping adventure...</h3><p style="text-align: center;">Karen and I went camping over the Labour Day holiday...we went out to Spencer Park and set up our tent and stayed for a night. It was meant to be for two nights but it rained quite a bit and we decided to pull pin and go after the first day.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvSJg4n6MlNO55JxZz_sKFPtltnKSq2YNNYCIUpbPCqsgSNYm5pvVcql5FPD2GvGrDkuiAaOj41i7IsSZrb-BA4cBneN-22eSU3VREOjkTlW53h25WxHKoUP8BL4_5DRMCYX-MKTeqePfoNQq8k_Spxeen_ynqztjXWawZjX4Jzxl6xRSiVP6TUoNeOlO/s4898/IMG_1753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="4898" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvSJg4n6MlNO55JxZz_sKFPtltnKSq2YNNYCIUpbPCqsgSNYm5pvVcql5FPD2GvGrDkuiAaOj41i7IsSZrb-BA4cBneN-22eSU3VREOjkTlW53h25WxHKoUP8BL4_5DRMCYX-MKTeqePfoNQq8k_Spxeen_ynqztjXWawZjX4Jzxl6xRSiVP6TUoNeOlO/w640-h426/IMG_1753.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tent set up at Spencer Park</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: center;">We set up our tent (a three man Coleman tent) in the camping area and then proceeded to go for a walk on nearby Spencer Beach. We walked down the beach towards the Brooklands Spit and walked back on the trail that runs down the back of the dunes. </p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVJnElbI9r-TGj0Tr7HDDZcEgq85U1JVM25kUNsJ5cB4ZEJmec08DcKNIQ5I7RimBmdfFSJePhn50pww1yeOAZOLE_IZOVe2d8BU0a0UbuGEjpOyHz3DNAYcWDUS4xFMCjwpXVqMcXAzpsNbjwYQKdIz89yt3Wn64XH-lj8YXikSjTb-VIv5QiZzJefE5/s4898/IMG_1755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="4898" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVJnElbI9r-TGj0Tr7HDDZcEgq85U1JVM25kUNsJ5cB4ZEJmec08DcKNIQ5I7RimBmdfFSJePhn50pww1yeOAZOLE_IZOVe2d8BU0a0UbuGEjpOyHz3DNAYcWDUS4xFMCjwpXVqMcXAzpsNbjwYQKdIz89yt3Wn64XH-lj8YXikSjTb-VIv5QiZzJefE5/w640-h426/IMG_1755.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking on Brookland's Spit</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/AVvXsEgsN6HPRiW1XibKbH9X3bbGdgFdCXyIE5bF1Sj0iLoOL56VFCJ-EnfjmSyORA3EfBgiqaWdZfLSPoaXxJyiuu8KC4CyURiwFAgfindo0ksJgxiuz5uU-_ZmgbGHdR_LlYOl8up9sQu2QmXYBS7zGZ7ipGTqz9Z6Re5CcqnW7b4Vgzj2Gio8-Faebtekn2iL/s4898/IMG_1756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="4898" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsN6HPRiW1XibKbH9X3bbGdgFdCXyIE5bF1Sj0iLoOL56VFCJ-EnfjmSyORA3EfBgiqaWdZfLSPoaXxJyiuu8KC4CyURiwFAgfindo0ksJgxiuz5uU-_ZmgbGHdR_LlYOl8up9sQu2QmXYBS7zGZ7ipGTqz9Z6Re5CcqnW7b4Vgzj2Gio8-Faebtekn2iL/w640-h426/IMG_1756.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...we went across the dunes to get to 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/AVvXsEhaSuOGAQipUHRvHHR3jS4B_xaT9U63PS-sXnPZ9rs1l2HFv0gslvBNLdvEnyFxOdSIuyffA37JFGFvEh5_AnV8B5pGnDHrzQ871jDtlEodTZA1XgHFn7pdkuP1P66ThZieOtUVcLAKNuWTQVh2fGMK4fZ21iMDbEloG5_S7Dz9eaVzMBOtcUb5b4_MkPdB/s4898/IMG_1757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="4898" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSuOGAQipUHRvHHR3jS4B_xaT9U63PS-sXnPZ9rs1l2HFv0gslvBNLdvEnyFxOdSIuyffA37JFGFvEh5_AnV8B5pGnDHrzQ871jDtlEodTZA1XgHFn7pdkuP1P66ThZieOtUVcLAKNuWTQVh2fGMK4fZ21iMDbEloG5_S7Dz9eaVzMBOtcUb5b4_MkPdB/w640-h426/IMG_1757.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooklands Lagoon, Spencer Park</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">We sorted dinner when we got back...I cooked pasta with tomato sauce and parmegan cheese. After dinner the rain which had been threatening for the whole day started to fall. It was relatively dry for the first couple of hours but the rain set in and it was falling rapidly by the evening. We tucked our selves up in the tent and listened to drunken singing till late in the night. It was a team of rugby players staying at the nearby camp and they sang to about 9.30...</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/AVvXsEjXfopHdZlEA-3cN5cUEHzGJrmgk285gGueDJ1_Mjfo-71Xw6aRxe11YaeDMo2xysBIapPFZQ-nG7Umm0aaih1udXloTH6pK-71BfNCLiRAJcguQfaXpgCS1FlNLCPZPWdLQ5ctBXV4g8Dn1uRdmmiSco5wVTlPT3vKyI_FqFnn20G1ShsEDQdXNVAotxbZ/s6000/IMG_1752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfopHdZlEA-3cN5cUEHzGJrmgk285gGueDJ1_Mjfo-71Xw6aRxe11YaeDMo2xysBIapPFZQ-nG7Umm0aaih1udXloTH6pK-71BfNCLiRAJcguQfaXpgCS1FlNLCPZPWdLQ5ctBXV4g8Dn1uRdmmiSco5wVTlPT3vKyI_FqFnn20G1ShsEDQdXNVAotxbZ/w640-h426/IMG_1752.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tent set up and prepared for rain</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">We woke up the next morning and after getting a shower, having a cup of coffee and preparing breakfast (hot dogs and a packet of hash browns) we sat around and thought what to do. We had survived the first night thinking it would cease raining over night but it was very wet in the morning. As it was so close to Christchurch and seeing as how it was still raining we packed up our gear and went home. </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/AVvXsEgA7IpRouWoQW02hfoovgYvI8KiHhijAEKrfRREoeTEHCr_oK-3svkPoa5z1Q8pSDxFjZ1v-dg5zECD81nMcOi-x3ofX84Rd9ZfYRK7cNQ9lb1kQvXzdKhmZdJX-hD-SCYE_kladYO0CvdvYxvv_nsmOIOfdKmgoUVxp3Ep4xIP2a85egzVqXsfa0ytdHcB/s6000/IMG_1748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7IpRouWoQW02hfoovgYvI8KiHhijAEKrfRREoeTEHCr_oK-3svkPoa5z1Q8pSDxFjZ1v-dg5zECD81nMcOi-x3ofX84Rd9ZfYRK7cNQ9lb1kQvXzdKhmZdJX-hD-SCYE_kladYO0CvdvYxvv_nsmOIOfdKmgoUVxp3Ep4xIP2a85egzVqXsfa0ytdHcB/w640-h426/IMG_1748.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a nice cup of tea</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/AVvXsEivlMf4wbm1q_GreCuLIClXO5YcAPcH1mn2NRXYX48DQ-HSEplFxwj4PWYR8VGxE86QRTn5xnaiEgvP5_tq82k59rpvWdz4X5zvzR584WP3sS0DnI7Dj9APG03ldLL0aXGTpceigxp7K1aeFBD1S1zoTEqxNZy8Adkzgf-gnZh_toY0i_7xatt4Ivh-GFw_/s6000/IMG_1750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlMf4wbm1q_GreCuLIClXO5YcAPcH1mn2NRXYX48DQ-HSEplFxwj4PWYR8VGxE86QRTn5xnaiEgvP5_tq82k59rpvWdz4X5zvzR584WP3sS0DnI7Dj9APG03ldLL0aXGTpceigxp7K1aeFBD1S1zoTEqxNZy8Adkzgf-gnZh_toY0i_7xatt4Ivh-GFw_/w640-h426/IMG_1750.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tent set up with inside detail</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">It was a much shorter time spent at Spencer Park than wanted but it was a useful exercise to see what we needed. We have decided to buy a larger tent...we are looking at one with sufficient space to sit inside and wide enough to stay away from the sides. We are thinking a Kathmandu Retreat 150 as there were several at the park and it gives you a space to live and keep out of the rain. Or that is our thinking about it...</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/AVvXsEhoOwWYZc4BUqy73bz5W9WZ_FgAUnrrp2sdey3nOlJprjvwYH3rIwm6-IvoD5IpQFnjYVDUPTWJVQjMkygmxoEwgWp3MEaqvTvgbfd6ITVNbrVSBWVa6yllM_hriBqAIP36cpNxdMr-FUs82BsnA5EWUSJ1vpTkzufX9B_vYlV1U2690cvZSO2-b5hVu0l3/s626/Retreat.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="626" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOwWYZc4BUqy73bz5W9WZ_FgAUnrrp2sdey3nOlJprjvwYH3rIwm6-IvoD5IpQFnjYVDUPTWJVQjMkygmxoEwgWp3MEaqvTvgbfd6ITVNbrVSBWVa6yllM_hriBqAIP36cpNxdMr-FUs82BsnA5EWUSJ1vpTkzufX9B_vYlV1U2690cvZSO2-b5hVu0l3/w640-h398/Retreat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathmandu Retreat 150 tent</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEi6fmYCfwpLxQJQPaZBsc2eE5D4ZijdwDC7kIV8DQOY4YslITwf2PVBzGzIdKo9ZSoL-eOLbtKdINYCiJtIZPZN8RFoB9bbPB01TT3HSNKkqH0-sEbGR73s_FhHqETfmYa9nIUNQxT-d_dKbYgsj99rS0J30w7T4lQUMZ1kD8uGopMAMywFjD4rSDGA9ApB/s610/2073415558.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="610" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fmYCfwpLxQJQPaZBsc2eE5D4ZijdwDC7kIV8DQOY4YslITwf2PVBzGzIdKo9ZSoL-eOLbtKdINYCiJtIZPZN8RFoB9bbPB01TT3HSNKkqH0-sEbGR73s_FhHqETfmYa9nIUNQxT-d_dKbYgsj99rS0J30w7T4lQUMZ1kD8uGopMAMywFjD4rSDGA9ApB/w640-h560/2073415558.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the Retreat 150</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;">We had a blast despite the rain and could have stayed for another night but it was too wet. So a short time spent camping but it gives us the direction for the future and a way forward. Post my trip to the Milford we will be camping over the week ends at places such at the Orton Bradley Estate, Mt Herbert and Okain's Bay...look out for that. </p>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Spencerville, Christchurch 8083, New Zealand-43.4294561 172.6942774-71.564827497257426 137.5380274 -15.294084702742584 -152.14947259999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-4611788645100821432023-10-24T15:35:00.007-07:002023-10-25T22:41:06.240-07:00Hidden Valley Project:<h3 style="text-align: center;"> Hidden Valley...a restoration project</h3><p style="text-align: center;">A local group of citizens have cobble together to by a parcel of land next to the covenanted land in the new Te Ara Pataka reserve on Banks Peninsula. Called Hidden Valley it is a 72 hectare block between Mt Evans and Purau and the trustees hope to re forest the area with native bush. </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/AVvXsEg4RMr_JKTT6Rtdnzu0HE9FvvUTBiub5QJmkKj6i85fEtKG_Tzr0P7olk0Cja-biaFqkXv3cM-qfm7iLib-try3jGBjXvGrpt90eTqDkH7Ijmj5YiULKKGlkQBN-ssa7dYx3bw5fPpgrrYlsxd_uSA8OpobhpOlpRbMDRzTha58Y07rUj9oh9A-4s3NYOTi/s1240/1674608807530.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1240" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RMr_JKTT6Rtdnzu0HE9FvvUTBiub5QJmkKj6i85fEtKG_Tzr0P7olk0Cja-biaFqkXv3cM-qfm7iLib-try3jGBjXvGrpt90eTqDkH7Ijmj5YiULKKGlkQBN-ssa7dYx3bw5fPpgrrYlsxd_uSA8OpobhpOlpRbMDRzTha58Y07rUj9oh9A-4s3NYOTi/w640-h360/1674608807530.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Stuff Sans", "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #616161; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">The view from the bottom of Hidden Valley over Purau Bay and Lyttelton Harbour.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">With an eye to returning its ecology to what it once was a group of 20 citizens has brought the block between the Purau settlement and Mt Evans naming it Hidden Valley. After jointly committing almost $475 000 for the purchase the are now committing their time and sweet to restoring the natural habitat of the land. </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/AVvXsEg_C6HDMyC70avqW2ZEadWsHmm2aKp-JnXVY04T5afSiLtgDV5sDFcfHLXmnab4wGH9Z14GF1DryNjkrk4UBLDhobFHKLxjHkrjzKUAS2hLUATicV_f2l6wKBH9IQ8eXZx8hoJ-F_i_Sa7LeVhqqp-7CK0kfmaAqpT34xmQ2YbtT0-pVSItqRemltAZ_mpL/s1240/HiddenValley.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1240" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_C6HDMyC70avqW2ZEadWsHmm2aKp-JnXVY04T5afSiLtgDV5sDFcfHLXmnab4wGH9Z14GF1DryNjkrk4UBLDhobFHKLxjHkrjzKUAS2hLUATicV_f2l6wKBH9IQ8eXZx8hoJ-F_i_Sa7LeVhqqp-7CK0kfmaAqpT34xmQ2YbtT0-pVSItqRemltAZ_mpL/w640-h360/HiddenValley.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Stuff Sans", "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #616161; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Paul and Andrea Dahl say the Hidden Valley name is likely to be temporary.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">The area has native forest on it which consist of Matai, Kanuka, Totara and Lancewood as well as a thick understory of native plants. Pest control is being carried out on the land to ensure it is a safe place for native birds and small inveritabrates to live. </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/AVvXsEgxnQsUO31nGF6gPifaYGe-OnzSl1snnlHImhJ1FggZYuZL1U3GcQAe_BaFISzUcHRs7QMVkQxQiaDcvmIGu8cRcZIiNXaYYynfyIAvQHfYPHjdOn3GHW-7jXTrGrsCpikAJnpfvvpayEpBNWXyBzTCaC_HmfSA71jjBDKLU_WZ2_L-9sjsTcs2FclIEglf/s1240/1674608807530%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1240" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnQsUO31nGF6gPifaYGe-OnzSl1snnlHImhJ1FggZYuZL1U3GcQAe_BaFISzUcHRs7QMVkQxQiaDcvmIGu8cRcZIiNXaYYynfyIAvQHfYPHjdOn3GHW-7jXTrGrsCpikAJnpfvvpayEpBNWXyBzTCaC_HmfSA71jjBDKLU_WZ2_L-9sjsTcs2FclIEglf/w640-h360/1674608807530%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Stuff Sans", "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #616161; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Hidden Valley has a long human history, including hunting by Māori. Moa ovens have been found in the valley.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Read the full article here:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/pou-tiaki/130704944/recloaking-a-harbourside-treasure-from-an-ancient-remnant">Recloaking a hourside treasure from a ancient remanant</a><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Banks Peninsula, Canterbury 7581, New Zealand-43.75 173-72.060233836178838 137.84375 -15.439766163821155 -151.84375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-59975940120402387002023-10-18T22:59:00.005-07:002023-10-25T22:40:48.478-07:00Abel Tasman Coast Track, Anchorage to Marahau:<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...on the Coastal Track....</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The second morning of my walk was bright and sun shiny and I was looking forward to waking out to Marahau. It was due to be about four hour all up and I was travelling around 13 kilometers to the end of the track.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_iZQfOqB4LwhzajC79STn00Vxx8IqPkP3uJv4R83KPWxdhsXZlnJUvY4QX4tgCg_h7RvNyGNyO42lVsuRDCtYsSOSoYvfgOPWTej4Y6UiGSI6uc9jTF6zJNnfeRAFi68hNvdhl3NF-wfl31FKQZpm7aK7ZV-AyhnTYZsGamRrMMvDGYp9RXRHEAEGyRY/s6000/IMG_1667.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_iZQfOqB4LwhzajC79STn00Vxx8IqPkP3uJv4R83KPWxdhsXZlnJUvY4QX4tgCg_h7RvNyGNyO42lVsuRDCtYsSOSoYvfgOPWTej4Y6UiGSI6uc9jTF6zJNnfeRAFi68hNvdhl3NF-wfl31FKQZpm7aK7ZV-AyhnTYZsGamRrMMvDGYp9RXRHEAEGyRY/w640-h426/IMG_1667.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchorage Hut in the morning</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I quickly packed up and was on my way by 8 o'clock in the morning. I took some photos of Anchorage Hut as I was leaving. </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/AVvXsEiEJAC01VA7yopPCPkTVuOhym5nGOqBk8u-jDONC__wn0wTmqCDfyipPg82Azy4lja6RF0yTP2k5YUG8RrSKYCwiu6jAGw2n4KPgXC8-A4HadYxfUbe7iHLNgV4XKYJsgsHTYklsEKA0cuxEfIRjCA5WsTNUEjOlT6SXbuID8zCy-p3A6PY6bFOELpN9h9W/s6000/IMG_4842.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJAC01VA7yopPCPkTVuOhym5nGOqBk8u-jDONC__wn0wTmqCDfyipPg82Azy4lja6RF0yTP2k5YUG8RrSKYCwiu6jAGw2n4KPgXC8-A4HadYxfUbe7iHLNgV4XKYJsgsHTYklsEKA0cuxEfIRjCA5WsTNUEjOlT6SXbuID8zCy-p3A6PY6bFOELpN9h9W/w640-h426/IMG_4842.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view or Anchorage 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/AVvXsEiHQ_zHuchdhTqWUqr7B6vqMUqi9vIxhiUGBRpKR-UMA4Ae7YZIUzAdDRTTq2LvDlMItjdwHbIiDnkZIHq73i2o5vJ7_EoipQDsh6zNIbfLfYisNdUovChKZ2WjE9-WJ33-SC7fewYScTR3Y2MTSzmfC6YAU1YmyRg8nxqA34PntXpUp17qItZbW_RvFVyP/s6000/IMG_4879.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQ_zHuchdhTqWUqr7B6vqMUqi9vIxhiUGBRpKR-UMA4Ae7YZIUzAdDRTTq2LvDlMItjdwHbIiDnkZIHq73i2o5vJ7_EoipQDsh6zNIbfLfYisNdUovChKZ2WjE9-WJ33-SC7fewYScTR3Y2MTSzmfC6YAU1YmyRg8nxqA34PntXpUp17qItZbW_RvFVyP/w640-h426/IMG_4879.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dinning area at Anchorage</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgNZ3452rluZ1yD2H9GD5QlbLfzom4i_z-weBE-YSV9OaElv8lR-t32rPyqo1mXJxKqnhnOFLstrmb84kPbpxU0kXfzGezYwedzwFBHT2R4OCYug9fyt8efzvbjdIFN-rQ4_rCcrD5DEvvYJEeVGj4uwjCG0weYuhDV3jGLLCa4CMoZB2ry8MRObjDVoCG3/s6000/IMG_4881.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ3452rluZ1yD2H9GD5QlbLfzom4i_z-weBE-YSV9OaElv8lR-t32rPyqo1mXJxKqnhnOFLstrmb84kPbpxU0kXfzGezYwedzwFBHT2R4OCYug9fyt8efzvbjdIFN-rQ4_rCcrD5DEvvYJEeVGj4uwjCG0weYuhDV3jGLLCa4CMoZB2ry8MRObjDVoCG3/w640-h426/IMG_4881.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sideview of Anchorage, Abel Tasman Coastal Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was rearing to go but 8 o clock and I didn't see anybody on the track till I reach the main Torrent Bay track just before 9. It was nice spending the first hour on track with myself before I meet any people. </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/AVvXsEjyC0ZpHpJtXMrXi_KV7dQPnUFV21wulel5iqPjOpY8JFaI9hsASnwsVMVyZwpiOPuEjy_NkvULEhc3jQtyu-uP92Mlg0wucZAkhyzprW5eihfGJOietv3QixZgrCOGMndowZAz_UNaJ7sO8aL9RhcINrmFddLWCl_T11v7BeRwDSC9yaBBfo-0LIvlri28/s3984/IMG_4979.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2656" data-original-width="3984" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyC0ZpHpJtXMrXi_KV7dQPnUFV21wulel5iqPjOpY8JFaI9hsASnwsVMVyZwpiOPuEjy_NkvULEhc3jQtyu-uP92Mlg0wucZAkhyzprW5eihfGJOietv3QixZgrCOGMndowZAz_UNaJ7sO8aL9RhcINrmFddLWCl_T11v7BeRwDSC9yaBBfo-0LIvlri28/w640-h426/IMG_4979.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Anchorage Hut on Day 2</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/AVvXsEhcxmWSQElVjR9BAXfueD8dreB5iiFWl0HPm_iTXSO8S0F8-Fb8IrtHHXWZyMuGy21_j_bajLvo1716E_tTmZ-VaE4b_h5gWEKYupkfISgULVj5RgWJs2Q9PXODGVf5aRWedF75TUWgetrV-dcaQNhTt7_Y-xRNjeDvRk9NHl9kImsyhsrSE0cIsxlni2lE/s6000/IMG_1671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxmWSQElVjR9BAXfueD8dreB5iiFWl0HPm_iTXSO8S0F8-Fb8IrtHHXWZyMuGy21_j_bajLvo1716E_tTmZ-VaE4b_h5gWEKYupkfISgULVj5RgWJs2Q9PXODGVf5aRWedF75TUWgetrV-dcaQNhTt7_Y-xRNjeDvRk9NHl9kImsyhsrSE0cIsxlni2lE/w640-h426/IMG_1671.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchorage Beech in the sun</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The track heads off the beach about 300 meters from the hut and at first you are on a track running along the back of the beach. This turns and starts heading uphill along the Anchorage Access Track and you will be walking uphill for the next hour to get to the main track. </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/AVvXsEi5l_Yw7kGoE7EdmbM8SWLrCk_APIJaagOvlkpykWk8WvliCSIdtftwikiY1TM7TL9dN4qkgCXeUalLbhOrge_N4SAKAjhBlF4_EqZ-56PFId7KPPzW0BpI6-32AeVmVPx5vJr9q80XW1aczdl6UoZRads9cMKmk5pGmGh-Ll_vkjTJsYj9s7S7-M-pbVUk/s6000/IMG_1673.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5l_Yw7kGoE7EdmbM8SWLrCk_APIJaagOvlkpykWk8WvliCSIdtftwikiY1TM7TL9dN4qkgCXeUalLbhOrge_N4SAKAjhBlF4_EqZ-56PFId7KPPzW0BpI6-32AeVmVPx5vJr9q80XW1aczdl6UoZRads9cMKmk5pGmGh-Ll_vkjTJsYj9s7S7-M-pbVUk/w640-h426/IMG_1673.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up the Anchorage Access 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/AVvXsEjQwmbf_yv3ANvpkS1aiKaUPQuPPHHeJ9Ly4nC1-ekjeeoqE0tvwMNQh1oUF7oIjUcsnlCnOP_BhZTLGlSRETHns_phZFUH7vv6w1clam-Mad3VzR5eF7N6GbolI1jbTC3jdJ0q6BaO5eCyYw7DONVG18do8HqlYqcTWqmL1F-UFf8MIRKGVCeVBH3mFKty/s6000/IMG_1674.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwmbf_yv3ANvpkS1aiKaUPQuPPHHeJ9Ly4nC1-ekjeeoqE0tvwMNQh1oUF7oIjUcsnlCnOP_BhZTLGlSRETHns_phZFUH7vv6w1clam-Mad3VzR5eF7N6GbolI1jbTC3jdJ0q6BaO5eCyYw7DONVG18do8HqlYqcTWqmL1F-UFf8MIRKGVCeVBH3mFKty/w640-h426/IMG_1674.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchorage Bay and Torrent Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I takes about an hour to slog up to the main Abel Tasman Coastal Track and the best way to handle the climb is to just go slow and grind it out. It is steep to the lookout to Te Pukatea Bay but after that it levels out a lot...</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/AVvXsEhBSrYQVfe90KqRieRwLGSw-Xb8jiNf3oQ7gSc8rle9sksxRhHYQD6t2zHhXIN-Qcq5zVX6zH-cZE3F9hvWkgJr3ig0I5iHRHXQgrMxXGk_ptH4NT-K0IIaKAdKIaP1NsaBFXsANHXxmTIAVmel6YT_FHmo1FDX2D5bK79V1anPsEnA1Vde-Ym2k8QhS8a_/s6000/IMG_1678.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSrYQVfe90KqRieRwLGSw-Xb8jiNf3oQ7gSc8rle9sksxRhHYQD6t2zHhXIN-Qcq5zVX6zH-cZE3F9hvWkgJr3ig0I5iHRHXQgrMxXGk_ptH4NT-K0IIaKAdKIaP1NsaBFXsANHXxmTIAVmel6YT_FHmo1FDX2D5bK79V1anPsEnA1Vde-Ym2k8QhS8a_/w640-h426/IMG_1678.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top of the steep part, Abel Tasman Coastal Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't a lot spend time looking at the scenery as I just wanted to get further up the ridge and into the cover of the bush. From the lookout to the junction with the Coastal Track you are in thick bush so most of the wind just shoots over your head.</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/AVvXsEireH86pHXt-SMFtgjvobrG6RegjyOBuAucmypRT4wuhfI-hC-fK4Rg9X1uQByfTJIeYTH00Tk8iU6k6mQ40O7lTPH5ef3LMfuBy2Pe77M86jAqd9tXN-shEVndYetyXeQJLvl5cRlMWdYrfK5fdUCFn1oAM2bsQMP5GPUYJv1dkxPkGGB_BUe8-G6fC5xr/s6000/IMG_1679.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireH86pHXt-SMFtgjvobrG6RegjyOBuAucmypRT4wuhfI-hC-fK4Rg9X1uQByfTJIeYTH00Tk8iU6k6mQ40O7lTPH5ef3LMfuBy2Pe77M86jAqd9tXN-shEVndYetyXeQJLvl5cRlMWdYrfK5fdUCFn1oAM2bsQMP5GPUYJv1dkxPkGGB_BUe8-G6fC5xr/w640-h426/IMG_1679.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the main track to Torrent Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The last day was the longest distance at 13 km's but in a lot of ways the easiest to walk, once you get to the top of the first hill it is all downhill for the rest of the day. </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/AVvXsEhlakdKotPXP5gwOt5I_cdbO4050gETbQjdmCTLLSATi0IIq3SqJw9XH4psjBfXddFiBvtV5Bm16MWI4lmFvALt6fbXTJZX-zaNSb5MFi6nyYKEgSDaq7UG2MK4eNWGXLDVZ8BAQMwDYzEWVtUCWCydhyphenhyphenHkiat5nIeJH-4qmLMHbCns7xOfMp3kfNH-Hedg/s6000/IMG_1681.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlakdKotPXP5gwOt5I_cdbO4050gETbQjdmCTLLSATi0IIq3SqJw9XH4psjBfXddFiBvtV5Bm16MWI4lmFvALt6fbXTJZX-zaNSb5MFi6nyYKEgSDaq7UG2MK4eNWGXLDVZ8BAQMwDYzEWVtUCWCydhyphenhyphenHkiat5nIeJH-4qmLMHbCns7xOfMp3kfNH-Hedg/w640-h426/IMG_1681.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign at the top of the Anchorage Access Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here we see the Inland Track entrance...this is one of 5 entrances to this track. The track is very rough and is the poor cousin to the more sulubrius Great Walk Coastal Track along the coast. I have travelled on this track back in 2018 and it was a hard slog.</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/AVvXsEglf4aaI7fFz8-9AAN7cwrPX14-7FCwrCZQw48TEwFycXIoeRgKFV328c8Mklsbvi8-mliiHK5ocVPplh5fgsAqm_H7dbHtVlmIH4EHxmWVQSk3MSvCDhACKLyzOwzYkhNsSJzjmQeTE1d_t8Li4ooehmME4Zbq5Sc1FOrhxh59ANzC4ctsJt2l94cPLRgL/s6000/IMG_1685.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglf4aaI7fFz8-9AAN7cwrPX14-7FCwrCZQw48TEwFycXIoeRgKFV328c8Mklsbvi8-mliiHK5ocVPplh5fgsAqm_H7dbHtVlmIH4EHxmWVQSk3MSvCDhACKLyzOwzYkhNsSJzjmQeTE1d_t8Li4ooehmME4Zbq5Sc1FOrhxh59ANzC4ctsJt2l94cPLRgL/w640-h426/IMG_1685.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Rough track to the Inland Track...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There was evidence of some track slippage on this section...I imagine if is from the large storms the hit this area back in February. </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/AVvXsEgDniGBhyphenhypheny4KQ7HfmtvkZiPCOCrrTz8WxENN26wRUXIhbdxdBb9kC1hq4pNxMmZoWGkjJXooq5J24VdfMIT23dlEiZYrxmzf2H-2GehyphenhyphenzN8kotU0Q03zyKCb97Tuc8Zj1M91dRkgjCnzQG_JzK7K7cuHCu_3Ye385HlqBeeR-eIfTL_cRPm5XF98R_glYgn/s6000/IMG_1686.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDniGBhyphenhypheny4KQ7HfmtvkZiPCOCrrTz8WxENN26wRUXIhbdxdBb9kC1hq4pNxMmZoWGkjJXooq5J24VdfMIT23dlEiZYrxmzf2H-2GehyphenhyphenzN8kotU0Q03zyKCb97Tuc8Zj1M91dRkgjCnzQG_JzK7K7cuHCu_3Ye385HlqBeeR-eIfTL_cRPm5XF98R_glYgn/w640-h426/IMG_1686.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh slip on the main track, Abel Tasman Coastal Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This bridge is the first of 31 I had to cross on the final day....not all of them are running streams. In fact I crossed a number that are just crossing gullies over the course of the day. </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/AVvXsEi69KbGvi-oIcKtOYjVXZocfk3WuXZp5DQo3WgnNVcQcNT3oPji_Xxt7EUykFoexKHkqY9au_fpAL-_bHf4_xIcF0mlP9AA-JWujOt0sFrxMsMXDUeysONMH8vW_203dmAYZtJNFx1JPYZiZaBUNmlir_hOE5deO_k8JQ4ZZOLRsV-sEOF3HFBLUin8h6hQ/s6000/IMG_1688.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69KbGvi-oIcKtOYjVXZocfk3WuXZp5DQo3WgnNVcQcNT3oPji_Xxt7EUykFoexKHkqY9au_fpAL-_bHf4_xIcF0mlP9AA-JWujOt0sFrxMsMXDUeysONMH8vW_203dmAYZtJNFx1JPYZiZaBUNmlir_hOE5deO_k8JQ4ZZOLRsV-sEOF3HFBLUin8h6hQ/w640-h426/IMG_1688.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...the first of 31 bridges for the day...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had my first break after about 1.5 hours walking...I was up on the main Torrent Bay track heading for Marahau. I didn't see any other trampers until I got past Apple Tree Bay as no fools were keen on walking into a backcountry hut that early. </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/AVvXsEhm72A3g10jErSj6HKcKmo69oJvwOx5q09A1tL0fG9GRimGBwH8-ew8Td2T6LVG4srW2-7v1tEt3QJ56jBXkxXpnuaDr2taYwyruGLCq3X6HeBzoIfQ_JMalSawoJhAih_2rSUHiaJUZgydIbFcseF7EmQPoMtMZIZ84LRZOKC1u70gC23k-2QsynuSh4Ej/s6000/IMG_1694.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm72A3g10jErSj6HKcKmo69oJvwOx5q09A1tL0fG9GRimGBwH8-ew8Td2T6LVG4srW2-7v1tEt3QJ56jBXkxXpnuaDr2taYwyruGLCq3X6HeBzoIfQ_JMalSawoJhAih_2rSUHiaJUZgydIbFcseF7EmQPoMtMZIZ84LRZOKC1u70gC23k-2QsynuSh4Ej/w640-h426/IMG_1694.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...8.8 kms left to walk on 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/AVvXsEj_iipUn3xqzrJJH0wX18mb7UOjqMx68VwLj_v8a3BQ1pQPtSVH26iaaMnITRHiD4AeePInCA4C_unfdNHEwVjZXw-U0zBJUj_B4BCvBz00oVlnAKRRGnBSeyIK2-OfzkdtgBYFRXQYf-b8LCtujl_Uq7mO5Xr5azKEhMYoVyFBgcWcAtii1c2W8cmqeUp_/s6000/IMG_1697.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iipUn3xqzrJJH0wX18mb7UOjqMx68VwLj_v8a3BQ1pQPtSVH26iaaMnITRHiD4AeePInCA4C_unfdNHEwVjZXw-U0zBJUj_B4BCvBz00oVlnAKRRGnBSeyIK2-OfzkdtgBYFRXQYf-b8LCtujl_Uq7mO5Xr5azKEhMYoVyFBgcWcAtii1c2W8cmqeUp_/w640-h426/IMG_1697.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending into the gloom of a forested area, Abel Tasman Coastal Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I stopped at the track junction for Observation Beach for a drink and snack break but didn't stop again until Yellow Point Track as it was was keen to get to the carpark. Normally I stop every 30 minutes for a couple of minutes and I was feeling a bit tired by the time I got down near Tinline campsite.</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/AVvXsEhMYPdEemfZdhi49Vv8yaGoAu3KBiTGyszAK8HszB0rpGkqq0CUt9Xw-PY6sL22T6kAPwa-q5aO3VyVpZ6pj7zYFXf72hxaIbcqjd1Wonn8AYcRXkHI0Fz5ny7GUEvWHTaGuoLNcIsEpea8WXEWDW_C03fG8OavrVwqMLTjmr8xN3Plf3niUNRxpIMHKc2V/s6000/IMG_1698.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYPdEemfZdhi49Vv8yaGoAu3KBiTGyszAK8HszB0rpGkqq0CUt9Xw-PY6sL22T6kAPwa-q5aO3VyVpZ6pj7zYFXf72hxaIbcqjd1Wonn8AYcRXkHI0Fz5ny7GUEvWHTaGuoLNcIsEpea8WXEWDW_C03fG8OavrVwqMLTjmr8xN3Plf3niUNRxpIMHKc2V/w640-h426/IMG_1698.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopping point at Observation Baty</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEghvdN6l6Dc4ZQqHKkReGKBQZbG_6WnH0zTwNvp4YxvGxC-LVfe3tVfTWBGg9hOj-hwoP78JTbxVfMlvbCGUp5I4OCEI8CMGwA2MHdTQ3X-_0iO4TdosP8CudBBw_rYC57C_1MRP125zVTh8QZoOKEnvScrQzs7OWiem2SbuPAn2y8g_H1gixXXFaMroPnd/s6000/IMG_1702.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvdN6l6Dc4ZQqHKkReGKBQZbG_6WnH0zTwNvp4YxvGxC-LVfe3tVfTWBGg9hOj-hwoP78JTbxVfMlvbCGUp5I4OCEI8CMGwA2MHdTQ3X-_0iO4TdosP8CudBBw_rYC57C_1MRP125zVTh8QZoOKEnvScrQzs7OWiem2SbuPAn2y8g_H1gixXXFaMroPnd/w640-h426/IMG_1702.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm walking through the deep bush, Able Tasman Coast Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Before I knew it Stillwell Bay came into view looking fine in the sun light. Stillwell is actually a private beach but the owners allow the public to come down and visit it. There is a very nice looking hut located there with a boat ramp and dock. Sea kayakers often stop here on their way along the coast and the last time I was here people were laying on the sandy beach...</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/AVvXsEibpUgT3Abm-0R-578_qKkaD1chpSjyCUaQwCcJMP208dgFh9_b6eGKks8LkQ31E3q5kyc3EKxVDB9rwQolFrbiYgvRWJB-HDv10JTjimigVa577GpTdvHJLNarAh3mQ-EcPdJtTA7FPcKXdyfeiu4OQQYX-CYUN3gBS-QZ4gdh2sqzNx3CeLtqQb93ZkQo/s6000/IMG_1703.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpUgT3Abm-0R-578_qKkaD1chpSjyCUaQwCcJMP208dgFh9_b6eGKks8LkQ31E3q5kyc3EKxVDB9rwQolFrbiYgvRWJB-HDv10JTjimigVa577GpTdvHJLNarAh3mQ-EcPdJtTA7FPcKXdyfeiu4OQQYX-CYUN3gBS-QZ4gdh2sqzNx3CeLtqQb93ZkQo/w640-h426/IMG_1703.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First look at Stllwell Bay, Abel Tasman Coastal Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi6OH_rc0_MiVv-Re-5GHsuhbE17EyB0zdED569AJ62Gi7WQi4Bj8YQbRRZgN7Jhnzp-HzlUL9nahkj-x2t1MCu8yQFUgVzmsDQYcelJqoBZp_MOms-ffpbfzD-oL4u8qDyx_-w5qS8E/s1600/DSCN0357.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi6OH_rc0_MiVv-Re-5GHsuhbE17EyB0zdED569AJ62Gi7WQi4Bj8YQbRRZgN7Jhnzp-HzlUL9nahkj-x2t1MCu8yQFUgVzmsDQYcelJqoBZp_MOms-ffpbfzD-oL4u8qDyx_-w5qS8E/s640/DSCN0357.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The beach near Stilwell Bay camp-site<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I stopped just past the turn off to Lesson Creek under some trees for a drink and a snack as I had been on the go for 2.5 hours by that stage. It is 7 kilometers or two hours walk from Stillwell Bay to the DOC carpark at Marahau...</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/AVvXsEjouSkcYUOjtl9hhGEjOZFRhgW9-qwf9onLji-RRBscgeeQsHc8XkgMhRqyi3hjpyrXVfa8tJYs1hx50Sai4F76865g9XIQXL8jrxQ2pIDJZ57eE3IFdxX_E_D2LdsqTXy_7pEVReaJPNtCNmj8rSc4-fRp16zr65gjwUHsFELW159VCIT_kvgUgS8xmpEX/s6000/IMG_1705.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouSkcYUOjtl9hhGEjOZFRhgW9-qwf9onLji-RRBscgeeQsHc8XkgMhRqyi3hjpyrXVfa8tJYs1hx50Sai4F76865g9XIQXL8jrxQ2pIDJZ57eE3IFdxX_E_D2LdsqTXy_7pEVReaJPNtCNmj8rSc4-fRp16zr65gjwUHsFELW159VCIT_kvgUgS8xmpEX/w640-h426/IMG_1705.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing over the Lesson Creek bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had a fine view of Fisherman's Island off the coast when I walked past it..it dominates the end of the track. It looked good sitting just off the coast...</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/AVvXsEieeZx_SGC5hRu2B1esLuHCpoeKeKrAqavtq11NCV9XuDJWIiEQmIkXOxmx721VZLAwJ-rrVWjpa3eVxL4DMsabAf8myIw4uLt2aQhlGmlG240_8hBLhv8flxCkc966SbUVpDqQZl9hUVYbT-0y1u36fOFro7fBsccWGueaYcd-VzJmkWSrKSaGqZ7iVA7r/s6000/IMG_1708.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeZx_SGC5hRu2B1esLuHCpoeKeKrAqavtq11NCV9XuDJWIiEQmIkXOxmx721VZLAwJ-rrVWjpa3eVxL4DMsabAf8myIw4uLt2aQhlGmlG240_8hBLhv8flxCkc966SbUVpDqQZl9hUVYbT-0y1u36fOFro7fBsccWGueaYcd-VzJmkWSrKSaGqZ7iVA7r/w640-h426/IMG_1708.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fisherman's Island, Able Tasman Coast Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="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/AVvXsEhgM1cIipaRzhXRHIx3a6xrBo8-dVLAHDvOnhMUreA2bBvvpBGb7SZ7NxoUMHudO_whvB84Xy5KLBY2IX202eRmje8suviDoJEhTvK2mzF-IFmkraZ57aRxyQ2uJZvSxLkAXC-w9EMWazyCwPU4M1uNxbTf8QggS92VqEktBaT15T3B_B4HcXlHHGQeAnUX/s6000/IMG_1710.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgM1cIipaRzhXRHIx3a6xrBo8-dVLAHDvOnhMUreA2bBvvpBGb7SZ7NxoUMHudO_whvB84Xy5KLBY2IX202eRmje8suviDoJEhTvK2mzF-IFmkraZ57aRxyQ2uJZvSxLkAXC-w9EMWazyCwPU4M1uNxbTf8QggS92VqEktBaT15T3B_B4HcXlHHGQeAnUX/w640-h426/IMG_1710.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just past Apple Tree Bay, Able Tasman Coast Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Before I knew it I was walking past the turn off to Apple Tree Bay and the ocean side campsite. Apple Tree Bay is a nice looking campsite located on a spit of land with a small lagoon behind it. It has a number of large trees for shade, toilets and fresh water from nearby Simonet Creek. </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/AVvXsEgfCf_TEB-CtxBZXAd4Tq296q-lGR7gXlhj3SKYS8XXgbsGQg_HKkxsgc5aXQBUGN2oZE4IDa6huevE2T72avbL4VGaWcBRUPEx8ZZJpCR8eD2xsZL9m4rvQia96ic_5uMT2cVDhCs2LINqEV-0CS35cQ_RInYhM15XbNbZijN3wFMaH_rubbxU282jaUYo/s6000/IMG_1712.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCf_TEB-CtxBZXAd4Tq296q-lGR7gXlhj3SKYS8XXgbsGQg_HKkxsgc5aXQBUGN2oZE4IDa6huevE2T72avbL4VGaWcBRUPEx8ZZJpCR8eD2xsZL9m4rvQia96ic_5uMT2cVDhCs2LINqEV-0CS35cQ_RInYhM15XbNbZijN3wFMaH_rubbxU282jaUYo/w640-h426/IMG_1712.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Railings protect you from a fall...Apple Tree Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just along the track from Apple Tree Bay is Simonet Creek which is the other permanent water source along the track. There is access down to the river from the track. You can take water from the creek but do filter or treat it before use. I usually stop here for a break on my way to Marahau but it was just too wet so I carried on...</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/AVvXsEgcqfnUAmOhnbdtpMkm7g8C30bP_YRKt_74oytwidy4eVdFcpsnCwuOjn1fKHl9nVKpndcX8IYFdQEWm_yJ8Pf9GpZxC9mttVVa8zh79RNZx8K5i2fhFgXKtRdSrMklDNpoKltbDXzZ193hrT2Cf1GpTLGKEvCqkRtaOmL38hPpQF2BvLyI_PgbBqVe1RK8/s6000/IMG_1715.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqfnUAmOhnbdtpMkm7g8C30bP_YRKt_74oytwidy4eVdFcpsnCwuOjn1fKHl9nVKpndcX8IYFdQEWm_yJ8Pf9GpZxC9mttVVa8zh79RNZx8K5i2fhFgXKtRdSrMklDNpoKltbDXzZ193hrT2Cf1GpTLGKEvCqkRtaOmL38hPpQF2BvLyI_PgbBqVe1RK8/w640-h426/IMG_1715.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simonet Creek, Able Tasman Coast Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are still some areas of dense bush along this section even though it was the most heavily modified part of the coastline. They seem to mostly reside in the gullies, probably because it would have been difficult to extract timber from them.</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/AVvXsEi8KlbQ9GwQRI3eC3rflVHxgvWArNU28cmMImdLkKEAyrJ8eKqwGf1dI2hS6cak9DlijDrjOyVpfTk0ruZJtsrNV_2sF6R0NWu6-uESae2D03BYUToUc3RRXCkdzZYL59-hNXY7Gdq_2N0SN8WKRUVAP656KENKpzgb1vKKRswlCfCJhujmDKHmOHERsJfE/s6000/IMG_1716.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KlbQ9GwQRI3eC3rflVHxgvWArNU28cmMImdLkKEAyrJ8eKqwGf1dI2hS6cak9DlijDrjOyVpfTk0ruZJtsrNV_2sF6R0NWu6-uESae2D03BYUToUc3RRXCkdzZYL59-hNXY7Gdq_2N0SN8WKRUVAP656KENKpzgb1vKKRswlCfCJhujmDKHmOHERsJfE/w640-h426/IMG_1716.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Still areas of quite thick bush...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>You get your first views of the Marahau coastline as you approach Coquille Bay. From here you can see as far as Nelson, clearly visible over 50 kilometers away. You are roughly an hour from the end of the track at Marahau...just keep walking, just keep walking!</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/AVvXsEjMezzzb2TrAIqIM_djBFX5fAvG1Ye9oRMOxjB2-IQX2qg3B1oZzeEYmhwMOAwdKOTlbztcuDvpIZsEBsGxw1GhynglkOyKk-J_IkwC9YlenIhb19MLd79is4nIHyu_JeqfpFA6CV0cVZNwP6XA27Lg6p7bTAqjFV9yCO2kc3yuVxZArgpRR78Cpkc15XNH/s6000/IMG_1718.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMezzzb2TrAIqIM_djBFX5fAvG1Ye9oRMOxjB2-IQX2qg3B1oZzeEYmhwMOAwdKOTlbztcuDvpIZsEBsGxw1GhynglkOyKk-J_IkwC9YlenIhb19MLd79is4nIHyu_JeqfpFA6CV0cVZNwP6XA27Lg6p7bTAqjFV9yCO2kc3yuVxZArgpRR78Cpkc15XNH/w640-h426/IMG_1718.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coquille Beach, Able Tasman Coast 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/AVvXsEi1eP2nhFqBEBY6ygzOSm1rX5yLWu6cCM-Va5YuptLhKwTbFPa5z6wrhge90Audb-otPH7MMVEJLhelLRcYmCeh-8w9jHBjm3RzAXdS81rY_pmS9c-0U6uy3rSIWqts7my_tu65NmBPgTkadIjKfa8dxX0hjZ1wNXuiEGnaDGTcVKI_94fK7Nli7mfqvkJs/s6000/IMG_1720.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eP2nhFqBEBY6ygzOSm1rX5yLWu6cCM-Va5YuptLhKwTbFPa5z6wrhge90Audb-otPH7MMVEJLhelLRcYmCeh-8w9jHBjm3RzAXdS81rY_pmS9c-0U6uy3rSIWqts7my_tu65NmBPgTkadIjKfa8dxX0hjZ1wNXuiEGnaDGTcVKI_94fK7Nli7mfqvkJs/w640-h426/IMG_1720.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The distant islands of the Marlborough Sounds</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/AVvXsEiVQWWIv33Zxp_OzqF6-fmhU1Ca7QWbOeRNSOUTji73W9U8boyp-YHar5QOm-kTl0yIunE4W6mYNtw1NGE27deGOZoRoRdPN_b7LbqDy_7lNsxrc_BJshJEF5a65pL7bO81Oe33WOlglmy5XWZVXc8wtVZixBjNL4JwHOFIyBOCCDJfnq3b6LYOTUPK1HZT/s6000/IMG_1722.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQWWIv33Zxp_OzqF6-fmhU1Ca7QWbOeRNSOUTji73W9U8boyp-YHar5QOm-kTl0yIunE4W6mYNtw1NGE27deGOZoRoRdPN_b7LbqDy_7lNsxrc_BJshJEF5a65pL7bO81Oe33WOlglmy5XWZVXc8wtVZixBjNL4JwHOFIyBOCCDJfnq3b6LYOTUPK1HZT/w640-h426/IMG_1722.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coquille Beach is tranquil in the sun</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I stopped at <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/abel-tasman-national-park/things-to-do/campsites/tinline-campsite/">Tinline camp-site</a> to have a rest and to avail myself of the con-weniences....It looks like a nice camp-site, there would be plenty of room for a city of tents. This is the least developed of the camp-sites along the track: it has water and toilets but no camp cooking shelter. </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/AVvXsEiedgMOfq3b4wG6rG4kpocP2-fa-rlxXAbPisDBuhiSjX6two5uQd9a6JKm1MqVwvc_12Un7WWSHzoKBxChuGgQ1Qn4HEAjdwcz5fD7YrprJUmYyzCtRlbuhU6XICi6Z4rXU08XUSf58yLHP0HJ5ql3sy1ilYYGUTUdw7ugENtEpcmUNoHm28biJrh80Fzd/s6000/IMG_1724.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedgMOfq3b4wG6rG4kpocP2-fa-rlxXAbPisDBuhiSjX6two5uQd9a6JKm1MqVwvc_12Un7WWSHzoKBxChuGgQ1Qn4HEAjdwcz5fD7YrprJUmYyzCtRlbuhU6XICi6Z4rXU08XUSf58yLHP0HJ5ql3sy1ilYYGUTUdw7ugENtEpcmUNoHm28biJrh80Fzd/w640-h426/IMG_1724.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tinline Campsite.....no one is in residence</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/AVvXsEhK9XBAgqBuFHnB59t7YniNJaLbcgAhbTBeqNA-4GzqOkCPyWeybTiUvdbq_VnWBzWWQOqwJ34PsbbPNWMEiXMd5sMBKlte7OWM-ozd4Fz1DyJ1xz2njZJTK0BuN3kJJWFT-ol3mSmac5PXYePZSp5tJ5oCZ4WBFNzBh8zXvkfVo0FtVoG1Fxdj6X_SAvU_/s6000/IMG_1725.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9XBAgqBuFHnB59t7YniNJaLbcgAhbTBeqNA-4GzqOkCPyWeybTiUvdbq_VnWBzWWQOqwJ34PsbbPNWMEiXMd5sMBKlte7OWM-ozd4Fz1DyJ1xz2njZJTK0BuN3kJJWFT-ol3mSmac5PXYePZSp5tJ5oCZ4WBFNzBh8zXvkfVo0FtVoG1Fxdj6X_SAvU_/w640-h426/IMG_1725.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tinline Campsite. Able Tasman Coast Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just past the camp site lies Tinline Stream, it is the last major river you cross on the track. You are 35 minutes from Marahau at this point..<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigs8xZ7pmSg1SoBepxDyRpO8l66ApiKl-2jcuPmUXplFmjFuYwXzgAljQaEnGooz2QX8oGUoaufJ9vifJ857vNjxkSIkNA3hM8WR7NtYYpsqnYdtnJLkSVCwIWHjFdBcD7-tHDwjRW9es/s1600/DSCN0384.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigs8xZ7pmSg1SoBepxDyRpO8l66ApiKl-2jcuPmUXplFmjFuYwXzgAljQaEnGooz2QX8oGUoaufJ9vifJ857vNjxkSIkNA3hM8WR7NtYYpsqnYdtnJLkSVCwIWHjFdBcD7-tHDwjRW9es/s640/DSCN0384.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The bridge over Tinline Stream, Abel Tasman Coastal Walk<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/AVvXsEgkr_VJtyAM2UXuRX_RNPCzNp1ws_oOD_o31WKGEP97SVawvT5o2JW9nZBxYE_LMHd3j59hwY1P0-06dm4uj4LCZn32qLBsUCPmLJyddzemkZ1o3ai_PXVWeLViAHI0UJLND0z_a5CYxkiA5Cs14KW4K21_lZKQV2iQknVZQx3vNy9FHKqvUjzRQuehyphenhyphenGmj/s6000/IMG_1727.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkr_VJtyAM2UXuRX_RNPCzNp1ws_oOD_o31WKGEP97SVawvT5o2JW9nZBxYE_LMHd3j59hwY1P0-06dm4uj4LCZn32qLBsUCPmLJyddzemkZ1o3ai_PXVWeLViAHI0UJLND0z_a5CYxkiA5Cs14KW4K21_lZKQV2iQknVZQx3vNy9FHKqvUjzRQuehyphenhyphenGmj/w640-h427/IMG_1727.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along under the trees past Tinline Campsite<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;">Almost at the end of the track: this is the causeway over Marahau Estuary. This is the last kilometre of the Abel Tasman Great Walk. On the Topo-map there is a notation about a low tide crossing here, disregard it...the causeway makes this an all tide track. You <b>can</b> cross the estuary at low tide but I don't know why you would want to...you would just get muddy.</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/AVvXsEjBo8Is9UyvVnP2IcpXXXxAcXZnB9mBgbRbIROFnsMy9lrtn3pg4pe8124I3ds4nFfwWZUvrM8Xy_ywaQxd4_KyoHz6hGxvlxwl7CzKzmAnr4F0joDJ0Xk2kNKBdrgZz4g77q-nAkurAofT7tRLSpH83YcD559uCkFkG10iHTURNmExuaQoS6WBr4WTGCTF/s6000/IMG_1730.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBo8Is9UyvVnP2IcpXXXxAcXZnB9mBgbRbIROFnsMy9lrtn3pg4pe8124I3ds4nFfwWZUvrM8Xy_ywaQxd4_KyoHz6hGxvlxwl7CzKzmAnr4F0joDJ0Xk2kNKBdrgZz4g77q-nAkurAofT7tRLSpH83YcD559uCkFkG10iHTURNmExuaQoS6WBr4WTGCTF/w640-h426/IMG_1730.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tidal flats at Marahau, Abel Tasman Coastal 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/AVvXsEhE3qlxz_P8SwgditF3VJL3LP49KS7hHJf8Qmjl97alYY450s6Wbp15dhmsLLb-FJjCwG6kvIJ7KuGf9d7ggSCN6tOX_BRtIBi2AdBt6FdgIcK_HUMxZoCtnJNtwVAkCX2dFtsS68x3EEAM-3OiM_zZ21soQcYeIM-ziR165HBofz4togXQMlcl9_h5Dbw9/s6000/IMG_1731.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3qlxz_P8SwgditF3VJL3LP49KS7hHJf8Qmjl97alYY450s6Wbp15dhmsLLb-FJjCwG6kvIJ7KuGf9d7ggSCN6tOX_BRtIBi2AdBt6FdgIcK_HUMxZoCtnJNtwVAkCX2dFtsS68x3EEAM-3OiM_zZ21soQcYeIM-ziR165HBofz4togXQMlcl9_h5Dbw9/w640-h426/IMG_1731.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of the causeway at the Abel Tasman Coastal Track start</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">There is a new carved Maori warrior at the start of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track...it has been installed sometime since October last year. There are now guardian figures at Wainui, Totaranui, Medlands Beach, Anchorage and Marahau. They could do with an interpretive panel explaining why they are there...</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/AVvXsEhkWe5Tvg3H7ev1SLJL6aBuhqYOZwkaG5rBjI21JviXDIp2j6Cc3CG8n0hoiJLaojPBa9wr30Clp9rNjRhclNUU9FAQQ5CjVvV7B3-4skHCVR3HvZ4m0sWV8a_2-NBHYNqMRjxjvB6d6Lblbj_pDKWzsxB3vqsLCAYOXjHIq4E22FEmbgc7gYy5TyeArJ2t/s6000/IMG_1733.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWe5Tvg3H7ev1SLJL6aBuhqYOZwkaG5rBjI21JviXDIp2j6Cc3CG8n0hoiJLaojPBa9wr30Clp9rNjRhclNUU9FAQQ5CjVvV7B3-4skHCVR3HvZ4m0sWV8a_2-NBHYNqMRjxjvB6d6Lblbj_pDKWzsxB3vqsLCAYOXjHIq4E22FEmbgc7gYy5TyeArJ2t/w640-h426/IMG_1733.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maori carving standing guard over the Abel Tasman </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The last 600 meters of the track are across the Marahau Causeway and it has been substantially improved over the years as it kept being damaged in big storms. Heavy rain in the surrounding hills floods the Marahau River and the flow will easily top the bridges.</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/AVvXsEia2SkMM7Tw_E8dI0CxUfaK-v6jAnAVjXy1EwAjx-Omj_IWHC5UhpbJO5W4nE-7wPhQl6Xgbn0vsqzlIIS1U6Ip0sPmCRbyjnbY1kXXBLia7fN_d5mz9dV1vNrWUpZGsoVsyRcj197n_H5DIvph2XDg2c_u893ydkpVuNIKOhVpHTNO2qlCMaE815_qxyGb/s6000/IMG_1736.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2SkMM7Tw_E8dI0CxUfaK-v6jAnAVjXy1EwAjx-Omj_IWHC5UhpbJO5W4nE-7wPhQl6Xgbn0vsqzlIIS1U6Ip0sPmCRbyjnbY1kXXBLia7fN_d5mz9dV1vNrWUpZGsoVsyRcj197n_H5DIvph2XDg2c_u893ydkpVuNIKOhVpHTNO2qlCMaE815_qxyGb/w640-h426/IMG_1736.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mudflats at the causeway, Abel Tasman Coastal Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There is a portal at the official end of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track similar to the one at Wainui. There are carved portals on several of the Great Walks now including the Heaphy Track, Paparoa Track and Rakuira Track. This one is interesting in that it is facing the track end almost like it is welcoming you back into civilisation..</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/AVvXsEhuTtAZZLij8-o2Q4-czzfLNL5G6X_cFR1m0eMkpARzv37lkg4wMjAKnDANAGsqHTzRIZZztYpI7GaqNiUrlViJ29EqRtcKw9uorS5Yi7yG4T8rK9L2EbaNjxx2eo1wcsJXo-gRvMnOYhZY0C3yPc5DcL-miiR2fDHHCDJxO89qdfbu7eJ3DCixeLcl9kmv/s6000/IMG_1739.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTtAZZLij8-o2Q4-czzfLNL5G6X_cFR1m0eMkpARzv37lkg4wMjAKnDANAGsqHTzRIZZztYpI7GaqNiUrlViJ29EqRtcKw9uorS5Yi7yG4T8rK9L2EbaNjxx2eo1wcsJXo-gRvMnOYhZY0C3yPc5DcL-miiR2fDHHCDJxO89qdfbu7eJ3DCixeLcl9kmv/w640-h426/IMG_1739.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carved entrance portal stands at Marahuau</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/AVvXsEhVbsqCUj0Yg3amrbRSHnzR_J4pYWWCyb7lIWXroKX7oh6OMvV-iCa1bcHig38TyXk61IWp5c5k60cHdt3Vp7xWLY-lEp3H9gxFLiYYu9UTwVo79w4RyCuNSF8rd3y7XyXc599-rA3wCixssn8Obr6PPMXJRuSlM6XlXT0YkhGM1zdCYqxCdITTr9ioheEx/s6000/IMG_1741.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbsqCUj0Yg3amrbRSHnzR_J4pYWWCyb7lIWXroKX7oh6OMvV-iCa1bcHig38TyXk61IWp5c5k60cHdt3Vp7xWLY-lEp3H9gxFLiYYu9UTwVo79w4RyCuNSF8rd3y7XyXc599-rA3wCixssn8Obr6PPMXJRuSlM6XlXT0YkhGM1zdCYqxCdITTr9ioheEx/w640-h426/IMG_1741.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of the Abel Tasman Coast Track at Marahau</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well there you go, finished at last....here is Jon in the information kiosk at the end of the track 3 days after starting out. There are a few interpretive panels and some information about the topography, history, flora & fauna of the park in the un-manned kiosk. There are also toilets and seats so it would be a useful place to wait for transport in inclement weather.</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/AVvXsEg9RZtDoC12r7_BRLQDgb5kdHvIQH47sCWo7omHU0DGis2YqSgWvcXd9duRMfFCP-ar374N66l5Y_Fstp_aXc_bdYfII-AZJeJzx-u1DHKSlekA0GkNyM6A-GsVYzYyDLdev0jtYHFMSbb1n8ESMzeYxZyvukg4qXfDlzb_vMWRE-S8Og620pZp9iHTLg26/s6000/IMG_1742.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RZtDoC12r7_BRLQDgb5kdHvIQH47sCWo7omHU0DGis2YqSgWvcXd9duRMfFCP-ar374N66l5Y_Fstp_aXc_bdYfII-AZJeJzx-u1DHKSlekA0GkNyM6A-GsVYzYyDLdev0jtYHFMSbb1n8ESMzeYxZyvukg4qXfDlzb_vMWRE-S8Og620pZp9iHTLg26/w640-h426/IMG_1742.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mapboard in the kiosk at the track entrance</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>Another 10 minutes saw me back at my car, still safely parked at the Aquataxi parking area. I arrived there at around 1 noon so that was 5 hours from Anchorage including two 20 minute breaks. </div><div><br /></div><div>I made sure I did some extended stretching before heading off as I have been nearly crippled before by jumping straight in the car at the end of a tramp and driving for a couple of hours. Every time I stopped I spent 5 minutes stretching, it works a treat.</div></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">That was the end of my three day adventure in Abel Tasman National Park with a trio beautiful sunny days. I have now covered the full length of the Coastal Track on the blog There is great tramping in Abel Tasman and I think my trip for 2024 (if there is one..) will have to be a camping expedition staying at the beach side campsites. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I cannot wait...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>Access:</b> From Marahau walk north to Anchorage on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Alternatively take a watertaxi to Anchorage and walk back out to Marahau. </span></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>Track Times:</b> 12.5 km's or 4 hours from Anchorage to Marahau on the Coastal Track.</span></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>Hut Details:</b> <i>Anchorage Hut</i>: Great Walk, 34 bunks, wood burner, filtered water tank, wood shed, flush toilets; DOC campsites at Te Pukatea Bay, Watering Cove, Observation Beach, Akersten Bay, Apple Tree Bay, Coquille Beach and Tinline campsite</span></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>Miscellaneous:</b> All huts on the Abel Tasman Coastal Walk are on the DOC Great Walk booking system and must be booked for overnight visit. Hut Warden in residence from late November to 30th April each year. Campsites are located at most bays and must also be booked year round. </span></div></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>You Tube link:</b></span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div></div>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Abel Tasman National Park, South Island 7183, New Zealand-40.9050357 172.9670849-69.215269536178852 137.8108349 -12.594801863821154 -151.87666509999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-49296155947626042023-10-18T14:52:00.006-07:002023-10-25T22:40:33.544-07:00Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Bark Bay to Anchorage: <h3 style="text-align: center;">...Bark Bay to Anchorage... </h3><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I just completed my annual pilgrimage to the Abel Tasman National Park at the beginning of this month. Every year I head north just out of season to complete a section of the track. This year I walked the track from Bark Bay Hut to Marahau.</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/AVvXsEjLZFWUeLNLbsMRyQpOUgqUD2ap1fpzUziRxi-yBRNL_8Tmq33RIU6pGT4asvfhTrvN7Y193s4IrjB3ZmDvcguM7S229NrlOYZXsgesuhsamr9mO3m-K1DGJI43rZKoUSmIX-uojOfswgfgE9GFbQnsGmmqaPEGrlBNIDibLL2N1DuhV4_fVd1tZfUUTbqo/s6000/IMG_1559.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZFWUeLNLbsMRyQpOUgqUD2ap1fpzUziRxi-yBRNL_8Tmq33RIU6pGT4asvfhTrvN7Y193s4IrjB3ZmDvcguM7S229NrlOYZXsgesuhsamr9mO3m-K1DGJI43rZKoUSmIX-uojOfswgfgE9GFbQnsGmmqaPEGrlBNIDibLL2N1DuhV4_fVd1tZfUUTbqo/w640-h426/IMG_1559.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The roadstead at Abel Tasman park...Fisherman's Island</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipJrWfpb-AsRcLWRLYvmm-2_0jmN5J1dRx45A46zCKpt_vMhMu7Gf3_RZdyM_J0TxAHrT-aa6GMbgOhMn97PlV7xiNdesl-zsjO7liKx3UBRZuAwPccJstGTyWtw3EPwKTcAfbyiQBjfVw9MN2VtQdLHasOZiQig7N7Iy4392CSJCxTQ_J5QigL8DQip3/s4192/IMG_1561-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="4192" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipJrWfpb-AsRcLWRLYvmm-2_0jmN5J1dRx45A46zCKpt_vMhMu7Gf3_RZdyM_J0TxAHrT-aa6GMbgOhMn97PlV7xiNdesl-zsjO7liKx3UBRZuAwPccJstGTyWtw3EPwKTcAfbyiQBjfVw9MN2VtQdLHasOZiQig7N7Iy4392CSJCxTQ_J5QigL8DQip3/w640-h426/IMG_1561-EDIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the exposed ladder...the tide was going out</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started the day in Marahau...I spent the night at the camp ground in Marahau and went down to the beach early the next morning to try and catch the sun. I took some photos of the waterfront and walked up and down. </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/AVvXsEgDCUYZmTEXg1hTC9u_msX2yzKschb0oiggG7dUa5vEeIlm5pXuhsvlMZJMb3jSs6MHimGwOJlp5vBF6qx41oT5gh5JQtr3g0EPjpdcBVidWErQeAvhK6OQIWd3-fL9qCCaXV6hNEH9TX0wP8OX-mGTTf2alKKSzMzTyHTJZjjbgV3oC3dClFTjDdM9zvo_/s4192/IMG_1562-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="4192" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCUYZmTEXg1hTC9u_msX2yzKschb0oiggG7dUa5vEeIlm5pXuhsvlMZJMb3jSs6MHimGwOJlp5vBF6qx41oT5gh5JQtr3g0EPjpdcBVidWErQeAvhK6OQIWd3-fL9qCCaXV6hNEH9TX0wP8OX-mGTTf2alKKSzMzTyHTJZjjbgV3oC3dClFTjDdM9zvo_/w640-h426/IMG_1562-EDIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...the waterfront in Marahau...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This time around I took a watertaxi to Bark Bay on the first day and continued from there along the coast to Anchorage. Then I walked the Anchorage to Marahau section of the track to finish it up...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMr9f5tlsuzXxqFqRR2kZ5oA_xsCrP_U5EdBllv_BGGAfvVUPoHrxGq2aZawVpIFKXtdaLnZd9elIngH-8XXuSvzglJnLZJBbL5H75KXDfaSdymnjYflDfxTS5iYYUSiuRai-5s16GEIharLjgOBFWtYUqkA-YZhdKn10OqJwLH7XtK49l0PGHEKT1DfnL/s6000/IMG_1563.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMr9f5tlsuzXxqFqRR2kZ5oA_xsCrP_U5EdBllv_BGGAfvVUPoHrxGq2aZawVpIFKXtdaLnZd9elIngH-8XXuSvzglJnLZJBbL5H75KXDfaSdymnjYflDfxTS5iYYUSiuRai-5s16GEIharLjgOBFWtYUqkA-YZhdKn10OqJwLH7XtK49l0PGHEKT1DfnL/w640-h426/IMG_1563.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats lined up waiting at Marahau</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> So I took a water taxi to Bark Bay...I know its the cheats way but given how tired I felt walking from Anchorage to Marahau I suppose it was the best option... </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/AVvXsEgftpQzCaBaICGfmmQqCKl-D3c-5VmCwlOpgldLTp7Ys0mid_QB6Z8iOsq_fRSHEKRs9YiH3ZNRLMZ5VNQTPELHZ4F8UrQVMg6JOxb-jRfe-T1JUjf8-Yi-w9l_tNo_w_ceoL3zLu6ZUPJXviQ5PTMz29k1dZgrcG03DJXoRg9613mA52HNArbooZd6JkdW/s6000/IMG_1564.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftpQzCaBaICGfmmQqCKl-D3c-5VmCwlOpgldLTp7Ys0mid_QB6Z8iOsq_fRSHEKRs9YiH3ZNRLMZ5VNQTPELHZ4F8UrQVMg6JOxb-jRfe-T1JUjf8-Yi-w9l_tNo_w_ceoL3zLu6ZUPJXviQ5PTMz29k1dZgrcG03DJXoRg9613mA52HNArbooZd6JkdW/w640-h426/IMG_1564.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Split Apple Rock, Abel Tasman Coast 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/AVvXsEjc96iktQ6uRFC5MQT-iF2CNbx6kpTviXo_lYCIIXAWv2IGZX3g1-ob1SqSk002ZPGpK9zVEG0eYdFWyj1uATMmnSCEfCFrhVspMu7Vo-719j2xE3JgUNFVsiRiHAH7p2_9ny3UGHSEFJbxhrGgHRwxCb4EoJ_AlJrQ4niY6ND9uJXltPjzXj3RBljRYw87/s6000/IMG_1566.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc96iktQ6uRFC5MQT-iF2CNbx6kpTviXo_lYCIIXAWv2IGZX3g1-ob1SqSk002ZPGpK9zVEG0eYdFWyj1uATMmnSCEfCFrhVspMu7Vo-719j2xE3JgUNFVsiRiHAH7p2_9ny3UGHSEFJbxhrGgHRwxCb4EoJ_AlJrQ4niY6ND9uJXltPjzXj3RBljRYw87/w640-h426/IMG_1566.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The coast around Marahau</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3Kp5-SRSu8fYAOLDReePzAIC_Ynt7_K7u0EFiGYFhxmrfDkZL5VOZjO1zYTiGccNHyczIKiQMjNw_ufgrMPrwP-bOdZr6CIVO9drr-PKBOBOgF6fjj9B8MUEpgkOxErKJM6zrzkzucUhMiwyrlagmwc5iDHzbvoxKC1h1tqgE5zxwcPLGjH9V7vU4LUH/s6000/IMG_1568.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3Kp5-SRSu8fYAOLDReePzAIC_Ynt7_K7u0EFiGYFhxmrfDkZL5VOZjO1zYTiGccNHyczIKiQMjNw_ufgrMPrwP-bOdZr6CIVO9drr-PKBOBOgF6fjj9B8MUEpgkOxErKJM6zrzkzucUhMiwyrlagmwc5iDHzbvoxKC1h1tqgE5zxwcPLGjH9V7vU4LUH/w640-h426/IMG_1568.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boat stops in Anchorage, Abel Tasman Coast Track<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></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/AVvXsEgfUFzTzjteHKSyioEkPVlQUpq1yNmVtZKZC0MlQsmS3EE-f_1xBDkk472TN9sCdRwNDOAIdpowsO1FczsUJzr4Nf_TDBp1vJOMuZSbPgiHF2LVQqIm0KOzjciicZLx6nUzF0Cc2fMAiQdvay8ZLpB4uTBBRGTJzIDIYiDW0hzPoGv3ATXUkDuurxzJhT0s/s8000/20231008_090838.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8000" data-original-width="6000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUFzTzjteHKSyioEkPVlQUpq1yNmVtZKZC0MlQsmS3EE-f_1xBDkk472TN9sCdRwNDOAIdpowsO1FczsUJzr4Nf_TDBp1vJOMuZSbPgiHF2LVQqIm0KOzjciicZLx6nUzF0Cc2fMAiQdvay8ZLpB4uTBBRGTJzIDIYiDW0hzPoGv3ATXUkDuurxzJhT0s/w480-h640/20231008_090838.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boat stops at Adele Island to look at the seals</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The boat dropped me off at Bark Bay after an hour of travel along the coast. I quickly set off across the tidal flats for Bark Bay Hut which sits across the lagoon about 300 meters away.</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/AVvXsEgk5Y2YiVkewBqS0vh-nr9OgurH3HKdMNuaG9KcJPxGkjvq9Jbh7vLEyECMmNDWBiWy4fkkMygfMSefKqhKPvUfwa91X6KACSgVxOUBFT1qFSV5P4T6b3MRYcVN2Dkn5oyApmb9oYKBXTfhiipPUfRdeKZRxgFsr-pPPYKS3vBK2ieC13wC0rUMQJblA22D/s6000/IMG_1570.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5Y2YiVkewBqS0vh-nr9OgurH3HKdMNuaG9KcJPxGkjvq9Jbh7vLEyECMmNDWBiWy4fkkMygfMSefKqhKPvUfwa91X6KACSgVxOUBFT1qFSV5P4T6b3MRYcVN2Dkn5oyApmb9oYKBXTfhiipPUfRdeKZRxgFsr-pPPYKS3vBK2ieC13wC0rUMQJblA22D/w640-h426/IMG_1570.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat head out to sea after depositing me at Bark Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>Bark Bay Hut is my favorite hut on this track, the location is great and I always enjoy my stays here. It is the oldest hut on the track but in a lot of ways has the most character. These mid 1980-90's wooden Lockwood/Fraemohs huts are just full of charm...that deep orange color of the wood inside is very appealing. </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/AVvXsEhrI-M9eYtarovBglnckADPJK93xNVqy6NaXwIWwCZeq6t-kiJWMpkyo8JJzSxYf2ML4TH5CgiI9L5yYKmv5hZx924eCwHiOwV5TKeXxEuWrCNHzFSQXkMjw4bpxpX5vONTgi99-gdHgntRpuyZ0-2VnNLoXR-Ls2YDCx1PawWR_rEJTakrpdaIhwxOKd2V/s6000/IMG_1571.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrI-M9eYtarovBglnckADPJK93xNVqy6NaXwIWwCZeq6t-kiJWMpkyo8JJzSxYf2ML4TH5CgiI9L5yYKmv5hZx924eCwHiOwV5TKeXxEuWrCNHzFSQXkMjw4bpxpX5vONTgi99-gdHgntRpuyZ0-2VnNLoXR-Ls2YDCx1PawWR_rEJTakrpdaIhwxOKd2V/w640-h426/IMG_1571.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bark Bay Hut, Abel Tasman Coast Track<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After organising myself in the hut and chopping some firewood I sat down for a belated lunch of soup, crackers and cheese. I was the only person in the hut until a couple arrived around 1pm. More people continued to drip in from that time onwards. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEglftFYOlG4y0nIkeL6b8X0W-kGjUilsJhbpJbr_wmXL55nsythfIyNAdn1dRg1ZGKqY6uXQ1eZZ_8g49CR5QF5C3u-AXvlXa57sYuG8c-Ol8eAOhaxxp8iWRMgK3WKOgfrB-OPbDke0aw17rwWqB0gMBZoEq-PRXXKkKsL9T5SWRLFDJlpgupgldfr/s4320/IMG_4331.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglftFYOlG4y0nIkeL6b8X0W-kGjUilsJhbpJbr_wmXL55nsythfIyNAdn1dRg1ZGKqY6uXQ1eZZ_8g49CR5QF5C3u-AXvlXa57sYuG8c-Ol8eAOhaxxp8iWRMgK3WKOgfrB-OPbDke0aw17rwWqB0gMBZoEq-PRXXKkKsL9T5SWRLFDJlpgupgldfr/w640-h480/IMG_4331.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing firewood supplies at Bark Bay Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I walked over too the beach about 2 pm to check out the tidal pool...the river has just about blocked the pool off now so it is a fairly dry lagoon. A sand bank is blocking the lagoon so it only fills right to the top is the sea is high.</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/AVvXsEjzUjeWkxnhWk5VwhjGFlPO8jA8ROTBxVMCFXY7BC0UHOVJSS8nEWckw1fZFId3ZhLqRS2kg0C0K1fBLRRXcdTkdvCLiKksv0zoqTHfAYgBvc1VCCDW59O4Y-l4KMsyEXHy54CyONU972xcRLUrQGaXmjFbIvj1cYfhoBg3celg2cngdIeik4gNAJD-1SMY/s6000/IMG_1573.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUjeWkxnhWk5VwhjGFlPO8jA8ROTBxVMCFXY7BC0UHOVJSS8nEWckw1fZFId3ZhLqRS2kg0C0K1fBLRRXcdTkdvCLiKksv0zoqTHfAYgBvc1VCCDW59O4Y-l4KMsyEXHy54CyONU972xcRLUrQGaXmjFbIvj1cYfhoBg3celg2cngdIeik4gNAJD-1SMY/w640-h426/IMG_1573.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach at Bark Bay</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/AVvXsEgIJAhiFz8dAUgJIOQpThh4qIlAdifeWP1anLov6JwD3zANlL8DGHFMyn8Eg-H5Q-uGdkaH518N0ydtQRM_ioQkp0LTC9EBk13OCN21Q2WuUrnkESxFm0-uIp0bk4JlRg4bA3CluLSdO_cOZGWmO4sFr1SBec8hUsPLtz3qEdy5z_SSSbSwPdOJS89L4E38/s6000/IMG_1572.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJAhiFz8dAUgJIOQpThh4qIlAdifeWP1anLov6JwD3zANlL8DGHFMyn8Eg-H5Q-uGdkaH518N0ydtQRM_ioQkp0LTC9EBk13OCN21Q2WuUrnkESxFm0-uIp0bk4JlRg4bA3CluLSdO_cOZGWmO4sFr1SBec8hUsPLtz3qEdy5z_SSSbSwPdOJS89L4E38/w640-h426/IMG_1572.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Far end of the beach at Bark Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was up at dawn as I had considered heading down to the beach to see the sun rise. I went and took some photos and had a look at the receding tide in the estuary before heading back into the hut to warm up.</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/AVvXsEh1TUHBRjQI9lbao1ZrnnpAOiSh9Afbhxd96gslasvKTODyHTeu9D0jiq7_kQZlhCoNcdEjB-aQKxQkjhtEPX_t_gV-TdLhDFTz_9yopkAg9HT6_BKa6a4IiAtaIxYCSZTzpQZis5v5afeq9h2h9g80x9bXrNMIG8CuL8iImDX-N_GDp0r6dEtRnB_K_rfK/s6000/IMG_1575.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TUHBRjQI9lbao1ZrnnpAOiSh9Afbhxd96gslasvKTODyHTeu9D0jiq7_kQZlhCoNcdEjB-aQKxQkjhtEPX_t_gV-TdLhDFTz_9yopkAg9HT6_BKa6a4IiAtaIxYCSZTzpQZis5v5afeq9h2h9g80x9bXrNMIG8CuL8iImDX-N_GDp0r6dEtRnB_K_rfK/w640-h426/IMG_1575.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandspit at Bark Bay in the half light</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/AVvXsEibQp8tIrj-WuFP7uhms1Ah8oDrOUxZKcOfSPugEvi-mBA7RPg7ADrOPcm-KX4MpMP42UW-TT2Yg9evXQizaxpDzn7ME6VuzUIHjDTBqcsw63ro5eldajCM7qUobGzunqxJ4RTfBYn28zigKf8mcwhmt29oARQB7i1U2OXZ2EWqr96fZdkL2YBWKYOmNoW4/s6000/IMG_1577.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQp8tIrj-WuFP7uhms1Ah8oDrOUxZKcOfSPugEvi-mBA7RPg7ADrOPcm-KX4MpMP42UW-TT2Yg9evXQizaxpDzn7ME6VuzUIHjDTBqcsw63ro5eldajCM7qUobGzunqxJ4RTfBYn28zigKf8mcwhmt29oARQB7i1U2OXZ2EWqr96fZdkL2YBWKYOmNoW4/w640-h426/IMG_1577.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of the beach at Bark Bay, Abel Tasman Coast 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/AVvXsEgr5lFk52S0FewBAcWo5ZKVEj5gvo31RVuJGyWjeE7iIldz8s2Syv7c-efl9VEa-PLPrHkeZqXlUhqZfvmjy4TE32bOHCuTa6MOVIohGmNZufNtXMcj3okdFtdC6-JmQeU0iheCL2JPiSonEuiMyrSq742L6_Zujoa2kKzwulXQVLFwaGq5NMRzB8Lziy6y/s6000/IMG_1579.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5lFk52S0FewBAcWo5ZKVEj5gvo31RVuJGyWjeE7iIldz8s2Syv7c-efl9VEa-PLPrHkeZqXlUhqZfvmjy4TE32bOHCuTa6MOVIohGmNZufNtXMcj3okdFtdC6-JmQeU0iheCL2JPiSonEuiMyrSq742L6_Zujoa2kKzwulXQVLFwaGq5NMRzB8Lziy6y/w640-h426/IMG_1579.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bark Bay tidal estuary</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I just stoked up the fire to get some warmth into the hut and set about having breakfast, packing up and getting on my way. We all headed out early as we just wanted to get the walking done. I had a Real Meal creamed rice for breakfast on the day and boy are they good...great for breakfast or dessert.</p><p style="text-align: center;">From the hut it is a 500 meter walk around the estuary to the Medlands Beach...this is all easy track as it is flat and well constructed. All up it took about 10 minuates of walking...</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/AVvXsEhvz6X5Ozdg7nva7Cya6a2621qzoTysaEcz0BMveixtda2RF5FK4zv3C7Ce6z-i2PlzmBSYSJZmXUJpWclXHkSXR9RGxowWm3F0ZnxzZQe4svgz9lxogvaW_ugflqjABHla980BTixeCs_ePCk7luLCgi3w-ZA-k-XSJB_9qOO4QVYukIl-bFEbA3cUAU72/s6000/IMG_1591.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz6X5Ozdg7nva7Cya6a2621qzoTysaEcz0BMveixtda2RF5FK4zv3C7Ce6z-i2PlzmBSYSJZmXUJpWclXHkSXR9RGxowWm3F0ZnxzZQe4svgz9lxogvaW_ugflqjABHla980BTixeCs_ePCk7luLCgi3w-ZA-k-XSJB_9qOO4QVYukIl-bFEbA3cUAU72/w640-h426/IMG_1591.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bark Bay from just past Medlands Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There has been a couple of slips on the first section heading away from Bark Bay. Every time it rains they get a deluge in Abel Tasman National Park and the track gets damaged. These would be from the significant rain they received back in Februray. </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/AVvXsEjHz-uabJezq5jJWQC8rxCX6Cl775uV3KtZEh2UqF0GgmGTnuhOrB-57fXJC2drPxrR6VeZD1pBbwaO6ZoQkPgL7lcZNrtAGWXymQfYaXl-AIswnkhv6Eww_3jBEtgUk7PKvDjAfm-Mx61zp-ApPljuDjqshAdrOkcRYqHESnCWzpYv4MufA3dTczDgRl_d/s6000/IMG_1592.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHz-uabJezq5jJWQC8rxCX6Cl775uV3KtZEh2UqF0GgmGTnuhOrB-57fXJC2drPxrR6VeZD1pBbwaO6ZoQkPgL7lcZNrtAGWXymQfYaXl-AIswnkhv6Eww_3jBEtgUk7PKvDjAfm-Mx61zp-ApPljuDjqshAdrOkcRYqHESnCWzpYv4MufA3dTczDgRl_d/w640-h426/IMG_1592.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damage to the track for February storms</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/AVvXsEjkKvcqBZoJWfkan-HaQKMflMM9Uky9uPB-LwT4-Z2tVji6PaNE0j19FqcEW-3ou8M9J6W39woikDSLPYMl2gdRTTptcPXbEGGlfX5u2YrTt4KDnmgIAJIj_gyUFJ_6R9tbl464c0-iOq0udoa_ga6HaI4L41ayOIMqns6o3rlx21m3GY6SC88wW_MMzEmE/s6000/IMG_1596.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKvcqBZoJWfkan-HaQKMflMM9Uky9uPB-LwT4-Z2tVji6PaNE0j19FqcEW-3ou8M9J6W39woikDSLPYMl2gdRTTptcPXbEGGlfX5u2YrTt4KDnmgIAJIj_gyUFJ_6R9tbl464c0-iOq0udoa_ga6HaI4L41ayOIMqns6o3rlx21m3GY6SC88wW_MMzEmE/w640-h426/IMG_1596.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...more of the damaging slips...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eventually you arrive at the side track to South Head where there is a lookout with views up and down the coast. I have been here a couple of times now so I decided to not go have a look at the view this time around. </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/AVvXsEhz1zaZPAq233ZMJHBp_tV37cCDHX0AEMi1u3xLsjKgzhIG5-8yyoCoEJ0DTLoAlSLB4mnM8YLEdoCRnFefwhi90yHq8sn99s1YeS_LaJcLwqoF5F72K09Yu0DBAKZ_DVK0RRq5huhdazATWrOCvAJECChaW9xeoNDT-Fom1e67vwpkKI_lgsLunHjMoUy2/s6000/IMG_1597.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1zaZPAq233ZMJHBp_tV37cCDHX0AEMi1u3xLsjKgzhIG5-8yyoCoEJ0DTLoAlSLB4mnM8YLEdoCRnFefwhi90yHq8sn99s1YeS_LaJcLwqoF5F72K09Yu0DBAKZ_DVK0RRq5huhdazATWrOCvAJECChaW9xeoNDT-Fom1e67vwpkKI_lgsLunHjMoUy2/w640-h426/IMG_1597.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopped at South Head, Abel Tasman Coast Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sandfly Bay is the estuary at the mouth of the Falls River and there is a campsite located near there but it is only accessible from the sea or the main track at low tide. There is a side track down to Sandfly Bay Campsite a couple of hundred meters before the Falls River. It is only accessible at low tide and low river flow as the mouth of the Falls River enters the ocean there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> There are toilets and water here if you need them. </div></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/AVvXsEjc-H1ugQ_JD_amRaLFYdXr1rafCZD48Td1n89QIpppq94I5CH11U1ax8zaPFy1gVB8hW9xyV84CY9ORumaQVeaXo3PgxsjXFacTGysVm9VRnC-SblYp1GOdF4hvi9oCfn8B1jk9J_xg8YWgR79nfjW0RNi3gZEQoR9DubYn8f4UILvLg5wPr5BhhmHezeT/s6000/IMG_1600.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-H1ugQ_JD_amRaLFYdXr1rafCZD48Td1n89QIpppq94I5CH11U1ax8zaPFy1gVB8hW9xyV84CY9ORumaQVeaXo3PgxsjXFacTGysVm9VRnC-SblYp1GOdF4hvi9oCfn8B1jk9J_xg8YWgR79nfjW0RNi3gZEQoR9DubYn8f4UILvLg5wPr5BhhmHezeT/w640-h426/IMG_1600.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandfly Bay comes into sight</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/AVvXsEgXBkHAkEmqu689cjj8sjiTqJGq3W1-z-x2xtPRbH8qfmZ4a6it-M-yP-Wg7I2hxwybHAC2BzQUf92j7UMAufPgAqVJKfWE2F12JW_ByJerWizHHV5fXTjswPmPYzctzDPDUzNWHcUMC0G7wbCCJyEHc-menrAs-U3r9ADtN5FPHiY_bamR07oHZ-jZ73Q2/s6000/IMG_1604.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBkHAkEmqu689cjj8sjiTqJGq3W1-z-x2xtPRbH8qfmZ4a6it-M-yP-Wg7I2hxwybHAC2BzQUf92j7UMAufPgAqVJKfWE2F12JW_ByJerWizHHV5fXTjswPmPYzctzDPDUzNWHcUMC0G7wbCCJyEHc-menrAs-U3r9ADtN5FPHiY_bamR07oHZ-jZ73Q2/w640-h426/IMG_1604.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer look at Sandfly Bay, Abel Tasman Coast Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Falls River starts way up in the hills over looking the coastline and is the largest river along this track section. There is a track from near Bark Bay to the waterfalls in the river far up at its headwaters. </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/AVvXsEjQCAQJgpaEg3EZLBU1Lk4jQ8vyd-vVFMyY-AMcPlwnFkNOLNSY0bCwX7O3pWSD8SD2bozKOCf7_eKtTv9_moVVQi3hiy2oXiaxZVScOInJVFmLelouk-3dLyW_JgcCQnPwskqtFaZL_2RtrJcqkoWShBVVtO8Fec5sFwJF1Z_aVzfG3nvjVEMzqosPK3rX/s6000/IMG_1607.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCAQJgpaEg3EZLBU1Lk4jQ8vyd-vVFMyY-AMcPlwnFkNOLNSY0bCwX7O3pWSD8SD2bozKOCf7_eKtTv9_moVVQi3hiy2oXiaxZVScOInJVFmLelouk-3dLyW_JgcCQnPwskqtFaZL_2RtrJcqkoWShBVVtO8Fec5sFwJF1Z_aVzfG3nvjVEMzqosPK3rX/w640-h426/IMG_1607.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mouth of Falls River tide half way out</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/AVvXsEgUVCCdDS6Tktb75TANv4fVVsM6_kYcS_hdwjLYlW0YLF_wBfKt1nFwVoKw3CltNtqPbJACvvBRIeDyuvvhSkiyOEMDpMKlolE_o4T8HdsffjSoX5gOzbsqgFVjxLM1nUB4LshMNs7JdOveQQ58km4mbPcdncNEFBcC9yj6ZaGyvV4klJDVQ-8HROtTKaDc/s6000/IMG_1608.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVCCdDS6Tktb75TANv4fVVsM6_kYcS_hdwjLYlW0YLF_wBfKt1nFwVoKw3CltNtqPbJACvvBRIeDyuvvhSkiyOEMDpMKlolE_o4T8HdsffjSoX5gOzbsqgFVjxLM1nUB4LshMNs7JdOveQQ58km4mbPcdncNEFBcC9yj6ZaGyvV4klJDVQ-8HROtTKaDc/w640-h426/IMG_1608.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upstream from the Falls 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/AVvXsEgYYxHAc7vnm-P9RiBvlyWzblNGPM2GrjY93PFkzqzE7y1Unv7kFtuy4kcB8HRA3ZQmtuSvsG_4-yjRy7C76_caM2oWAZauDwBkjLyWFPNIStC9OqKythwWF4TB-LJgZP5rIRWkOA76qVvV23huRacnBVzhC5d0Be2pgI9YxjEo_61jBdzRYBPECsjeixb8/s6000/IMG_1611.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYxHAc7vnm-P9RiBvlyWzblNGPM2GrjY93PFkzqzE7y1Unv7kFtuy4kcB8HRA3ZQmtuSvsG_4-yjRy7C76_caM2oWAZauDwBkjLyWFPNIStC9OqKythwWF4TB-LJgZP5rIRWkOA76qVvV23huRacnBVzhC5d0Be2pgI9YxjEo_61jBdzRYBPECsjeixb8/w640-h426/IMG_1611.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falls River Bridge, Abel Tasman Coast Track</td></tr></tbody></table><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;">The track climbs down quite steeply from the Falls River and this is one section of the track where heading east to west is much nicer then west to east. The gradient is easier heading towards Bark Bay as it is a real slog up this ridge coming away from the Falls River. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Take care on the track in wet conditions as that slick clay surface can be slippery as hell...</div></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/AVvXsEjihcFIWGgxadEuCNfjAywOEn2mHshHejdzl_BnlTontMLTgqZGJN3sw83q55Dy8FyhVP17X_0bkfVoNg5PvpEZZoSOFNoyZe8K129KMzeDL9-V2aDu1t188JtVZWEAYBut-dOV-aki9g5spTnJ1QmKadMRM8IcG0d_ugf6cBW-EdsbolbH5tcZMlDUIHhu/s6000/IMG_1612.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihcFIWGgxadEuCNfjAywOEn2mHshHejdzl_BnlTontMLTgqZGJN3sw83q55Dy8FyhVP17X_0bkfVoNg5PvpEZZoSOFNoyZe8K129KMzeDL9-V2aDu1t188JtVZWEAYBut-dOV-aki9g5spTnJ1QmKadMRM8IcG0d_ugf6cBW-EdsbolbH5tcZMlDUIHhu/w640-h426/IMG_1612.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climb up from the Falls River is steep</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/AVvXsEgtFU_s-L5sPQDOKvVrj_ZStBb4W3ejztlA425zCLkGPLIxQqGWOL70ksG9HaJ1v4eA7B_ic75BvtEEK_9-2VVi5T8XwCh9vSquEYMocrCR6aGI-Ehami7wCang7m07d4BOfStB9rOrlw7XiyCywCtZ0oXfcRBrAiR-ovfRiQ-YR6CUm_emmSNTlEFwENXS/s6000/IMG_1614.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFU_s-L5sPQDOKvVrj_ZStBb4W3ejztlA425zCLkGPLIxQqGWOL70ksG9HaJ1v4eA7B_ic75BvtEEK_9-2VVi5T8XwCh9vSquEYMocrCR6aGI-Ehami7wCang7m07d4BOfStB9rOrlw7XiyCywCtZ0oXfcRBrAiR-ovfRiQ-YR6CUm_emmSNTlEFwENXS/w640-h426/IMG_1614.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highpoint of track after Falls River</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a seat high above Frenchman's Bay where you can rest for a while and look out over the Tasman Bay to the mountains and islands of the Marlborough Sounds. There is cell phone reception from the seat so you can check the weather for the next couple of days, change hut/campsite bookings or order a watertaxi.</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/AVvXsEitc083RUgi86MlxwisZfDHsdEpjhH8cy0GGGduaR0wTCkyRxSv9WWkxU2s7Y3x_OCqCFu1VD_Ohy6_21cArHOHEm_pxLCufmesn3TuRxIeEU6snGiBcG5wx1A39OngI4BCpKek_I9cgGXKs99tiXnmnL6RsPp5BipvCOIccvoOvGSv5vq_prynEsRctqXh/s6000/IMG_1616.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitc083RUgi86MlxwisZfDHsdEpjhH8cy0GGGduaR0wTCkyRxSv9WWkxU2s7Y3x_OCqCFu1VD_Ohy6_21cArHOHEm_pxLCufmesn3TuRxIeEU6snGiBcG5wx1A39OngI4BCpKek_I9cgGXKs99tiXnmnL6RsPp5BipvCOIccvoOvGSv5vq_prynEsRctqXh/w640-h426/IMG_1616.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frenchman's Bay is accessible by the sea</td></tr></tbody></table><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;">You strike Halfway Pool just past Frenchman's Bay...it isn't the half way point from Bark Bay to Torrent Inlet but in fact half way between Anchorage and Bark Bay (if you are following the high tide track around Torrent Bay). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is a very modest stream but I imagine it floods quickly when it starts to rain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></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/AVvXsEjAymhITSafXvkjSlqzOtxZKTuv23MTmqCpJmtNjiZfOhS78Kp5btWPe1uQu11vPh_b2ImFl5cf9p9DslqRnZg1k-svvGTntVfHE7Ud3JfmY40bRm0-2WiI1taF9Zf8nFiU_etPFaGn1pLDJq7X7_cqUlLi_zrvpK862y5b1Lm6jjDLHl_6An4e6CBfsp2f/s6000/IMG_1619.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAymhITSafXvkjSlqzOtxZKTuv23MTmqCpJmtNjiZfOhS78Kp5btWPe1uQu11vPh_b2ImFl5cf9p9DslqRnZg1k-svvGTntVfHE7Ud3JfmY40bRm0-2WiI1taF9Zf8nFiU_etPFaGn1pLDJq7X7_cqUlLi_zrvpK862y5b1Lm6jjDLHl_6An4e6CBfsp2f/w640-h426/IMG_1619.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge over Half Way Pool</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/AVvXsEgRb5p5AXvDurj47tvsGofnQLY9N7i1GlRGaMjaqC0-NI1fUBOeASbxWGgoyJr-0C8vNTLo77hQA54b-MXe7QROboJaCnh0hbfgiXecygkmtvqpY6pURxY5Y_YfDxSfIkB_98zYPNJ7tRdzWM3kAOH3_jKXKw_-JQ5nQH3RMJpTfj-a44cq9zjyJk_lC05c/s6000/IMG_1621.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRb5p5AXvDurj47tvsGofnQLY9N7i1GlRGaMjaqC0-NI1fUBOeASbxWGgoyJr-0C8vNTLo77hQA54b-MXe7QROboJaCnh0hbfgiXecygkmtvqpY6pURxY5Y_YfDxSfIkB_98zYPNJ7tRdzWM3kAOH3_jKXKw_-JQ5nQH3RMJpTfj-a44cq9zjyJk_lC05c/w640-h426/IMG_1621.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halfway Pool is realatively shallow</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was nice walking along on such a lovely sunny day...these have been rare this year as we have basically had rain every weekend for nearly three months now. The weather on all three of the days I spent in the park were good...</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/AVvXsEgkRebGO4wqlKxrP5XFgGFUbmybYTQcadqHJf7H4daY60-VWGTnU6NouXFjop7q7yLaSpDAxYcwWkdrKGGvtyAueObhrBemRh43EAwQZaW47fAWNBF6ihnxmthxQO4_7ccUXqhxK5KZ3xtYPQKE_k413Us_qZSz5oxRN2ChA6Px2POB43_JD8yKkp_cKQj4/s6000/IMG_1624.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRebGO4wqlKxrP5XFgGFUbmybYTQcadqHJf7H4daY60-VWGTnU6NouXFjop7q7yLaSpDAxYcwWkdrKGGvtyAueObhrBemRh43EAwQZaW47fAWNBF6ihnxmthxQO4_7ccUXqhxK5KZ3xtYPQKE_k413Us_qZSz5oxRN2ChA6Px2POB43_JD8yKkp_cKQj4/w640-h426/IMG_1624.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point between Half way Pool and Torrent Bay</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/AVvXsEghbulMFUAHNROu74FMX9ZaJDlIHQGNxzxGB6KUkzKps6f4CCTHm-79lEMCHxJqv973tX30BXl6qcPGhmvGtm402G9hT3Hh45E2jXV8DH7kj3wZRxqMm9T-7UlyphG0TooxeJjlGWdZ0rMhNNhqFZzY6ioUTiSRQ-fMRmW4-FEqGXuFT_feM_Q_rSJ-yYpz/s6000/IMG_1626.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbulMFUAHNROu74FMX9ZaJDlIHQGNxzxGB6KUkzKps6f4CCTHm-79lEMCHxJqv973tX30BXl6qcPGhmvGtm402G9hT3Hh45E2jXV8DH7kj3wZRxqMm9T-7UlyphG0TooxeJjlGWdZ0rMhNNhqFZzY6ioUTiSRQ-fMRmW4-FEqGXuFT_feM_Q_rSJ-yYpz/w640-h426/IMG_1626.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...highpoint of the track reached...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The forest cover in Abel Tasman NP is of two types: original podocarp forest and regenerating forest dominated by Kanuka and Manuka. Kanuka/Manuka are re-generation trees...they are usually the first to return after land has ben modified in some way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There used to be a lot of farms and other enterprises along this coast. They tended to cut down all the trees for building materials, fuel or just burnt it to clear the land. If you are walking through Manuka or Kanuka forest it was probably an old farm site at one time. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEiaLYmUkK020gzKhx6whoY94iL2GqohAMT9B03quqw5bTyGX9XijGfJuQaD0lNtqZFqaW_wqzT3Q6kRF7Hmi2rMZFOC-Mawq0P66PlYoCy5IIM1lw3WcvkeQxcIKRkvaU_3nprlPLmtAoWot0U3gaxObbfQP0NnjLuwmDZGrPw-lt8-flKLWyUa-z0j/s1247/AnchorageMap2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1247" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLYmUkK020gzKhx6whoY94iL2GqohAMT9B03quqw5bTyGX9XijGfJuQaD0lNtqZFqaW_wqzT3Q6kRF7Hmi2rMZFOC-Mawq0P66PlYoCy5IIM1lw3WcvkeQxcIKRkvaU_3nprlPLmtAoWot0U3gaxObbfQP0NnjLuwmDZGrPw-lt8-flKLWyUa-z0j/w640-h450/AnchorageMap2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map: Kilby Stream to Bark Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEjYt9Xevb8iF7zA3oQtx2yMSMb_zoHIbL0lL9DeEw_DiRfm2LhzxImGQMyfG0ajBPFbujrCTOCKj2bSd23-17_WoIgorJ-5xiaHlM_17ENMRGPGhxuJmLIxH7vQEYeKFnkpDGmvrWMRJV0dxfbMkx0c70XLZ4gRParWTGfCc8XaDB4TBTyrhaJ1n3QNif09/s6000/IMG_1627.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYt9Xevb8iF7zA3oQtx2yMSMb_zoHIbL0lL9DeEw_DiRfm2LhzxImGQMyfG0ajBPFbujrCTOCKj2bSd23-17_WoIgorJ-5xiaHlM_17ENMRGPGhxuJmLIxH7vQEYeKFnkpDGmvrWMRJV0dxfbMkx0c70XLZ4gRParWTGfCc8XaDB4TBTyrhaJ1n3QNif09/w640-h426/IMG_1627.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High point between Halfway Point and Torrent Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><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;">You walk through an area of wind fallen trees from a big storm about 10 years ago and then it is a gently descending sidle as you start off across an undulating plateau from here to the high point above the Falls River. It takes about 45 minutes to cross the plateau.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEjmgew1iaGjKAGup8INnEgE2u9vyJ7xAavxdut5nU-tvkXwkHIZyoCkH8CiROpK_xVyYcXX4YBx1rnZxYZT5LNL4M6X-R2nImZqZUI-Pfo3gL9oW8UFRv-jkKIICUyxXaTgQuFkKcYgvOztRTTnxrU1f2kVlemTGxCBBneWcWYLCMC_5TxF8tG7sM6A-86R/s6000/IMG_1630.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgew1iaGjKAGup8INnEgE2u9vyJ7xAavxdut5nU-tvkXwkHIZyoCkH8CiROpK_xVyYcXX4YBx1rnZxYZT5LNL4M6X-R2nImZqZUI-Pfo3gL9oW8UFRv-jkKIICUyxXaTgQuFkKcYgvOztRTTnxrU1f2kVlemTGxCBBneWcWYLCMC_5TxF8tG7sM6A-86R/w640-h426/IMG_1630.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area of downed forest above Torrent Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>Right before Torrent Bay comes the biggest descent of the day, its only to a height of about 160 meters. The track is fairly steep and care is needed when you are descending.</div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily the pain is short lived...</div></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/AVvXsEj-XARspfyHE_wzDIUKyUe0Hb9Gt-u_9wR_oolptwntV7kxT1xYXKHV5a1XFRd9Geusdl_JUExghYGIXju_r96VZoaspYNke_VlEEelcW49JYtTCdf-hyGtXsE_4LCkCWScnR6A7oEqYidNc5mrXqOQXsz2l3xa5q4CSjmq336YhvKz3W1tdihfi67LanlW/s6000/IMG_1632.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XARspfyHE_wzDIUKyUe0Hb9Gt-u_9wR_oolptwntV7kxT1xYXKHV5a1XFRd9Geusdl_JUExghYGIXju_r96VZoaspYNke_VlEEelcW49JYtTCdf-hyGtXsE_4LCkCWScnR6A7oEqYidNc5mrXqOQXsz2l3xa5q4CSjmq336YhvKz3W1tdihfi67LanlW/w640-h426/IMG_1632.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torrent Bay, Abel Tasman Coast Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The route between Torrent Bay and Bark Bay is the hardest of the whole track. Because of the nature of the track you climb two 150 meter hills over the day The first is between Bark Bay and the Falls River the second is between the Falls River and Torrent Bay. If you have to use the high tide track there is an additional 200 meter climb between the Torrent River and Anchorage. </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/AVvXsEgNqOe-RAICtRdLhgoGC3fbGbR0CtPiU0ZMThfFrJxmpEhiHFkuqbJfh_jhfMIYatCz7Blq-S0rDkn49-jZcbD-e9x2xnnHZPJ61p3bq4jIsiyArZqqXUA3xUxeLfIZePb4qul2LPFvJuds_mJMgKhyphenhyphencaeMTgo4RB5ez1-PadP7YYyhXqLIGtLDZ-jgylzI/s6000/IMG_1634.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqOe-RAICtRdLhgoGC3fbGbR0CtPiU0ZMThfFrJxmpEhiHFkuqbJfh_jhfMIYatCz7Blq-S0rDkn49-jZcbD-e9x2xnnHZPJ61p3bq4jIsiyArZqqXUA3xUxeLfIZePb4qul2LPFvJuds_mJMgKhyphenhyphencaeMTgo4RB5ez1-PadP7YYyhXqLIGtLDZ-jgylzI/w640-h426/IMG_1634.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entry to Torrent Bay, Abel Tasman Coast Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The landowners at Torrent Bay are VERY protective of their land rights so you must stay on the marked track while transiting through the settlement. I believe that the land can only be brought by and owned by Kiwis...this is to stop ownership leaving New Zealand.</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/AVvXsEjwJmw7vRJrTFHEtKjPVkPsSqCNj45TOJa1igXfb-cXQ-lswOVerl8dxDjRkUddMddhOTlbIZqYHvIRu13daH8KmsYMrCgyeNdA6M8PvorA1Vkqjg5LYEH_lr5Ndwg9zaruyLrEcqqEljywwwkWv8oTufULUTxVNJZFyFr-I-fHZ9KkSdSwWAh_hiXu3KwW/s6000/IMG_1636.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJmw7vRJrTFHEtKjPVkPsSqCNj45TOJa1igXfb-cXQ-lswOVerl8dxDjRkUddMddhOTlbIZqYHvIRu13daH8KmsYMrCgyeNdA6M8PvorA1Vkqjg5LYEH_lr5Ndwg9zaruyLrEcqqEljywwwkWv8oTufULUTxVNJZFyFr-I-fHZ9KkSdSwWAh_hiXu3KwW/w640-h426/IMG_1636.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mapboard in Torrent Bay near 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/AVvXsEhoE1gdfApAE-6rwiWYyB3JayNRZDFML26QHpbPoETDtp8LiJlWwSemR9Q6kaYIZzp9XCqCLIshstwBjV79KOWqHctyskAebO0c9VJxdf9dxBz7Xnb-nkdRkNfXT6sp_TGta_5l2HOvGVeSE-0ik1k72wv2HHagrTWCaxIcGBnABE0YwmFUIxzmVSRE2iSW/s6000/IMG_1637.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE1gdfApAE-6rwiWYyB3JayNRZDFML26QHpbPoETDtp8LiJlWwSemR9Q6kaYIZzp9XCqCLIshstwBjV79KOWqHctyskAebO0c9VJxdf9dxBz7Xnb-nkdRkNfXT6sp_TGta_5l2HOvGVeSE-0ik1k72wv2HHagrTWCaxIcGBnABE0YwmFUIxzmVSRE2iSW/w640-h426/IMG_1637.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torrent Bay looking to Anchorage </td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEg94KrG288hbPEcF_nBY9Axwm753rYsyxs-n0kMYp5La6hJ0Zu6akHkJjK7rHS9iWWUyD52IVuWnBhgt1GIy7nfy6awPdoaokvDx0zI7H8eAdZxi0aQRUc4380IuDZRG5lRQRnK6nm8lSfNt0xXLpub9MJC2dbxQJd3v5nP8tJalhNO4_Rtk5I3sQYf/s969/AnchorageMap1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="969" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94KrG288hbPEcF_nBY9Axwm753rYsyxs-n0kMYp5La6hJ0Zu6akHkJjK7rHS9iWWUyD52IVuWnBhgt1GIy7nfy6awPdoaokvDx0zI7H8eAdZxi0aQRUc4380IuDZRG5lRQRnK6nm8lSfNt0xXLpub9MJC2dbxQJd3v5nP8tJalhNO4_Rtk5I3sQYf/w640-h472/AnchorageMap1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map: Anchorage to Falls River</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Torrent Bay Village is a collection of private lodges and holiday homes situated within the boundary of the national park. Because the houses had free hold titles when the park was set up in the 1940's the owners are allowed to sell, build, extend and modify the land they own.</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/AVvXsEhZLp4oK8y0CbFhptXJJvj5Pz3fgYTqoxJosSYEvvdjgNHSonRUMWHxKUMu4WLL3mw3bliKOVkztT0cu-_KVt0zjCYd4GC_N4xJ82DHASw11CLU9CVtfuCgPoLVzmaZ6qkQcyJ5i8GeWedO6JucmGZPZN4YxlrfKjC8GpOKqHyRWPvTOReB35G1_VloX7iz/s6000/IMG_1640.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLp4oK8y0CbFhptXJJvj5Pz3fgYTqoxJosSYEvvdjgNHSonRUMWHxKUMu4WLL3mw3bliKOVkztT0cu-_KVt0zjCYd4GC_N4xJ82DHASw11CLU9CVtfuCgPoLVzmaZ6qkQcyJ5i8GeWedO6JucmGZPZN4YxlrfKjC8GpOKqHyRWPvTOReB35G1_VloX7iz/w640-h426/IMG_1640.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the Torrent Bay 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/AVvXsEigEFEvMOT9XWY4FjuJXdksW1yzIOp0XvL6LHvP6rPnpiQjpSQV9INTypzDdu9lSoDzIThweDFk2ZyCx9C-PxIxhe2Y91IA5aPtlh3Ch_SFkEP3ZPnH_rWjQEwicBrWgU_bSMXq6TK-AxDwt0mwxllgQxNia2GdmQj-U1wL5ZebRdyvDrpodC7AKkbfAUjU/s6000/IMG_1643.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEFEvMOT9XWY4FjuJXdksW1yzIOp0XvL6LHvP6rPnpiQjpSQV9INTypzDdu9lSoDzIThweDFk2ZyCx9C-PxIxhe2Y91IA5aPtlh3Ch_SFkEP3ZPnH_rWjQEwicBrWgU_bSMXq6TK-AxDwt0mwxllgQxNia2GdmQj-U1wL5ZebRdyvDrpodC7AKkbfAUjU/w640-h426/IMG_1643.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The track heads inland from Torrent Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> From here you need to don your water shoes as it takes about 20 minutes to walk to the other side and the sandy mud is full of sharp shells. I had a pair of knock off Crocs for the tidal crossings and they worked a treat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The crossing is about one kilometer long with handy orange markers to show you where the usual route lies. It basically goes from sand bar to sand bar from one side of the estuary to the other. You are heading towards a low saddle between Torrent Bay and Anchorage settlement where you can get back onto the Coastal Track. </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/AVvXsEjQvfdwOzvL4WAxgMVeZldhamBj7FqKbDSLy4dslq5G1mlROSoVrFV8bJCY8esBTgRR3JEjHV8IoLzF8sWZQHf8_u6enPM4Rh_syNMvGDulRprwTHJGufr2JgJuFlN3O_KkQY3q6uVEWOXMN2tTYK7VVS2xWWKbOCPW5P0_zBnEpoR39tXT-2_IWygwZgTX/s6000/IMG_1645.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvfdwOzvL4WAxgMVeZldhamBj7FqKbDSLy4dslq5G1mlROSoVrFV8bJCY8esBTgRR3JEjHV8IoLzF8sWZQHf8_u6enPM4Rh_syNMvGDulRprwTHJGufr2JgJuFlN3O_KkQY3q6uVEWOXMN2tTYK7VVS2xWWKbOCPW5P0_zBnEpoR39tXT-2_IWygwZgTX/w640-h426/IMG_1645.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torrent Bay tidal crossing</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/AVvXsEj75SB-x0CNrhI8q9iJLCKWl-NtjLCzbDA5xkVV5zjxcYreqMPjumecq6QlK4ivjU8iALllzExN6cIJLL6J3kvfWdrQrxkUnZq4qDa76nae4Mized8BMJBNt0PydcxhNeFAt2S145K6VlG0reUIlscYXUE0XHSvBiwm2oJZM2CLr5cC8h4-e6J3yZocMTZa/s6000/IMG_1647.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75SB-x0CNrhI8q9iJLCKWl-NtjLCzbDA5xkVV5zjxcYreqMPjumecq6QlK4ivjU8iALllzExN6cIJLL6J3kvfWdrQrxkUnZq4qDa76nae4Mized8BMJBNt0PydcxhNeFAt2S145K6VlG0reUIlscYXUE0XHSvBiwm2oJZM2CLr5cC8h4-e6J3yZocMTZa/w640-h426/IMG_1647.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...halfway across the Torrent Bay tidal crossing...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You may have to cross some river channels on the way...just handle them like you would and other river crossing. You need to look for the shallowest point to cross. Generally the wider the crossing the more shallow the water. Watch the speed of the water as the flow will increase after heavy or prolonged rain. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </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/AVvXsEikE4zEbKmXv5SlUunk7FzX1lvPmLD36Sp2LGueJEEpgLSFl4wPYAhyphenhyphenR1r9s5MUAqhjSDcJidw2aeyZyM9xJfILOo9YWzPmhxncBDgyv_ZfU2cv9Cm654AohCqBCGIxQgos3gNbVsWVkulaZuNf1tC7NoWMCmSBzmdT3WC9-ILCzV6jU51qrMFEfqN80wTG/s6000/IMG_1650.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE4zEbKmXv5SlUunk7FzX1lvPmLD36Sp2LGueJEEpgLSFl4wPYAhyphenhyphenR1r9s5MUAqhjSDcJidw2aeyZyM9xJfILOo9YWzPmhxncBDgyv_ZfU2cv9Cm654AohCqBCGIxQgos3gNbVsWVkulaZuNf1tC7NoWMCmSBzmdT3WC9-ILCzV6jU51qrMFEfqN80wTG/w640-h426/IMG_1650.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View back across the Torrent Bay Crossing</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/AVvXsEj14aXPD4IZHKyla3sNEhErTgY1FD04k9txscDSTx5Xss66ypxB6is8qY-E_zG7ZoZKDdf4Tcv5KaHieaVT5LfT-n0nvTACdsNjallOnZ1ffWEdVcheYpBG5vKOiYWfbm9hAjsSV_ekITm_kOWjVoKbK_5HKwJRvycK9_qVrJVRfOUwIsD2KEmtkqdgdq20/s6000/IMG_1651.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14aXPD4IZHKyla3sNEhErTgY1FD04k9txscDSTx5Xss66ypxB6is8qY-E_zG7ZoZKDdf4Tcv5KaHieaVT5LfT-n0nvTACdsNjallOnZ1ffWEdVcheYpBG5vKOiYWfbm9hAjsSV_ekITm_kOWjVoKbK_5HKwJRvycK9_qVrJVRfOUwIsD2KEmtkqdgdq20/w640-h426/IMG_1651.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...I'm heading for a point directly ahead...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once on the eastern side of the crossing look for one of the sets of steps which lead up off the beach and onto the track. You are heading for a low saddle at the western end of the beach and it is well sign posted with DOC signs and a huge orange track marker...</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/AVvXsEiNoOLIrp5Tlh6coki6E6pcQY5bmp4QYEXULJ-1xzFWCpggw8ggRLa-R3XRhCI1z7o2gkqpCD1kdu5W_3sO6p4Hw8xjJRW50zBZX06dweTJb7upxogdpDCu161rkJbAMThyphenhyphen4_BujUEqRQi7tqx-fRNGKMws4Otw9Ys3fwYaHQi_5doSz20P5qhNlgAMANCN/s6000/IMG_1653.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoOLIrp5Tlh6coki6E6pcQY5bmp4QYEXULJ-1xzFWCpggw8ggRLa-R3XRhCI1z7o2gkqpCD1kdu5W_3sO6p4Hw8xjJRW50zBZX06dweTJb7upxogdpDCu161rkJbAMThyphenhyphen4_BujUEqRQi7tqx-fRNGKMws4Otw9Ys3fwYaHQi_5doSz20P5qhNlgAMANCN/w640-h426/IMG_1653.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The orange track marker shows the path to the saddle</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the head of Torrent Bay is a short side track to Cleopatra's Pool so if you have never visited its worth the trip as it is only 10 minutes return and it is quite scenic. You have to climb up to the main Coastal Track and follow it around to the Torrent River. In summer time this is a popular destination as you can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7Mj_rI0eWE">use the smooth rocks as a slide</a> especially when the river is high. </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/AVvXsEiP2-qftWWTgAeyQqKb1LUqrFTUXGHQT4U2m7FQ_lPEsQLHCNAPBwRlRSGL9aOyavSWlzSwGiibulyWVTZQlnQ3dfbRjUBCIISGulEEM-jz6yl5L61qQpumRV6Vbsumg9uJfNIhu2W175VUvT0uXnPuYogMKD3qO8hreibuMop52ptI-Uwumwo7qKPi5jgy/s6000/IMG_1656.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2-qftWWTgAeyQqKb1LUqrFTUXGHQT4U2m7FQ_lPEsQLHCNAPBwRlRSGL9aOyavSWlzSwGiibulyWVTZQlnQ3dfbRjUBCIISGulEEM-jz6yl5L61qQpumRV6Vbsumg9uJfNIhu2W175VUvT0uXnPuYogMKD3qO8hreibuMop52ptI-Uwumwo7qKPi5jgy/w640-h426/IMG_1656.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchorage Beach, Abel Tasman Coast Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were hardly any people at Anchorage which was very surprising as it was such a fantastic day. As the day progressed more and more day walkers arrived. Most of them were gone by 3 pm as multiple watertaxi's came to uplift people and take them back to Marahau and Kaiteriteri. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oqw_ofWyw76aj9l9LLO64X3D86Or_MaRuSJdu87qwAP6M6U2G34LG69tFDxUjFMc4ppYYPlAKXqDE_832oq3KV1uRXtpf8vQPOv1AzyMJ3GVHftFYENeEYsDjhGfetdVRs9Z1Zt1UtaDzKSxEWj5GkzTBWtYabd2DJxNX0DfJZJpvnROmw14v_-d5yMy/s6000/IMG_1662.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oqw_ofWyw76aj9l9LLO64X3D86Or_MaRuSJdu87qwAP6M6U2G34LG69tFDxUjFMc4ppYYPlAKXqDE_832oq3KV1uRXtpf8vQPOv1AzyMJ3GVHftFYENeEYsDjhGfetdVRs9Z1Zt1UtaDzKSxEWj5GkzTBWtYabd2DJxNX0DfJZJpvnROmw14v_-d5yMy/w640-h426/IMG_1662.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchorage Bay sign near the hut <br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>I headed up to the hut to get myself a bed...I was the first overnight visitor to arrive and had my pick of the bunkrooms. July-September is the ideal time to visit the Abel Tasman as visitor numbers are low but October is also very quiet.</div><div><br /></div><div> I would plan to walk mid week if you can as that is when it will be the quietest. For most of the four days I spent in the park I was walking by myself about 95% of the time...</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfC-brNXX6WuKm5en83ujk7e6_RFnW_5j4y5d4Cw5J_6zqkqOqJ7HD3YrOqpeXA1iZy_kq7dXD8GYTMQ_uU11-Ip0ONRmATy4B7XqkUVHm7_BwrIwEapicdyjxb_-gD2qQcsoOyMZbFZv3lkPCwEqoxYrl62RE8xDXXGq3oOWNajqpP5DWyBIgYKFLrHMP/s6000/IMG_1658.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfC-brNXX6WuKm5en83ujk7e6_RFnW_5j4y5d4Cw5J_6zqkqOqJ7HD3YrOqpeXA1iZy_kq7dXD8GYTMQ_uU11-Ip0ONRmATy4B7XqkUVHm7_BwrIwEapicdyjxb_-gD2qQcsoOyMZbFZv3lkPCwEqoxYrl62RE8xDXXGq3oOWNajqpP5DWyBIgYKFLrHMP/w640-h426/IMG_1658.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign you pass near the Anchorage Hut<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></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;">I was back at the palatial Anchorage Hut for my sixth visit....it really is one of the best DOC huts I have visited while tramping. The previous hut was a copy of Bark Bay Hut that was showing its age and far less salubrious...this is an excellent replacement.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEjsc2qWCVO-kCIVu7ApDnq7_794F14ZBBxe_RjzQaZuEwTlwVRl3w41MEki29gaxv4wUTR729Yw6QkFrJiDZIzTvQJ2mNeMBZt_9VD4rBmIKVxL31hXyTfw8UHxmxXhBDgAXB-Dk2rQeaRddAR9HjfsFR_yWILt0YuDYOITS5qsbUOAwWPcokKazofPWZBl/s6000/IMG_1660.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsc2qWCVO-kCIVu7ApDnq7_794F14ZBBxe_RjzQaZuEwTlwVRl3w41MEki29gaxv4wUTR729Yw6QkFrJiDZIzTvQJ2mNeMBZt_9VD4rBmIKVxL31hXyTfw8UHxmxXhBDgAXB-Dk2rQeaRddAR9HjfsFR_yWILt0YuDYOITS5qsbUOAwWPcokKazofPWZBl/w640-h426/IMG_1660.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchorage Hut, Abel Tasman Coast Track</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjXi4aoVqKew0KjCC5766bjVxXONPk98g3ap-mgZdpK8Jq9WXfA319b2TLbG1Br-Z31MTWOAS03nB6usZLwIAXtdX1IbbigRfa0msh3JMwpxGmesCr6230-imR9NV94fWG5A3cCrzYAwqOQydT3avQEJreqLeaplYmNAN9tNUVMAS-k7NhchjZHkjbuxNR-/s6000/IMG_1664.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXi4aoVqKew0KjCC5766bjVxXONPk98g3ap-mgZdpK8Jq9WXfA319b2TLbG1Br-Z31MTWOAS03nB6usZLwIAXtdX1IbbigRfa0msh3JMwpxGmesCr6230-imR9NV94fWG5A3cCrzYAwqOQydT3avQEJreqLeaplYmNAN9tNUVMAS-k7NhchjZHkjbuxNR-/w640-h426/IMG_1664.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on the Anchorage Beach later in the afternoon</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hut has a number of 8 bunk 'cells' instead of the usual one big room (...to house them all...) so I chose the first cell from the living area. This was the second time I have stayed in that particular cell and I think it is ideally placed to access all the facilities at the hut. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEhtTScOEjOc2gfy84zYwSYaM_R_bv9l3ZQO1_cVuxvZr4Zy_rRGXPi2rCQOsACW0nsEe3WAoknKdFxx3yIiBpLNiQ5qMjT40hNGeQgyQGEB0xFrTu6yU3K8Y0YqOUqOV7IqZrSsx9lul7cvcbrKh20aEZTQhkseRsAPsrNI5Y8Bj-lD8Lw9A7vJzpw1hZUg/s6000/IMG_1665.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTScOEjOc2gfy84zYwSYaM_R_bv9l3ZQO1_cVuxvZr4Zy_rRGXPi2rCQOsACW0nsEe3WAoknKdFxx3yIiBpLNiQ5qMjT40hNGeQgyQGEB0xFrTu6yU3K8Y0YqOUqOV7IqZrSsx9lul7cvcbrKh20aEZTQhkseRsAPsrNI5Y8Bj-lD8Lw9A7vJzpw1hZUg/w640-h426/IMG_1665.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the sleeping pods at Anchorage Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I passed a decent night at Anchorage and it was warm and cozy in the hut that night. I was carrying freeze dry meals on this trip as I was trying to go as light as possible. They are ok for a couple of nights they just wouldn't be so great if you were walking for 10+ days. </div><p>They would wreck utter havoc on your innards...</p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>Access:</b> Water taxi from Kaiteriteri or Marahau, the trip takes up to one hour from Marahau. Walk in from Awaroa (4 hours) or Anchorage (3-4 hours)</span><br /><b>Track Times:</b> It is 12.5km's or <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">3</span>.5-4 hours from Anchorage to Bark Bay, add an hour and an extra 4 kilometers if using the high water route. Roughly 13 km's from Bark Bay to Awaroa. <br /><b>Hut Details:</b> <i><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Bark Bay</span> Hut</i>: <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Great Walk</span>, <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">34</span> bunks, wood burner, filtered water tank, wood shed, flush toilets; <i><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Anchorage</span> Hut</i>: <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Great Walk</span>, 34 bunks, wood burner, filtered water tank, wood shed, flush toilets. Multiple campsites along this route at Anchorage, Torrent Bay, Sandfly Bay, Bark Bay. <br /><b>Miscellaneous:</b> On DOC Great Walk booking system, must be booked for overnight visit. Hut warden in residence from 1st October to 30th April each year. Tidal crossing at <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Torrent</span> Bay or use the longer high tide track</div><div><b>YouTube</b>: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZwl00nNmpM&t=36s">Abel Tasman Bark Bay to Anchorage</a></div>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Abel Tasman National Park, South Island 7183, New Zealand-40.9050357 172.9670849-69.215269536178852 137.8108349 -12.594801863821154 -151.87666509999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-81064568842035440212023-09-27T14:56:00.003-07:002023-10-18T23:19:36.571-07:00Banks Peninsula, Rod Donald Hut, September 22-23rd<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...Rod Donald Hut again...</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I visited Rod Donald Hut on the weekend...I was meaning to visit Woolshed Creek but I cancelled it as I was the only person visiting that hut and I felt awkward. Rod Donald was available so I decided to visit it instead. </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/AVvXsEidgYi05y85iqin345fCEgk8xyCLkxpV0ETFXvnsprL4PGIbWuPgpCefN30a-cyfpVG_XGpy0suonNvqmSE8ybkkhSLhFmiK4ElBH878n8DvuPYFPbyAhjNUAyd5DsQlbgSG3x5eR71Ukfu5sjU1N75e0bDYyhY6wCKPBnI-OA_-rAIoa40pPHsKyr-ayCQ/s6000/IMG_1537.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgYi05y85iqin345fCEgk8xyCLkxpV0ETFXvnsprL4PGIbWuPgpCefN30a-cyfpVG_XGpy0suonNvqmSE8ybkkhSLhFmiK4ElBH878n8DvuPYFPbyAhjNUAyd5DsQlbgSG3x5eR71Ukfu5sjU1N75e0bDYyhY6wCKPBnI-OA_-rAIoa40pPHsKyr-ayCQ/w640-h426/IMG_1537.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ships off Port Levy in the rain on day one</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I started out at my normal spot up on Waipuna Saddle and walked into the hut in the light rain that was falling, The traveling time was much quicker than previously as I was more prepared for the walk. My walking style has improved with me no longer needing my walking stick to visit the hut.</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/AVvXsEjhQK4CXw-rOvOJHTDWSL_sk-K3QZy-0PYDBvjS78n1xzXlzFbJt77C--HK0UZFBZEaekZXnsJ1ha9x9jLKsk9-LGSd67w0EDle-y1Vp7deWwbVU-_3qVP4-PVlePGwoW2ckYOPiHLK1qOGf-DZrgM6KVS9qOUyw4eS284JvVkruYpl0jmZocG0oeFV5A4s/s6000/IMG_1538.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQK4CXw-rOvOJHTDWSL_sk-K3QZy-0PYDBvjS78n1xzXlzFbJt77C--HK0UZFBZEaekZXnsJ1ha9x9jLKsk9-LGSd67w0EDle-y1Vp7deWwbVU-_3qVP4-PVlePGwoW2ckYOPiHLK1qOGf-DZrgM6KVS9qOUyw4eS284JvVkruYpl0jmZocG0oeFV5A4s/w640-h426/IMG_1538.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...The track to Rod Donald 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/AVvXsEh0VyIh-MDhobv1tVq7fzxCmD_OahKhgx2btjHlBt5Dw6CU70T4Ro4_16oHH91AmwIzeqMxyC6A1yipRlaf2brVXYuGLhKWWKfAj4U6jAel8Q78jdxExILqve0fLdU4dLILmpCtRH9uP9mOvQDRWwRjkgvYC6-cVZwqjKoDdJ80qlEVo7VsY9HoCPlD8jJC/s6000/IMG_1539.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VyIh-MDhobv1tVq7fzxCmD_OahKhgx2btjHlBt5Dw6CU70T4Ro4_16oHH91AmwIzeqMxyC6A1yipRlaf2brVXYuGLhKWWKfAj4U6jAel8Q78jdxExILqve0fLdU4dLILmpCtRH9uP9mOvQDRWwRjkgvYC6-cVZwqjKoDdJ80qlEVo7VsY9HoCPlD8jJC/w640-h426/IMG_1539.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You climb up to the apex of the track, Banks Peninsula</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I soon arrived at the Waipuna Saddle and walked to the hut in the gathering gloom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEiPObEbaZiAyy3zmNNvNFrvsaIkyGQcCnEVbuzxRydkPSzvOcSJmyixZ39Z3h1hnvbhKt14xsiYy8w67i23eBpZUkdWkkOlbl6wyLHFcB3KR5iusaQjjvITk6j4KxBykkSNXhIwQF8D3_W6ayocAWz_X3zpu7v3My4HDGwZWq3FDogQ0E1P1gStm31pGa3E/s6000/IMG_1540.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPObEbaZiAyy3zmNNvNFrvsaIkyGQcCnEVbuzxRydkPSzvOcSJmyixZ39Z3h1hnvbhKt14xsiYy8w67i23eBpZUkdWkkOlbl6wyLHFcB3KR5iusaQjjvITk6j4KxBykkSNXhIwQF8D3_W6ayocAWz_X3zpu7v3My4HDGwZWq3FDogQ0E1P1gStm31pGa3E/w640-h426/IMG_1540.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High point of the Rod Donald 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/AVvXsEiReE_vBMiA2eaUV6cJfNfzMzprY9CSlQZ0SWyDqs8RsV1ExE_Nvmr_KJJVY3aMrGaxBFe3NZQafb-UYktNO5NfVN5wbgJvnN8ueJOMHD_xe_VfsV0vDvZ7TTLdR2YdjEvrFDkJ604wWCxRrH6o5fmBLfDoGdCXxqvx91utmWLNVRpPuRNIbgAdFBuMrF2q/s6000/IMG_1541.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReE_vBMiA2eaUV6cJfNfzMzprY9CSlQZ0SWyDqs8RsV1ExE_Nvmr_KJJVY3aMrGaxBFe3NZQafb-UYktNO5NfVN5wbgJvnN8ueJOMHD_xe_VfsV0vDvZ7TTLdR2YdjEvrFDkJ604wWCxRrH6o5fmBLfDoGdCXxqvx91utmWLNVRpPuRNIbgAdFBuMrF2q/w640-h426/IMG_1541.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking to Mt Fitzgerald from the high point</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It started raining softly as I headed to the hut...by the time I arrived it was raining hard and the weather continue to deteriorate for the rest of the day.</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/AVvXsEjJOK9LEtDPNj5UI8k3W4cnSS7bQ-Rsq3kjfrIaIQaxqZjXazwTwh1Pr8dPLnF20S_yLZiwdItzEltV54TPaFG0vIpw4hlnSMF-oVb10BQ5D7RzhMYMKz5Yuf7HZTze1Wzg_Mj7jehw3NAAqJNRZY6HknEtp_BMQQQEK8N_WplwVm3fCPXTuIzuhBgjssw-/s6000/IMG_1542.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOK9LEtDPNj5UI8k3W4cnSS7bQ-Rsq3kjfrIaIQaxqZjXazwTwh1Pr8dPLnF20S_yLZiwdItzEltV54TPaFG0vIpw4hlnSMF-oVb10BQ5D7RzhMYMKz5Yuf7HZTze1Wzg_Mj7jehw3NAAqJNRZY6HknEtp_BMQQQEK8N_WplwVm3fCPXTuIzuhBgjssw-/w640-h426/IMG_1542.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These three woman passed me on the track, Rod Donald Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was passed by three woman waking to the hut...by the time I arrived I was by myself and it continued in this fashion until about 5 when a couple made their way to the hut. I was alone for most of the day but I put on the fire on so at least I was not cold.</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/AVvXsEhX2sWN0CttQdQ_cSHWspRKfFkQviMaE6bCnOz9l8WwQ3mLkOPwXHfgiEOOe1TYYuPnzl1BYao5IKIqfjgYU2bFwTFUg3sRac8DQuw-2kaRWXINi6dghN8I1qU6I6MXyP44Wh60ThDKoSyXgorqucWSXMCODnN-_E4TgXEEvIdFAO_BiEaRRFQ0-iTGy01b/s6000/IMG_1543.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2sWN0CttQdQ_cSHWspRKfFkQviMaE6bCnOz9l8WwQ3mLkOPwXHfgiEOOe1TYYuPnzl1BYao5IKIqfjgYU2bFwTFUg3sRac8DQuw-2kaRWXINi6dghN8I1qU6I6MXyP44Wh60ThDKoSyXgorqucWSXMCODnN-_E4TgXEEvIdFAO_BiEaRRFQ0-iTGy01b/w640-h426/IMG_1543.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...they quickly gained on me...</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/AVvXsEhPOPl4kbfXINW6aiMdFpuRKj25iWBVVAol_3YKDcfX0lRFzTgYfIAnr3C0BJWt2-Hhh7Nfps4yd17WVUErg94T3fm10vRsOcQwdStmCcpVBQkAdEjAK7_U0uls1b3a344_4tHd2YO55WNxs88bMZGIsT7R8-7JU27S7i_GyOMV-tfUmWAjxj9wm1_QwoMl/s6000/IMG_1544.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOPl4kbfXINW6aiMdFpuRKj25iWBVVAol_3YKDcfX0lRFzTgYfIAnr3C0BJWt2-Hhh7Nfps4yd17WVUErg94T3fm10vRsOcQwdStmCcpVBQkAdEjAK7_U0uls1b3a344_4tHd2YO55WNxs88bMZGIsT7R8-7JU27S7i_GyOMV-tfUmWAjxj9wm1_QwoMl/w640-h426/IMG_1544.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...closer view of three woman that passed me...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I descended to the hut on the track...basically the first part of the track is across farmland and the second part is a gradual drop down to the hut. </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/AVvXsEiw_6f7DZq0ztqxkWfemzFiAVEixiuqq0LK3Nr4bNxVX2u_bcmoefgrIpJvrvno7ebBj2q3jCaeXeTMXao94e5hvBnSNISGNoCfNYRQCnr4X-W1fyqj58KRnH6zWgrXxdlB1QFB3KRJk1rrSU1EG_ENhSw7O2CZDvk3izBvw0nKbKuvlj24FBRnV6yeqI4b/s6000/IMG_1545.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_6f7DZq0ztqxkWfemzFiAVEixiuqq0LK3Nr4bNxVX2u_bcmoefgrIpJvrvno7ebBj2q3jCaeXeTMXao94e5hvBnSNISGNoCfNYRQCnr4X-W1fyqj58KRnH6zWgrXxdlB1QFB3KRJk1rrSU1EG_ENhSw7O2CZDvk3izBvw0nKbKuvlj24FBRnV6yeqI4b/w640-h426/IMG_1545.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending the Rod Donald Track in the rain</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the fireplace blazing.. Rod Donald Hut is a backcountry hut with a supply of wood so i was able to have the fire burning. The wood comes from an old stand of Macrocarpa trees that are standing near the hut and slowly being utilised. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEh1esc-RF-klWn87ypdF0TjZy6NqgDzbrCIgaBQ2ejQxMM0pjsyxPV0qJK6nguKfSHh8dsfxmOuP8CdmIlx2z6sQctE8-hJEQ3bIKowwRJFBdjevf42kNPirpx7tkVG5Is_0PbJM27SazEUIyMFO30Oz5VL9x-bq0hldPixpqqjovEkI87OzyXO5Gh4zLqu/s8000/20230922_150901.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8000" data-original-width="6000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1esc-RF-klWn87ypdF0TjZy6NqgDzbrCIgaBQ2ejQxMM0pjsyxPV0qJK6nguKfSHh8dsfxmOuP8CdmIlx2z6sQctE8-hJEQ3bIKowwRJFBdjevf42kNPirpx7tkVG5Is_0PbJM27SazEUIyMFO30Oz5VL9x-bq0hldPixpqqjovEkI87OzyXO5Gh4zLqu/w480-h640/20230922_150901.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...I soon had a blazing fire burning...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a photo of the interior of the hut showing the main room. It was good once I had the hut warmed up and I enjoyed some 2 minute noodles and some salami sticks I had brought on the way to the hut. </div><div><br /></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/AVvXsEiQGOI1mS6r9qmb1VZIEuhS7QSGi1ruSgiAURVIDZRaSPsPQ60ONJDXI2ncGIpUJArDqAJhFoTNubJA6c5p3nuaaHVU45A8clTsUJ_1wkKTm7vrRiIbNRrrbMhnVFDhVXusi8hiuT-Gxo4B38kpgaVwFT0VmZjaUAr5BoQhkYskjCcA1yhIgR_EDe8DqIF7/s8000/20230922_152001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8000" data-original-width="6000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGOI1mS6r9qmb1VZIEuhS7QSGi1ruSgiAURVIDZRaSPsPQ60ONJDXI2ncGIpUJArDqAJhFoTNubJA6c5p3nuaaHVU45A8clTsUJ_1wkKTm7vrRiIbNRrrbMhnVFDhVXusi8hiuT-Gxo4B38kpgaVwFT0VmZjaUAr5BoQhkYskjCcA1yhIgR_EDe8DqIF7/w480-h640/20230922_152001.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior shots of Rod Donald Hut, Banks Peninsula</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/AVvXsEjXDEd277TTzItzxtf7F1sShJML_1XeH2yrR2Kh-o--vijmJpiCCOnUy0aP1kKWoi-OyDmHNdioQQs8SxWb8lLePWUZVpmdHx4gXfWgvqcvzuhISApsNzjmzD9Z45V0q-6IYjD_0ngXaNAMrS7R-7EjB3HeNl0zjQewipfFc_xoY07C8INkpKVPAi9IRrc7/s8000/20230922_152011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8000" data-original-width="6000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDEd277TTzItzxtf7F1sShJML_1XeH2yrR2Kh-o--vijmJpiCCOnUy0aP1kKWoi-OyDmHNdioQQs8SxWb8lLePWUZVpmdHx4gXfWgvqcvzuhISApsNzjmzD9Z45V0q-6IYjD_0ngXaNAMrS7R-7EjB3HeNl0zjQewipfFc_xoY07C8INkpKVPAi9IRrc7/w480-h640/20230922_152011.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...I took that days newspaper with me...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I spent the remainder of the day reading my Kindle and cooking some food before I went off for a sleep for 12 hours. I spent the night with a young couple from Christchurch who arrived at about 5 having come from work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Day 2: Rod Donald to the road end</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On day two I was up and at it from about 7.30 and after I had some breakfast and packed my kit I set off for the carpark. </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/AVvXsEgBcxg3DD33IARyhSfuMyNFobMvz68CXnegyvfFcxYFaB24w1dquDm9yJKvj--z8IQ8ehcQUK5CiLabL-xIdV2X1SBF63ZKllrdZQPiV-z5bnxz2qkyt48RrmjDk_OVh27tj4HpPXytA0Ep1Tb2U_SMfrGCCL8MibF8YyCVJbT4yQrUIWUFTwTh_b5_AEkf/s6000/IMG_1546.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcxg3DD33IARyhSfuMyNFobMvz68CXnegyvfFcxYFaB24w1dquDm9yJKvj--z8IQ8ehcQUK5CiLabL-xIdV2X1SBF63ZKllrdZQPiV-z5bnxz2qkyt48RrmjDk_OVh27tj4HpPXytA0Ep1Tb2U_SMfrGCCL8MibF8YyCVJbT4yQrUIWUFTwTh_b5_AEkf/w640-h426/IMG_1546.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..leaving Rod Donald Hut on the second 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/AVvXsEgBA6n68ZnjG_kwuPG-6BVWYB55voFOyait8sau1TxSagUurJ8P7XO_SQffZEiemJwQIVPVqcr_AZv9Ve-7xYs7pvFEIwhnLy-Yf82cqrNg2fFwrDVdUGtDGLj17JJrqIn37rvhkWnW1Ky7pqx9p-0a8lTcCyP6N5ca1WMDv77pbZddKgkaGBqVtPU2xSq1/s6000/IMG_1547.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBA6n68ZnjG_kwuPG-6BVWYB55voFOyait8sau1TxSagUurJ8P7XO_SQffZEiemJwQIVPVqcr_AZv9Ve-7xYs7pvFEIwhnLy-Yf82cqrNg2fFwrDVdUGtDGLj17JJrqIn37rvhkWnW1Ky7pqx9p-0a8lTcCyP6N5ca1WMDv77pbZddKgkaGBqVtPU2xSq1/w640-h426/IMG_1547.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Rod Donald Hut in the rain..</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was making my way back to the car in the rain that was falling. I got quite wet making my way back up to the car because it was raining a little. I climbed up the track slowly taking care not to slip in the rain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj218VaVUAUiYbd7-LupUTjpczypr2hX_iDZuTlAFnuAC4yS4lkcS0dXgm8yOYaeuyRFX0HUJV9_ZkrQt5DTRrDHsEWv1jaOrnkdkC0nuSSUEIn7QJOWtsQg1HEwJ_v157qsVBa5Zg9QjbY3R2QRMEt_huKjciZlJ9oXxm_Nid9KMSJWk5QOKo7IwdMxrQC/s6000/IMG_1548.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj218VaVUAUiYbd7-LupUTjpczypr2hX_iDZuTlAFnuAC4yS4lkcS0dXgm8yOYaeuyRFX0HUJV9_ZkrQt5DTRrDHsEWv1jaOrnkdkC0nuSSUEIn7QJOWtsQg1HEwJ_v157qsVBa5Zg9QjbY3R2QRMEt_huKjciZlJ9oXxm_Nid9KMSJWk5QOKo7IwdMxrQC/w640-h426/IMG_1548.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Ascending the Rod Donald Track...</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEj5PCffqnAZfYNLZ2ZFHpLU4waVDKyNVd4DTEyfybGOzLYbQd0O-kbgXxdA_shbMp1Idz78Y5drDMyrPu-pNh1zFdjbrugHjSDIZwBlUCgoNVsQDpAUJYjcBqELV40u384UkgUCvDTX7r2aU-eBSwAczFPMdbBGYT9nnHd7LRTEsI7l7-gNV6o7pbrMXg0p/s6000/IMG_1549.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PCffqnAZfYNLZ2ZFHpLU4waVDKyNVd4DTEyfybGOzLYbQd0O-kbgXxdA_shbMp1Idz78Y5drDMyrPu-pNh1zFdjbrugHjSDIZwBlUCgoNVsQDpAUJYjcBqELV40u384UkgUCvDTX7r2aU-eBSwAczFPMdbBGYT9nnHd7LRTEsI7l7-gNV6o7pbrMXg0p/w640-h426/IMG_1549.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken of the third zig zag, Rod Donald Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eventually I made it up to the top of the track were I put on my jacket because the rain was falling more at this stage. Warm in my jacket I continued to climb up the track...</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/AVvXsEhNm21S6wfCWyX1p8OiJnKUDkRtzdW8u6aNsoQ3hO3T8Vk_Rrb_Z5-yV44YdtzNMU3lmlsaoan0Ptoj1HuvplqzE7YJ2_axAzMm3DH-7F21LJLFgsyvRkko2wrAjNKJKrEpbNsT8FHymaLvjDmqoQw97yj_AevwUAL2DV8rPMc_Tbye0_8p3KDQmEyvMGip/s6000/IMG_1550.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNm21S6wfCWyX1p8OiJnKUDkRtzdW8u6aNsoQ3hO3T8Vk_Rrb_Z5-yV44YdtzNMU3lmlsaoan0Ptoj1HuvplqzE7YJ2_axAzMm3DH-7F21LJLFgsyvRkko2wrAjNKJKrEpbNsT8FHymaLvjDmqoQw97yj_AevwUAL2DV8rPMc_Tbye0_8p3KDQmEyvMGip/w640-h426/IMG_1550.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Rod Donald Hut track and I put on my jacket</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Upoun reaching the Waipuna Saddle I stopped to take a couple of photos. I took a photo of the signs that mark the apex of the track and ones of the track just past the fences. </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/AVvXsEi01km7a4VYBz_Yzihh0bxQSijsiGjhJlovWtuNS1T3oD0RP1vWGZBVWcA0han9EmaPAkVlusOHb1dEgJOa0iYPPU_CSJbicxqquZ-s_YgaJQmNotS8HO8tx7bOWXr-B-BA0br7YSlMltLDkYd0RJpjbIUv1L6VFUGnO93fWMJRX2Vq6Cdsn3QHN0ZEXP59/s6000/IMG_1551.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01km7a4VYBz_Yzihh0bxQSijsiGjhJlovWtuNS1T3oD0RP1vWGZBVWcA0han9EmaPAkVlusOHb1dEgJOa0iYPPU_CSJbicxqquZ-s_YgaJQmNotS8HO8tx7bOWXr-B-BA0br7YSlMltLDkYd0RJpjbIUv1L6VFUGnO93fWMJRX2Vq6Cdsn3QHN0ZEXP59/w640-h426/IMG_1551.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture of various signs on Waipuna Saddle</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/AVvXsEjJiA7l_4_CWjQEIqhNEJsileD8oxtodl472Pedqin3BXKOHZjH6fVCTv7a7XUBGYagNjl4wdBSJHNXx0No2HXbeg91CV0HKh8EctIY66GMd2SxwJ5f4tnprvaLRzXos6kzFJVn-3_FdNB4Io0NJivZFk-VZxP5vxZ9sp6mgRRn5EZlXvmauikV5pAbF4hN/s6000/IMG_1552.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiA7l_4_CWjQEIqhNEJsileD8oxtodl472Pedqin3BXKOHZjH6fVCTv7a7XUBGYagNjl4wdBSJHNXx0No2HXbeg91CV0HKh8EctIY66GMd2SxwJ5f4tnprvaLRzXos6kzFJVn-3_FdNB4Io0NJivZFk-VZxP5vxZ9sp6mgRRn5EZlXvmauikV5pAbF4hN/w640-h426/IMG_1552.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to Port Levy Saddle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few shots of the down hill section on the way to Port Levy Saddle.... </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/AVvXsEjFfosm1sPolTlptxckuEYU6DPbemFBjI5Lh6NGU9fvUIFI-iVGF4lGDlyK-70dOriuvbLQC8-J2S7IDZFvBm3tieI-3qsog6alYP7peauf6uU9MQllrdBJXF-lXGPtDrm7pooka7aAWsi0FCNjjUAKyDvmMyfY-GhR1g4T8Zq1XeWu8771nrL6W9TsPAQw/s6000/IMG_1555.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfosm1sPolTlptxckuEYU6DPbemFBjI5Lh6NGU9fvUIFI-iVGF4lGDlyK-70dOriuvbLQC8-J2S7IDZFvBm3tieI-3qsog6alYP7peauf6uU9MQllrdBJXF-lXGPtDrm7pooka7aAWsi0FCNjjUAKyDvmMyfY-GhR1g4T8Zq1XeWu8771nrL6W9TsPAQw/w640-h426/IMG_1555.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carpark rises out of the gloom...Banks Peninsula</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/AVvXsEiN7eTJ8sTCLI17Fv4oVWLGk1zu4UZ-hN4ExeUhUE3VroknvMEuGONuIayCPwSMFYJ1OEpIIFvw_czD8aKgolBV2iJcth-DRUXsupgEnwszq_g8hGSDzt104Hq3et8foIkObzCDQdLaplL6Luk40DiZrvvLdUBirLTzoS_fyOiaPmvJgIKGkqgt9iYgK7TG/s6000/IMG_1556.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7eTJ8sTCLI17Fv4oVWLGk1zu4UZ-hN4ExeUhUE3VroknvMEuGONuIayCPwSMFYJ1OEpIIFvw_czD8aKgolBV2iJcth-DRUXsupgEnwszq_g8hGSDzt104Hq3et8foIkObzCDQdLaplL6Luk40DiZrvvLdUBirLTzoS_fyOiaPmvJgIKGkqgt9iYgK7TG/w640-h426/IMG_1556.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carpark on Port Levy Saddle in the rain</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I walked down to the car thru the mist...it was raining quite strongly and I covered the distance quickly. </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/AVvXsEj0Rke8m4lbNOq2JDVHwT38V9KN6IL2wTL_NWCygWFV0xAmbcxBOYEod5uVAfuqZd1jxV-9ZxPn5udnc-PwtGOXZ2N2aHr_zS9BthJ0C5IHsAi_QGOT_gGaXAz9SZHQCmaeHH6SYYqa05UUzdPUqwZLMxrd6hL7QfA7_WTsvB3nRWskOc9g54MZ8j6P1Ao5/s6000/IMG_1557.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Rke8m4lbNOq2JDVHwT38V9KN6IL2wTL_NWCygWFV0xAmbcxBOYEod5uVAfuqZd1jxV-9ZxPn5udnc-PwtGOXZ2N2aHr_zS9BthJ0C5IHsAi_QGOT_gGaXAz9SZHQCmaeHH6SYYqa05UUzdPUqwZLMxrd6hL7QfA7_WTsvB3nRWskOc9g54MZ8j6P1Ao5/w640-h426/IMG_1557.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sign near the start of the track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All up it took me about an hour and a bit to walk to the hut and maybe just over an hour to walk back...pretty good considering it was wet and slippery.</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/AVvXsEioa-cRHpxwVkCpq9BVPbPZYxC24mDAsD8dhGGp162TCAwV_g8MxM3Q2WV9mG_2yLs-XSs8abR70ywUvU-OFuY3AX-9HTbt60b0Koovm_WGqK8OQoq-C-E2UXf1bbDtGKbD-Lg_Cfr0zhLxiioCA48k7MsTPfDAXcs0bhU8iDt2PXx6t8da5uK8MsaYwYOc/s6000/IMG_1558.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioa-cRHpxwVkCpq9BVPbPZYxC24mDAsD8dhGGp162TCAwV_g8MxM3Q2WV9mG_2yLs-XSs8abR70ywUvU-OFuY3AX-9HTbt60b0Koovm_WGqK8OQoq-C-E2UXf1bbDtGKbD-Lg_Cfr0zhLxiioCA48k7MsTPfDAXcs0bhU8iDt2PXx6t8da5uK8MsaYwYOc/w640-h426/IMG_1558.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon after reaching Port Levy Saddle, Banks Peninsula</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like this hut and though I was planning to walk into Woolshed Creek it was a good tramp to stretch the legs with. I will have to try and visit Woolshed Creek some other time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div><b>Access: </b>Take the road toward Akaroa and turn off Western Valley Road, the hut is situated 2.5 kilometers to the due west along the track.</div><div><b>Hut Details: </b><i>Rod Donald Hut</i>: 9 bunks, woodbox/woodshed, running water from tanks, fancy composting toilet. </div><div><b>Miscellaneous: </b>The hut is all season and can be accessed right through the year. </div></div>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Te Ara Pātaka/Summit Walkway, Canterbury, New Zealand-43.7154192 172.7853152-72.025653036178852 137.6290652 -15.405185363821154 -152.0584348tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-31788273862660637922023-09-17T16:12:00.000-07:002023-09-17T16:12:00.134-07:00Tramping Equipment: Orson Raider XL I<h3 style="text-align: center;"> Orson Raider XL-A better 1 man tent?</h3><p style="text-align: center;">Over the break I managed to by another tent for using it is the Orson Raider XL tent and this one is in the orange. You can get this tent in orange and green. I thought the orange would be a better color to buy. The tent is easier to see as well as looking different...</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/AVvXsEjubOuwyuCPbbxx2ZBshoFC6cA4XxEUcLXAEVUUNw9WYcb55o51spoW5ktqCRUlyO2Aljnsz5ysw-Vi8fXl8cKmnCpCW3YLHsYlDxA65YbIA9l-dBqK_OmqW8ZoGSRvXXgTBAn4sCFoEx3hFUrsvlfbPUCocyXCK69ZVcGLbwa_VrZjtL9Z4juQki-F4g0x/s1200/orsonRaiderxl1Orangeedited-Copy_638234546878091068.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubOuwyuCPbbxx2ZBshoFC6cA4XxEUcLXAEVUUNw9WYcb55o51spoW5ktqCRUlyO2Aljnsz5ysw-Vi8fXl8cKmnCpCW3YLHsYlDxA65YbIA9l-dBqK_OmqW8ZoGSRvXXgTBAn4sCFoEx3hFUrsvlfbPUCocyXCK69ZVcGLbwa_VrZjtL9Z4juQki-F4g0x/w640-h640/orsonRaiderxl1Orangeedited-Copy_638234546878091068.webp" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..the Orson Raider 1 in orange...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Designed with tall individuals in mind this tent provides plenty of length with a size of 230cm reaching even the tallest of trampers. Often this is a problem as taller trampers find it impossible to fit inside the more shorter offerings from tent manufacturers. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></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/AVvXsEjbvOm3waRRIyV9PCo2RdX3Ymh29Gi6QLfu-Yv9SSCHszPuNnHxNjmlWeHxStgd1ARpgHAW0jjviPJLYzFmcHg-Ue5u8ZrdNdTMTdHgb0pZJVqKwXuXbFunLdshQvtWcULgQU0jmPsg9B2OrDm06N3o13TN1Yskb3aBA2hFQfBdYUP_E0wsqIEK-pSc6MAv/s1500/RDRinnertent_638179458541247521.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvOm3waRRIyV9PCo2RdX3Ymh29Gi6QLfu-Yv9SSCHszPuNnHxNjmlWeHxStgd1ARpgHAW0jjviPJLYzFmcHg-Ue5u8ZrdNdTMTdHgb0pZJVqKwXuXbFunLdshQvtWcULgQU0jmPsg9B2OrDm06N3o13TN1Yskb3aBA2hFQfBdYUP_E0wsqIEK-pSc6MAv/w640-h640/RDRinnertent_638179458541247521.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...the Orson Raider with the fly removed...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The dimensions of the tent are 230x90/50x92 which gives room for the tramper and all of their gear inside. The tent has a fly with a 3000 cu cm's head to it making it heavy enough to handle conditions here. It has a 5ooo cu cm's head on the floor and a bath tub base so it is effectively waterproof. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEjyxqFH9kAOBcYyiaXguUynHygxDOWnl3fUqrQwGtV3t_iCxFLErKcE7Hkwwn2r1iYteNWEiaJ7S7J4v8774zKcMVsWptzdUu98qjQUkwyO_OzR6jEQ1SJghjf9OoKzl7x-l00CAUsL8NLU7Lnh3-6_LKGIdnCocZKqj3DArJckIGomsz7V_iXATzkvsxmT/s1203/orsonraiderxl1layout_638234546876528461.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxqFH9kAOBcYyiaXguUynHygxDOWnl3fUqrQwGtV3t_iCxFLErKcE7Hkwwn2r1iYteNWEiaJ7S7J4v8774zKcMVsWptzdUu98qjQUkwyO_OzR6jEQ1SJghjf9OoKzl7x-l00CAUsL8NLU7Lnh3-6_LKGIdnCocZKqj3DArJckIGomsz7V_iXATzkvsxmT/w638-h640/orsonraiderxl1layout_638234546876528461.webp" width="638" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..Dimensions of the tent...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Raider tent offers easy side entry and an extra area opposite the entry for use as gear storage or for cooking in the tent. There is plenty of space in the tent with a wide vestibule providing space to allow you to use it for cooking, gear storage or what ever else you might need it for. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEilr8s6BNiEG6_wzjm7QUn9EGvEq6YjLesBfjW3X1nh8QUM5S-AYXzpJpv_J-XLaoU_g5uN20jVsf9eF7ohh4Ivh0jH9LuJzIsY6MeJTQFFQvIWnDQCnqA6TRrjAHInb8uf0cC8PFvPAJQgOIEu-PO2thEzkRiscf2WYNeoKrXdYdoQEtY_ScaVpKT8P-j8/s1500/RDRZIP_638234570894929591.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr8s6BNiEG6_wzjm7QUn9EGvEq6YjLesBfjW3X1nh8QUM5S-AYXzpJpv_J-XLaoU_g5uN20jVsf9eF7ohh4Ivh0jH9LuJzIsY6MeJTQFFQvIWnDQCnqA6TRrjAHInb8uf0cC8PFvPAJQgOIEu-PO2thEzkRiscf2WYNeoKrXdYdoQEtY_ScaVpKT8P-j8/w640-h640/RDRZIP_638234570894929591.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior shot showing the taped interior of the tent</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">With weight of 1.75kg it is heavier then my Copperspur UL 1 but the added water proof-ness and extra pole has led to compromises with the weight. The second pole has given it added rigidity but it has also added to the weight. The tent is fully seam sealed and has a number of useful storage compartments on it...useful for storage of gear and ancillary's.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I had yet to use it so I don't know how it will perform but I hoping it will be fully water proof. I'm looking at some options for camping to practice set up and tearing it down. I have had a go with setting it up and it looks fairly easy.</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/AVvXsEhkJe0KEQ7PrKODHeUKFB_71tbM04dZd_CYCQalTH2KDHSuANv3TetySDHjLcRfY_wj1YHczOtxWZJqcfAZc5QceB5p0XbA3aFwIKo4N10gbmhXeQPR-8aa_MdoPiV0UOMXSVQOFwLkgD8yEnHZtFLEWoWE8OxB6WCzBM8FVHkMbnUAtYVbm7lCcEPh__b0/s1500/RDRtentvent_638179458536507162.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJe0KEQ7PrKODHeUKFB_71tbM04dZd_CYCQalTH2KDHSuANv3TetySDHjLcRfY_wj1YHczOtxWZJqcfAZc5QceB5p0XbA3aFwIKo4N10gbmhXeQPR-8aa_MdoPiV0UOMXSVQOFwLkgD8yEnHZtFLEWoWE8OxB6WCzBM8FVHkMbnUAtYVbm7lCcEPh__b0/w640-h640/RDRtentvent_638179458536507162.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orson Raider: side view of the tent</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;">The tent will become my go to went it is rainy and cold and I'm looking forward to use it to its full potential. I'll put some photos of the tent erected when I have them.</p>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-32256222141821745872023-09-12T13:04:00.002-07:002023-10-18T23:12:27.111-07:00Port Hills, Harry Ell, 9th Septermber 2023<h3 style="text-align: center;"> On the Harry Ell track</h3><p style="text-align: center;">I've been working out on walking the Harry Ell track to get my fitness up. The Harry Ell Track is a walkway that climbs the hill just above Dyers Pass Road and goes up to the Sign of the Kiwi on the Port Hills. It good as a fitness track because it forces you to work quite hard to finish it.</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/AVvXsEhkWGRDwtHaOwOIJlBDd1SRilbWmpE-0LMdLeMqVeyhSHv5Q5g-zyxDTEtyAAX2pbUEbM1rfckxI61IyQH-UvDt-AuoKI8t5yfBzXW35vp7LOr--3e-uHdZyQ2Ufy5cgHMMGzqdV2uxpHhFqET58MkdGVelcNQv99Ko8uoKTe3JJUg_CvhowM0t10drysDd/s6000/IMG_1518.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWGRDwtHaOwOIJlBDd1SRilbWmpE-0LMdLeMqVeyhSHv5Q5g-zyxDTEtyAAX2pbUEbM1rfckxI61IyQH-UvDt-AuoKI8t5yfBzXW35vp7LOr--3e-uHdZyQ2Ufy5cgHMMGzqdV2uxpHhFqET58MkdGVelcNQv99Ko8uoKTe3JJUg_CvhowM0t10drysDd/w640-h426/IMG_1518.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting on the walkway at the carpark, Harry Ell 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/AVvXsEhaHlGu5UcDT57Dcuhz4KvGYZSJpTEmexBq6sU0N21KRU4qBX--UEu3dmyRhdCiUcVkJ-cJbDDaLDyDcYxsWXSSTGkCTM4LouWXTi-hnLc7ZO8TEKfu4TeYpJdlV1JDk4Ec5qpauM2uUQpBkbLNI2OakOHaCx_brkEcw_aA_Rz46z4TKCVannkwL18UdmSl/s6000/IMG_1520.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHlGu5UcDT57Dcuhz4KvGYZSJpTEmexBq6sU0N21KRU4qBX--UEu3dmyRhdCiUcVkJ-cJbDDaLDyDcYxsWXSSTGkCTM4LouWXTi-hnLc7ZO8TEKfu4TeYpJdlV1JDk4Ec5qpauM2uUQpBkbLNI2OakOHaCx_brkEcw_aA_Rz46z4TKCVannkwL18UdmSl/w640-h426/IMG_1520.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A platform on the lower reaches of the track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been walking the track in the weekend as a fitness track and it is very good...you are on an incline to whole way and it is roughly an hour to climb the track and an hour down. It is ok as a track as you are in the sun for 3/4 of the way and it is covered with scrub only for the for the top and bottom of the track.</div><div style="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/AVvXsEhNEvwpaUioNa0Fn2jypFcCJmGkCEBOuBpZTLzUbHhIYST7eXlVtQExPeUES2lTf_HGGuYIMq5709T9uiK73SGRFZT4yApvifPMtps0MDlGpHpnR7XjjbxWZTwicnBJa78XGZa65ZU_hujs6kpEsKAtBGiBENYCbK2C7hkT2KipUEAYLijBcc1lbl2fMFeQ/s6000/IMG_1522.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEvwpaUioNa0Fn2jypFcCJmGkCEBOuBpZTLzUbHhIYST7eXlVtQExPeUES2lTf_HGGuYIMq5709T9uiK73SGRFZT4yApvifPMtps0MDlGpHpnR7XjjbxWZTwicnBJa78XGZa65ZU_hujs6kpEsKAtBGiBENYCbK2C7hkT2KipUEAYLijBcc1lbl2fMFeQ/w640-h426/IMG_1522.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross the road and up the track, Harry Ell 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/AVvXsEj-lDtD9F8hlUKjIBku4yi6EZ3wNJd4IF_Hnmmj5YtwsK-z7wI4Q3muDjQanXOefOHuM1sO6Xwz80SDp5nwC5N8nhyvFWQEcoPndyuxyL9-AGgymZUNkjzjOmaVznJzOWcfyxStb8IoL8JVOxWgeNONAZ3RjiT_44me1ziKq0srlxAkygOCJZI7NQJqrnCr/s6000/IMG_1523.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lDtD9F8hlUKjIBku4yi6EZ3wNJd4IF_Hnmmj5YtwsK-z7wI4Q3muDjQanXOefOHuM1sO6Xwz80SDp5nwC5N8nhyvFWQEcoPndyuxyL9-AGgymZUNkjzjOmaVznJzOWcfyxStb8IoL8JVOxWgeNONAZ3RjiT_44me1ziKq0srlxAkygOCJZI7NQJqrnCr/w640-h426/IMG_1523.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lower reaches of Hoon Hay Hill</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are some spectacular views through the middle with the forest park and the Port Hills on view thru the section. There was a tonne of people out walking the track over the weekend although they dint bother me....</div><div><br /></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/AVvXsEgdEpGNKQfwDQWeqJ3jPjLz20C5_OUon0Mc0aRTazmnomXFLeYNYLzN3y6rNT1qbV12x4cC0O6-p0MnstzPrRwgTW3N64riWPEy0Ev07CH5ZYSWHCDi_jcMhUWV6ildpuh1uzMfGOuxMb3pX3BPvT8x3S-5ylVkPIJ124v4geiM4ec6G778DDfhKzx3mEsc/s6000/IMG_1524.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEpGNKQfwDQWeqJ3jPjLz20C5_OUon0Mc0aRTazmnomXFLeYNYLzN3y6rNT1qbV12x4cC0O6-p0MnstzPrRwgTW3N64riWPEy0Ev07CH5ZYSWHCDi_jcMhUWV6ildpuh1uzMfGOuxMb3pX3BPvT8x3S-5ylVkPIJ124v4geiM4ec6G778DDfhKzx3mEsc/w640-h426/IMG_1524.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Harry Ell Walkway up on the higher slopes</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I walked up to the top of the Walkway and then stopped to have a rest to have a drink of water. Then I walked back to the car on the track I had followed to the top...</div><div><br /></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/AVvXsEjeQjuEPcsFbEOQNPsNQZUF15htxLT1i2IDr8DKUYO9QHE4ZwLcV5UWPVYHr6w6qhbh8EmjWuuIwQbLggDfRhXLEy2hjVL3wxPWVPimDTTPd9m2-iWZZODNbBF99O9oTgLNRKXzaes28zaE-z40Fj7GKX4okJl4o1UJiFP_5J_aVlAJzaMjn0RWa4Df1jgA/s6000/IMG_1526.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQjuEPcsFbEOQNPsNQZUF15htxLT1i2IDr8DKUYO9QHE4ZwLcV5UWPVYHr6w6qhbh8EmjWuuIwQbLggDfRhXLEy2hjVL3wxPWVPimDTTPd9m2-iWZZODNbBF99O9oTgLNRKXzaes28zaE-z40Fj7GKX4okJl4o1UJiFP_5J_aVlAJzaMjn0RWa4Df1jgA/w640-h426/IMG_1526.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Track about 1 kilometer from the end, Harry Ell 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/AVvXsEjvGL_r555javGeCUSLuCjNONiOuUQItYxwOBgrHFR-pqyXWdsm3cfgCFJv4HXiDlUvIdsWGcWboIDpVm-2wPI4oE7XMsA3GfTz8RjuOz7l0qkucsxp_LZwipkiAa07YQ6WwJaMRDiuuyrvc_2WrSlwatYVb9UlXeCVMCpEjM9jZVSXjDAQV37NNasCbm2O/s6000/IMG_1527.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGL_r555javGeCUSLuCjNONiOuUQItYxwOBgrHFR-pqyXWdsm3cfgCFJv4HXiDlUvIdsWGcWboIDpVm-2wPI4oE7XMsA3GfTz8RjuOz7l0qkucsxp_LZwipkiAa07YQ6WwJaMRDiuuyrvc_2WrSlwatYVb9UlXeCVMCpEjM9jZVSXjDAQV37NNasCbm2O/w640-h426/IMG_1527.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I reach the top of the Harry Ell Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I expect to be walking the track on a regular basis over the next two months as I build my strength and stamina for the Milford Track in early January. I'm hoping that I can build my strength for this trip and I am doing all I can to work out for this tramp. </div><div><br /></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/AVvXsEjqcg0KG-JthfrrGzPaVh43lluRuYlvsg68P2XGzrpb4qcpgcXh3WTCwMROzonLlAT2YrrzPtwSdDiVlWDxWUr9JIxQE5NQLv19_jK_2YQxYmyC90TirFR2eP3QYciIk9H-Oz2VrSZ3IZUM8jg4jp0Zrz2FEnA2UN2u_wN_4QsEFdoc-vlm8g86Sibk92-N/s6000/IMG_1529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcg0KG-JthfrrGzPaVh43lluRuYlvsg68P2XGzrpb4qcpgcXh3WTCwMROzonLlAT2YrrzPtwSdDiVlWDxWUr9JIxQE5NQLv19_jK_2YQxYmyC90TirFR2eP3QYciIk9H-Oz2VrSZ3IZUM8jg4jp0Zrz2FEnA2UN2u_wN_4QsEFdoc-vlm8g86Sibk92-N/w640-h426/IMG_1529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper slopes of Christchurch Adventure 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/AVvXsEgLnnlOEziajf97yw4cjpn9KSBbY66pirPgCw95EES1_uHBIjFZL0hI3Ejdtz6Hg_BzY9AdKiLB-joM4EYdCQmlbQNsW9VEuCTE20SKdOA5dXq_BxTWjkI4KgPVQQAcEaP9hrGWKQ_tfflMVNIOpmfNQmu3w7zU8JfdLShYobTX4Rh7WYkDmmcHrOhw7dqh/s6000/IMG_1531.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnnlOEziajf97yw4cjpn9KSBbY66pirPgCw95EES1_uHBIjFZL0hI3Ejdtz6Hg_BzY9AdKiLB-joM4EYdCQmlbQNsW9VEuCTE20SKdOA5dXq_BxTWjkI4KgPVQQAcEaP9hrGWKQ_tfflMVNIOpmfNQmu3w7zU8JfdLShYobTX4Rh7WYkDmmcHrOhw7dqh/w640-h426/IMG_1531.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome views of Canterbury are possible from the Harry Ell</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have tramps planned for the Woolshed Creek and Abel Tasman to build my strength and am looking for some easy to hiking walks for the future. I am slowly building my strength for the walk of the Milford and I happy with my progress so far. The point where I will be able to say will be the point I can walk 20 kms and still feel fine...</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/AVvXsEjq7s2eNYopKbR4ScfER1Pz4pCSPiswfw05AghBe7dJ20YMTk0TckfU5hOGnsv97jq5Bf-zyQoAufrNj6LVuK_EBpx8gZvCG5TndkAnoPjXCu5xuMKgRUW9RpWp-j6ZuRSoMSHBBZRyxakg-OpKwSQYZoqDCefwf7z_NEZZmyjMBnsHq_ZJl3roMga8HNdD/s6000/IMG_1532.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7s2eNYopKbR4ScfER1Pz4pCSPiswfw05AghBe7dJ20YMTk0TckfU5hOGnsv97jq5Bf-zyQoAufrNj6LVuK_EBpx8gZvCG5TndkAnoPjXCu5xuMKgRUW9RpWp-j6ZuRSoMSHBBZRyxakg-OpKwSQYZoqDCefwf7z_NEZZmyjMBnsHq_ZJl3roMga8HNdD/w640-h426/IMG_1532.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Christchurch Adventure Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm hoping to get back near where I was pre stroke and am getting out amongst it in an attempt to get my fitness up.</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/AVvXsEheT1U2P7aA8g7sbRqm_oMixx2g_EPuwU0Dvtk6dqTyOcfBjVF4_zjp9SFkdGXL3nS0b8jIiN-65vdow8WBAjTHsqKPGd6JE8oexoKjuBzy_mGmArlQg8smj6niV4UTLTq6lKGvwgQEN_yoUefMVwiz3bWOpuMBQTo7es2JVUX1yw2KeBeqMHRia24mCegb/s6000/IMG_1535.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheT1U2P7aA8g7sbRqm_oMixx2g_EPuwU0Dvtk6dqTyOcfBjVF4_zjp9SFkdGXL3nS0b8jIiN-65vdow8WBAjTHsqKPGd6JE8oexoKjuBzy_mGmArlQg8smj6niV4UTLTq6lKGvwgQEN_yoUefMVwiz3bWOpuMBQTo7es2JVUX1yw2KeBeqMHRia24mCegb/w640-h426/IMG_1535.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the carpark at Victoria Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Anyway I look forward to the weekends to get out in the outdoors. </p>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-46084638748567539732023-09-07T15:32:00.316-07:002023-10-18T23:09:05.118-07:00Banks Peninsula, Rod Donald Hut, 1-2 September 2023<h3 style="text-align: center;">A Mission to Rod Donald</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am working to ease my way back into tramping slowly, as such I went to Rod Donald Hut on Banks Peninsula for a tramp. It is a short trip just 1.5 hours from the carparking area and about 2.5 kilometers. </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/AVvXsEiNE-LE7XywF7JcHdfnCmrsgMg986m06L18IvkcDZvo0T4Dt169rE2Ne874JG0zKnDIwAnV2xqwzvhPW8HsJ2WKuTV_bfOM42DoNsnZ92I3jR36cEujbZ8fY_4S9HBoch07LMV4Nb_xDP2b7S1A0XRVxxg9mIPkcVoXLgxD2jz7YcAkOJIveuLOn53QJFMs/s6000/IMG_1470.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNE-LE7XywF7JcHdfnCmrsgMg986m06L18IvkcDZvo0T4Dt169rE2Ne874JG0zKnDIwAnV2xqwzvhPW8HsJ2WKuTV_bfOM42DoNsnZ92I3jR36cEujbZ8fY_4S9HBoch07LMV4Nb_xDP2b7S1A0XRVxxg9mIPkcVoXLgxD2jz7YcAkOJIveuLOn53QJFMs/w640-h426/IMG_1470.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading for at hut just outside Halswell</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br />I started off by taking the road out of Christchurch to the hut. It was slow with the 80 km speed limit on the road emposed since July 2022. I cruised around to Western Valley Road then went up Western Valley to the car park up on Port Levy Saddle.</p><p style="text-align: center;">This is the entrance way to the hut and the start of one leg of Te Ara Pataka...</p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtfScM5REZwH3P64oVa1uW7_5hw4_VFW62W9Fb6pXcyn7EBJvV68UYUv69RpzH5TuvhHduyfioyydJqg8CKQolgxLWy9JIeLA37s48yAltY3rr5XI43kdWbgQYUvD2toL2gzf0eJ4WPb05dPD1xOhYS2Z20HTv7AaYI8387ln81FjvTcCtGt-Wv4fCNWq/s6000/IMG_1472.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtfScM5REZwH3P64oVa1uW7_5hw4_VFW62W9Fb6pXcyn7EBJvV68UYUv69RpzH5TuvhHduyfioyydJqg8CKQolgxLWy9JIeLA37s48yAltY3rr5XI43kdWbgQYUvD2toL2gzf0eJ4WPb05dPD1xOhYS2Z20HTv7AaYI8387ln81FjvTcCtGt-Wv4fCNWq/w640-h426/IMG_1472.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first bit of Rod Donald Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a lovely fine day with lots of sum and the tempretures in the mid teens,,,there was a cold wind blowing gently which chilled the air. I was going right from the start as a carload of people arrived shortly after I did...they were staying at the hut that night. </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/AVvXsEjud6LzQElLnlzTYIPnrD7gbkZh0vepTUB_w-NdaqJ8giCiG2cywy7td-Vj2fRWv-6BMVcmO98-GmV3bWNqglAgnlQDHg7Qf3xkKuDoglUQGScrmSyitXgnhqg_gk2V3LOkB_3z1ma-fR2emdx6FLgs3xZUluUYKLGdQ-pqQmIkCuQcf3L3U1Q-rnh3Fbo3/s6000/IMG_1480.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjud6LzQElLnlzTYIPnrD7gbkZh0vepTUB_w-NdaqJ8giCiG2cywy7td-Vj2fRWv-6BMVcmO98-GmV3bWNqglAgnlQDHg7Qf3xkKuDoglUQGScrmSyitXgnhqg_gk2V3LOkB_3z1ma-fR2emdx6FLgs3xZUluUYKLGdQ-pqQmIkCuQcf3L3U1Q-rnh3Fbo3/w640-h426/IMG_1480.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading overland towards Rod Donald Hut </td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I did not take any photos of me heading to the hut as I was trying to stay ahead of the people. I managed to walk to the hut and stayed just ahead of them...i got to the hut and managed to select a bunk and get settled in before they arrived. The down hill from the top track was difficult as I could'nt manage a break...I will take it ease from here on and go at the more slow pace. </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/AVvXsEgX35VEjkKR8aa9tUyh9oSK1u0fg3hBLtj5KvR54q-2gcvCwL7P_wdE0R49qTp6gKWA9QwToZIBavQcqQrd7euHguxkkrIbUyFswJpjq_V2zXrzJ8AlfkeTC09NYfVScjYo63N9fXaYluVpRnGSF_u8DS39CTNq_jGx91wooq4_vzKyoXY2BIOg5zxl_mbW/s6000/IMG_1483.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX35VEjkKR8aa9tUyh9oSK1u0fg3hBLtj5KvR54q-2gcvCwL7P_wdE0R49qTp6gKWA9QwToZIBavQcqQrd7euHguxkkrIbUyFswJpjq_V2zXrzJ8AlfkeTC09NYfVScjYo63N9fXaYluVpRnGSF_u8DS39CTNq_jGx91wooq4_vzKyoXY2BIOg5zxl_mbW/w640-h426/IMG_1483.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...the fancy composting toilet at Rod Donald 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/AVvXsEiqRR10z_CQIbt9STtTR_DlQnJwLfENVvmQxN8Dw_LOldf6YfUnkteNG8VE1SnZf7b6XpKw7LdBFoUbEtNyx106TyOisRIv3ev1hQN_YFXifx1X76L5Ye2zlp6yzd5oI6PHBtxpkFVNKWNVF_KIHwf0mJ3H8c8DO0R767Gl6Y1AHpLDBn1U6Fp9inF-yNBZ/s6000/IMG_1486.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRR10z_CQIbt9STtTR_DlQnJwLfENVvmQxN8Dw_LOldf6YfUnkteNG8VE1SnZf7b6XpKw7LdBFoUbEtNyx106TyOisRIv3ev1hQN_YFXifx1X76L5Ye2zlp6yzd5oI6PHBtxpkFVNKWNVF_KIHwf0mJ3H8c8DO0R767Gl6Y1AHpLDBn1U6Fp9inF-yNBZ/w640-h426/IMG_1486.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of the woodshed at Rod Donald hut</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Rod Donald Hut is an old farm building that has been converted into a hut...a genius idea if you ask me. They have the original size of the hut but it is slightly bigger as it has a number of additions added to it. I made myself comfortable as I was staying the night....I made coffee and had a bit of lunch after I arrived.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I was joined by five South Africans, a French couple and an Indian Kiwi guy that evening...the hut was full of people as it holds nine people. It is not uncommon to find yourself in a hut full of tourist at this time of the year.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0PgcpaV3QQ0whou8mZZQdWMh8vr6BGcunb2PEvWcadccoJTJBAjVfypTNUQGyU3CYPJoTDuDUnvEpvqjiZbRVIG8xw7rdJWOLYwkl6RtL7v9zBD7bx8iq-YO3971Tcdi4f9DTa37MYMQy6eCj5OqXpqrqdaREEXMIIkvtDnGVnejd4YojB_CT4e05hgi/s4192/IMG_1484-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="4192" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0PgcpaV3QQ0whou8mZZQdWMh8vr6BGcunb2PEvWcadccoJTJBAjVfypTNUQGyU3CYPJoTDuDUnvEpvqjiZbRVIG8xw7rdJWOLYwkl6RtL7v9zBD7bx8iq-YO3971Tcdi4f9DTa37MYMQy6eCj5OqXpqrqdaREEXMIIkvtDnGVnejd4YojB_CT4e05hgi/w640-h426/IMG_1484-EDIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Rod Donald Hut in Western Valley</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/AVvXsEjzqsz2tWhGhpwdcuMPfJYgLGvJGtzZwE6LmR8tkwI-vV9vKJh4FnThWSf5pPi2m2ZHU-qddlKau6KmyDwSzlESLezGiNVPNxiIhSEojMMMb_IkJ34MiabcWyzZG1cn1jqlI8GRX6AFYWOpxP0lFyZwUdya2T5DGESM3sSTmSS5zzTtBDJGG2LBUnv7R-ov/s3984/IMG_5721.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2656" data-original-width="3984" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqsz2tWhGhpwdcuMPfJYgLGvJGtzZwE6LmR8tkwI-vV9vKJh4FnThWSf5pPi2m2ZHU-qddlKau6KmyDwSzlESLezGiNVPNxiIhSEojMMMb_IkJ34MiabcWyzZG1cn1jqlI8GRX6AFYWOpxP0lFyZwUdya2T5DGESM3sSTmSS5zzTtBDJGG2LBUnv7R-ov/w640-h426/IMG_5721.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rod Donald Hut, Banks Peninsula</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a view of the kitchen on arrival...it is light and airy as you can see it will easily hold nine folks in comfort and style. </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/AVvXsEjPD-htFpm16k8Pv_CigxxCjfTBpUWKi_yZYWoKbAzqEu-mWw_qLUvi9rYWNaHXLaEoUP2isvkv8sGOFIsvPaSfm3ys8rsZ6KjJFrx8Uzg_OyucZuqEr5kE0At-9QSXhVXZ_lrwZk6LW3bjQjIIZZ6DvG3VuUzSdSSE0jiBIbrFT_VCpiT9qieyAPZlSPVd/s3984/IMG_5745.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2656" data-original-width="3984" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPD-htFpm16k8Pv_CigxxCjfTBpUWKi_yZYWoKbAzqEu-mWw_qLUvi9rYWNaHXLaEoUP2isvkv8sGOFIsvPaSfm3ys8rsZ6KjJFrx8Uzg_OyucZuqEr5kE0At-9QSXhVXZ_lrwZk6LW3bjQjIIZZ6DvG3VuUzSdSSE0jiBIbrFT_VCpiT9qieyAPZlSPVd/w640-h426/IMG_5745.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...interior of the Rod Donald Hut...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEiecjk_3gOM1p3k6hhQRmzWBC7myLsexGFCZrGTgbOgi5dU8CzhOoYOBXA-pUWoZPPzrTnT4H8fGcx0Nsk4zQlGxnf1w0JaPpRQZ8pvhNrNSsxrIEVTQYAdXXA54orklqffOBGX4XT-Y1mcZDIu-E4-ilxAu6UquRu_Z3udCzQSNtxfUunXtX8aA9qRRb4T/s6000/IMG_1488.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecjk_3gOM1p3k6hhQRmzWBC7myLsexGFCZrGTgbOgi5dU8CzhOoYOBXA-pUWoZPPzrTnT4H8fGcx0Nsk4zQlGxnf1w0JaPpRQZ8pvhNrNSsxrIEVTQYAdXXA54orklqffOBGX4XT-Y1mcZDIu-E4-ilxAu6UquRu_Z3udCzQSNtxfUunXtX8aA9qRRb4T/w640-h426/IMG_1488.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the hut on day one., Rod Donald Track</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I spent the afternoon around the hut...i had started the walk into the hut at 1 pm so I must have got to the hut sometime about 2 pm in the afternoon. I spent the time sitting outside in the sun and sun bathing...</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/AVvXsEgI3Q0btUbs-Ggxe1I_Hvme6BN4c7x1iXFNNo8XZZWlSLDpcDvmTgcxe98THJsDvX7X1HR95sWMjKh3O1MLpIjF09e1rZCaRzGsFMQNt08WwTCxiZ_5vNVTVpwrNsaFemxG1shj69Q-r5YWzZqVPQNBRtGt3i8GZk2PxzSsxjw2_YR5MXImTWwvTQmlqXE8/s8000/20230901_124630.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8000" data-original-width="6000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3Q0btUbs-Ggxe1I_Hvme6BN4c7x1iXFNNo8XZZWlSLDpcDvmTgcxe98THJsDvX7X1HR95sWMjKh3O1MLpIjF09e1rZCaRzGsFMQNt08WwTCxiZ_5vNVTVpwrNsaFemxG1shj69Q-r5YWzZqVPQNBRtGt3i8GZk2PxzSsxjw2_YR5MXImTWwvTQmlqXE8/w480-h640/20230901_124630.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Western Valley thru the windows</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I manage to spend the day around the hut...I spent the afternoon lying in the grass outside in the sun and contemplated life. Later I had some dinner and spent the remainder of the night in the hut which was warm as I had light the fire.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I got up on the second day and after breakfast made my way to the top of the trail. I like to get going early and this was no exception and I found myself at the crossroad of the track before 8.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSQpEEv0ITnVGHW0_qC00BrJFC61mHWEuOV15_XtUJzF9CBm6HEQa1FmlxOWDaW2CQ0I1qyZKxKeoM7svGsC-n9_cbFw5zLRa05OX5AcUijHNzaDRUScYnF6c_QtVmjSrkyoc3Hizt2xZwdS5nOgdwNKeOZ3KvOu3HHnIKDQQtly8NxsgLNfDW7qD4nnU/s3984/IMG_5790.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2656" data-original-width="3984" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSQpEEv0ITnVGHW0_qC00BrJFC61mHWEuOV15_XtUJzF9CBm6HEQa1FmlxOWDaW2CQ0I1qyZKxKeoM7svGsC-n9_cbFw5zLRa05OX5AcUijHNzaDRUScYnF6c_QtVmjSrkyoc3Hizt2xZwdS5nOgdwNKeOZ3KvOu3HHnIKDQQtly8NxsgLNfDW7qD4nnU/w640-h426/IMG_5790.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making my way up the Rod Donald Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I stopped at Waipua Saddle and had a drink...I pondered which way the prevailing wind blow... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </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/AVvXsEhzkO-oh2Dv9dwKjEtbadZg_J852B7RVO99xHzDpsEbZoi8roFEo3vfZMaDRR4M_UEbkcJ4Lne1CivV4xbcPLfFBhYAs7gJet5vBxmJSkdZuvyR-TdQ3tRIFNGiVZlYk0FbFgL40w52XLgIPA67hJ7uHUZ2OhtqO7VedQX2yQLAcoXPnMmfzyvGuFbQuXN_/s3984/IMG_5835.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2656" data-original-width="3984" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkO-oh2Dv9dwKjEtbadZg_J852B7RVO99xHzDpsEbZoi8roFEo3vfZMaDRR4M_UEbkcJ4Lne1CivV4xbcPLfFBhYAs7gJet5vBxmJSkdZuvyR-TdQ3tRIFNGiVZlYk0FbFgL40w52XLgIPA67hJ7uHUZ2OhtqO7VedQX2yQLAcoXPnMmfzyvGuFbQuXN_/w640-h426/IMG_5835.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which way do the prevailing winds blow...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><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_X6V7K2rjDl7dVWQEZmaulFW8pKSJn7WcC2sdTWhdFKwM1m25eoupC7xGXJpBzpOkWqAHZKn4s-Shncmrb--xSp6bFiTw9ELXC2dNyFGAOuiH1nWUSOIrlD-ORol_nTRO-Vr9fVD105o8aEIRyyqimYuVmA_WdHm7qUZplOhftfqdo4jTDvOy7fTbc-e6/s3984/IMG_5824.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2656" data-original-width="3984" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_X6V7K2rjDl7dVWQEZmaulFW8pKSJn7WcC2sdTWhdFKwM1m25eoupC7xGXJpBzpOkWqAHZKn4s-Shncmrb--xSp6bFiTw9ELXC2dNyFGAOuiH1nWUSOIrlD-ORol_nTRO-Vr9fVD105o8aEIRyyqimYuVmA_WdHm7qUZplOhftfqdo4jTDvOy7fTbc-e6/w640-h426/IMG_5824.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign post on the main Te ara Pataka track</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once I reached the high point I just had the down hill section to complete and quickly walked down and to my car. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEjhje1nrx4Xu87d43t6J8n0S5ypGIfwWRsCWJSLNOB8m6euKf3W8RrIMqP8K1lFFJbaZkDGJOCmc1tE_njDDgBEhMtzdlg9uDwjnUxmhHu2J_M-lCGeP_pdmhgvXd8CybI8GoQ3kAxaeDwtyyjG0RbgsLwUlbF6tMFeSgrhKb_W1yt99K-YHWqfM39yJXJX/s3984/IMG_5874.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2656" data-original-width="3984" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhje1nrx4Xu87d43t6J8n0S5ypGIfwWRsCWJSLNOB8m6euKf3W8RrIMqP8K1lFFJbaZkDGJOCmc1tE_njDDgBEhMtzdlg9uDwjnUxmhHu2J_M-lCGeP_pdmhgvXd8CybI8GoQ3kAxaeDwtyyjG0RbgsLwUlbF6tMFeSgrhKb_W1yt99K-YHWqfM39yJXJX/w640-h426/IMG_5874.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...the end of the track comes into view....</td></tr></tbody></table><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All up it took me about an hour and a bit to walk to the hut and maybe just over an hour to walk back...pretty good considering it was my first tramp.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEgsY01WN6AFMwH7IDtMy1zFiRX_Grpkl4pLlNid7nr_r7fsFZU4nk31rSrBoLNUw5ZW543kOulRGcv3ywv22FqLgtA3h_JcdXXoWMUPCDVJIk7KAx4Xf3VbxhXZDxrgwOzY1P2GCq3aSpn-O-boL2eiDb-J2fqwOnV34g_-uxFh7nXiTBufZ3nM0QpcAxi1/s3984/IMG_5899.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2656" data-original-width="3984" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsY01WN6AFMwH7IDtMy1zFiRX_Grpkl4pLlNid7nr_r7fsFZU4nk31rSrBoLNUw5ZW543kOulRGcv3ywv22FqLgtA3h_JcdXXoWMUPCDVJIk7KAx4Xf3VbxhXZDxrgwOzY1P2GCq3aSpn-O-boL2eiDb-J2fqwOnV34g_-uxFh7nXiTBufZ3nM0QpcAxi1/w640-h426/IMG_5899.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finish of the track, Rod Donald Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will head to Woolshed Creek Hut in a couple of weeks to my delight. I want to see if I need multiple hours to reach the hut. Normally it takes me about 3 hours to cover the distance...I'm thinking it could be a bit slower. I will give me a measure to judge if I am going to be able to cover the distance on the Milford Track...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Access: </b>Take the road toward Akaroa and turn off Western Valley Road, the hut is situated 2.5 kilometers to the due west along the track.</div><div><b>Hut Details: </b>Rod Donald Hut: 9 bunks, woodbox/woodshed, running water from tanks, fancy composting toilet. </div><div><b>Miscellaneous: </b>The hut is all season and can be accessed right through the year. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Unnamed Road, Port Levy Saddle, Purau 8972, New Zealand-43.7151202 172.7839681-72.02535403617884 137.6277181 -15.404886363821156 -152.05978189999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-43799597367797763362023-09-06T17:36:00.000-07:002023-09-06T17:36:18.510-07:00Whats happening with Jon...<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> What's happenin.....</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </h2><p style="text-align: center;">I thought I would give you an update on my condition...</p><p><br /></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/AVvXsEgqnPUDyuA2yCjPugsh3tc_wZP1wm-gpMmPtQ0METwQ-d_kLggHmD6X5WuM6cpkDqhKafkxbhu9InB-6j_zvUl55sZ3zWkt1cInptzRKyk8SndUmtI6Oa6gQuWbOMiJRtGcDjFjDQuCeV8sDl5VVDzdvlBRlOuA_kqo_4i2fo2k_2Jmb73ckOt7ISOmC0f8/s6000/IMG_1455.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnPUDyuA2yCjPugsh3tc_wZP1wm-gpMmPtQ0METwQ-d_kLggHmD6X5WuM6cpkDqhKafkxbhu9InB-6j_zvUl55sZ3zWkt1cInptzRKyk8SndUmtI6Oa6gQuWbOMiJRtGcDjFjDQuCeV8sDl5VVDzdvlBRlOuA_kqo_4i2fo2k_2Jmb73ckOt7ISOmC0f8/w640-h426/IMG_1455.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog lies sential over Hanmer Forest</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">In early June I suffered a minor stroke so I found myself tired and a bit confused. I was in the hospital for 1 week and then I was thinking I was done with it. Then in early July a had another which was a bit more serious and affected my speech to a high degree.</p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SY4oiUYm5G2gpH34ATP5FkHmwVg9Ez_TrHCFhdL5ZbKvv4GcjHwMKKlSDZqvb4nYIqrLgnFrgfjOtMkRAczNbavb5aG3AmnoXW1r8tw1eUPoebIXPK35KFBIiJTtabMwceFWJ2QfLXQ4X0kafBRgbvWbB-CfiChUQQNK5U5XxWi9d6CTP04nypjMhakK/s6000/IMG_1457.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SY4oiUYm5G2gpH34ATP5FkHmwVg9Ez_TrHCFhdL5ZbKvv4GcjHwMKKlSDZqvb4nYIqrLgnFrgfjOtMkRAczNbavb5aG3AmnoXW1r8tw1eUPoebIXPK35KFBIiJTtabMwceFWJ2QfLXQ4X0kafBRgbvWbB-CfiChUQQNK5U5XxWi9d6CTP04nypjMhakK/w640-h426/IMG_1457.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantails up the tree. Hanmer Forest</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Despite the effort to kill me a have now recovered and I am starting my tramping program once again, I remain commit to my orginal plan to go walk the Milford Track in December but we will have to see...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEiH8rLti5p6d-JVnc7mM3-_gmW-voni0qSZVPjnSHylX2bm3cwbm1gbmNpYFjMNJfNgThl91ERg5E22EFaVooryg0TVeUIezIgcKlj7X-KlE9YdsTO2_LujzaBjyUGnMoDv3-GI2VO_UGEkti_3ujOiKmmIhJHmd0aB03I0nEUInfwVpnntY9BuFMfIIymE/s6000/IMG_1462.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8rLti5p6d-JVnc7mM3-_gmW-voni0qSZVPjnSHylX2bm3cwbm1gbmNpYFjMNJfNgThl91ERg5E22EFaVooryg0TVeUIezIgcKlj7X-KlE9YdsTO2_LujzaBjyUGnMoDv3-GI2VO_UGEkti_3ujOiKmmIhJHmd0aB03I0nEUInfwVpnntY9BuFMfIIymE/w640-h426/IMG_1462.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trio of rats in Hanmer Forest</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/AVvXsEgvpISu8lYXlLR5jjWcT3srfDWZLnANboVT0Jo-VT_0CuaVicu7J-Gm8p4mNKenQTTJhcey62Ud2sqo61bUd5eoA-z0cEBBco4tuXK9ZCVdFhz-ShseRctDoAXZlcPFyWGDKSK-iFZlkqu3_tFAu6hRf77u9mMWkomxPZ1Vvmk3XjiDM39EmCayz2lfPo1X/s6000/IMG_1464.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpISu8lYXlLR5jjWcT3srfDWZLnANboVT0Jo-VT_0CuaVicu7J-Gm8p4mNKenQTTJhcey62Ud2sqo61bUd5eoA-z0cEBBco4tuXK9ZCVdFhz-ShseRctDoAXZlcPFyWGDKSK-iFZlkqu3_tFAu6hRf77u9mMWkomxPZ1Vvmk3XjiDM39EmCayz2lfPo1X/w640-h426/IMG_1464.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This eagle is near the forest clearing, Hanmer Forest</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Despite that here are some photos of the forest in Hanmer to see you thru...I visited Hanmer in early August and have not yet posted the photos here. These carvings are in the forest at the start of the walk around the forest. They have been carved by a artist from Canterbury...</p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYcH3XHaJK54jH_2QNAFXW-SjWwLSL75ewh7sAWXhxAJ_gmH_vMP6946W_Sv9ZM1WJdJbzPHWaFP1qRbJb4dE1T6gbolaPjhh-vvenALgMRWOaT-argFufbpa2DoMb-TytGd8hFqEM1TciyPPxDk6mhQsLChXSb39xr_9xVH80pTbSEitaGTk2YOQVqVs/s6000/IMG_1469.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYcH3XHaJK54jH_2QNAFXW-SjWwLSL75ewh7sAWXhxAJ_gmH_vMP6946W_Sv9ZM1WJdJbzPHWaFP1qRbJb4dE1T6gbolaPjhh-vvenALgMRWOaT-argFufbpa2DoMb-TytGd8hFqEM1TciyPPxDk6mhQsLChXSb39xr_9xVH80pTbSEitaGTk2YOQVqVs/w640-h426/IMG_1469.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sleeping deer waits to be roused</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">The rest of 2023 will see me out and visiting a few old haunts as I build my fitness for the Mifoard Track.</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/AVvXsEj8UnjGgmYdG6zYHqZDgdSyMlEB7vna2hdKqM1pvtedlY-UND_dQm-78PxjM9xXkMZqH97jFQlGgfDUHrQtqqaTKKAvJlz4Ed-IEez9OS5fez_M_ifudfxL7PGavqxvrtAx-0dxsSqjM_MaeUwsO4KacIqUgadJnviIyOZKRUvDRCZbEYFkhjr6TlxhwC9q/s6000/IMG_1468.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UnjGgmYdG6zYHqZDgdSyMlEB7vna2hdKqM1pvtedlY-UND_dQm-78PxjM9xXkMZqH97jFQlGgfDUHrQtqqaTKKAvJlz4Ed-IEez9OS5fez_M_ifudfxL7PGavqxvrtAx-0dxsSqjM_MaeUwsO4KacIqUgadJnviIyOZKRUvDRCZbEYFkhjr6TlxhwC9q/w640-h426/IMG_1468.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the final carvings in Hanmer Forest...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will post about my travels once the are done...</div><p><br /></p><p></p>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Hanmer Forest, Hanmer Springs 7334, New Zealand-42.542679199999988 172.8778089-70.852913036178833 137.7215589 -14.232445363821142 -151.9659411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-26395583327853059022023-09-03T18:36:00.000-07:002023-11-12T15:44:22.195-08:00Nelson Lakes National Park, Lakehead Hut, May 26-27th<p style="text-align: center;"></p><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A overnight trip to Lakehead Hut</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I went up to Lakehead Hut in late May to visit one my old stomping grounds. I like Nelson Lakes National Park as it is a good place to adventure to with its many good huts and clear to follow tracks. I was visiting Lakehead Hut which is there at the end of Lake Rotoiti approximately 2.5 hours from my start point. </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/AVvXsEjdeme_8XtHDjCcXrFY_EhvtVfYX6Bvn17tmVKHApz4dPP309DGD1wHS1GVfhQLaAk-9Gpx4sB3639sWvo92fmLOg8yF9OWPE8pdvySRjiI7FV85B1qKKroQdgdwvzJ1QyKfoq0gPey8Ts3njIIxZ-CRDxjV10dartmICRQizB5VAgX5JKkjyGqq-ctBL9r/s6000/IMG_1122.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeme_8XtHDjCcXrFY_EhvtVfYX6Bvn17tmVKHApz4dPP309DGD1wHS1GVfhQLaAk-9Gpx4sB3639sWvo92fmLOg8yF9OWPE8pdvySRjiI7FV85B1qKKroQdgdwvzJ1QyKfoq0gPey8Ts3njIIxZ-CRDxjV10dartmICRQizB5VAgX5JKkjyGqq-ctBL9r/w640-h426/IMG_1122.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Rotoiti seen from Kerr Bay</td></tr></tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started from Kerr Bay with the intention of visiting the early part of the Travers Valley...at this time of the year Lakehead Hut is clear of avalanche danger and is easily reached by trampers leaving the Bay. This was a part of my Winter 2023 series of tramps before I got sick. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This trip was partially an attempt to get some tramping time in for my big Milford Track tramp which you have probably seen several times now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Anyway this is how the Nelson Lakes trip went....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Day One: Kerr Bay to Lakehead Hut:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was noon before I got to St Arnaud so I didn't mess around but grabbed my gear and started walking as soo as I arrived. I walked up the Lakehead Track as it only takes about two and a half hours to get to the hut. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozlmCXv2runyEixP-Uqf68kW390fHDWaZECJIDM84wZIh4MPYNefRMZgzo3mysY-iRfPqknMVa7AEH2z02PSY1Gxwc_puB3nA88Ml4Oklp6evoCyvicz2kpjUDk0nELlBZuGnSwWrS2RUuskdYDumNYMFXQRC64HGstLCt_yWmADC3OJ1nCLvKdRbzkU4/s6000/IMG_1124.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozlmCXv2runyEixP-Uqf68kW390fHDWaZECJIDM84wZIh4MPYNefRMZgzo3mysY-iRfPqknMVa7AEH2z02PSY1Gxwc_puB3nA88Ml4Oklp6evoCyvicz2kpjUDk0nELlBZuGnSwWrS2RUuskdYDumNYMFXQRC64HGstLCt_yWmADC3OJ1nCLvKdRbzkU4/w640-h426/IMG_1124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the track at Kerr Bay, Nelson Lake National Park</td></tr></tbody></table></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/AVvXsEjE0UD_rVWurtHXXcwo1O-EhChBMUVqU2Z3jzqC-6KAuE6oDDouFqkNhLfwwl49pk3ZOSt5EZn4kv6VNWWcXI1B-uBak94IO8uvusUSyn-_s34ov4ampweHvOZn6I5tJYMbGkEh9x2S_k6Q8HHpIWnSGNGDTY7YwVFSk-KnKxrmyQf6cI1T_RFKttoE6kfe/s6000/IMG_1128.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0UD_rVWurtHXXcwo1O-EhChBMUVqU2Z3jzqC-6KAuE6oDDouFqkNhLfwwl49pk3ZOSt5EZn4kv6VNWWcXI1B-uBak94IO8uvusUSyn-_s34ov4ampweHvOZn6I5tJYMbGkEh9x2S_k6Q8HHpIWnSGNGDTY7YwVFSk-KnKxrmyQf6cI1T_RFKttoE6kfe/w640-h426/IMG_1128.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Information panels sitting in the forest</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I like the Lakehead Track it is interesting without being overly strenuous and you can set a cracking pace for most of its length. Most of the people I saw were coming down the valley after going for day walks and the such...there weren't many of them. It was periodically raining off and on as I was walking.</div><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/AVvXsEht-5z_lvS-KXNuPJX5hF-m_Bl5V26ayyZsecYNvHFldj-M_x07_HpIQbdNYCBvrXdqNyyDkCWHgGnykso4Ztpzn5OLi-mHZ83d2aGdRb17f7eY2Jhdh96ht6ZejAKRR_hkqEmf9nlZKlAF2sh6QoekeP_HayuslDl7uz6NuPMg72f680tQnJqVPkzKH9KO/s6000/IMG_1135.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-5z_lvS-KXNuPJX5hF-m_Bl5V26ayyZsecYNvHFldj-M_x07_HpIQbdNYCBvrXdqNyyDkCWHgGnykso4Ztpzn5OLi-mHZ83d2aGdRb17f7eY2Jhdh96ht6ZejAKRR_hkqEmf9nlZKlAF2sh6QoekeP_HayuslDl7uz6NuPMg72f680tQnJqVPkzKH9KO/w640-h426/IMG_1135.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The point where the track deteriorates into Lakehead Track</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhazQvn8dQzhpPhaIrE2sOTbgxUACgYQvtxJn-JTy-38pLWJ-S-7H8soTaiY_0TKk0tGxXWp7qMBMCdq563T2f4CBjTJwLCj3q364wO_96agVUvYeQ26AVXN8wQYDdCFklwr96A789vr3XAAgVUylFbMX_7tmwPKaIqrEaJlA7y1QxoHBiWbwo8zpvNTg_Y/s6000/IMG_1146.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazQvn8dQzhpPhaIrE2sOTbgxUACgYQvtxJn-JTy-38pLWJ-S-7H8soTaiY_0TKk0tGxXWp7qMBMCdq563T2f4CBjTJwLCj3q364wO_96agVUvYeQ26AVXN8wQYDdCFklwr96A789vr3XAAgVUylFbMX_7tmwPKaIqrEaJlA7y1QxoHBiWbwo8zpvNTg_Y/w640-h426/IMG_1146.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You travel through open beech forest, Lakehead Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">I got to the Loop Track-Lakehead Track junction after about 40 minutes walking...this was one of the tracks I walked before and mentioned on the blog. It is about an hour around and sets down at the start of the track. </span></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/AVvXsEjeADx-S8oKdnYQR8Rba80HABzgq2r93joVfOsALZdXgGFnU-5j0ZHLen4lydqXFVj_yYYLlRq8FFDzk2-uKM4Ecwj9qbp6iMZAKZNYdtl-l5UJWYN2eMT-GiehXYIthTIi2vpGOGf2JhrOxht1XKz1lQr-5YByxFb12BpvSmLAPYesK3W5nveTcxRpwQz4/s6000/IMG_1149.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeADx-S8oKdnYQR8Rba80HABzgq2r93joVfOsALZdXgGFnU-5j0ZHLen4lydqXFVj_yYYLlRq8FFDzk2-uKM4Ecwj9qbp6iMZAKZNYdtl-l5UJWYN2eMT-GiehXYIthTIi2vpGOGf2JhrOxht1XKz1lQr-5YByxFb12BpvSmLAPYesK3W5nveTcxRpwQz4/w640-h426/IMG_1149.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am at the far end of the Loop Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I spent about 10 minutes stopped at the junction before setting out for the hut once again. </div><div><br /></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/AVvXsEjKA4yyvkBAKZVyNtPvrS8hL2q-6wgKiPF6_NiJFb6fum389vFtHUAmlN8vsKJb-lwiAcMdV8TbDp0bZe-1j1lk3tEdDhobA6jkcW_X6BrK3YYJPzd8tJmAES4RT5_9zChniKW8-nOO7efU2S5GhAh4bxtVcmC4lxS85tAQ6Ukr9u4bN-dcfFRfAzk1ytdj/s6000/IMG_1152.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA4yyvkBAKZVyNtPvrS8hL2q-6wgKiPF6_NiJFb6fum389vFtHUAmlN8vsKJb-lwiAcMdV8TbDp0bZe-1j1lk3tEdDhobA6jkcW_X6BrK3YYJPzd8tJmAES4RT5_9zChniKW8-nOO7efU2S5GhAh4bxtVcmC4lxS85tAQ6Ukr9u4bN-dcfFRfAzk1ytdj/w640-h426/IMG_1152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign marking the transition between the Loop Track and Lakehead Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Further down the track I came apoun this bridge...it is almost buried in rock because every time it rains a big load of shingle is released down it. Eventually it will be covered over and the route will be re-routed. </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/AVvXsEjtOstcpcV_VGlsh3EHPc1vJhYeB8a4LP1aYDaTMxrVGhd_iRJh3B1xM1jAk_z501EdC8fiVt_UraqPUT2lbpYdJxrclGM_OjO23sp6JrzNmKdtqf1gVUKRT3W3MH7px5YJHyWcHuWdZJxDhZbfUPaf1BguEzgU402w-81eNSSEHJNnaN2JkU7N1YvRXj2g/s6000/IMG_1162.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOstcpcV_VGlsh3EHPc1vJhYeB8a4LP1aYDaTMxrVGhd_iRJh3B1xM1jAk_z501EdC8fiVt_UraqPUT2lbpYdJxrclGM_OjO23sp6JrzNmKdtqf1gVUKRT3W3MH7px5YJHyWcHuWdZJxDhZbfUPaf1BguEzgU402w-81eNSSEHJNnaN2JkU7N1YvRXj2g/w640-h426/IMG_1162.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gravel covered bridge on the Lakehead Track</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEieTjx_BAlqtqqgKfJghnVGoTyrXqrEZ9TdEHsW-H4xbldgTb370_ogSB9T8kyJL5RMlholXiqtDAgoUHVPB9bs2F-_xIKJ5HS5ln6u6YPqZ5WuFHniY8jbrb2XE_ooooiAOpNT6rjysTT4maX2h6xiNM0u8o2SQF4NZB1bCcRtrg54Jt7msjjP8L4n5dfn/s6000/IMG_1167.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTjx_BAlqtqqgKfJghnVGoTyrXqrEZ9TdEHsW-H4xbldgTb370_ogSB9T8kyJL5RMlholXiqtDAgoUHVPB9bs2F-_xIKJ5HS5ln6u6YPqZ5WuFHniY8jbrb2XE_ooooiAOpNT6rjysTT4maX2h6xiNM0u8o2SQF4NZB1bCcRtrg54Jt7msjjP8L4n5dfn/w640-h426/IMG_1167.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point about half-way to the wharf, Lakehead Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>I got a good look up and down Lake Rotoiti when I got to the beach halfway to the hut....the track goes out onto a small shingle beach for about 20 meters and then jumps back into the forest. The sun had come out and I actually saw some blue skies for a short while. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Lake was very quiet...there were a couple of boats going up and down but that was it really. I saw a boat load of people heading for the wharf at Whiskey Falls so I imagine they were going for a sightseeing trip</div></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/AVvXsEgsl85PRN_adZvyw4ggdXcZO3LMzK24Dgz6M1LSpj9Avl1h9HZ-kFFFslvCCbCip4CGuq8OQECRbs9c6aNtyDhE6G0hyKkIa67cJ-_RyJuwgqRACWfDabKoM9KY3isEwdAM9Fgepn8tWQM-o6Nfg_KO7daWB6xfnfhN8i10aelDrf-K4jFwjfU9SAbUyEoY/s6000/IMG_1180.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsl85PRN_adZvyw4ggdXcZO3LMzK24Dgz6M1LSpj9Avl1h9HZ-kFFFslvCCbCip4CGuq8OQECRbs9c6aNtyDhE6G0hyKkIa67cJ-_RyJuwgqRACWfDabKoM9KY3isEwdAM9Fgepn8tWQM-o6Nfg_KO7daWB6xfnfhN8i10aelDrf-K4jFwjfU9SAbUyEoY/w640-h426/IMG_1180.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...beach opposite Mt Roberts...</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/AVvXsEjSw8ln4iX6yJlC4r_9oWnEqkGISIBYVldsqefQr41I-3EwAoUubQ7sUjLD7Zw42bnKL1fD2KLKZKn53pC-KHcyUUHLQf_p2GPes62ek-Te_adgzCL3JayTyYV6YXRfmi15-vVeSKzecEeeluL0kmnXnrdptrfFh9xE2OhsGBLiY838w-KMKxzJbN_dT7uj/s6000/IMG_1184.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSw8ln4iX6yJlC4r_9oWnEqkGISIBYVldsqefQr41I-3EwAoUubQ7sUjLD7Zw42bnKL1fD2KLKZKn53pC-KHcyUUHLQf_p2GPes62ek-Te_adgzCL3JayTyYV6YXRfmi15-vVeSKzecEeeluL0kmnXnrdptrfFh9xE2OhsGBLiY838w-KMKxzJbN_dT7uj/w640-h426/IMG_1184.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The track continues in the beech forest...Nelson Lake National Park</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a part of the track which has been blasted out of the surrounding face and the track trough here is benched.At one time a farmer ran sheep up around the flats near Lakehead Hut.</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/AVvXsEg5qaXywWxS0mI53A3YPAwPK9t44U0JNnHry7Pt4j4gf84tSxiHv52iQg4b8wcR5889nJUwIASDKDPMuPMNn6B9flBiTGvORXcOp2LA70PdffsYxEK5gwfrFLCRKilCbS3zoQvg6PjzamT1co4X-mik2-TaPYWOqjVPBeT9Uf8mFLsVlh5CxEPza92AW91B/s6000/IMG_1190.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qaXywWxS0mI53A3YPAwPK9t44U0JNnHry7Pt4j4gf84tSxiHv52iQg4b8wcR5889nJUwIASDKDPMuPMNn6B9flBiTGvORXcOp2LA70PdffsYxEK5gwfrFLCRKilCbS3zoQvg6PjzamT1co4X-mik2-TaPYWOqjVPBeT9Uf8mFLsVlh5CxEPza92AW91B/w640-h426/IMG_1190.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blasted track is easygoing on the Lakehead Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are only two sizable streams along the track the first one is about halfway to the hut and the second is before the Lakehead Hut wharf. These are the only places where heavy rain could thwart your forward progress as neither of them are bridged. Most of the time they are easy to cross but just use a bit of caution if it has been or is raining</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEj6NaKnK_KyOIaavkDA2Tl0-xRD8_Xbu7LElCq9IYSKgpqTIEz1xjOr2LPvj-GYf1fC2Z3fSvuyV_BjYDyPdx2Ucy1trBaNqr0E-i-chSW4h84OHqEegPMNNG6JYMA_kyG4tIBVnsVPcLdNrpe5VmxUDrwXjFsjM3jL7IQrQX56hqTAct9w-NFsUgtXTwNz/s6000/IMG_1195.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NaKnK_KyOIaavkDA2Tl0-xRD8_Xbu7LElCq9IYSKgpqTIEz1xjOr2LPvj-GYf1fC2Z3fSvuyV_BjYDyPdx2Ucy1trBaNqr0E-i-chSW4h84OHqEegPMNNG6JYMA_kyG4tIBVnsVPcLdNrpe5VmxUDrwXjFsjM3jL7IQrQX56hqTAct9w-NFsUgtXTwNz/w640-h426/IMG_1195.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River running down off the St Arnaud Range</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lake Rotoiti is a deep post glacial lake...an ancient glacier carved the lake depression as it moved back and forth in the valley. Because of this the lake is quite deep in places but shallow in others. There are a couple of spots along the track where you can see the lake bed...it is covered in old dead trees and stumps of trees.<br /><br />I would think most of them came down the Travers River in floods but some would mark old shoreline.</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/AVvXsEhh8aKMrOwCarqvZZCwfMkda_rRwKS4Vyse6SqF_7s0gaiA80wjd1d-cRzx59Ud6gErfYhVBkWIIP6wPQCU2cJTMAWDwKGcG_y_CLdVtegRpmQ4DwhhPLfWvwRr37GO4pNt1QYSvpjpyR44Cl-7eRLpt8dUETznBgfDxjQm_Z6GnfUTzH9jEkf_oPd4xMKP/s6000/IMG_1204.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8aKMrOwCarqvZZCwfMkda_rRwKS4Vyse6SqF_7s0gaiA80wjd1d-cRzx59Ud6gErfYhVBkWIIP6wPQCU2cJTMAWDwKGcG_y_CLdVtegRpmQ4DwhhPLfWvwRr37GO4pNt1QYSvpjpyR44Cl-7eRLpt8dUETznBgfDxjQm_Z6GnfUTzH9jEkf_oPd4xMKP/w640-h426/IMG_1204.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back at the exit of Lake Rotoiti</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/AVvXsEhlsj5998Pgd82qGnTaW-7DxAQmIL-1XQ6894ZWrVDrEyKYnNYnzhe6WBlWZnXcyUIakD4ltFdjXHi9iGSaHXAj6OIv-rBDgv1WA_NT8kWVv9SyW1_TyFCNgdAsRShY3ygx4LQnAFcgcJMGC-NdV9Lvbn4yPWAvlFdYXR4xUtM3pzco9BPdEpuzch9aDelo/s6000/IMG_1209.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsj5998Pgd82qGnTaW-7DxAQmIL-1XQ6894ZWrVDrEyKYnNYnzhe6WBlWZnXcyUIakD4ltFdjXHi9iGSaHXAj6OIv-rBDgv1WA_NT8kWVv9SyW1_TyFCNgdAsRShY3ygx4LQnAFcgcJMGC-NdV9Lvbn4yPWAvlFdYXR4xUtM3pzco9BPdEpuzch9aDelo/w640-h426/IMG_1209.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the beaches up Lake Rotoiti</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Most of the track is nice flat sections running through open beech forest but there are also rocky sections on old stream-beds, rock gardens where the track makers have blasted through hard rock and even some sections of the old benched dray road that used to wind along the lake side.</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/AVvXsEimfjhy44a97yXtcfqk1tkCbZaR-gww3AdlAsKEp4VZhlNrD0l8VyCDBfhZ8Ggnbe8QDqp_aHUfABO1ZvKDJkgZETtynPW8maqSKy9JGCQMe_OgSj_ZYv99-da829vfK_Ac-dRiUrklSGoonBpbye-BcEVptwlTzgqEWmXgJOSq73uXGexVczdf6UQ4FLS8/s6000/IMG_1212.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfjhy44a97yXtcfqk1tkCbZaR-gww3AdlAsKEp4VZhlNrD0l8VyCDBfhZ8Ggnbe8QDqp_aHUfABO1ZvKDJkgZETtynPW8maqSKy9JGCQMe_OgSj_ZYv99-da829vfK_Ac-dRiUrklSGoonBpbye-BcEVptwlTzgqEWmXgJOSq73uXGexVczdf6UQ4FLS8/w640-h426/IMG_1212.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back on the Lakehead Track, Nelson Lakes National Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From this point onward you start to see the head of Lake Rotoiti about two kilometers distant...you can also see up the Travers Valley along Robert Ridge, the St Arnaud, and Travers Ranges. </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/AVvXsEgTLpb3W0cKNetHGQcwyAjsz2VakyipPhEEDaDltGZhUBHfZjK7rwjJWfecoS7hF2B8IcGX4CUAJDPyCUtdEHICuctewPsEMAQ6oaRUY6Z73G_sXMAKapOV_NXIFKpFn57WcUfXDld7blI8h5vDiBUfDMsPN2G_3SVknuEuqJhj7VAuxuo-YHZwwkGQpVZm/s6000/IMG_1225.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLpb3W0cKNetHGQcwyAjsz2VakyipPhEEDaDltGZhUBHfZjK7rwjJWfecoS7hF2B8IcGX4CUAJDPyCUtdEHICuctewPsEMAQ6oaRUY6Z73G_sXMAKapOV_NXIFKpFn57WcUfXDld7blI8h5vDiBUfDMsPN2G_3SVknuEuqJhj7VAuxuo-YHZwwkGQpVZm/w640-h426/IMG_1225.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another of the rivers, Lakehead Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Traver's River runs down the true left of the valley and its outlet is close to Coldwater Hut on the distant shore. Most of the land between the two sides of the lake are an enormous reed swamp.</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/AVvXsEhUfUUybXAsAy_-UPHCZFgunP3_rZ9MasBP_OisIYzPuBm-cux4VBs6OCzngb8cUAS3JsgRDcitjbnXkJwm542rWOk1zdDPADiCv9pvhWDR2iyV_Rqh_8XhY5bYM5D1gb7i-udG5yRbl5eSNBIr69POBQmWlhYX5LBKZslsJvhvwLeXx1iP0P53FKNtQ7eO/s6000/IMG_1230.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfUUybXAsAy_-UPHCZFgunP3_rZ9MasBP_OisIYzPuBm-cux4VBs6OCzngb8cUAS3JsgRDcitjbnXkJwm542rWOk1zdDPADiCv9pvhWDR2iyV_Rqh_8XhY5bYM5D1gb7i-udG5yRbl5eSNBIr69POBQmWlhYX5LBKZslsJvhvwLeXx1iP0P53FKNtQ7eO/w640-h426/IMG_1230.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going up on a point over looking the wharf...Lakehead Track</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Eventually you reach the Lakehead Hut wharf after walking for about 2 hours. You have good views of the outlet of the Travers River and also Coldwater Hut on the opposite side of the lake. </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/AVvXsEgx4zGvgevid_IIv8rgSSD7gJQpv-5c07H4QHYmX9GbBPnUCBqM2SRyhzL48oyOlHJvhyjiKkvRzr_Qhj3-3Yppn82lFlmB64C3jmoW3PAqdO-LE94t2hLhT6QptM8zV4qbsM4AUMKrDZs92oUPIcUfK9b9nHqdR9XRuLY1SLUmUpmkiED7_XFbyQKWzaTj/s6000/IMG_1236.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4zGvgevid_IIv8rgSSD7gJQpv-5c07H4QHYmX9GbBPnUCBqM2SRyhzL48oyOlHJvhyjiKkvRzr_Qhj3-3Yppn82lFlmB64C3jmoW3PAqdO-LE94t2hLhT6QptM8zV4qbsM4AUMKrDZs92oUPIcUfK9b9nHqdR9XRuLY1SLUmUpmkiED7_XFbyQKWzaTj/w640-h426/IMG_1236.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally arrive at the wharf...Lakehead Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I could see Coldwater Hut was occupied as it had wood smoke coming out of the chimney and a boat tied to the wharf. The wharf here is a good spot for swimming as the lake is shallow but keep an eye out for the massive native eels which live in this lake.</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/AVvXsEi_fd3MnvZ7dFYxJz1LgZtBUiuNyW-jGS_ETz0EWp55ui2KrmZkb52v1YFp9tZ2ld1Pq4UysmBXH2ibH5_QWkjKt9vzgo07mH16GMFPrKSSP4MD371OCUC5OL4f6MNhk4wL4r6Y_8FuvQoc-5qY1bQa7E4fo609--bGDrZMOcyxcX8HhcnAJJljIrc3t91c/s6000/IMG_1238.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fd3MnvZ7dFYxJz1LgZtBUiuNyW-jGS_ETz0EWp55ui2KrmZkb52v1YFp9tZ2ld1Pq4UysmBXH2ibH5_QWkjKt9vzgo07mH16GMFPrKSSP4MD371OCUC5OL4f6MNhk4wL4r6Y_8FuvQoc-5qY1bQa7E4fo609--bGDrZMOcyxcX8HhcnAJJljIrc3t91c/w640-h426/IMG_1238.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Lakehead Wharf</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/AVvXsEjxQavVj2WeL4gTaTswyVY-NsHP3UBqcnGgJ5Bn_NepG8oA4jdLEDAr4EOaTipaopJy0G7ydsEtV7v6MzwPI9nirJP4tB2ZXIlyL2yXDMNHiwVoZ0X4JZMxom63BCTG_WaMOLXcWQ09k6xr8kkLB26Zgr7SUUgKylD4aZ91uR6xw7PpDZyF25Mh5yFbgnC9/s6000/IMG_1240.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQavVj2WeL4gTaTswyVY-NsHP3UBqcnGgJ5Bn_NepG8oA4jdLEDAr4EOaTipaopJy0G7ydsEtV7v6MzwPI9nirJP4tB2ZXIlyL2yXDMNHiwVoZ0X4JZMxom63BCTG_WaMOLXcWQ09k6xr8kkLB26Zgr7SUUgKylD4aZ91uR6xw7PpDZyF25Mh5yFbgnC9/w640-h426/IMG_1240.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The swamp around the head of Lake Rotoiti</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">From the wharf it is only 700 meters to the hut or about 20 minutes walk...it is longer than it sounds but you are buoyed by the fact that you are nearly there. The track passes the head of the lake and the swampy terrain which lies there.</span></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/AVvXsEglQpX7fCepVjoitoli9vF0p657tDEDpxtaJy3BQnidPoVH1qNeI5YpjfZP1drNdkpc6VtYyYY7mU4iSfk-guv8dv3lstvDK-1SQi6P1ZGb8cvLOyeZPbpM-oo8oiq9v9YpuopWOkmabH_OfE9G5zE14sL23swC5PZA2FTnwEO90LAfghm5A5UvIg64MDk-/s6000/IMG_1258.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQpX7fCepVjoitoli9vF0p657tDEDpxtaJy3BQnidPoVH1qNeI5YpjfZP1drNdkpc6VtYyYY7mU4iSfk-guv8dv3lstvDK-1SQi6P1ZGb8cvLOyeZPbpM-oo8oiq9v9YpuopWOkmabH_OfE9G5zE14sL23swC5PZA2FTnwEO90LAfghm5A5UvIg64MDk-/w640-h426/IMG_1258.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Lakehead Track making for the hut...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />This is the 9th time I have stayed in Lakehead Hut as I really love Nelson Lakes National Park and get up here on a regular basis. I thought I might have the hut to myself and so it proved. I was the only resident of the hut on the night I stayed. </div></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/AVvXsEij8kf3sW-EBipmVYKbWlq3NzecbP6gSlv3U42i5bSeLmgFi-tnFNAqEUvfCfgG4gYxiGsB4h5LikIFgsDtLMqrQOFa-_JTwV4ULphklg7OHr-mY_X8pDqIGHADdL9Kxd7Zbds-l2uF0rHLGFLNorIr2uue9S3dRVmyvOQtxppBZSsFny2KPiaP_-m3CGcg/s6000/IMG_1265.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8kf3sW-EBipmVYKbWlq3NzecbP6gSlv3U42i5bSeLmgFi-tnFNAqEUvfCfgG4gYxiGsB4h5LikIFgsDtLMqrQOFa-_JTwV4ULphklg7OHr-mY_X8pDqIGHADdL9Kxd7Zbds-l2uF0rHLGFLNorIr2uue9S3dRVmyvOQtxppBZSsFny2KPiaP_-m3CGcg/w640-h426/IMG_1265.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of Lakehead 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/AVvXsEgXu4hUMIHddQ63YXPA6nlfxkjs-NMGNX1jl9q9Pkxl1Un8wNeX8uNb03OrDgfYwuIiIbVXX2bIqT2CvG-Gu_caFm8ckzl2pT5wl9pcw9vT1gnYrK51YrABNK8jv8gYrrT8F4PqH8BJ88_Gdov6PForaGcApQZ8pvvvo1EeBWT_qQPhKcwAHSaLW8bEfNlO/s6000/IMG_1268.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXu4hUMIHddQ63YXPA6nlfxkjs-NMGNX1jl9q9Pkxl1Un8wNeX8uNb03OrDgfYwuIiIbVXX2bIqT2CvG-Gu_caFm8ckzl2pT5wl9pcw9vT1gnYrK51YrABNK8jv8gYrrT8F4PqH8BJ88_Gdov6PForaGcApQZ8pvvvo1EeBWT_qQPhKcwAHSaLW8bEfNlO/w640-h426/IMG_1268.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lakehead Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">I got to the hut around 3 pm which was fine as there was still 2-3 hours of sunlight left for me to get my evening preparation underway before it got too dark. I cut some wood for the fireplace and settled inot the hut.</span></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/AVvXsEiX_dsJSj40n6odkvgMMTp4_t8nVS4SyExWDnRbjDACDFT5hYkko9ntUbQ3KfWhbYVZOLeGHLq05yiuNk1HxY0HnohKNoaTvS34hxxFEngTwOUAObsOZL6NXheddWHCyrWgufWRHnhuKLNlywOrsOfeDx2IPqpNHHQiWqd84sEsk5_HL3XmGIFYJM9Kvjfo/s6000/IMG_1278.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_dsJSj40n6odkvgMMTp4_t8nVS4SyExWDnRbjDACDFT5hYkko9ntUbQ3KfWhbYVZOLeGHLq05yiuNk1HxY0HnohKNoaTvS34hxxFEngTwOUAObsOZL6NXheddWHCyrWgufWRHnhuKLNlywOrsOfeDx2IPqpNHHQiWqd84sEsk5_HL3XmGIFYJM9Kvjfo/w640-h426/IMG_1278.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..making a brew in 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/AVvXsEjk1Lpw87KCkcVrPyvRKbaY7EGN7smWa548imOUbhtmprO6yUxfcRr8o6FK2RN2PyMnXup-N0nYXG7bu1Dt-hIe02bs7I0zgFHGUhOz7v_Ig-Vb3ucQTEfR6bjoVFWMbKDfiNMWIjF1aa5KLzFyc3bt3cLiF46zT0ow1Ugubko7RAt4y5dqkQaNqnR87JzF/s6000/IMG_1290.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1Lpw87KCkcVrPyvRKbaY7EGN7smWa548imOUbhtmprO6yUxfcRr8o6FK2RN2PyMnXup-N0nYXG7bu1Dt-hIe02bs7I0zgFHGUhOz7v_Ig-Vb3ucQTEfR6bjoVFWMbKDfiNMWIjF1aa5KLzFyc3bt3cLiF46zT0ow1Ugubko7RAt4y5dqkQaNqnR87JzF/w640-h426/IMG_1290.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...organising some lunch in Lakehead Hut...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I took some photos of my suroundings as I sat there..</div><div><br /></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/AVvXsEgKXnO0qY2FknJm2YL64gM9x7GaeT3yivgoHn1luJozDkstMlXvY_ZuFAGuIB8bjYun7Wk4el4G7qYBeUg3rKy-gVcOqLXBKuiFCUjmaazMISD0MHMPcl9sYSghsuaV4GBoh609q1ESKJz4PohG4xS5tyUnOCxwmF4Fx8408a9m6_ZaxUP85tGPf2DwNQ_d/s6000/IMG_1294.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXnO0qY2FknJm2YL64gM9x7GaeT3yivgoHn1luJozDkstMlXvY_ZuFAGuIB8bjYun7Wk4el4G7qYBeUg3rKy-gVcOqLXBKuiFCUjmaazMISD0MHMPcl9sYSghsuaV4GBoh609q1ESKJz4PohG4xS5tyUnOCxwmF4Fx8408a9m6_ZaxUP85tGPf2DwNQ_d/w640-h426/IMG_1294.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Interior shot of Lakehead Hut...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">I used up the meager firewood on the first night...the wood shed at Lakehead Hut was totally empty which is the first time I have ever seen it like this.</span><span style="text-align: center;">There were some forestry off cuts staked up outside the hut and I helped myself to them even though they were wet. I spent the night drying the rest of the wood so I could then feed it in the fire. </span></div><div><br /></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/AVvXsEhS3Y99fbMv8fSf9KtNCsCaZN0btkcNjCB4AHnEQkRTs3UYYoODu3__Bhm2iqEN3o-Oq_w_VpBpRfiqkmxGkOLDYvCHMqWED-npLWjERqn6Mm4ZBQuXVj4ZnSRZK1MCHn81edQvQeBmbAG17yUvkfBSmiMJF-LipA6uslgBU0mHHVc5NcNnK3dJ_earyoEp/s6000/IMG_1304.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3Y99fbMv8fSf9KtNCsCaZN0btkcNjCB4AHnEQkRTs3UYYoODu3__Bhm2iqEN3o-Oq_w_VpBpRfiqkmxGkOLDYvCHMqWED-npLWjERqn6Mm4ZBQuXVj4ZnSRZK1MCHn81edQvQeBmbAG17yUvkfBSmiMJF-LipA6uslgBU0mHHVc5NcNnK3dJ_earyoEp/w640-h426/IMG_1304.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon at Lakehead Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had a good night in the hut even though I was by myself. I had a Chicken Italiano meal for dinner and some Mashed potato to eat on the side. It was nice then i spent the rest of the night baking myself in front of the fire before I turned in early to try and get some sleep.</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/AVvXsEhmjBaf5q_26VeE-fu-hZfYuaZZHkxOvZM8otF_dPFBSsZWpv4G87vDkuwKLN-4xh-oinilOmzner2ubgVEgf_r9WQOKKS2Fcf8jHuNPNG2xyEokts35RSzPygHTxVf-ABpcY6W3OlahfVEY9Slc5FlOHkSL7KmDYJNQKJ_9IYvKr49z3gXSpPJpeOqAcrB/s6000/IMG_1308.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjBaf5q_26VeE-fu-hZfYuaZZHkxOvZM8otF_dPFBSsZWpv4G87vDkuwKLN-4xh-oinilOmzner2ubgVEgf_r9WQOKKS2Fcf8jHuNPNG2xyEokts35RSzPygHTxVf-ABpcY6W3OlahfVEY9Slc5FlOHkSL7KmDYJNQKJ_9IYvKr49z3gXSpPJpeOqAcrB/w640-h426/IMG_1308.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...My dinner I enjoyed at the hut...</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I had a good sleep in the deserted hut and got 10 hours sleep.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Day Two: Lakehead Hut to St Arnaud:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I was up and getting ready to go by 07.30 the next day...I was keen to get back to the car as I wasn't sure if I might not have to drive down the coast to get home. </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/AVvXsEiSRDIzJC278vhnVuAbZUB1CrU6X10fbU6cZH1OUZTzwinGVqb_YwIghIrJ-43aJUfGAgkPU7ml1OqqyI7rq-aw3O3yYWNtHtuwteOMvnzF1v7Kn7XFp0m-framFp4ldLkqxKNZiT18iikN1HzwerkJXoBouhYcTWBrz1B9mEkonqkS3izGDBv-cNnH8txh/s6000/IMG_1324.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRDIzJC278vhnVuAbZUB1CrU6X10fbU6cZH1OUZTzwinGVqb_YwIghIrJ-43aJUfGAgkPU7ml1OqqyI7rq-aw3O3yYWNtHtuwteOMvnzF1v7Kn7XFp0m-framFp4ldLkqxKNZiT18iikN1HzwerkJXoBouhYcTWBrz1B9mEkonqkS3izGDBv-cNnH8txh/w640-h426/IMG_1324.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning and I'm brewing a coffee, Nelson Lake 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/AVvXsEg4LWbbrMvaDSXZgR31tSc2iq2KXaD3mXBCt8mLIM7JPmYpbs8dclhznIN3hmhiooKLIANzdPtVLTVXqvzVIXhjuBoAZsT_cg71-o5RPymKPXM7GFV-7uvZx4jWh-3FjQG_6YwlRxHkype3VHK7jyKP98rPKGgMLb10O6nGRDfsaH5enBhZv49WAtjeAiJf/s6000/IMG_1331.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LWbbrMvaDSXZgR31tSc2iq2KXaD3mXBCt8mLIM7JPmYpbs8dclhznIN3hmhiooKLIANzdPtVLTVXqvzVIXhjuBoAZsT_cg71-o5RPymKPXM7GFV-7uvZx4jWh-3FjQG_6YwlRxHkype3VHK7jyKP98rPKGgMLb10O6nGRDfsaH5enBhZv49WAtjeAiJf/w640-h426/IMG_1331.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior detail of the hut showing fireplace...Lakehead Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">It was cloudy as I set off but I didn't have any rain or drizzle on my way back to St Arnaud and in fact the sun came out around 8.40 am and it got finer and warmer as the day went on. </span></div><div><br /></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/AVvXsEjydc3qbAia-Cv5MgtifadejwFhCVcZcghKkBgR-Gh2hJKPTBFmIt3Sy0Rq7eW2BN1whvvhhbbVh8I3uWP5ed7oN0Fg1dOnBnkeePGRxeCr9RXLqdnNS7BbRtF0u4hJNqhOHT_pXPran5he_v9uD9BaRlEZpbF8LQ2MJB758ar5gI_I6QH_3k1uCswRdhSO/s6000/IMG_1352.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydc3qbAia-Cv5MgtifadejwFhCVcZcghKkBgR-Gh2hJKPTBFmIt3Sy0Rq7eW2BN1whvvhhbbVh8I3uWP5ed7oN0Fg1dOnBnkeePGRxeCr9RXLqdnNS7BbRtF0u4hJNqhOHT_pXPran5he_v9uD9BaRlEZpbF8LQ2MJB758ar5gI_I6QH_3k1uCswRdhSO/w640-h426/IMG_1352.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...I leave the hut enroute for the road...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Nice fine weather over the lake as I passed by...I saw a boat collecting people from Coldwater Hut so they must have pre booked an early morning pick up from the dude who runs the water taxi service on the lake. </div></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/AVvXsEgQLiRNlIUoL7f49WjI8bIV8EiuLjDhFN6uBanTsUJ0IZqWCgRVdr5ycCeWGoY7_T5aUnxfuTqli2Que70kzw5ruYX7jwlpteS6qm4AzzRrrS3BFBKA-CY6RdxrqFfI6smHHLxMyz9xmhBz4b4e885gaGU6RGdiKEva-_nv-PoZqpz0h0j79dePigYqPFEW/s6000/IMG_1366.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLiRNlIUoL7f49WjI8bIV8EiuLjDhFN6uBanTsUJ0IZqWCgRVdr5ycCeWGoY7_T5aUnxfuTqli2Que70kzw5ruYX7jwlpteS6qm4AzzRrrS3BFBKA-CY6RdxrqFfI6smHHLxMyz9xmhBz4b4e885gaGU6RGdiKEva-_nv-PoZqpz0h0j79dePigYqPFEW/w640-h426/IMG_1366.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at Lakehead Hut dock</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Despite all the rain the track was relatively dry and easy to walk along...I only had a couple of puddles to walk through and the river levels were fine for a solo tramper to ford. This was good as I was a bit worried after all the rain. </div></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/AVvXsEiO6QguSh3dqcW_vENIfHIj5iXSCHN28QJ8joNjiltPWPl9XNJ5yvfErEVhPn3PW-SMMLz1GbDtOytUUA1HgG8kXD_fRG7BZrLj3Uvvu0GyJZksu-VizF7nzVD1nO4Hngm2l4RifnDm6R-N72wfvw-rAOC2CpWMVmpcVCBEoNMjGmu0X24jZPjlQtLyzrXb/s6000/IMG_1371.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6QguSh3dqcW_vENIfHIj5iXSCHN28QJ8joNjiltPWPl9XNJ5yvfErEVhPn3PW-SMMLz1GbDtOytUUA1HgG8kXD_fRG7BZrLj3Uvvu0GyJZksu-VizF7nzVD1nO4Hngm2l4RifnDm6R-N72wfvw-rAOC2CpWMVmpcVCBEoNMjGmu0X24jZPjlQtLyzrXb/w640-h426/IMG_1371.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making my way trough the forest enroute for my car</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/AVvXsEjxUVKS6pJ9cas57JOQAVQIiqjfKNOnDCdLhIRSOunBeu_xuMpEqQd-CTNwH8_2bPeXVgZJ8xnXopA9k_gDkq0pNP1FS3lVSXilmNLMw5Kg1XZtlgbUW8uGVkuasBf_5r9LhsdnW1HTsx3vhAv2mGxTuWEsiD-GP8M51SZNpnDJkSnHvzF8kdZ547oCQax7/s6000/IMG_1377.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUVKS6pJ9cas57JOQAVQIiqjfKNOnDCdLhIRSOunBeu_xuMpEqQd-CTNwH8_2bPeXVgZJ8xnXopA9k_gDkq0pNP1FS3lVSXilmNLMw5Kg1XZtlgbUW8uGVkuasBf_5r9LhsdnW1HTsx3vhAv2mGxTuWEsiD-GP8M51SZNpnDJkSnHvzF8kdZ547oCQax7/w640-h426/IMG_1377.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Lake Rotoiti as I walked out</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: center;">After the early morning mist blew away it was a blue sky day and I could see all the new snow which had fallen on the higher peaks over the last three days. I imagine anyone at Angelus Hut up on Robert Ridge had a sporty trip back to the road head as there would be deep snow drifts up at that altitude. </span></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/AVvXsEj-gMteObOC33wjgQ0cts6wR0-uapUqtxcEJ8ixGXtdSQsDenYggOBd1zX4hM2UbB_nE5qFfBwE3dyyYkhjiGDxTob2thjVvYIyjyLlzHKhhiEtwKtLx58Hml3f7n4zzFRjmRSgUhajOun_ywoHl-Z0AxvAPZZ5zwCW7_l-PHx_fZvifhiqPhy5FhugTcRJ/s6000/IMG_1389.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gMteObOC33wjgQ0cts6wR0-uapUqtxcEJ8ixGXtdSQsDenYggOBd1zX4hM2UbB_nE5qFfBwE3dyyYkhjiGDxTob2thjVvYIyjyLlzHKhhiEtwKtLx58Hml3f7n4zzFRjmRSgUhajOun_ywoHl-Z0AxvAPZZ5zwCW7_l-PHx_fZvifhiqPhy5FhugTcRJ/w640-h426/IMG_1389.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock garden i walked through...Lakehead 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/AVvXsEhg85PGiPUeEQDCeLClVC_wlDBcDxz2fl0J78VkwekEvX3dH-9N9bDZcltBbHoaaU0di2pOcLD0BkgtaOE8Men1JX5oXysxlskeFyLGB9v0n9Y8Hij1rwbGE-fw6zMRjExRtro41wKykNZzPS-o6j3gqeJD4RwAWBNZEmQtHqDI_pnmVL29lxsMoT10kdsG/s6000/IMG_1402.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg85PGiPUeEQDCeLClVC_wlDBcDxz2fl0J78VkwekEvX3dH-9N9bDZcltBbHoaaU0di2pOcLD0BkgtaOE8Men1JX5oXysxlskeFyLGB9v0n9Y8Hij1rwbGE-fw6zMRjExRtro41wKykNZzPS-o6j3gqeJD4RwAWBNZEmQtHqDI_pnmVL29lxsMoT10kdsG/w640-h426/IMG_1402.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Making my way down the track...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">Whiskey Falls was roaring away when I passed...I could clearly hear it from the other side of the lake...it would have got a good feed from all that rain over night. I would have liked to walk out via Lakeside Track but there was no damn way anyone was getting over the Travers River ford for a couple of days at least. </span></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/AVvXsEgL4CXfRynx5_VMuThJ2nll0Y1fPMraa1aZQJJaF0nQibjIC-_HJVZrlWL-vR_Yc8aueROXgaGD3W_4mMUNw8rYa3UMPhQtZ2-yOBTUvVmcIIXFXbO-dgvLbv78jFjYDHOIQYJzZ9CpfYg_vmfeVazKJHiYFChuq6yZULArx8lSaAnGQo5o94T_RWCiKx-i/s6000/IMG_1409.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4CXfRynx5_VMuThJ2nll0Y1fPMraa1aZQJJaF0nQibjIC-_HJVZrlWL-vR_Yc8aueROXgaGD3W_4mMUNw8rYa3UMPhQtZ2-yOBTUvVmcIIXFXbO-dgvLbv78jFjYDHOIQYJzZ9CpfYg_vmfeVazKJHiYFChuq6yZULArx8lSaAnGQo5o94T_RWCiKx-i/w640-h426/IMG_1409.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach opposite Whiskey Falls, Nelson Lake 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/AVvXsEjWGLi_h54kM-KSBLN068FnUBlIek_mespXX5tGwP-72nkL5oBUkCdxR6L_jkjtx4VfRxn0Wq-WUrc7B9nhxgRs0_rNv3WC09CApgfi6C6t6Z2hMfCXOt1Nfm7UCowz055pnZ4BJ7dkoCu9GOBdI_cpwN8CKUsNyF8pUJ9mJ0iCRxyaBUIq0JWGhc4JNYPY/s6000/IMG_1414.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGLi_h54kM-KSBLN068FnUBlIek_mespXX5tGwP-72nkL5oBUkCdxR6L_jkjtx4VfRxn0Wq-WUrc7B9nhxgRs0_rNv3WC09CApgfi6C6t6Z2hMfCXOt1Nfm7UCowz055pnZ4BJ7dkoCu9GOBdI_cpwN8CKUsNyF8pUJ9mJ0iCRxyaBUIq0JWGhc4JNYPY/w640-h426/IMG_1414.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was soon back on the flat track, Lakehead Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">I got to the edge of the inland predator free island after 1 hour and 15 minutes so I was moving quickly. The walk back to St Arnaud always seems quicker than the walk into the Travers...probably because you have those track way-points fresh in your head from the trip up lake</span></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/AVvXsEhnoo3p5tXylG-m7LvlaHTw-qvrht6enIUrintHzWA3RMZA1V7B2dJ6sRSf7xsqz6cxL7cTuxMhxyN6uVP5iESQLvzzs8OA-7pCw9qpcbJXeAcU2BWnYV70tOaAMV0t_23hDr3jKKlS_m19CJAAbrCzk1EK0kdKRIBfJyo0om8KUElzSYibUAAEttmScukU/s6000/IMG_1424.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoo3p5tXylG-m7LvlaHTw-qvrht6enIUrintHzWA3RMZA1V7B2dJ6sRSf7xsqz6cxL7cTuxMhxyN6uVP5iESQLvzzs8OA-7pCw9qpcbJXeAcU2BWnYV70tOaAMV0t_23hDr3jKKlS_m19CJAAbrCzk1EK0kdKRIBfJyo0om8KUElzSYibUAAEttmScukU/w640-h426/IMG_1424.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing the point where Loop Track intersects Lakehead Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: center;">I was at the Loop Track-Trackhead Track junction after an hour and 35 minutes, I stopped for my first break of the morning, had drink/snacks and took some photos. From the junction you only have 20 minutes of walking left along fairly nice track so the end is in sight as they say. </span></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/AVvXsEhTBc0CMIOnex8N-BkmiS0RQwPyio2Jr3GY3Umu_0TSDQuMwXAG5EdnSy1nIHTUdJiSujT4_q6J6bEWwRWk5VuFS1bA7z5hHpkOe2R8690LlxXljrmyPUh6L4E5q2b8J3fHL2-Fb5mYebu4T4pkfBXATirO-yZK0v43GUBtFNaWX8JNjzmKldGU8mBG_cms/s6000/IMG_1433.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBc0CMIOnex8N-BkmiS0RQwPyio2Jr3GY3Umu_0TSDQuMwXAG5EdnSy1nIHTUdJiSujT4_q6J6bEWwRWk5VuFS1bA7z5hHpkOe2R8690LlxXljrmyPUh6L4E5q2b8J3fHL2-Fb5mYebu4T4pkfBXATirO-yZK0v43GUBtFNaWX8JNjzmKldGU8mBG_cms/w640-h426/IMG_1433.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the easy section of the track near the start</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">You always boost your pace when you get close to the end of a tramp so you have to slow yourself down. I almost inevitably stumble or fall over and hurt myself close to the end of a track s</div><div style="text-align: center;">so I have learnt to slow down and walk the same steady pace so I don't injure myself.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEjGLujqydsM0z0XAqp12R5if5DTs8FzEYTQrFRN049WN-jZRvwyRNMtezxgU1_CUx-zIY3LWqc0YKCKdr9FIGYG3OdPtDMKFf0lcnla9kIDh9GzZU0l1gwsXQjxjHeW4eDIfauUl2SK0a3NY19SxfkYBwkDJbRRjSbX2Be-ExobJYq80UHe_KXVgKK8nKRH/s6000/IMG_1426.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLujqydsM0z0XAqp12R5if5DTs8FzEYTQrFRN049WN-jZRvwyRNMtezxgU1_CUx-zIY3LWqc0YKCKdr9FIGYG3OdPtDMKFf0lcnla9kIDh9GzZU0l1gwsXQjxjHeW4eDIfauUl2SK0a3NY19SxfkYBwkDJbRRjSbX2Be-ExobJYq80UHe_KXVgKK8nKRH/w426-h640/IMG_1426.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing over a headland, Lakehead Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjWKDF3XoMyMb8OtiK6RhMA1HoqNgsteVJ6Gk2ZQtV_6qE5tJiGcrE-M4pFX6bdx321jmYiIClLAaF0FdFqY8XS5-0CPgs1abYS0UP5mcQOFIUjDDgFgnudN8WJvgbav7rfz8gPRSFdLgss3NnRGRW5naKoFv_zjFSq7MixnJbRKed-iWroRO51ZNYw4H/s6000/IMG_1435.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjWKDF3XoMyMb8OtiK6RhMA1HoqNgsteVJ6Gk2ZQtV_6qE5tJiGcrE-M4pFX6bdx321jmYiIClLAaF0FdFqY8XS5-0CPgs1abYS0UP5mcQOFIUjDDgFgnudN8WJvgbav7rfz8gPRSFdLgss3NnRGRW5naKoFv_zjFSq7MixnJbRKed-iWroRO51ZNYw4H/w640-h426/IMG_1435.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back near the start of the Lakehead Track</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I finally walked off the end of Lakehead Track after 2 hours and 10 minutes so I made excellent time. It was busy at the Kerr Bay boat ramp with groups launching boats, boarding water taxis, walking around etc. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will have to come back up after the holiday madness to do the camping trip that I had planned for this weekend. A few days of good weather in early January/Feburary would fit the bill....</div></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/AVvXsEjsbSiW-OmfMtgvkG1r09leZQ2RFzTU1zmvFwd_2Dlwgyh3DX43QKB1QYWKTuvG-5yiXtz6GEMSS8ej4iBlOx0G9XnTlspzkWgGHwqI_AoEQWPuLDWmVfVhduHC5x9k8wACL69qdzKZzcy0MS70P2seaQYbu_3oPgIXlcv4M831WvDOY0YO2JTez2U705h5/s6000/IMG_1439.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbSiW-OmfMtgvkG1r09leZQ2RFzTU1zmvFwd_2Dlwgyh3DX43QKB1QYWKTuvG-5yiXtz6GEMSS8ej4iBlOx0G9XnTlspzkWgGHwqI_AoEQWPuLDWmVfVhduHC5x9k8wACL69qdzKZzcy0MS70P2seaQYbu_3oPgIXlcv4M831WvDOY0YO2JTez2U705h5/w640-h426/IMG_1439.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I arrive at Kerr Bay. Nelson Lakes 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/AVvXsEjl66EeYchG_NH-cAMS1Cdkr3C6qUHilJhY-NBAA-SNnLbnw-ZxAA8pxW6gAs3zEdiOmsqYvPheVuELqmA8T_4TVyjiqM4F5XKc1AS7mOUobfjl4p37RImQIDLeNkV0rnwOOf9vKvw5iLUMzeiFKeCksS789tXZfuZVpQMQgKiFtMB2gP5CXCofGrpwRdBp/s6000/IMG_1442.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl66EeYchG_NH-cAMS1Cdkr3C6qUHilJhY-NBAA-SNnLbnw-ZxAA8pxW6gAs3zEdiOmsqYvPheVuELqmA8T_4TVyjiqM4F5XKc1AS7mOUobfjl4p37RImQIDLeNkV0rnwOOf9vKvw5iLUMzeiFKeCksS789tXZfuZVpQMQgKiFtMB2gP5CXCofGrpwRdBp/w640-h426/IMG_1442.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farwell Lake Rotoiti. Nelson Lake National Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Any time I can get away to Nelson Lakes National Park is a good time for me. I love it up here and once again wished I lived in Nelson (only 2 hours away...) so I could enjoy it more often. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I might be back late in 2023 for a couple of trips I have planned for the park but we will just have to see how things pan out. Cheers...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">Access: </b><span style="text-align: left;">Lakehead Track is in the Travers Valley, Nelson Lakes NP. Access is from the Kerr Bay boat ramp around the edge of the lake. There is a water taxi service, cost is $100 per boat and can be found at the Kerr Bay jetty. </span><b style="text-align: left;"> </b></div><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Track Times: </b>It is <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">2-3</span> hours to <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Lakehead Hut from St Arnaud. It is</span> another <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">2</span>0 minutes to the ford <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">near the mouth of</span> the Travers River, then <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">1</span>0 minutes to Coldwater Hut. </span></div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Hut Details:</b> <i>Lakehead Hut</i> : Serviced, 2<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">8</span> bunks, water tank, wood shed, toilets: <i>Coldwater Hut</i>: Serviced. 14 bunks, water tank, woodshed, toilet. </div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Miscellaneous: </b>Some un-bridged side streams, only a problem in major rain events but care is required at all times<b>. </b>You cannot go up the valley from May until November due to the avalanche risk.</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Nelson Lakes National Park, South Island, New Zealand-42.0075113 172.6316661-70.317745136178843 137.4754161 -13.697277463821152 -152.21208390000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-12988800808267497522023-06-05T00:21:00.003-07:002023-06-05T00:21:00.141-07:00Christchurch 360 Trail: Kennedy Bush Track to Sign of the Kiwi<h3 style="text-align: center;"> ...along the Crater Rim Walkway...</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Way back in early February I went and walked another Port Hills section of the Christchurch 360 Trail on a warm and sunny day. This was a short section from the top of Kennedys Bush Track along the Crater Rim Walkway to the Sign of the Kiwi. </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/AVvXsEieVBbcvxFOW-tim4TNxXpGKVI8OpgUOySJYsmhBRdZUUidMzZoeuV2vf-hJInhmIoSAvTl4_7PCSz_8p9oX0ORBDJ6d5eB4y-6zlXH0LcGTuBiTktX-ZpbvOr04A5SqavStZE518gtkghDS-H_w4Zt4RRV6rD2r-RQUwZtlTcsG2xgymlykY89ART9/s6000/IMG_0412.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVBbcvxFOW-tim4TNxXpGKVI8OpgUOySJYsmhBRdZUUidMzZoeuV2vf-hJInhmIoSAvTl4_7PCSz_8p9oX0ORBDJ6d5eB4y-6zlXH0LcGTuBiTktX-ZpbvOr04A5SqavStZE518gtkghDS-H_w4Zt4RRV6rD2r-RQUwZtlTcsG2xgymlykY89ART9/w640-h426/IMG_0412.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worsley's Spur from near Kennedys Bush Track</td></tr></tbody></table><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;">One of the highlights of any section along the Port Hills are the magnificent views out over the Canterbury Plains. On a clear day you can see from the Kaikoura Peninsula right south to down near Oamaru. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEiF2m_2EVDq6d1OReq0wr0FNiCfFUHRGDWlwHJBQ_SvH2b1DMZYxPBO_nhchpnGz0_SwtxRFr7Y97FAj1J1ORzCDYdxzlbd2Pcsie_Scyj8hM2GDVQoy-dKSiVymszqXj43UaUxHotx9k5PdkRzbLJSx0fy4rW3uMy94p2qYGFDNks9bbWQ157yAoOw/s6000/IMG_0414.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2m_2EVDq6d1OReq0wr0FNiCfFUHRGDWlwHJBQ_SvH2b1DMZYxPBO_nhchpnGz0_SwtxRFr7Y97FAj1J1ORzCDYdxzlbd2Pcsie_Scyj8hM2GDVQoy-dKSiVymszqXj43UaUxHotx9k5PdkRzbLJSx0fy4rW3uMy94p2qYGFDNks9bbWQ157yAoOw/w640-h426/IMG_0414.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canterbury Plains from near Kennedys Bush Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In places you can also see down into Lyttelton Harbor and the green of the plains and the blue of the water in Lyttleton really speak to what Christchurch is all about. </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/AVvXsEg0Bu9kYUsrq17l-rT3MFEferczORmKKBjKzUoB2TgPxz6vqErjXlEa-g6SwMiX2qL-GzN85wCJp-GhZZXhlDFqCUCw49_heOrA2EWATtaD5Fl9SCCOAeZFI2meUsjWkVA-wn-HSX13fZBSMWZ1XYxFPZtUMkJn4qxWEKv5yFX2f08yOR0KiU1B-ARB/s6000/IMG_0492.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Bu9kYUsrq17l-rT3MFEferczORmKKBjKzUoB2TgPxz6vqErjXlEa-g6SwMiX2qL-GzN85wCJp-GhZZXhlDFqCUCw49_heOrA2EWATtaD5Fl9SCCOAeZFI2meUsjWkVA-wn-HSX13fZBSMWZ1XYxFPZtUMkJn4qxWEKv5yFX2f08yOR0KiU1B-ARB/w640-h426/IMG_0492.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down Lyttleton Harbor from the track</td></tr></tbody></table><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;">This section of the 360 Trail is what I would term Urban Wilderness...it is scrub, bush, rock and farmland but you can still see the sprawl of Christchurch close to hand. Not quite an urban area but certainly not typical New Zealand backcountry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEiQLSXeV7RHW2gmHjxbKbMYjvodI6e5H_oIdNw2EuqVnuRPpOKO_3FNzNyYic4xQ0-OTtivi9uI3LVQK4qIQb7Iq9QJlS07dILSSzXbqBUfZETXVUV5aLHyslyk-eJt4lQp5CMHbJVAN43qb6nTxgi1mejtIP0EvJe2b6F3FdoYtbf9HPsfn2ENyS5l/s6000/IMG_0415.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLSXeV7RHW2gmHjxbKbMYjvodI6e5H_oIdNw2EuqVnuRPpOKO_3FNzNyYic4xQ0-OTtivi9uI3LVQK4qIQb7Iq9QJlS07dILSSzXbqBUfZETXVUV5aLHyslyk-eJt4lQp5CMHbJVAN43qb6nTxgi1mejtIP0EvJe2b6F3FdoYtbf9HPsfn2ENyS5l/w640-h426/IMG_0415.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to the south from the Summit road on the Port Hills</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway...enough of that. Let's put our walking shoes on and traverse the trail between Kennedys Bush Track and Dyers Pass. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4>Kennedys Bush Track:</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The start of this section is at the top of the Kennedys Bush Track up above Westmorland. I got Karen to drop me near this point and I then made my way home by foot. The previous 360 section starts down at Halswell Quarry and climbs up the hills to this point. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSSUp48kt5jy6fGjgqS9VL_8F0easTmNJAG08BLh9Pp-CNa_0lPE6fUWQMUkJ8BPQ923VWQu-RNKKKaDINchE7bG8fyqbJ_qIGyFxkWCqQgwIUrUVwroATnWduTCa1hQWTwFSqPAGHTC6cR6LwZCTyvakbcaUXz_uxxCkFFeoLIMJTVHvt8g4h3qp/s1059/KennedysBushMap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1059" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSSUp48kt5jy6fGjgqS9VL_8F0easTmNJAG08BLh9Pp-CNa_0lPE6fUWQMUkJ8BPQ923VWQu-RNKKKaDINchE7bG8fyqbJ_qIGyFxkWCqQgwIUrUVwroATnWduTCa1hQWTwFSqPAGHTC6cR6LwZCTyvakbcaUXz_uxxCkFFeoLIMJTVHvt8g4h3qp/w640-h424/KennedysBushMap.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map: Christchurch 360 Trail: Kennedys Bush/Sign of the Kiwi</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I walked that section way back in 2016 when I was working on completing the whole Christchurch 360 Trail.</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/AVvXsEijwnKZwxemiCR_X9boIXjSDXi9zceT4yCskItFfVtGnxb3u4XbNyhnEdetCHg4Le2N5fEcYxvz6cgN_hf0DiMzb-3J35MYSXqrBMUJptz_gYzlocIcWJ9RVracYOqEqDf6qaGKS4CMw54btz5iLKI2HoJElH6NhZUAN19TZS94iYlw9apPZVMu6_1X/s6000/IMG_0459.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwnKZwxemiCR_X9boIXjSDXi9zceT4yCskItFfVtGnxb3u4XbNyhnEdetCHg4Le2N5fEcYxvz6cgN_hf0DiMzb-3J35MYSXqrBMUJptz_gYzlocIcWJ9RVracYOqEqDf6qaGKS4CMw54btz5iLKI2HoJElH6NhZUAN19TZS94iYlw9apPZVMu6_1X/w640-h426/IMG_0459.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carpark at top of Kennedys Bush Track</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEisOTlsvant58BY0zBdxzEdN20keZrcOYI4UM9qq0FX5eUEiQQqb5KaV1dVYBV1Y7UaEG8bN1biTFKzPncjjwc9S85RAeSZ_Cx-QzWTjfJRA0wnAP60e4xlvN1aND8FJfM39rlFo57Sbqy5s0UBDk9Pv2jkO3wlQd5Sl6GBcULtiCfOxKY3WoEhQrFA/s6000/IMG_0461.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOTlsvant58BY0zBdxzEdN20keZrcOYI4UM9qq0FX5eUEiQQqb5KaV1dVYBV1Y7UaEG8bN1biTFKzPncjjwc9S85RAeSZ_Cx-QzWTjfJRA0wnAP60e4xlvN1aND8FJfM39rlFo57Sbqy5s0UBDk9Pv2jkO3wlQd5Sl6GBcULtiCfOxKY3WoEhQrFA/w640-h426/IMG_0461.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Kennedys Bush Track on Summit Road</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a fence and stile at the top of Kennedys Bush Track and a small parking area next to the farmers access point to the track. If you are driving to this point ensure you leave enough space to let farm vehicles get past. </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/AVvXsEi4GSkqVAdy3WBdvC-BMi7CxEsOMrqvd0jDB1J5RdptrzrGhzPr3D5vXooRF8kaF_HGfPf3MpegfLyeJxN78IpveONkMZLjeeNykr9IxllFwK1OiPwJuXUIQnIayDfydaNVGacyf7OhpQ19lAS3uwMC6qm33wmskglkYugdF7iwJrpPwewPl6SARTrL/s6000/IMG_0424.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GSkqVAdy3WBdvC-BMi7CxEsOMrqvd0jDB1J5RdptrzrGhzPr3D5vXooRF8kaF_HGfPf3MpegfLyeJxN78IpveONkMZLjeeNykr9IxllFwK1OiPwJuXUIQnIayDfydaNVGacyf7OhpQ19lAS3uwMC6qm33wmskglkYugdF7iwJrpPwewPl6SARTrL/w640-h426/IMG_0424.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MTB riders and walkers at Kennedys Bush 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/AVvXsEgCGDLEJ5f-SWPnHAsIVFgrgxTGi0YBreA_cPVq8vu1m9Sf4ITQmK29U81z7ceqXzbLlioTftOzwkR7-JhuGPJ2SahvqwdI6mC4ME_jV56ATfGzI0GfaodQAtt4CXEeRjky3Fe1hiKsMqxlMYLplaIoE9tWD-zCEsGEQv-XqDtelKYjqrEBEHe5T2w2/s6000/IMG_0434.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGDLEJ5f-SWPnHAsIVFgrgxTGi0YBreA_cPVq8vu1m9Sf4ITQmK29U81z7ceqXzbLlioTftOzwkR7-JhuGPJ2SahvqwdI6mC4ME_jV56ATfGzI0GfaodQAtt4CXEeRjky3Fe1hiKsMqxlMYLplaIoE9tWD-zCEsGEQv-XqDtelKYjqrEBEHe5T2w2/w640-h426/IMG_0434.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great views out over the Canterbury Plains</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLcWThwjJVdV8cwxY5_rbn7WcjSturfksIHUTvPIaTeznV1moEj_DcUGJ7ERZbmJFf5eHcGT8it_g33Ezxf1xbVCgrwqDcwwFq0yHeqEl2CTC6FvZXIy3XEtsI_ERhn2i_tEdfEms1PsfMzn59RSgL84YiDRtCQUihffvtEbhZc91hGspwE1vDDWG/s6000/IMG_0431.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLcWThwjJVdV8cwxY5_rbn7WcjSturfksIHUTvPIaTeznV1moEj_DcUGJ7ERZbmJFf5eHcGT8it_g33Ezxf1xbVCgrwqDcwwFq0yHeqEl2CTC6FvZXIy3XEtsI_ERhn2i_tEdfEms1PsfMzn59RSgL84YiDRtCQUihffvtEbhZc91hGspwE1vDDWG/w640-h426/IMG_0431.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CCC sign at top of Kennedys Bush Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Directly across from the Kennedys Bush Track is a short connector track which takes you up to Mitchells Track which runs around to Dyers Pass. It is well sign posted with Christchurch 360 signs and obviously leads up hill to the main track. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c8rPERdgciarxSCXKDebgXvo8dZoEFZz7fOonnx3Ps34CfDeFmoBwMY9FA0JfcNM16N_nGgu8-aJ8UZQZLDXtxvdmwGNbkZIYBHdGbo1pzTz3KyVipgOvYeeBKcKMnEDQoqMAW-188UOFZ7Jewme5JE7wkw6r7fNPw5SFFC52mw7IGDhhB5HhJjp/s6000/IMG_0426.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c8rPERdgciarxSCXKDebgXvo8dZoEFZz7fOonnx3Ps34CfDeFmoBwMY9FA0JfcNM16N_nGgu8-aJ8UZQZLDXtxvdmwGNbkZIYBHdGbo1pzTz3KyVipgOvYeeBKcKMnEDQoqMAW-188UOFZ7Jewme5JE7wkw6r7fNPw5SFFC52mw7IGDhhB5HhJjp/w640-h426/IMG_0426.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Access to Mitchells Track from the Summit Road</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs_9Ma1rUIYoRRwz1sKbVV4NkXkeItV3VcO_k_29jzMLHiMgaL9Pzn7lXKPVmP6IJ6dAIB7A6hWTESZXAG-2EHMliA0OSzjMpoo5BU5DW5NXcaiMAB7q_lAZucUXBrl-08YltM61yyUl7A_U7maeOR72cOFFXybwuIOGymzTWTDNhFxz_ob_1e1lC/s6000/IMG_0437.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs_9Ma1rUIYoRRwz1sKbVV4NkXkeItV3VcO_k_29jzMLHiMgaL9Pzn7lXKPVmP6IJ6dAIB7A6hWTESZXAG-2EHMliA0OSzjMpoo5BU5DW5NXcaiMAB7q_lAZucUXBrl-08YltM61yyUl7A_U7maeOR72cOFFXybwuIOGymzTWTDNhFxz_ob_1e1lC/w640-h426/IMG_0437.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...follow the Christchurch 360 Trail signs...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The track is the standard mown grass that you will find right along the Port Hills and makes for easy walking. You are totally exposed up here so make sure you are ready for hot sunny weather and inclement conditions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEijc3eNzrOqnTZvEpHCMMpIprNWY-Fj-Mt_vOYj_6oOKhjAnHL4fRo8YI8pjcTZXrQevB5Y8g_-AogYcOxKGwkTCqXGBos64koB39VFmUuHLAzUoQ1un3gkS7AFAJdRlJ2HxYleHKzgto_ckxn9i7P__xalJctG1X7yxHnc-tIQa6gtgrJK3wi5vxWX/s6000/IMG_0441.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijc3eNzrOqnTZvEpHCMMpIprNWY-Fj-Mt_vOYj_6oOKhjAnHL4fRo8YI8pjcTZXrQevB5Y8g_-AogYcOxKGwkTCqXGBos64koB39VFmUuHLAzUoQ1un3gkS7AFAJdRlJ2HxYleHKzgto_ckxn9i7P__xalJctG1X7yxHnc-tIQa6gtgrJK3wi5vxWX/w640-h426/IMG_0441.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up to Mitchells Track from Kennedys Bush 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/AVvXsEgbUAB-iMyLt8MtWzb5nZxwQKTFp9vB8na8MYSWTa3ZGYJRwICC72pHoOO9SmUMBz4MVYeAyB8unU9sYeCu5ZEYX5tIe4WX6ZFz_ll0CllMusuEHRNOLpUjolAWUZcj7N2wtuFTg5YHAjxQoVCThYmIVA8HTiWGJugub8ocJzj0Yeb_ZmR7qcyernCq/s6000/IMG_0443.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUAB-iMyLt8MtWzb5nZxwQKTFp9vB8na8MYSWTa3ZGYJRwICC72pHoOO9SmUMBz4MVYeAyB8unU9sYeCu5ZEYX5tIe4WX6ZFz_ll0CllMusuEHRNOLpUjolAWUZcj7N2wtuFTg5YHAjxQoVCThYmIVA8HTiWGJugub8ocJzj0Yeb_ZmR7qcyernCq/w640-h426/IMG_0443.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitchells Track comes into sight</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eventually you will connect with the Mitchells Track...go left towards Dyers Pass. If you head to the right you will eventually arrive at the Sign of the Bellbird which is another of the rest stops built for the proposed Harry Ell Walkway along the Port Hills. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the early 1900's there was a plan for a series of rest stops along the route of a proposed track from Evans Pass to Akaroa. Only three were built: Packhorse Hut, Sign of the Bellbird and Sign of the Kiwi but several others were planned. The Great War and a lack of money eventually stymied the plan... </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/AVvXsEgAFLXXtv2Y4nFbk5ik02RA-hwIe5vbM6VUivnXwlORZTE1ZP3xTiH2MZwc65y-8lXQxz4TSuszCVJPlTlDiDpmSMCda1L_P0PQWKKlg-hyxaTdGVFFIbg2yYUxcUiypACsH3CCzg8F65RyCslzWpWvxGvww-yG-3GrR4mSkfitGw81xqx_MUsrHiH7/s6000/IMG_0445.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFLXXtv2Y4nFbk5ik02RA-hwIe5vbM6VUivnXwlORZTE1ZP3xTiH2MZwc65y-8lXQxz4TSuszCVJPlTlDiDpmSMCda1L_P0PQWKKlg-hyxaTdGVFFIbg2yYUxcUiypACsH3CCzg8F65RyCslzWpWvxGvww-yG-3GrR4mSkfitGw81xqx_MUsrHiH7/w640-h426/IMG_0445.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Junction of connector track with the Mitchells Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is some new native planting on the hills around this point. Most of the existing cover was burnt down in the 2016 Port Hills fires. The Canterbury Regional council are slowly replanting many areas along the tracks with natives. Eventually there will be a very nice strip of native bush right along the crestline of the Port Hills. </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/AVvXsEiLAHTka1f1CMkV6UuYnIOKUAx5KAuKh0T6m74qO5Oj0Xa5-WQJ7XYR8hmYJtQUZyYv_jnNjYy1naJ0w1LQ_8Bp_QLy_wbwiEgaK4Lz51z64jFfrMAafaOCuCQxCVJl1Tuc2Pigutdcgp9jy8QkHxK5c28TAPU3MD6UuaTL5I6qk07E37ccIyptug7u/s6000/IMG_0450.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAHTka1f1CMkV6UuYnIOKUAx5KAuKh0T6m74qO5Oj0Xa5-WQJ7XYR8hmYJtQUZyYv_jnNjYy1naJ0w1LQ_8Bp_QLy_wbwiEgaK4Lz51z64jFfrMAafaOCuCQxCVJl1Tuc2Pigutdcgp9jy8QkHxK5c28TAPU3MD6UuaTL5I6qk07E37ccIyptug7u/w640-h426/IMG_0450.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New native planting along Mitchells 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/AVvXsEh_z3iQ8JqMmcFy-GT6Lf3-I-7K2RvlMCu553l3OSaModjJf9oD3eEtx3RhnxhMWcRkcXS-XclluSyeE0sY8hveySlbcbWXyGH3IK-0wqMfI5HfynhHTOHhI_-5U8mT0a5JCJxwlp1SgNI9bHYDDHazKnA7uTrlA-QaWs5xOcuQNrF7xPchtmUnLjby/s6000/IMG_0452.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_z3iQ8JqMmcFy-GT6Lf3-I-7K2RvlMCu553l3OSaModjJf9oD3eEtx3RhnxhMWcRkcXS-XclluSyeE0sY8hveySlbcbWXyGH3IK-0wqMfI5HfynhHTOHhI_-5U8mT0a5JCJxwlp1SgNI9bHYDDHazKnA7uTrlA-QaWs5xOcuQNrF7xPchtmUnLjby/w640-h426/IMG_0452.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Mitchells Track heading to Dyers Pass via Pt.490</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/AVvXsEhcgZ6ewOql0BVWfGt98EIfmFEE6tF3kzXRfXUvkcUGPqQBE2tO-AAhk8I2Vb95F5XNqns2fAj8Rrj05YbuJpEbCiOwmh4bQTxCdJKIE8KXoHTwNjG6VPLnhaTysvqKWiKaCqV-xvMAU2qGpkgyn20DVoXZtneN6W4SjAW0Gv4Z1FfIBoSz3sxdoz1r/s6000/IMG_0455.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgZ6ewOql0BVWfGt98EIfmFEE6tF3kzXRfXUvkcUGPqQBE2tO-AAhk8I2Vb95F5XNqns2fAj8Rrj05YbuJpEbCiOwmh4bQTxCdJKIE8KXoHTwNjG6VPLnhaTysvqKWiKaCqV-xvMAU2qGpkgyn20DVoXZtneN6W4SjAW0Gv4Z1FfIBoSz3sxdoz1r/w640-h426/IMG_0455.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending down from the hill near Sign of the Bellbird</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You follow the obvious track around the hills to the first of a series of carparks you will find along the track. It was pleasant and very easy walking through shoulder high gorse and broom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtIsIAjJLvV1ndSV7eO9gnNixGKU1ZzO3oqT2oMmM0x72JSK0tRuqhm5uXuErMcAIfZ_DSJXDcmNOSETyJQ4PTReRnryUVbUHHDXpFuxY5z9404QBEgJmX0hk34mMEW1E5hfMdgQJwYrYNXFFRkbACP2HJjWKYwXxOeYN6ksW9QFknyvkjP6OGhp1/s6000/IMG_0466.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtIsIAjJLvV1ndSV7eO9gnNixGKU1ZzO3oqT2oMmM0x72JSK0tRuqhm5uXuErMcAIfZ_DSJXDcmNOSETyJQ4PTReRnryUVbUHHDXpFuxY5z9404QBEgJmX0hk34mMEW1E5hfMdgQJwYrYNXFFRkbACP2HJjWKYwXxOeYN6ksW9QFknyvkjP6OGhp1/w640-h426/IMG_0466.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending to the first carpark on Mitchells Track</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3w_QngLyjDMcxs6XoKEwYqhrsTHPaPIEzpH2qJEDDjf12ai0Y3cP2GK_bzH6TLPydDvYkOCKI2qwvxZENI2Na2qCsgZ04CHMIVAYaigV1VX8TMml2_EbDQhyj2kS7asEgXfDvWP7ArepCakwb5z890OzR0RK2o8iiLa4nR__b6tsHyYMeemiSMqBr/s6000/IMG_0464.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3w_QngLyjDMcxs6XoKEwYqhrsTHPaPIEzpH2qJEDDjf12ai0Y3cP2GK_bzH6TLPydDvYkOCKI2qwvxZENI2Na2qCsgZ04CHMIVAYaigV1VX8TMml2_EbDQhyj2kS7asEgXfDvWP7ArepCakwb5z890OzR0RK2o8iiLa4nR__b6tsHyYMeemiSMqBr/w640-h426/IMG_0464.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Mitchells Track enroute to Sign of the Kiwi</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were half a dozen vehicles parked here as a group was climbing on some nearby bluffs. I stopped for a water break before continuing on my way...</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/AVvXsEhnU2lmkI5-shW2MzkoBJgRjyP2rk5JvAig2GLu4twdb1kGVbsaZqfPKztuVGgEuqdHFLhsifN_9jeCotSQ0Kx-NKMeMQKichiamBDK2uYA3hnbbu1uUazoRo85Xqmr3dwIwq4KNf1eMCRXReePD-FFZ7z-YdbOUr3XlJStKNGgKsNtbEjvn6SpEKVl/s6000/IMG_0469.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnU2lmkI5-shW2MzkoBJgRjyP2rk5JvAig2GLu4twdb1kGVbsaZqfPKztuVGgEuqdHFLhsifN_9jeCotSQ0Kx-NKMeMQKichiamBDK2uYA3hnbbu1uUazoRo85Xqmr3dwIwq4KNf1eMCRXReePD-FFZ7z-YdbOUr3XlJStKNGgKsNtbEjvn6SpEKVl/w640-h426/IMG_0469.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the first carpark on Mitchells Track, Port Hills</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgc2-_ixeTvUl3vjs5N8Hql9VhdE7J6AQ14KnOwDfplNCJY9iEAAXEt-eNOSX-6uyVuXWxm-A_XBPCUy6vLDY7Aj7wlKmTjUKVKpfBQitPIBx5sfD-N9DyOWs2Jmg1PYB0hHwxozRIbFLwSjzlvE_oWuYVoo4FKRw2esUici0XqymahNwe972AIMBom/s6000/IMG_0474.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2-_ixeTvUl3vjs5N8Hql9VhdE7J6AQ14KnOwDfplNCJY9iEAAXEt-eNOSX-6uyVuXWxm-A_XBPCUy6vLDY7Aj7wlKmTjUKVKpfBQitPIBx5sfD-N9DyOWs2Jmg1PYB0hHwxozRIbFLwSjzlvE_oWuYVoo4FKRw2esUici0XqymahNwe972AIMBom/w640-h426/IMG_0474.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbers scale cliffs near Sign of the Bellbird</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is another Christchurch 360 marker on the far side of the carpark and it heads up and over some low hills. There is native bush right up to the side of the track here and this is the only bit of this section with any cover from the sun. </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/AVvXsEgCWnomMc9sqAR1FwRfr2dbKWOf2AnOeHevSccD1l9wIKct3J2djbGvd51D40FOUYk2pmcpiQLVXio2kI2lNuSakB7Qh4UrflcnniVddgHWsa8twx2NWUsuyjADL6CDPIA9AmDq63XyFGcXSNBSXVriOX16ngy63TNjnE51Mi5rDVfX7W6rnWbJ3GNf/s6000/IMG_0475.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWnomMc9sqAR1FwRfr2dbKWOf2AnOeHevSccD1l9wIKct3J2djbGvd51D40FOUYk2pmcpiQLVXio2kI2lNuSakB7Qh4UrflcnniVddgHWsa8twx2NWUsuyjADL6CDPIA9AmDq63XyFGcXSNBSXVriOX16ngy63TNjnE51Mi5rDVfX7W6rnWbJ3GNf/w640-h426/IMG_0475.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following Mitchells Track above Hoon Hay Reserve</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/AVvXsEiIOginhyvGxfY8IUafO66kOJ_HZzAqugJJfCrL3dKQxQjKm8IjNfeH1tkBSTKtUhbJ82yoWht-E6GdNCecxLg8jX7NvcEJ5C1KhvDiJjeLtPvoZrjaATCtrMBAcCZz2zlXEaH3GWxuXrGu1TSZYNwpb5JKVj20kHHj7R0F9F1NYUoQJ2XqGUq-SBRr/s6000/IMG_0477.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOginhyvGxfY8IUafO66kOJ_HZzAqugJJfCrL3dKQxQjKm8IjNfeH1tkBSTKtUhbJ82yoWht-E6GdNCecxLg8jX7NvcEJ5C1KhvDiJjeLtPvoZrjaATCtrMBAcCZz2zlXEaH3GWxuXrGu1TSZYNwpb5JKVj20kHHj7R0F9F1NYUoQJ2XqGUq-SBRr/w640-h426/IMG_0477.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock and grass track near Hon Hay Reserve</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are some spectacular views over Lyttleton from along the track. You can see right up the harbor and have excellent views down to Quail Island and the Head of the Bays. </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/AVvXsEiyP_5WXGXF2MLartG41Cqre6ZCxsyLgmYjL3iCmrGIgeOOOYyvbVq2QccjEbZD91Bt3MHYbV7iq6KE_1u67aaMx0wneVGb2-n43VVYCmzbfGbpAXQalevfD_0xGg9vn7FV_qtAE0cVqAMkjdRk23d4WMW_kOQOJrhqYElUqKMBYG5wb6ajN7LBOZsV/s6000/IMG_0484.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyP_5WXGXF2MLartG41Cqre6ZCxsyLgmYjL3iCmrGIgeOOOYyvbVq2QccjEbZD91Bt3MHYbV7iq6KE_1u67aaMx0wneVGb2-n43VVYCmzbfGbpAXQalevfD_0xGg9vn7FV_qtAE0cVqAMkjdRk23d4WMW_kOQOJrhqYElUqKMBYG5wb6ajN7LBOZsV/w640-h426/IMG_0484.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down to Lyttleton Harbor from Mitchells Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGir2chqQhk5PpOqUkabvhANlnQ8Dln29v1tVvqQO30mWUlK0yh5ltUmhz5nejVX9OFZBQD0ZgUemhDLsQrfCIBr3PbjZu_LS8U8tYaXoz1L0ttyKtMkUTJU2Wyp5VGT01RjN7cRnoPLqWg57rcbobnV5jOIEqbmWf7pGRe2UxOME_KyA6XiTzPim/s6000/IMG_0485.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGir2chqQhk5PpOqUkabvhANlnQ8Dln29v1tVvqQO30mWUlK0yh5ltUmhz5nejVX9OFZBQD0ZgUemhDLsQrfCIBr3PbjZu_LS8U8tYaXoz1L0ttyKtMkUTJU2Wyp5VGT01RjN7cRnoPLqWg57rcbobnV5jOIEqbmWf7pGRe2UxOME_KyA6XiTzPim/w640-h426/IMG_0485.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer view of Quail Island from Mitchells Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The week I was walking this track was the same the Sail GP event was happening so Lyttleton was full of yachts both competing and watching the yachts. There were a few people along the track sitting and watching through binoculars. Quail Island would have been the sweet spot as the yachts passed right by the island. <br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Bu9kYUsrq17l-rT3MFEferczORmKKBjKzUoB2TgPxz6vqErjXlEa-g6SwMiX2qL-GzN85wCJp-GhZZXhlDFqCUCw49_heOrA2EWATtaD5Fl9SCCOAeZFI2meUsjWkVA-wn-HSX13fZBSMWZ1XYxFPZtUMkJn4qxWEKv5yFX2f08yOR0KiU1B-ARB/s6000/IMG_0492.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Bu9kYUsrq17l-rT3MFEferczORmKKBjKzUoB2TgPxz6vqErjXlEa-g6SwMiX2qL-GzN85wCJp-GhZZXhlDFqCUCw49_heOrA2EWATtaD5Fl9SCCOAeZFI2meUsjWkVA-wn-HSX13fZBSMWZ1XYxFPZtUMkJn4qxWEKv5yFX2f08yOR0KiU1B-ARB/w640-h426/IMG_0492.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great view down Lyttleton Harbor from Mitchells Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNE45oph0Q9ORc6neM5xnFGZj2T-KAdrty1QXuK1JMKCG_7u-2G4vrfWQF9xdfUTsXwSikqWrlHH-32UFn6klcRJXeOMwlB9qTVZMQ-6c7EVuL11eiqiuSi4ohLkzPZRQZvTFfJ421luProZJqkF7nri8EVDHC-7SYiuDI2qSSTyH7BBXaawtEWZ5C/s6000/IMG_0487.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNE45oph0Q9ORc6neM5xnFGZj2T-KAdrty1QXuK1JMKCG_7u-2G4vrfWQF9xdfUTsXwSikqWrlHH-32UFn6klcRJXeOMwlB9qTVZMQ-6c7EVuL11eiqiuSi4ohLkzPZRQZvTFfJ421luProZJqkF7nri8EVDHC-7SYiuDI2qSSTyH7BBXaawtEWZ5C/w640-h426/IMG_0487.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yachts on Lyttleton Harbor on Sail GP weekend</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You make your way along Mitchells Track to the carpark just below Pt.490 which is a high point up above Governors Bay. This peak is now a QEII covenanted reserve and is slowly reverting to native bush. There is now a protected bush enclave from Hoon Hay Valley over the hills to Governors Bay. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wonder if QEII reserves will become KCIII reserves now Charles has taken the throne. They may retain the old name in the same way as the Duke of Edinburgh awards. It just doesn't make a huge amount of sense to change the name. Of course the Duke of Edinburgh is now Edward Windsor so it is not exactly the same. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It will be interesting to see...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY485QuQkLkLy4nkzNbFaFNSbZd58MXQQCe3eVCg0WyIVqRYnBaHDocXGwc4FBr1--URNGKua_3gM0oc587SMIH9m1l1k3wwn37PWTfOrGH4ExtojSYnbJMXN3aOUIZi88mzEgPqUpDouYYfc5_CkH6Z983L4loWSrsY_LEYmPeMNSPGn_MNaUfdJ2/s6000/IMG_0494.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY485QuQkLkLy4nkzNbFaFNSbZd58MXQQCe3eVCg0WyIVqRYnBaHDocXGwc4FBr1--URNGKua_3gM0oc587SMIH9m1l1k3wwn37PWTfOrGH4ExtojSYnbJMXN3aOUIZi88mzEgPqUpDouYYfc5_CkH6Z983L4loWSrsY_LEYmPeMNSPGn_MNaUfdJ2/w640-h426/IMG_0494.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to Pt. 490 from Mitchells Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You soon arrive at another carpark and then start the short but steep climb up the old farm track on the western side of Pt. 490. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilirXETzqJwXIIavoKP-WHm9lz4U8czpzyX7piz-_-_eFU3Jl3JJJEHoMgCOk0MO8E1_bE9WHm4C2A--9E7xPAOdcT-Tx9H8M-QK-hmkTo3z1TtP4Hu7FDV_57fv8KGRnFCy_jhqDr7z5BEz0CU6QortY4tQHyJM19iBXe9jHU6UnNSyBv8TWKom4m/s6000/IMG_0496.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilirXETzqJwXIIavoKP-WHm9lz4U8czpzyX7piz-_-_eFU3Jl3JJJEHoMgCOk0MO8E1_bE9WHm4C2A--9E7xPAOdcT-Tx9H8M-QK-hmkTo3z1TtP4Hu7FDV_57fv8KGRnFCy_jhqDr7z5BEz0CU6QortY4tQHyJM19iBXe9jHU6UnNSyBv8TWKom4m/w640-h426/IMG_0496.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another carpark along Mitchells Track near Pt. 490</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEiZb8n1KN_26ikaPkvPGO-LCgTUeZeKNrUnOBX0Snh09fAcqMmdaDYXqW7a0Dq5U2doiQ30pDp5zE5s_O6Z66osvsW1cEuuncHQNqeWswErjDdxmLZx1QeUA_fJG9J_tAgpj69MLb_djDbT9r4ivCOTTG0GvRjObsRXXuxzzLDMMp9fx4KUcEkYWgxK/s6000/IMG_0480.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZb8n1KN_26ikaPkvPGO-LCgTUeZeKNrUnOBX0Snh09fAcqMmdaDYXqW7a0Dq5U2doiQ30pDp5zE5s_O6Z66osvsW1cEuuncHQNqeWswErjDdxmLZx1QeUA_fJG9J_tAgpj69MLb_djDbT9r4ivCOTTG0GvRjObsRXXuxzzLDMMp9fx4KUcEkYWgxK/w640-h426/IMG_0480.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up to the track around Pt. 490, Port Hills</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhEU36E4pAA-0G1pO2A0l-I_T4MGMSGjHuMhcyOXJ1WtEVRuPBgALApvESZS82Rj-2EBf-Ani1WmZ11MuvX7yC4eRfLRWoDlA4apNchdPkizC9YB4_LXBQDV-na8pjyF6V-QEbfNjnaZkKAnpNltWXDmaxW6jmcZsC90Yu9tel6Erg_OF0XnKN_5h3y/s6000/IMG_0482.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEU36E4pAA-0G1pO2A0l-I_T4MGMSGjHuMhcyOXJ1WtEVRuPBgALApvESZS82Rj-2EBf-Ani1WmZ11MuvX7yC4eRfLRWoDlA4apNchdPkizC9YB4_LXBQDV-na8pjyF6V-QEbfNjnaZkKAnpNltWXDmaxW6jmcZsC90Yu9tel6Erg_OF0XnKN_5h3y/w640-h426/IMG_0482.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Continuation of Mitchells Track past Pt. 490</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After first passing through some native bush you are back out in the open as you follow the path through some old farm paddocks. Pt. 490 is to your right along here and you can see how the native bush is slowly starting to colonise the hillside. </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/AVvXsEhaGZ3pRT1pKtzjDbNl8X4lJ7urR7OL5pPhupRshpE1n3az4exbbbz9DfoIey1M9Wi6T7CTu4CR1qgjwUzwhijETdvc1yICBWKe_57OpDJY4MMDY0h1riY82vY9zv9b_lXCiKavLqfncUXSY8wqRqcJ76s2cNKTY-c6U-0CQVr1rjGJvE8Or9cGvcTH/s6000/IMG_0499.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGZ3pRT1pKtzjDbNl8X4lJ7urR7OL5pPhupRshpE1n3az4exbbbz9DfoIey1M9Wi6T7CTu4CR1qgjwUzwhijETdvc1yICBWKe_57OpDJY4MMDY0h1riY82vY9zv9b_lXCiKavLqfncUXSY8wqRqcJ76s2cNKTY-c6U-0CQVr1rjGJvE8Or9cGvcTH/w640-h426/IMG_0499.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View back past Pt. 490 to Cass 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/AVvXsEj1zlsnBdpP_XeKq1Zh5A0nXe3KEjQeQ-fo8UZlhwTURSvUTpGLGxZdIoFi8fAKZ3wXg9OIobbo0P0R94yvRkNGFtoEYhBE4p6TBWqxPiNWWA1HT2SAygh7W4ERoCHdTyi7EOLyuxGbMR_r_uQWIFuk0kSsnwwQpB0-R_GaYLOgjl2xGFvBF0-mG1Og/s6000/IMG_0502.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zlsnBdpP_XeKq1Zh5A0nXe3KEjQeQ-fo8UZlhwTURSvUTpGLGxZdIoFi8fAKZ3wXg9OIobbo0P0R94yvRkNGFtoEYhBE4p6TBWqxPiNWWA1HT2SAygh7W4ERoCHdTyi7EOLyuxGbMR_r_uQWIFuk0kSsnwwQpB0-R_GaYLOgjl2xGFvBF0-mG1Og/w640-h426/IMG_0502.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Mitchells Track on the north flank of Pt. 490</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are a lot of reserves along the Port Hills now and looking down into the valleys you pass you will often find regenerating forests. Hoon Hay Valley is typical of this with extensive native bush from near the Summit Road right down to the valley floor. </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/AVvXsEhz7MVXf0CkD82bxNP23oqPmKeAe_kmdcbOGvO-yL2BavUttMfiB0ubqL6JC15n0rJJxAeCvLVX4NtXsyceCzJnFF3Y3uIDC779AqwLwNavSr6xvyx_WCDRnxNrouDjwSYucbtbtcJgeDLfU44EOM2f-a6YQGK8j9Eap_EJeIPe8Tk3mlJlNpsakinR/s6000/IMG_0503.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7MVXf0CkD82bxNP23oqPmKeAe_kmdcbOGvO-yL2BavUttMfiB0ubqL6JC15n0rJJxAeCvLVX4NtXsyceCzJnFF3Y3uIDC779AqwLwNavSr6xvyx_WCDRnxNrouDjwSYucbtbtcJgeDLfU44EOM2f-a6YQGK8j9Eap_EJeIPe8Tk3mlJlNpsakinR/w640-h426/IMG_0503.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bush in the Hoon Hay Valley, Port Hills</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsn3IQbnc5bT_t-Zzp7mMIf_B7nt_OiBfrvtzPCrM5RWcZ1rfgL8ojmvzk5fvW3e4uaPObAKK5IdTvvEwMJOkVbi4-38tI0UYit5Rq7YGPTMhz1rW9pFQCXvGPoDJ-3h01tI_2md5RRHztNxkCUnZsfCq8caDWxdbw1wooxxZUFDzfsY3k7gUZwS-/s6000/IMG_0506.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsn3IQbnc5bT_t-Zzp7mMIf_B7nt_OiBfrvtzPCrM5RWcZ1rfgL8ojmvzk5fvW3e4uaPObAKK5IdTvvEwMJOkVbi4-38tI0UYit5Rq7YGPTMhz1rW9pFQCXvGPoDJ-3h01tI_2md5RRHztNxkCUnZsfCq8caDWxdbw1wooxxZUFDzfsY3k7gUZwS-/w640-h426/IMG_0506.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of Pegasus Bay from Mitchells Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a stile over a fence past Pt. 490 and if you cross it you will find tracks up to the top of Pt. 490, down to Governors Bay and to a lookout point. There is a map here showing all of the bush tracks in the area so go have a look...</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/AVvXsEi7rCgpVCZpLH7xIlT-FunkpfRRBCKTja7aZktsBJDMQXQIwIbM1jwyytI7dCzhasHZPSoFWDWbgSalzbBytNJi5Dek7FpPuhzOgTbOyP_yqub8-uvQmOndc6vJKtHg5tksDNprKk8tD03hwkH9YkOCKozuHV0x7O7BjUTzhaJriEI0UPOYCxfGo5aI/s6000/IMG_0511.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rCgpVCZpLH7xIlT-FunkpfRRBCKTja7aZktsBJDMQXQIwIbM1jwyytI7dCzhasHZPSoFWDWbgSalzbBytNJi5Dek7FpPuhzOgTbOyP_yqub8-uvQmOndc6vJKtHg5tksDNprKk8tD03hwkH9YkOCKozuHV0x7O7BjUTzhaJriEI0UPOYCxfGo5aI/w640-h426/IMG_0511.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stile to the tracks and lookout above Governors Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgIbfRglVjckGDRQ9ORVERisr-9mzcYhOieTmeVaMXG7SgoS3twU9RI_utcxXKs_WNSzIU5-ITuoTx48E_7iGf_LM44wNjebpFf_cSlBiLbBVm5CVTUF1r0G1HfS8GwXRwRVRRvf8L6moR2oWQ0Owvg0v4g6sfqQvbSNLJLurKH2DNq1bs8caDBWY4s/s6000/IMG_0513.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbfRglVjckGDRQ9ORVERisr-9mzcYhOieTmeVaMXG7SgoS3twU9RI_utcxXKs_WNSzIU5-ITuoTx48E_7iGf_LM44wNjebpFf_cSlBiLbBVm5CVTUF1r0G1HfS8GwXRwRVRRvf8L6moR2oWQ0Owvg0v4g6sfqQvbSNLJLurKH2DNq1bs8caDBWY4s/w640-h426/IMG_0513.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracks to Governors Bay and up to Pt. 490, Port Hills</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><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/AVvXsEhT2Na3pORcuGRc-S3WLgldMMwdnA5t36LB6kSp_QUwLB8mYhjQ0AR7B6WNq_XcebV6Hn0S0nkolGyv6_yx_qszWAKd6CxfTjoCPJDhQHLhYcxxaY90vNJePU1T4c6PNULMNNJvwogAAPD0UcezUoMmKMgNLxtJGxjx_hVilRgM-crw41KlTRiwI1Gj/s6000/IMG_0518.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2Na3pORcuGRc-S3WLgldMMwdnA5t36LB6kSp_QUwLB8mYhjQ0AR7B6WNq_XcebV6Hn0S0nkolGyv6_yx_qszWAKd6CxfTjoCPJDhQHLhYcxxaY90vNJePU1T4c6PNULMNNJvwogAAPD0UcezUoMmKMgNLxtJGxjx_hVilRgM-crw41KlTRiwI1Gj/w640-h426/IMG_0518.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of track network in Ohinetahi Reserve</td></tr></tbody></table><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;"> I went and had a look from the lookout and there is an excellent view of this end of Lyttleton Harbor and down to Governors Bay. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEi1nP6EQ8NcqT26ZRXXj6dMdy1n7sefIpua3p1n-2lO84jXaoxwy5W4CEGksLaMatwVp5KiYc109cAVmGYKkCSv0_K2f2Fyil5Z_hfE5_kjcKA7hG1RdtWuwsOk-4hlOlnYG15SxG1TnVvhBaQa4dpK6jHnmv-7_s6dQ-2TOzGoyeJr1pqkMMMHRQKQ/s6000/IMG_0515.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nP6EQ8NcqT26ZRXXj6dMdy1n7sefIpua3p1n-2lO84jXaoxwy5W4CEGksLaMatwVp5KiYc109cAVmGYKkCSv0_K2f2Fyil5Z_hfE5_kjcKA7hG1RdtWuwsOk-4hlOlnYG15SxG1TnVvhBaQa4dpK6jHnmv-7_s6dQ-2TOzGoyeJr1pqkMMMHRQKQ/w640-h426/IMG_0515.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Governors Bay and Lyttleton from above Ohinetahi Reserve</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a bit of time looking at the lovely scenery I jumped back over the fence and continued on my way. I headed along the track over a small hill and down to the point where the track crosses the Summit Road. </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/AVvXsEh7FsEBv0sJYeUrz4UNnFox4BUsg5JZPZ19qdwuxEEoBrQuywMjOErfaaDhJXbZuSOyWy-dsHIn142yKz5DoJlPOIuyJKEFfWj0O1ZSXzn9SHO9oG__jC3KKDcecJ2QUHYmgCAeMwJ2kVTkxltE_ABXYhvB_VSW_0nRflLTTSRorehoBZKbhKcs60WV/s6000/IMG_0520.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FsEBv0sJYeUrz4UNnFox4BUsg5JZPZ19qdwuxEEoBrQuywMjOErfaaDhJXbZuSOyWy-dsHIn142yKz5DoJlPOIuyJKEFfWj0O1ZSXzn9SHO9oG__jC3KKDcecJ2QUHYmgCAeMwJ2kVTkxltE_ABXYhvB_VSW_0nRflLTTSRorehoBZKbhKcs60WV/w640-h426/IMG_0520.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back over the stile to Mitchells Track</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEim_BQjjuvDYbTmAO5BomrTpBseAqzd7TmWV91yvtIGAHyi1iV7E8DLzmJcFK-ieDiil3YpEBX-sVC8Qio1fpr9O3CmSQ-UYILbhjF1KQkMRp7mx1dC5gSihwnbd56iAuZduJAFleU2MtD_3m2YKRu4o6VcQR9BCr-80V1Rqzc7f9pRLAxsYNQpnBMO/s6000/IMG_0522.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_BQjjuvDYbTmAO5BomrTpBseAqzd7TmWV91yvtIGAHyi1iV7E8DLzmJcFK-ieDiil3YpEBX-sVC8Qio1fpr9O3CmSQ-UYILbhjF1KQkMRp7mx1dC5gSihwnbd56iAuZduJAFleU2MtD_3m2YKRu4o6VcQR9BCr-80V1Rqzc7f9pRLAxsYNQpnBMO/w640-h426/IMG_0522.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distant view to Marley's Hill from Mitchells Track</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEg5otiwgiU6o2v-I7omYpPaa86O3nnYogJ47rBIi41vbj1i4Ttsa3yx9ABlfp-mJll1SGSFT5xKL30LDfFlq0nn_Lnll2JXBaaAUxCX_lkDMBoA4YTaL1KtZNQul77vPV-Lzp6tZjC2uiQRG1Ers2CEhs3UnxhKoCN8z3AD4IKizzFegDMc0fQgWpkf/s6000/IMG_0526.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5otiwgiU6o2v-I7omYpPaa86O3nnYogJ47rBIi41vbj1i4Ttsa3yx9ABlfp-mJll1SGSFT5xKL30LDfFlq0nn_Lnll2JXBaaAUxCX_lkDMBoA4YTaL1KtZNQul77vPV-Lzp6tZjC2uiQRG1Ers2CEhs3UnxhKoCN8z3AD4IKizzFegDMc0fQgWpkf/w640-h426/IMG_0526.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You cross Summit Road at this carpark</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After crossing the Summit Road you continue along a path down past some houses on a grassy verge off to the side of the road. Watch for traffic when crossing the road as it is often busy with cars and cyclists. </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/AVvXsEigTtZRaR5uU1mVOSh9bOFzAwBAAziZD1F3zF8IgxdM4QUyilCOgCv6wXwH7PoMc4KNYx7Of7-LKRZHzdzt_zpldmaMDXOnuu0wL_JpRRtuxBzQRxwq55z2xLcEQqenN9w9-Xp3zBE4xLMYD0Y9DRQbs2l0AC1UmLdz5vpS35Ca-OgPuldwChFduNfI/s6000/IMG_0530.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTtZRaR5uU1mVOSh9bOFzAwBAAziZD1F3zF8IgxdM4QUyilCOgCv6wXwH7PoMc4KNYx7Of7-LKRZHzdzt_zpldmaMDXOnuu0wL_JpRRtuxBzQRxwq55z2xLcEQqenN9w9-Xp3zBE4xLMYD0Y9DRQbs2l0AC1UmLdz5vpS35Ca-OgPuldwChFduNfI/w640-h426/IMG_0530.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit Road crossing place near Worsleys Road, Port Hills</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoihoqvqrk7ioSM9EoHMzqmnGY7etxK66jCXWxqLLulKrKxrdFM-ez377U1coD8re8Ou85F3xRP0hGU_pYkr-6Fh18tID3tQUBE5L9jn2gpVobxeKa-WPcQWlq5E1oe3_VtDvqv8kJzGvCaYhKeGTik8y7WGpty1O1Ub527O350D0QAb-qGrmxp-e6/s6000/IMG_0532.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoihoqvqrk7ioSM9EoHMzqmnGY7etxK66jCXWxqLLulKrKxrdFM-ez377U1coD8re8Ou85F3xRP0hGU_pYkr-6Fh18tID3tQUBE5L9jn2gpVobxeKa-WPcQWlq5E1oe3_VtDvqv8kJzGvCaYhKeGTik8y7WGpty1O1Ub527O350D0QAb-qGrmxp-e6/w640-h426/IMG_0532.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Christchurch 360 sign along the Summit Road</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You continue across Worsley's Road and then along the eastern flank of Marley's Hill. Marley's Hill is the high point and top terminus for the Christchurch Adventure Park. There are a number of MTB tracks on the north side of the hill going down into Cracroft Valley. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEikLz9LyDHCyacjLRDqu3Pg8zZQP3Kb1jNr-e1ZlVPsm7UIVcbBtmGjEUyxej4TdO702mt9L91p-RhkVqstyAQuQSHuxcJ12c3qkNIV1ilSl8t0FP8PvKeSjS4UkNCC25A4b9fgadfMZDA13mo4Lacn4WIY9erTd-qQm0JBKI80WID4uIBvhPjc9sqF/s6000/IMG_0537.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLz9LyDHCyacjLRDqu3Pg8zZQP3Kb1jNr-e1ZlVPsm7UIVcbBtmGjEUyxej4TdO702mt9L91p-RhkVqstyAQuQSHuxcJ12c3qkNIV1ilSl8t0FP8PvKeSjS4UkNCC25A4b9fgadfMZDA13mo4Lacn4WIY9erTd-qQm0JBKI80WID4uIBvhPjc9sqF/w640-h426/IMG_0537.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worsley's Road branches off the Summit Road</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PjnIuga_LKJt2-_FgnPC2bAcufCzWCJrxnT-Ay4ZOyjnnadqRXR_eLaW1nT7XYPS4PxA7c8PPG0kJk3Bt7SoW_C4aww3J92Pm62UwBdAhmfWwTDXGJa_Q11m6PW4aU3ulvhqBTH04jYP-wn4qtqW2D7_iEJmYJFkJu3GG4CgCvnIHbnQz-iA1ewP/s6000/IMG_0534.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PjnIuga_LKJt2-_FgnPC2bAcufCzWCJrxnT-Ay4ZOyjnnadqRXR_eLaW1nT7XYPS4PxA7c8PPG0kJk3Bt7SoW_C4aww3J92Pm62UwBdAhmfWwTDXGJa_Q11m6PW4aU3ulvhqBTH04jYP-wn4qtqW2D7_iEJmYJFkJu3GG4CgCvnIHbnQz-iA1ewP/w640-h426/IMG_0534.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Mitchells Track sidles above the Summit Road</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The track continues down the side of Marley's Hill just above the Summit Road. You continue along the track till you reach another crossing point about a kilometer down the hill. </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/AVvXsEiNmlsZE2KO1ryr-eRs6oPEmG8xoDJBfLSRhU_J-DSLpDFd6AjFMRsXY17LXpXoC8AhlfDoRX_a0wkqMf-4iby7Fx6n-lsy_C-uC5tE4NemTmzAK9V_Em3EWep_spevhGj58XoROXzkC8-2phgBqMYG1KUoMGKR4S_TKiUxYSR91VHFrpB2Rq78GE41/s6000/IMG_0539.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmlsZE2KO1ryr-eRs6oPEmG8xoDJBfLSRhU_J-DSLpDFd6AjFMRsXY17LXpXoC8AhlfDoRX_a0wkqMf-4iby7Fx6n-lsy_C-uC5tE4NemTmzAK9V_Em3EWep_spevhGj58XoROXzkC8-2phgBqMYG1KUoMGKR4S_TKiUxYSR91VHFrpB2Rq78GE41/w640-h426/IMG_0539.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading around the east side of Marley's Hill</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/AVvXsEikFhYxwGAJbQ8f9R6B5_LFf1zzLs_VX23f8cL4w7wd0CHvfpwGg-sj1MGjEw1SGZ6vv4ovKTYL_l6WU8vIMVUAKnnJQ_cS3fimLGVdQSlZxFhFvEPHHoezN7V9GdPkNnuRXlwiRnYjCvTLHbvJpCj-qYiCttxbyLj-olLdU-MhmnGb22u-9u7uXxH6/s6000/IMG_0541.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFhYxwGAJbQ8f9R6B5_LFf1zzLs_VX23f8cL4w7wd0CHvfpwGg-sj1MGjEw1SGZ6vv4ovKTYL_l6WU8vIMVUAKnnJQ_cS3fimLGVdQSlZxFhFvEPHHoezN7V9GdPkNnuRXlwiRnYjCvTLHbvJpCj-qYiCttxbyLj-olLdU-MhmnGb22u-9u7uXxH6/w640-h426/IMG_0541.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to Lyttleton/Banks Peninsula from near Worsley Road</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/AVvXsEgw6q_NmeY9z38VKOaW0VyYg8KdCkYgx_wo_PScEutm8-A8HnyiOG9mPIHMZgvJoY9dWwxXIGAxGnd0TVlNPG3WAt6AY5LHuvs1UULXHnatuDOmXS-n4xc7p6lVjT4n6iRmfR7kq9a4eyE-y6qwezKVx1ViOOOviuJ_Yw3Ch09P1d67ZXeQcf0tWgAn/s6000/IMG_0546.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6q_NmeY9z38VKOaW0VyYg8KdCkYgx_wo_PScEutm8-A8HnyiOG9mPIHMZgvJoY9dWwxXIGAxGnd0TVlNPG3WAt6AY5LHuvs1UULXHnatuDOmXS-n4xc7p6lVjT4n6iRmfR7kq9a4eyE-y6qwezKVx1ViOOOviuJ_Yw3Ch09P1d67ZXeQcf0tWgAn/w640-h426/IMG_0546.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Mitchells Track near the MTB track, Marley's Hill</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/AVvXsEg2Ncx2QmFAFpIU9hSW5UurG8-RlYTL9HX_UwxuD9KR23ubY-ZKgGKVSpt2kr7v6HAyMhi7dpQOIcsvJwt3788vNruvkOtgkrNgYkFlI7oqLEIqOXm_s9ACxrhFqrIoLEuUD9S6Yf8amsmHzGK75HGHV8t2GFVEbydtGOFNwERoWXIklr9N9QgBhuao/s6000/IMG_0550.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ncx2QmFAFpIU9hSW5UurG8-RlYTL9HX_UwxuD9KR23ubY-ZKgGKVSpt2kr7v6HAyMhi7dpQOIcsvJwt3788vNruvkOtgkrNgYkFlI7oqLEIqOXm_s9ACxrhFqrIoLEuUD9S6Yf8amsmHzGK75HGHV8t2GFVEbydtGOFNwERoWXIklr9N9QgBhuao/w640-h426/IMG_0550.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitchells Track on east side of Marley's Hill</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">You eventually reach a point where the track crosses back across the Summit Road...cross the road carefully and continue along the track on its right hand side. </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/AVvXsEhiWvujpNFVaQD0BmJ_eI53yfBHdg5Xtr20YyQSEtmhHeQEKFOKuvQBCwwKJnj0zNLJbblgOyjlw_-CCe1Nhb7ks1qE5QaU9QHC4e5aYuXlepNveU0m_qUe3K1juW2S5yJ8gYcoim9xBzxzmdaYnm4gnsjvcb96UduLCNFyL99A18_7VPWacyKSGnuD/s6000/IMG_0543.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWvujpNFVaQD0BmJ_eI53yfBHdg5Xtr20YyQSEtmhHeQEKFOKuvQBCwwKJnj0zNLJbblgOyjlw_-CCe1Nhb7ks1qE5QaU9QHC4e5aYuXlepNveU0m_qUe3K1juW2S5yJ8gYcoim9xBzxzmdaYnm4gnsjvcb96UduLCNFyL99A18_7VPWacyKSGnuD/w640-h426/IMG_0543.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distant Sugarloaf and high point above Dyers Pass Road</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are some excellent views of the Head of the Bays and Governors Bay from an area of flat ground near the road crossing. The tide was fully in so all of the bays had water in them. It is very picturesque...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEiDAE76W-73H5wX6sJKCcild4U8iggi1y3z40bcPxHDdp-FC9sZXMxeQI9hqEU7pLWOuI8Y7goeFg_-QUnocHz3TtkSRBiarWRO-83WNYGjKpnIK9645EfQXMPu_q1tOEiokBg6lkyQ9oBPLbCvyLoWNITdxQaFFRMtMW5m5iVi_0dRYjs04MtciSAV/s6000/IMG_0553.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAE76W-73H5wX6sJKCcild4U8iggi1y3z40bcPxHDdp-FC9sZXMxeQI9hqEU7pLWOuI8Y7goeFg_-QUnocHz3TtkSRBiarWRO-83WNYGjKpnIK9645EfQXMPu_q1tOEiokBg6lkyQ9oBPLbCvyLoWNITdxQaFFRMtMW5m5iVi_0dRYjs04MtciSAV/w640-h426/IMG_0553.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head of the Bays from Mitchells Track, Port Hills</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEifimhMsM_YJO6QL3NaxLK92wwRLGgf1wL6FNBrlycuRGUYGbdFyZOmEsytuToR-rLmyfzJ7jOWz-KSBXAdxnW8oMb08ZdgIEpy2aCMfU-zsWKt_767bI9GdyHwMv1lymFmnCIsJQwx3palroXZ-PyRztR_zb3pi5Em3U6VLfTCf-OIZXM8H8vPJFpv/s6000/IMG_0564.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifimhMsM_YJO6QL3NaxLK92wwRLGgf1wL6FNBrlycuRGUYGbdFyZOmEsytuToR-rLmyfzJ7jOWz-KSBXAdxnW8oMb08ZdgIEpy2aCMfU-zsWKt_767bI9GdyHwMv1lymFmnCIsJQwx3palroXZ-PyRztR_zb3pi5Em3U6VLfTCf-OIZXM8H8vPJFpv/w640-h426/IMG_0564.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards Gebbies Pass at the head of Lyttleton</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />One of the MTB tracks down Marley's Hill passes close to the Summit Road here so I stopped and watched the riders descending the hill with various levels of skill and temerity. It is steep and twisting so a certain amount of control is required to stop you from shooting off the track and injuring yourself. <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/AVvXsEhplj0IhSYh6BFM3BywSFMruZf8-WkGpSrWZ2M0Pi2OObnnP_pGcxU4EWOdiAWOQkIBvonPdSNVVyiGWJWyAz5qHiJlgPmLRXOB4rK7rXYQT9TeB4aFSDfCFZoEUv7zTB4Fz0PC9vMefCvUjRDwNDRbo4CqEmk5TrtLiDNnvNJghRO30yzaGgSipK1e/s6000/IMG_0557.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplj0IhSYh6BFM3BywSFMruZf8-WkGpSrWZ2M0Pi2OObnnP_pGcxU4EWOdiAWOQkIBvonPdSNVVyiGWJWyAz5qHiJlgPmLRXOB4rK7rXYQT9TeB4aFSDfCFZoEUv7zTB4Fz0PC9vMefCvUjRDwNDRbo4CqEmk5TrtLiDNnvNJghRO30yzaGgSipK1e/w640-h426/IMG_0557.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MTB riders passing the crossing point on Summit Road</td></tr></tbody></table></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/AVvXsEgPQihBkogREF6gOLo5194sOberHvw55Uwx8P8qioF-M8REp9dbfD-uUybbLZNkRc93WrYFjShq6ScCAPUvYGMq_czaA_HPioPA8aKz4VSmPODY9Goaocj9yPJWHw_UvsTt2cAD3rq7pnCw-f-qUOVPl5TVwmZEkGsPlTtO58oeoJZCfevhS0wqert_/s6000/IMG_0559.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQihBkogREF6gOLo5194sOberHvw55Uwx8P8qioF-M8REp9dbfD-uUybbLZNkRc93WrYFjShq6ScCAPUvYGMq_czaA_HPioPA8aKz4VSmPODY9Goaocj9yPJWHw_UvsTt2cAD3rq7pnCw-f-qUOVPl5TVwmZEkGsPlTtO58oeoJZCfevhS0wqert_/w640-h426/IMG_0559.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitchells Track continues on the east side of Summit Road</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mitchells Track is leading you down towards Coronation Hill which is the high point just behind the Sign of the Kiwi. There are multiple tracks here so follow the one closest to and just above the Summit Road. Other tracks here lead to Governors Bay and around the side of the hills. </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/AVvXsEhE-i3pZXiXq5pbEWsQEV1fu46hC4SNJjguYX25h3qU-a941u8PtaD3U4kl-5aHNHbCAUS-Le0PHXxdc01IXa_uNPMB8VyNq-CW43Famsz6rv30yq7GVWDmXIKCprzzQ2L_GlustgcVL8momYg34lriwmmE4Rj7Eiq5gjdHtQZXDVRKiHdcHRMLeKxk/s6000/IMG_0569.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-i3pZXiXq5pbEWsQEV1fu46hC4SNJjguYX25h3qU-a941u8PtaD3U4kl-5aHNHbCAUS-Le0PHXxdc01IXa_uNPMB8VyNq-CW43Famsz6rv30yq7GVWDmXIKCprzzQ2L_GlustgcVL8momYg34lriwmmE4Rj7Eiq5gjdHtQZXDVRKiHdcHRMLeKxk/w640-h426/IMG_0569.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugarloaf is one of the higher points on the Port Hills</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a good view from the track of the remnants of the forest in the Cracroft Valley. Most of the forest was wiped out in the Port Hills fire but some of the trees are slowly regenerating as they are exotic Pines which favor a periodic fire event. </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/AVvXsEi638hWNDhjYrpYdl0o9wRjLAfpBa4ZDEg9PoUkFLpuIFmYNaoZn8uSfH1yL1tdjXuQVcLee6jleW8jHf_OwZZMiLKomdxqlXXpyKQu90elxxbbEJjqAMHsDS-mBGdG26TrkfeUGOG67r8QWL-x9C7TCbUqJ38lUU6k5lJkXLPHemTmcb-pox1Nkd2W/s6000/IMG_0573.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi638hWNDhjYrpYdl0o9wRjLAfpBa4ZDEg9PoUkFLpuIFmYNaoZn8uSfH1yL1tdjXuQVcLee6jleW8jHf_OwZZMiLKomdxqlXXpyKQu90elxxbbEJjqAMHsDS-mBGdG26TrkfeUGOG67r8QWL-x9C7TCbUqJ38lUU6k5lJkXLPHemTmcb-pox1Nkd2W/w640-h426/IMG_0573.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down the Cracroft Valley from the Port Hills</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are views to the Sugarloaf for the rest of the track. The Sugarloaf is a high point on the Port Hills with the TVNZ transmitters on top. Sugarloaf is one of the most distinctive feature of the Port Hills and the antennae there can be seen as you drive into and around Christchurch. This is our Hollywood sign, Table Mountain or Christ the Redeemer. </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/AVvXsEjykC0cN4v4E1lVnEK1iYLIo18ri3OO2iJXQmT7dAiQ8kwpi8PjVjH7H_T23CwVtOCYf0mGs6ct3OIYrR1i85q3zm_wv2XK49LkJWBH_b_A5JkMuaHc7OnDWD_LeDXV_OLzkUnkN851huHPasdWBx1pyx1AXYUTL0JiUOzqrOf8SpAk5fXx8CZC2uTu/s6000/IMG_0577.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykC0cN4v4E1lVnEK1iYLIo18ri3OO2iJXQmT7dAiQ8kwpi8PjVjH7H_T23CwVtOCYf0mGs6ct3OIYrR1i85q3zm_wv2XK49LkJWBH_b_A5JkMuaHc7OnDWD_LeDXV_OLzkUnkN851huHPasdWBx1pyx1AXYUTL0JiUOzqrOf8SpAk5fXx8CZC2uTu/w640-h426/IMG_0577.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading down towards Coronation Hill through ferns</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjcfTxQixxzy2lDEY3HQwUz65vmycsKr8iFP19pKfABBqIHkr9wxrGbNr0cui74lM-LLMJCjf0NJz20An_grEKqanB-B4ft-45fjJhxNHOzGy3V4AR68iPBOiYd5sZFw4LLknJqZ_kRITruANal5iVNr9V04NXjOIPiUy_NSCVDPz50kg34isomlCyJ/s6000/IMG_0582.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfTxQixxzy2lDEY3HQwUz65vmycsKr8iFP19pKfABBqIHkr9wxrGbNr0cui74lM-LLMJCjf0NJz20An_grEKqanB-B4ft-45fjJhxNHOzGy3V4AR68iPBOiYd5sZFw4LLknJqZ_kRITruANal5iVNr9V04NXjOIPiUy_NSCVDPz50kg34isomlCyJ/w640-h426/IMG_0582.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coronation Hill with Sugarloaf in the distance</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEi60-cOvJQJ4Gx9PNdUvOsGMo1w-cRrWIKFAU-TxQ1W_nXRd3Zfb3Ygdhw4piaAPFyTrkV9vmliPvfO3CMpR_6cbyaWMCDmRpNDLaOFzBohMTVeSxjvD_IgPvey3Ic0uG5fCxWTkZkm8GgaL92WFbBdVAaCNdwFJHoTNJxFMOZ_tr1eXZsRczg2F9lX/s6000/IMG_0586.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60-cOvJQJ4Gx9PNdUvOsGMo1w-cRrWIKFAU-TxQ1W_nXRd3Zfb3Ygdhw4piaAPFyTrkV9vmliPvfO3CMpR_6cbyaWMCDmRpNDLaOFzBohMTVeSxjvD_IgPvey3Ic0uG5fCxWTkZkm8GgaL92WFbBdVAaCNdwFJHoTNJxFMOZ_tr1eXZsRczg2F9lX/w640-h426/IMG_0586.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viewing point looking towards Lyttleton Harbor</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you look closely you can see the spectator vessels lined up off Diamond Harbor to watch the Sail GP event. The competitors were racing up and down Lyttleton Harbor for most of the afternoon. There was much excitement about the event being held in Lyttleton but it just doesn't interest me...I am no sailor!!</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/AVvXsEgipvB4jhrrHd9lcpcmWnxLDQeQiMBSUfkbZIBKjSTTyBUANNMuasg59ug6ynERnZ2g9lpFrcb-uW80hu_18dMbbWiOUWlt2YAzx_f3VffjpWfV3W6nT3OeBYmeI1dAPfc9MI7RP5OBMKWqx22ibELx86G55o2dvvts8P2TNhnBOSWzAYtD7NC2oJjv/s6000/IMG_0587.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipvB4jhrrHd9lcpcmWnxLDQeQiMBSUfkbZIBKjSTTyBUANNMuasg59ug6ynERnZ2g9lpFrcb-uW80hu_18dMbbWiOUWlt2YAzx_f3VffjpWfV3W6nT3OeBYmeI1dAPfc9MI7RP5OBMKWqx22ibELx86G55o2dvvts8P2TNhnBOSWzAYtD7NC2oJjv/w640-h426/IMG_0587.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sail GP spectators yachts off Diamond Harbor</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The actual course of the Christchurch 360 Trail is around the eastern flank of Coronation Hill. There is a sign and Christchurch 360 trail markers to show you the way. I just continued to follow the main track down to the left of Coronation Hill as I was keen to finish the walk.</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/AVvXsEia_cVeX6lwqzenZZmUUHEkotMOjJGkhdktgqJRXuN3lc5rBMCfYobluVoF30dyOwU03aoVYNnAlGCOuQnCF3b4z27R13bw8iNiHI63mfHOgqL4i4JqMgd9IFqsP1bO7kWOgos8TEflmzT6tHHSXbkTfgwzV6eMkHPwMFDMeGcB8RRDTWbOvKoBfRzd/s6000/IMG_0592.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_cVeX6lwqzenZZmUUHEkotMOjJGkhdktgqJRXuN3lc5rBMCfYobluVoF30dyOwU03aoVYNnAlGCOuQnCF3b4z27R13bw8iNiHI63mfHOgqL4i4JqMgd9IFqsP1bO7kWOgos8TEflmzT6tHHSXbkTfgwzV6eMkHPwMFDMeGcB8RRDTWbOvKoBfRzd/w640-h426/IMG_0592.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signs lead you around the east side of Coronation Hill</td></tr></tbody></table><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;"> Either way will ultimately lead you to the Sign of the Kiwi so choose your own option...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEh3o2klDsFNt2Nzh2NrlfKjVGg7LCbFjda4kEmPAWShqBvL6AeJg9n91JxQAQvUpTQlDUs308-AF3TRnztktk46z5Jz2Mk7h32qVWzLOfp2bG25ONVUBqqmco11f610_NZ_uqA1OSOYO1nE9dB06o7AsMkRgRHuslLhspVsLYn-V372iSwzJTrxdKUS/s6000/IMG_0597.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3o2klDsFNt2Nzh2NrlfKjVGg7LCbFjda4kEmPAWShqBvL6AeJg9n91JxQAQvUpTQlDUs308-AF3TRnztktk46z5Jz2Mk7h32qVWzLOfp2bG25ONVUBqqmco11f610_NZ_uqA1OSOYO1nE9dB06o7AsMkRgRHuslLhspVsLYn-V372iSwzJTrxdKUS/w640-h426/IMG_0597.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the west flank of Coronation Hill, Port Hills</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/AVvXsEh6nzqKUTZHXVuLZxXmZkMu7uIdUTVOiDuXGyMHo95LDAPfNuWSMzo8xKk9nqD6SshPMb10H5SkaL9vxwtUCfbj94HdOlMjOWozK35B2eEy9AaCX-xvfWbzCIGY1xeySF6D2r5DnsaZTEjeLFZKg9B2x4XheelBgim4tsPfchBGJiLwxQAXNM846fIL/s6000/IMG_0600.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nzqKUTZHXVuLZxXmZkMu7uIdUTVOiDuXGyMHo95LDAPfNuWSMzo8xKk9nqD6SshPMb10H5SkaL9vxwtUCfbj94HdOlMjOWozK35B2eEy9AaCX-xvfWbzCIGY1xeySF6D2r5DnsaZTEjeLFZKg9B2x4XheelBgim4tsPfchBGJiLwxQAXNM846fIL/w640-h426/IMG_0600.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dyers Pass Road winds down to Cashmere</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mitchells Track ends at the driveway for the Sign of the Kiwi café. There is a sign located next to some steps which will take you down to the road. There is limited information on this sign regarding the Christchurch 360 Trail. </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/AVvXsEgELvNvEfZnUHy_PY7U8YhUvT5wzOB2Q-2ipfUSr6wL-6xC5D99_vTVv0EGorxEaJQMZ9qNjdHVlNejBWy0yKX2JkIdwxyTVMc-cP_2l0EFR6ZhW5dcW5zNC6IAPd_1ABW1cjIXPpvBxZZtoVkrsgD70C3mOviIoxcdT1d3Ov_FmLZgp3ABSLWTq65S/s6000/IMG_0601.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELvNvEfZnUHy_PY7U8YhUvT5wzOB2Q-2ipfUSr6wL-6xC5D99_vTVv0EGorxEaJQMZ9qNjdHVlNejBWy0yKX2JkIdwxyTVMc-cP_2l0EFR6ZhW5dcW5zNC6IAPd_1ABW1cjIXPpvBxZZtoVkrsgD70C3mOviIoxcdT1d3Ov_FmLZgp3ABSLWTq65S/w640-h426/IMG_0601.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the end of Mitchells Track</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr2EA9Rm35yRIPoNuYa8BnRMSDVdwG7L4exxYRtvMFTvkUbXUBJ4saWtrixLeCk2BImsPw-mhsx-LYEPITwqWhylTCV9ByVKZba_m_owk7KXeSLCa6b7a503uO4Jp3CzlWxoZZX4YbeGovl0gq632gr4x3JOG8THjTDPt7e812MQRtfd2uUeNVcEk/s6000/IMG_0618.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr2EA9Rm35yRIPoNuYa8BnRMSDVdwG7L4exxYRtvMFTvkUbXUBJ4saWtrixLeCk2BImsPw-mhsx-LYEPITwqWhylTCV9ByVKZba_m_owk7KXeSLCa6b7a503uO4Jp3CzlWxoZZX4YbeGovl0gq632gr4x3JOG8THjTDPt7e812MQRtfd2uUeNVcEk/w640-h426/IMG_0618.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CCC sign near Sign of the Kiwi</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The track heads down onto the Summit Road and from here you are walking on the road heading towards Dyers Pass.</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/AVvXsEjGsM33HdET8KV0iOLc33JUCBB2yMkrohYBaZXOvsVJLeiHT0PSjH69JbfRYIximGnfe8g1KVLWW4fhiNLJHzgedW5MfzKQxgwq61joWTGhA2FlIfYRNx8oeyPYd6SIQP6CdaTWHHVFM6c7z6lFVRb-NUf388PS7GwVK0pTeve5YD083EHuC0BmCCxy/s6000/IMG_0606.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsM33HdET8KV0iOLc33JUCBB2yMkrohYBaZXOvsVJLeiHT0PSjH69JbfRYIximGnfe8g1KVLWW4fhiNLJHzgedW5MfzKQxgwq61joWTGhA2FlIfYRNx8oeyPYd6SIQP6CdaTWHHVFM6c7z6lFVRb-NUf388PS7GwVK0pTeve5YD083EHuC0BmCCxy/w640-h426/IMG_0606.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start/end of Mitchells Track near Dyers Pass</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1hJCvI6DzgQmiQlLPkpF4O2-j3GGdNz9pi1ZbNY8fHMKVAsELufF9zmZ5DzdB30hIGAxPzUntdG6QdGNhApWyJmZhl_CgirsXnAqwjMSStbJ1mrEYgKzms3BVkne9o7TU8B6VaknEVoEEEnTb_TmOMvaekKN64reJCX4QvjMkTi-BrScRuTyFr0X/s6000/IMG_0608.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1hJCvI6DzgQmiQlLPkpF4O2-j3GGdNz9pi1ZbNY8fHMKVAsELufF9zmZ5DzdB30hIGAxPzUntdG6QdGNhApWyJmZhl_CgirsXnAqwjMSStbJ1mrEYgKzms3BVkne9o7TU8B6VaknEVoEEEnTb_TmOMvaekKN64reJCX4QvjMkTi-BrScRuTyFr0X/w640-h426/IMG_0608.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking down the Summit Road to Sign of the Kiwi</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From here you walk down the Summit Road to the carpark opposite the sign of the Kiwi. This is the end of the track and the end of this section of the Christchurch 360 Trail. From here you can arrange transport or continue down the Harry Ell track which starts close to the Sign of the Kiwi. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="clear: both;">At the Sign of the Kiwi...</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The end of this section is at the Sign of the Kiwi on Dyers Pass. This is the pass between the Cracroft Valley and Governors Bay and is one of the four ways to travel over the Port Hills. The others are Evans Pass, the Bridle Path and Gebbies Pass.</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/AVvXsEh3g_zVOEgiVkmMUpO8S6onqJH5f2OW6AeLjWlENcqv8Jl00UuzOk0wTh7zuEFjKbNA0TnlDP4PCEkTxzpZqcGIe0_ZYJDuRHOZhP1SOgOdLrttDrk0a4YUv2bhUxyj_jvw94lwWkYFntf-vtuG4RpitgWmjaX8q-br9bC_FNMto6B34lab2-QqX5pX/s6000/IMG_0610.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3g_zVOEgiVkmMUpO8S6onqJH5f2OW6AeLjWlENcqv8Jl00UuzOk0wTh7zuEFjKbNA0TnlDP4PCEkTxzpZqcGIe0_ZYJDuRHOZhP1SOgOdLrttDrk0a4YUv2bhUxyj_jvw94lwWkYFntf-vtuG4RpitgWmjaX8q-br9bC_FNMto6B34lab2-QqX5pX/w640-h426/IMG_0610.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign of the Kiwi at Dyers Pass carpark</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ89EOGkWt4dcyEd-wxa6yFZid95YP0n11znyu12VFVJyChOzMClCYYLsqSyiATT_XFOyG2REKyoREZ6mXq49SOA9wiBekB2GFPjqmLIVx4dIm295ccnqF8EA9MNjNHt2yDNSLwl8Ey0tmLFgT9dlryyY_DCTbjUIGuhYK4PkXRBUKk4bNhly9bLUd/s6000/IMG_0614.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ89EOGkWt4dcyEd-wxa6yFZid95YP0n11znyu12VFVJyChOzMClCYYLsqSyiATT_XFOyG2REKyoREZ6mXq49SOA9wiBekB2GFPjqmLIVx4dIm295ccnqF8EA9MNjNHt2yDNSLwl8Ey0tmLFgT9dlryyY_DCTbjUIGuhYK4PkXRBUKk4bNhly9bLUd/w640-h426/IMG_0614.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign of the Kiwi café is open Monday-Sunday</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a decent café located at the Sign of the Kiwi and it sells coffee, snack's, ice-cream and cold drinks. There are a couple of tables and a number of benches outside that you can sit on. It makes a great meeting point for the various walkers, runners, riders and sundry folk who stop here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">During the week there is usually a park directly opposite the café but over the weekend you will find it hard to find a parking space near here. Most people park on the side of the road uphill of the pass. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipciJ0sd_zXdwXhMJEzF7Wwoq8FyITfGs3Yxw-WmK0tkVYB4enxVjsbipBx6EupyU4F-HjMQOuEfNjgcq8MuNnYw7uUjg19m7_X6cYganNm0PTTrZUokngOVXagqPcLFr9gJPxIXuTXd-hrz6QtYlPCxXPH50o4yN4bZllw7BR4AYsC8lHiqNGFALv/s6000/IMG_0616.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipciJ0sd_zXdwXhMJEzF7Wwoq8FyITfGs3Yxw-WmK0tkVYB4enxVjsbipBx6EupyU4F-HjMQOuEfNjgcq8MuNnYw7uUjg19m7_X6cYganNm0PTTrZUokngOVXagqPcLFr9gJPxIXuTXd-hrz6QtYlPCxXPH50o4yN4bZllw7BR4AYsC8lHiqNGFALv/w640-h426/IMG_0616.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are toilets and water at the Sign of the Kiwi</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next section of the Christchurch 360 Trail starts across Dyers Pass Road. From the track entrance you will be climbing up the Crater Rim Walkway as you make your way up to and past the carpark for the Sugar Loaf. Following the Crater Rim Walkway will take you to the Bridle Path, Mt Cavendish and ultimately right out to Evans Pass. </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/AVvXsEgWH3eFaik3aGSMd6GUUyYTpf4TFkxras_qBIyUBO6u_rhFb90ZY0-oIyO2yTllhn-FtJrW-dmBz_OzWplVcWl-JXspx8pbguVqQntGy2TW8lLxGLDtpO3Y6BQBzGF3-iZr_9rcU16cnVst2ZS56NIwtulk7kT94-hs1p0ycdfy4mge-lqrWC6sHUJ8/s6000/IMG_0612.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWH3eFaik3aGSMd6GUUyYTpf4TFkxras_qBIyUBO6u_rhFb90ZY0-oIyO2yTllhn-FtJrW-dmBz_OzWplVcWl-JXspx8pbguVqQntGy2TW8lLxGLDtpO3Y6BQBzGF3-iZr_9rcU16cnVst2ZS56NIwtulk7kT94-hs1p0ycdfy4mge-lqrWC6sHUJ8/w640-h426/IMG_0612.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Continuation of the Christchurch 360 Trail below Sugarloaf</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This is a nice section of the Christchurch 360 Trail and the highlight is the views out over the Canterbury Plains and down into Lyttleton Harbor. On a clear, sunny day it is hard to beat for a view...</div><br /><br /><p></p><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Access:</b> From the top of Kennedys Bush Track cross the Summit Road and head along Crater Rim Walkway towards Dyers Pass. You stay on the same track all the way to the Sign of the Kiwi and the route is well sign posted and marked. </span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Track Times:</b> From the top of Kennedys Bush Track it is roughly 2 hour to the Sign of the Kiwi.</span></div><div><b>Miscellaneous:</b> This track is exposed to all weather so it can be blisteringly hot and cold, wet and windy. Come prepared for all eventualities. Cafe, water and public toilets at Sign of the Kiwi.</div><div><b>Next Track Section: </b>Dyers Pass to Bridal Path or out to Evans Pass</div><div><b>Previous Section:</b> Halswell Quarry to Summit Road on Kennedys Bush Track</div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Port Hills, Canterbury 8022, New Zealand-43.6035355 172.6447511-71.913769336178845 137.4885011 -15.293301663821154 -152.1989989tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-5782171188981762542023-05-29T18:09:00.001-07:002023-05-29T18:09:24.219-07:00Outdoor Equipment: Merida Big Nine 20 MTB<h3 style="text-align: center;"> My current mountain bike...Merida Big Nine 20</h3><p style="text-align: center;">Some of the trail sections along the Christchurch 360 are best covered on a bike rather than on foot. In particular the tracks from Brooklands Lagoon along the banks of the Waimakariri River would take an enormous amount of time and effort to walk. The same distance can easily be covered on a MTB in a mater of hours.... </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/AVvXsEgtakQSwcw1ABHvw8XqU5BNOJY079fqrAQMATkG_qNSVmGJA63mFTyCOYH8FrlfNkaWl89BPExzSPO-Owu7pOGQp8ZRq-YMoOIShrOGbE9Mx4Tq9IgZZltzHWaZPF8pYalbmKfD60wM5n7xOP8XcQm5-Mgc3tGrJwyCEpWQERWaEVPpObFeq0MzqkIk/s6000/IMG_1676.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtakQSwcw1ABHvw8XqU5BNOJY079fqrAQMATkG_qNSVmGJA63mFTyCOYH8FrlfNkaWl89BPExzSPO-Owu7pOGQp8ZRq-YMoOIShrOGbE9Mx4Tq9IgZZltzHWaZPF8pYalbmKfD60wM5n7xOP8XcQm5-Mgc3tGrJwyCEpWQERWaEVPpObFeq0MzqkIk/w640-h426/IMG_1676.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the Brooklands section of the 360 Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I have only one section of the 360 Trail left to cover between Taylors Mistake and Scarborough. However it is my intention to eventually cover all of the sections of the Christchurch 360 Trail again as I took no films or photos the last time I covered this ground. </p><h4 style="text-align: center;">Getting back on a bike after 20 years...</h4><div style="text-align: center;">Back in the late 1980's and early 1990's (before I got married) I was an avid MTB rider. I liked downhill riding, forest and flat trail riding and used to cover between 60-120 kilometers every week on my bike. As with most people jobs, houses, family and lack of time meant I hardly got out anymore and I did very little cycling through most of the 2000's. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEjSbTsIUngY4NyBQeRPSVK-3drvj1na1ohxqWiWCk8IKcWuB0t9_mi8E0o5OaNtst-KEBISpl1yYWQhLapX9P6_A9D2G2jnI3_4I2C3prNbP51CVx2c1ZSwVtwZKMARYPnbalBNx6p-RoN5QX8ShGolt6rvxhJWCifzzND7UcPiB3qVRcpRUUJnOr-V/s4320/IMG_7494.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbTsIUngY4NyBQeRPSVK-3drvj1na1ohxqWiWCk8IKcWuB0t9_mi8E0o5OaNtst-KEBISpl1yYWQhLapX9P6_A9D2G2jnI3_4I2C3prNbP51CVx2c1ZSwVtwZKMARYPnbalBNx6p-RoN5QX8ShGolt6rvxhJWCifzzND7UcPiB3qVRcpRUUJnOr-V/w640-h480/IMG_7494.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did a lot of riding on the Port Hills in the 1990's</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">After the Covid lockdowns back in 2020 and 2021 I decided to buy myself a new mountain bike. My previous bike although good in its time was nearly 30 years old and not fit for purpose anymore. I was very envious of all the people cycling around so decided to invest some money in getting back on two wheels.</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/AVvXsEhWAaI7uVQEr1fvVLQqGuqkJos38zrT5793EAMqLYf9EhpnykOSatWow1cf4wGVuIMHC5wnahOwjwGNEMiMxhy_ia0YyOTCUjBs0Oc3ojJ1ZmNMuF4TKu_NUhK7yrXATaXAuoq6ODQzOz02_tfEM_TTAzZOTeGbDp_OoNp2qeRcjBRa-gmgX4m6haem/s1024/Kennedy2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAaI7uVQEr1fvVLQqGuqkJos38zrT5793EAMqLYf9EhpnykOSatWow1cf4wGVuIMHC5wnahOwjwGNEMiMxhy_ia0YyOTCUjBs0Oc3ojJ1ZmNMuF4TKu_NUhK7yrXATaXAuoq6ODQzOz02_tfEM_TTAzZOTeGbDp_OoNp2qeRcjBRa-gmgX4m6haem/w640-h480/Kennedy2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding up Kennedys Bush Track in the early 2000's</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"> My new MTB is a Merida Big Nine 20.......</p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Merida Big Nine 20:</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I had a good look around and decided to buy a Merida bike as it best fit my requirements without a heinous price tag attached to it. The model I choose was the Big Nine 20. It is good for road and off trail riding, has decent downhill brakes, a front suspension unit (and hard tail) and quality components. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuqz9nfrafyIcGI-nh4aj4mGaP8nXZfEga6k9Bcp-tG-D5MWYBtS8EOglQVW50W9BNVr0NM3SDNSXYSZ3YTRUG1FnyTx7Zy0YJ0-oUo0HBMCDzhKB09A_-_sZYus8-r5RCfgaTd1xVI_j0YIodeALMAG9f4cbk-BYR-oWnmnlntnlEZp4sG5mX13X/s2500/BIG_NINE_20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="2500" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuqz9nfrafyIcGI-nh4aj4mGaP8nXZfEga6k9Bcp-tG-D5MWYBtS8EOglQVW50W9BNVr0NM3SDNSXYSZ3YTRUG1FnyTx7Zy0YJ0-oUo0HBMCDzhKB09A_-_sZYus8-r5RCfgaTd1xVI_j0YIodeALMAG9f4cbk-BYR-oWnmnlntnlEZp4sG5mX13X/w640-h390/BIG_NINE_20.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Here is some technical information about this Mountain Bike;</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/AVvXsEgjF_T2caMSqNy-77vY8H7CLBb31_7Zx2VFwzOpSEK1Aja-pN3jMVilrh5Ogmk5-KjBza5QMNZ6DYUTb1pWOawnaakbkopnp0XQtgS5mNeQXuxVz3AfQFiIwv6-TX4earObjpckQ-tdArlEpH8TlMqawJHOvXjUxa5r2gfUP78rGNskNXA8eOv7Ms6z/s916/Nine20Info.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="916" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjF_T2caMSqNy-77vY8H7CLBb31_7Zx2VFwzOpSEK1Aja-pN3jMVilrh5Ogmk5-KjBza5QMNZ6DYUTb1pWOawnaakbkopnp0XQtgS5mNeQXuxVz3AfQFiIwv6-TX4earObjpckQ-tdArlEpH8TlMqawJHOvXjUxa5r2gfUP78rGNskNXA8eOv7Ms6z/w640-h478/Nine20Info.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Technical specifications of the Merida Nine 20</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;">It is interesting how far cycle technology has advanced since the 1990's. Back then things like disc brakes, aluminum frames and suspension units were in their infancy and very, very expensive. You had to fit them as aftermarket parts and they were hard to get here in New Zealand. A bike with the same specifications as this back in the 1990s would have cost $3000-$5000 dollars. </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/AVvXsEj5mMbtiBNzxAey3baxWYwr4TH63lDT3ySiDfYrOABaXnZK-9XSpRCrFvoQSDnY1iDJO52tQ9NpUrJ1D-zJh7GtPpqoWHQNMz8m7vIZjCiYb6QfPh8As2hGV6K6fVfuu9Jj8Y-v3lPzhatwbLQVLvXhOPSU0On8qWWfV4OweVBemOgNSWyBPxHJyqDz/s659/MeridaBrakes.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="657" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mMbtiBNzxAey3baxWYwr4TH63lDT3ySiDfYrOABaXnZK-9XSpRCrFvoQSDnY1iDJO52tQ9NpUrJ1D-zJh7GtPpqoWHQNMz8m7vIZjCiYb6QfPh8As2hGV6K6fVfuu9Jj8Y-v3lPzhatwbLQVLvXhOPSU0On8qWWfV4OweVBemOgNSWyBPxHJyqDz/w638-h640/MeridaBrakes.JPG" width="638" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disc brakes as fitted to my Merida bike</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Another feature of this bike is the 29" wheels...back in the 1990's only outlandish folk used wheels of this size but now it is commonplace. They take a bit more effort to get rolling but once you do they seem quicker and easier to pedal. </p><p><br /></p><h4>The Merida Nine 20 in action:</h4><p style="text-align: center;">I have used the bike to cover a couple of track sections so far and I have plans to use it on some of the cycle trails which have now appeared around the country. I used to be a mad keen cyclist and would like to get back into the pursuit if not with the same intensity I had for MTB riding in the 1990's. </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/AVvXsEh5z68bTHCR5OXth_ksvD6H2vc1MVt8VEpYYW66QrR2JYm8rbNjoS9eUj6YUUlM51GQM7hDt3VIzZ62vhkeZJkiAei_wLmCv8AwPyLpzT9-Cg4zjLCweJMD8TNtfAweSAnDiJQMQCzuwBxJ5wTX9JQdtwu3SC2GpfTtHJHJkP8pD7tHFuRFWarR3JBG/s4000/20220608_112653.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5z68bTHCR5OXth_ksvD6H2vc1MVt8VEpYYW66QrR2JYm8rbNjoS9eUj6YUUlM51GQM7hDt3VIzZ62vhkeZJkiAei_wLmCv8AwPyLpzT9-Cg4zjLCweJMD8TNtfAweSAnDiJQMQCzuwBxJ5wTX9JQdtwu3SC2GpfTtHJHJkP8pD7tHFuRFWarR3JBG/w288-h640/20220608_112653.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">360 Trail logo at Canterbury Park</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Here are some shots of the new bike in action...ha...there are no shots yet but I'll ad some soon!!!</p>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-23352007959952819392023-05-21T21:20:00.000-07:002023-05-21T21:20:21.880-07:00Tramping Food: Nongshim Udon Soup <h3 style="text-align: center;"> ...prepacked Udon for tramping meals...</h3><p style="text-align: center;">Here is another potential meal idea for when you are out on a outdoor adventure. These are the Nongshim brand prepackaged Udon Noodle Soup meals. </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/AVvXsEgxMbv7olcT3NJK6mgCRHK3xhSgFf6M21LSz5euEBJpARzMHHuKmW2Omd7fMfLa26noTiVuBfCUZ2barTaDW53VzDmKjhp0iebpZz6_aExClzRMFd1oaRyTjQ8nh91qNqffp3sq8mFCt5GDv3nCk2EmwEuC8G6M8h-TcdeCzAhe58EkSICtQOwErEsDcw/s6000/IMG_1113.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMbv7olcT3NJK6mgCRHK3xhSgFf6M21LSz5euEBJpARzMHHuKmW2Omd7fMfLa26noTiVuBfCUZ2barTaDW53VzDmKjhp0iebpZz6_aExClzRMFd1oaRyTjQ8nh91qNqffp3sq8mFCt5GDv3nCk2EmwEuC8G6M8h-TcdeCzAhe58EkSICtQOwErEsDcw/w640-h426/IMG_1113.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nongshim Udon Noodle Soup</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are a multitude of pre packaged meal options available in Asian food stores and this is a good example. It contains everything you need to make a decent noodle meal with the simple addition of boiling hot water. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A look at the Udon pack:</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Nongshim Udon soup is a self contained meal wrapped into one package. Inside the package you will find :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Udon noodle pack</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Liquid soup mix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dried flakes pack</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A plastic serving dish</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Udon noodles are pre-cooked so they just need a short boil (2 minutes is sufficient) or a longer soak (5-10 depending on brand) in boiling water to be ready to eat. Adding the soup mix and dried ingredients package brings the flavor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEguGMBTsFRXblSonPaJ2F41fePl7CNWqSUUDcklLYYHElszV4sYLAICPKFKQDSWvt-sf1EnYv0J0Ab6DauqF4IvqGniCZUum_sVuiuxfCs7Gr7BBVxPH72B3vOAnSb1ckjOn0I9z3f9Uukdzc9Qh25yspUXIOSzqyeHESh3yHQUy96qke0s_X44wA5Zjw/s6000/IMG_1112.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGMBTsFRXblSonPaJ2F41fePl7CNWqSUUDcklLYYHElszV4sYLAICPKFKQDSWvt-sf1EnYv0J0Ab6DauqF4IvqGniCZUum_sVuiuxfCs7Gr7BBVxPH72B3vOAnSb1ckjOn0I9z3f9Uukdzc9Qh25yspUXIOSzqyeHESh3yHQUy96qke0s_X44wA5Zjw/w640-h426/IMG_1112.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of the Nongshim Udon Soup packet</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nongshim sounds Japanese but it is actually a Korean company and this pack is produced in Korea. Korean people eat a number of dishes that are similar to Japanese food due to their interactions over centuries past. They make some good food including snacks, Ramen, Udon and packaged all in one meals. </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/AVvXsEhgVoFT2d-tZPtDLZzbOh39qImMnDtBuP0F6sKInk5M0u4PAzeeLE8LnSZNJvY02O7qcTcYkliXbCBHM1C1ZGvEaxgTrlIDGJ4ubvHSd9rd-IL8rOmnpOe3ZoJ8p_1J00ed5ekMvY8nDI3sFGcg9laKhbaiAlBLlvZlghXjl0hksI5YkRGddjtR4mLD5g/s6000/IMG_1111.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVoFT2d-tZPtDLZzbOh39qImMnDtBuP0F6sKInk5M0u4PAzeeLE8LnSZNJvY02O7qcTcYkliXbCBHM1C1ZGvEaxgTrlIDGJ4ubvHSd9rd-IL8rOmnpOe3ZoJ8p_1J00ed5ekMvY8nDI3sFGcg9laKhbaiAlBLlvZlghXjl0hksI5YkRGddjtR4mLD5g/w640-h426/IMG_1111.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nongshim include a liquid soup mix and dried flavor pack</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Most people know what Udon are but if you are new to them they are thick wheat noodles about the size of a pencil around. They are soft and often come as part of a thin soup (like a consume) with vegetables added to it for flavor. Common vegetables used are onions, mushrooms, carrot and radish.</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/AVvXsEgfDGKyhBkujc2H6K95wGh07fvC5WN2SJi6Enr2w3Nos0rbfV2b_g4EOMaZujZ8Xjaq8OKRKdwayijFsYupitK7DVVPrveVtqVgM1nLa18PwxeTT49owY1oQGRqfVqaVq8eIAk_gxrEAFaTena4zwA-4pKrYJ1_-kVxjPo9Y79LE0RwxJq3qQXSeJ-ZaQ/s6000/IMG_1110.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDGKyhBkujc2H6K95wGh07fvC5WN2SJi6Enr2w3Nos0rbfV2b_g4EOMaZujZ8Xjaq8OKRKdwayijFsYupitK7DVVPrveVtqVgM1nLa18PwxeTT49owY1oQGRqfVqaVq8eIAk_gxrEAFaTena4zwA-4pKrYJ1_-kVxjPo9Y79LE0RwxJq3qQXSeJ-ZaQ/w640-h426/IMG_1110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...best cooked and eaten from the pot...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These Udon packs are perfect as they are but if you wanted to make them a bit tastier and more nutritious you can add items to them. Off the top of my head I would think about adding cooked meat or fish, cheese, fresh and dried vegetables and condiments like garlic, ginger, soya sauce, vinegar, pepper and chilli sauce. A small packet/spoon of Miso paste will also make for tastier noodles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyyl-xYfdIxSwyo8wZRnIebeqGSsfYVA9_ltCQ--xKoAl6NLd-qGJm3gO8HbKjKfRZpc4DqXoqTuRg0AlzNfH3ZyPpRfLyi99K5hWC7O3_6qQ6rih9lLbP2JMFBjGmkw39BtFzSpaiLx7CNOJIuhLpRbHMVqurY6VhRkLUMPSAFRW2e3rz2hoN9CAdg/s6000/IMG_1108.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyyl-xYfdIxSwyo8wZRnIebeqGSsfYVA9_ltCQ--xKoAl6NLd-qGJm3gO8HbKjKfRZpc4DqXoqTuRg0AlzNfH3ZyPpRfLyi99K5hWC7O3_6qQ6rih9lLbP2JMFBjGmkw39BtFzSpaiLx7CNOJIuhLpRbHMVqurY6VhRkLUMPSAFRW2e3rz2hoN9CAdg/w640-h426/IMG_1108.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Udon Soup pack and cooked soup</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I always added a small measure of Soya Sauce when I am eating these Udon and a small shake of S&B brand chilli powder. One of those small soya sauce fish you get with a sushi meal is enough for a single bowl of Udon. Add soya to taste but just remember soya sauce is very salty so I would taste it as I went. </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/AVvXsEhYDPe9oNoR1scl0qPosAs5-yOob3O7dQnRc_ukKtZOLAGSYqvnctfpWVZOgISZ6_GK2IJalr9VU50zpMVW9nDW1Z4GrJelzGSzsgzXbWPhDrHhs-gQB9a_evI7L6yovj8m3_kWebaFd_PeBkqMlt4uMN4MUKRTsxsAn9vd1pvTW408AsiQy4FswikOHQ/s6000/IMG_1109.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDPe9oNoR1scl0qPosAs5-yOob3O7dQnRc_ukKtZOLAGSYqvnctfpWVZOgISZ6_GK2IJalr9VU50zpMVW9nDW1Z4GrJelzGSzsgzXbWPhDrHhs-gQB9a_evI7L6yovj8m3_kWebaFd_PeBkqMlt4uMN4MUKRTsxsAn9vd1pvTW408AsiQy4FswikOHQ/w640-h426/IMG_1109.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...a small fish of soya sauce is a good additive...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyone who is a fan of Ramen or Udon will know what S&B powder is...it is an essential addition to both these noodle dishes. S&B is a Japanese brand of powder specially manufactured for soups. It has a mix of ground chilli, garlic, seaweed and other herbs and spices meant to improve the flavor of your soup. A good Ramen shop will have S&B powder readily to hand for their customers. </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/AVvXsEj8L0gd9uu2yumJhtk24tSvlEVVmWkWt83E7PQ-LmJaD2IjMkUJc_W-Il8gANKWzqhXC8bZEf2CIhJzzVPuEtYOx7uVZ-9C1NQ37iT5FR6K0MrGgqHB0OfoiJp5Vxmq9KK3OQhNZrWXHc88Hijjik2G8-kxGbgoerHyHpfshGLT2cAEjgtDEk6dsK9Q1A/s6000/IMG_1107.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L0gd9uu2yumJhtk24tSvlEVVmWkWt83E7PQ-LmJaD2IjMkUJc_W-Il8gANKWzqhXC8bZEf2CIhJzzVPuEtYOx7uVZ-9C1NQ37iT5FR6K0MrGgqHB0OfoiJp5Vxmq9KK3OQhNZrWXHc88Hijjik2G8-kxGbgoerHyHpfshGLT2cAEjgtDEk6dsK9Q1A/w640-h426/IMG_1107.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S&B brand chilli powder for noodle dishes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can buy your own S&B at most Asian food stores have a look in the section for Japanese food or the sauces section. I brought mine from the Japan Mart in Riccarton Mall. Decant it into a small bag as the bottles are glass and quite heavy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dont add too much as it is a bit spicy...just a pinch on top is good!</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/AVvXsEiBxSEa39DU9NYQjL3qbpK3SP49D0YtiZ--VdLWU0e9AlKp31jV4adHCS3jo5HfTj7rkYx7gbCxTX1dvm-c61oJHYcIrQa_ZXjBMlbESN-cjdSxg_uivDIoNHlSBO0beDPrYwL4X9jFZ-r4u3tbdJK78BJ4CCcR_4Z9ABSrbz4qHxmCnu7Se4Ehgetj8w/s6000/IMG_1106.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxSEa39DU9NYQjL3qbpK3SP49D0YtiZ--VdLWU0e9AlKp31jV4adHCS3jo5HfTj7rkYx7gbCxTX1dvm-c61oJHYcIrQa_ZXjBMlbESN-cjdSxg_uivDIoNHlSBO0beDPrYwL4X9jFZ-r4u3tbdJK78BJ4CCcR_4Z9ABSrbz4qHxmCnu7Se4Ehgetj8w/w640-h426/IMG_1106.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...just a dash of S&B enhances the flavor...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nongshim include a plastic tray for mixing your Udon in but I would tend to leave this at home. It is just extra rubbish to haul around for the rest of your tramp. I just put all the packets into a sandwich sized Ziploc bag and cook it in my cook pot. Udon is much better eaten from a bowl or pot. </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/AVvXsEiqW683aF1ZDGDLsecgx100UZshuR1d2bNoEHbct_gIkmPLoWRP0jEASC2BoE6zCkKQ3F-1cLPny_rss-qVMPVFfxBU4MW3TenIybC3Q3TTL4rknpzV5sPjOSbxtpT3DujtaHNlfSXO_8KxxjSrFt2P-g7gIFT5VEtKhdnuSTb-zjCAJ2rW7thp23k48A/s6000/IMG_1105.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqW683aF1ZDGDLsecgx100UZshuR1d2bNoEHbct_gIkmPLoWRP0jEASC2BoE6zCkKQ3F-1cLPny_rss-qVMPVFfxBU4MW3TenIybC3Q3TTL4rknpzV5sPjOSbxtpT3DujtaHNlfSXO_8KxxjSrFt2P-g7gIFT5VEtKhdnuSTb-zjCAJ2rW7thp23k48A/w640-h426/IMG_1105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try the Nongshim Udon Soup out for yourself!</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">You are going to need either a fork or chopsticks to eat the noodles. </p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Where can I find these?</h4><p style="text-align: center;">You can find these noodles at good Asia supermarkets and shops selling Asian and Japanese food items. I brought some from the Japan Mart at Hornby Mall but I have also seen them at Kosco Shirley, Ken's Mart on Colombo Street and at V-Mart in the Bush Inn Centre. </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/AVvXsEgommNwFiFXzquc8YG75SCbENXROoqHpspWb2EzfLCgPVEon-jOd6S2H30mph028KOJF3Q6dIeqBZHQlgART2qcWw83pXTFx87AYmjQaDyJqiydX1uiJ9THpmYHWqb4H1Au2YFCtDNBCKxpdX7UIk_1sXlK-5a9uPxp_E--vYgexKhHPLBodqUJIFe0Pg/s680/Cosco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="680" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgommNwFiFXzquc8YG75SCbENXROoqHpspWb2EzfLCgPVEon-jOd6S2H30mph028KOJF3Q6dIeqBZHQlgART2qcWw83pXTFx87AYmjQaDyJqiydX1uiJ9THpmYHWqb4H1Au2YFCtDNBCKxpdX7UIk_1sXlK-5a9uPxp_E--vYgexKhHPLBodqUJIFe0Pg/w640-h480/Cosco.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kosco Asian Supermarket in Shirley, Christchurch </td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I love noodles and this pack is a pretty good riff on a bowl of Udon. With a few ingredients added they make an excellent lunch or dinner meal and they are tasty and filling. Keep an eye out for them the next time you are in a good Asian Supermarket. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>You Tube:</b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyx8itY3zto">Nongshim Udon Soup</a></p>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-49571080827154886362023-05-16T22:17:00.001-07:002023-05-16T22:26:15.530-07:00Great Walk plans for 2023/2024<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="text-align: center;">Great Walk adventures for the new season</span></h3><p style="text-align: center;"> It is that time of the year when my mind turns to thoughts of the Great Walks and what kind of adventures I would like to have on them. </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/AVvXsEiCbCHUkSk-wDIh_HzZqcyPIRKiynebi1hieRFlYXgmYt97jfnOfJcNsxNAAb5pQ0wKgXYCNI5vMMXoqNPMEZ182szHZO7JoVUxXFotiFRltYB4JVscRjFwWC86gpCdByudhJ5eWl3wqdOWJ1EAwh3hTdkj0qBU8NkNNbWyMSA81x45-MQ_7CpR_QVO5Q/s3984/IMG_5147.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2656" data-original-width="3984" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbCHUkSk-wDIh_HzZqcyPIRKiynebi1hieRFlYXgmYt97jfnOfJcNsxNAAb5pQ0wKgXYCNI5vMMXoqNPMEZ182szHZO7JoVUxXFotiFRltYB4JVscRjFwWC86gpCdByudhJ5eWl3wqdOWJ1EAwh3hTdkj0qBU8NkNNbWyMSA81x45-MQ_7CpR_QVO5Q/w640-h426/IMG_5147.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the Falls River back in August 2022</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I didn't get out on any new Great Walks over the last season but I have plans for two adventures on the tracks over the coming spring and summer months of 2023/2024.</p><h4 style="text-align: center;">Abel Tasman Coastal Track:</h4><p style="text-align: center;">As is my custom I am in the process of planning an adventure on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. I go up to Abel Tasman NP every year and go for some kind of walk along the track. It is a fantastic place to visit with the Coastal Track, Inland Track, Canaan Downs and a number of tracks on the Takaka/Wainui side of the park. </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/AVvXsEhIfjiMRAoOd9RldynAovzCJqadL7mCx4xw3k54fUGHBOYOwS0n33XGYrVjy9iCyD6T5fx1I2BcCHpuhOu484MgLUnpz5oAbkHQ9CAIHDmNS_2v_en7o9usnAc8cfPStTb5N_CHOpCzffltRk_3t7XrKtYZPOiylQF3OVrsyCccqGgMulzV5MC4JiAwjQ/s3984/IMG_4922.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2656" data-original-width="3984" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfjiMRAoOd9RldynAovzCJqadL7mCx4xw3k54fUGHBOYOwS0n33XGYrVjy9iCyD6T5fx1I2BcCHpuhOu484MgLUnpz5oAbkHQ9CAIHDmNS_2v_en7o9usnAc8cfPStTb5N_CHOpCzffltRk_3t7XrKtYZPOiylQF3OVrsyCccqGgMulzV5MC4JiAwjQ/w640-h426/IMG_4922.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden sandy beaches at Anchorage</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I am planning a trip for late August 2023...this year I am possibly looking at walking from Bark Bay out to Marahau. Bark Bay is my favorite hut in the park and I like that section of the coast. Alternately I might redo the walk from Wainui to Totaranui that I last covered back in 2021.Both are awesome options with some of the best scenery on the track. </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/AVvXsEiaKZEsuWuXZ4N99KLbqAmssLmISzC-nM6gbgUOKPN_F0WSVNfZsO41mH5eb97L4p2yPja46L9W2uGNUV-PZ4UegymXSWLmpEDJnZN5X3mYZxjDahYq_bIHkv0GoE4n6uhYeCJgalC6bjuAGSy2XTg_DmzsgeCZMuG6oX1cXW5Kj5zVIMlI-X7uBHy8VA/s4320/IMG_8922.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKZEsuWuXZ4N99KLbqAmssLmISzC-nM6gbgUOKPN_F0WSVNfZsO41mH5eb97L4p2yPja46L9W2uGNUV-PZ4UegymXSWLmpEDJnZN5X3mYZxjDahYq_bIHkv0GoE4n6uhYeCJgalC6bjuAGSy2XTg_DmzsgeCZMuG6oX1cXW5Kj5zVIMlI-X7uBHy8VA/w640-h480/IMG_8922.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wainui Bay from the Abel Tasman Coastal Track</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I have yet to decide which I will undertake...it depends a lot on transport to the track, weather and hut availability. I'm in the planning phase at the moment and will soon have bookings and a solid plan for my visit. I may chuck on a cheeky side trip to Wainui Falls while I'm there but I will have to see how things pan out. </p><h4 style="text-align: center;">Milford Track:</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Karen and I are booked to walk the Milford Track in Fiordland NP over the last week of December 2023. this will be my second time on the track and Karen's first visit. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Surprise...we will be going the guided route!</p><p style="text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEgSrHcta1m09skgQtkhOF-zRxvSHHosRznoSQsWjOFXujVm35RCyn_1tz-7Eyd85QTDPh7PL8iILJ-y8DaYDvs6fbfyPy8z5CQf5CcPFNuGtaFTwYxQ0395XTJfp7UTqqTcJIxsPfEwahY-sPOJq1tv2b07RMKr-JtLWXnrZ6wAmUfQLEFhomR5JUKPNQ/s4320/IMG_0163.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrHcta1m09skgQtkhOF-zRxvSHHosRznoSQsWjOFXujVm35RCyn_1tz-7Eyd85QTDPh7PL8iILJ-y8DaYDvs6fbfyPy8z5CQf5CcPFNuGtaFTwYxQ0395XTJfp7UTqqTcJIxsPfEwahY-sPOJq1tv2b07RMKr-JtLWXnrZ6wAmUfQLEFhomR5JUKPNQ/w640-h480/IMG_0163.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We get to stay at historic Glade House, Fiordland NP</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Some spare money became available and as Karen is keen to walk the Milford Track we decided to use it for the slightly easier guided tour option. We will be staying in the Ultimate Hikes lodges, will have meals prepared for us each morning and evening and only need carry small packs with our clothing inside. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Altogether a more civilized way to tramp!</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/AVvXsEhFrr-P6caY6WfI2NDhIFHszmNeXXvQKGpW5KN_DtkYJvAVWh2ICQw5loEzNmz1HsTR8Ch8pbz37p0YigNi_EDKRl2GxRZQ6yaXzvIWB9FIJlwE_5TJA22xNI1DCd80wagNadOsqySsQuhTFZNsI12eyHBLIIsEXqdExZw80-O_8nhjk6nvuTU18LU2Fw/s4320/IMG_0216.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrr-P6caY6WfI2NDhIFHszmNeXXvQKGpW5KN_DtkYJvAVWh2ICQw5loEzNmz1HsTR8Ch8pbz37p0YigNi_EDKRl2GxRZQ6yaXzvIWB9FIJlwE_5TJA22xNI1DCd80wagNadOsqySsQuhTFZNsI12eyHBLIIsEXqdExZw80-O_8nhjk6nvuTU18LU2Fw/w640-h480/IMG_0216.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DOC sign along the Milford Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It is incredibly expense way to walk the track but we both see it as a once in a lifetime opportunity so we just decided to go with it. We have completed all the planning and bookings and I will be writing a post about going on a guided walk in due course. </div><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/AVvXsEjWlqEkACijIADWmUAdChTuERipezsO4aBG4B9L1GTXBgJ_qITaV6756epXfIdLQ6zYZrZi75oB6TCLkfzKqDX_Gd6Hv3ythoRCS8Aj127-AzKc_sHpdpHgIj_JKKqB3kgEzRRQ69JY20J5mECLP_QwYeIv52yUQm0eZQFA9_JmywHfYRvnWUDryms6Uw/s4320/IMG_0266.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4320" data-original-width="3240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlqEkACijIADWmUAdChTuERipezsO4aBG4B9L1GTXBgJ_qITaV6756epXfIdLQ6zYZrZi75oB6TCLkfzKqDX_Gd6Hv3ythoRCS8Aj127-AzKc_sHpdpHgIj_JKKqB3kgEzRRQ69JY20J5mECLP_QwYeIv52yUQm0eZQFA9_JmywHfYRvnWUDryms6Uw/w480-h640/IMG_0266.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marlees Stream on the Milford Track</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I was very envious of the guided walkers I encountered back in 2019 when I last walked the Milford Track and have long wanted to return to bag the new Mintaro Hut (...it should be hut number 333 for Jon...). </p><p style="text-align: center;">I am itching to get down there and revisit one of the iconic New Zealand tracks. </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/AVvXsEh5RIhHRY5hziPDKa93wQ_VsV-pPOCb2cvjCOjHXFRuMzEio3_jWtMB4NeSUv45jMsEq0G6lGmNSYbA5Wv0BXSmNzdFXnxX_sumPvufTAMkwG1kqLa5m1aNH3NdQfi4VapLTkXgKqp00XmzjKMObEQMUJcL6_fTfr4ey_5slzWpu5DbMBpMIDm6GBe1HA/s1200/mintaro-hut-area-1200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1200" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RIhHRY5hziPDKa93wQ_VsV-pPOCb2cvjCOjHXFRuMzEio3_jWtMB4NeSUv45jMsEq0G6lGmNSYbA5Wv0BXSmNzdFXnxX_sumPvufTAMkwG1kqLa5m1aNH3NdQfi4VapLTkXgKqp00XmzjKMObEQMUJcL6_fTfr4ey_5slzWpu5DbMBpMIDm6GBe1HA/w640-h418/mintaro-hut-area-1200.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Mintaro V Hut just opened in late 2022</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Hopefully everything goes to plan and late December will see us enjoying Grilled Salmon and a medley of seasonal vegetables with a nice glass of wine at Pompoloma Hut.</p><p style="text-align: center;">No other plans for the Great Walk tracks at this stage but I have schemes up my sleeve...</p>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-41087488772696201212023-05-08T18:38:00.004-07:002023-05-16T23:42:05.490-07:00The great dehy crisis of '23...<h3 style="text-align: center;"> Where have all the Backcountry meals gone?</h3><p style="text-align: center;">If you are out tramping, biking, kayaking or doing some other outdoor pursuit you are probably eating Backcountry Cuisine dehydrated meals at least some of the time. You might have noticed that they seem to be a bit scarce in your local outdoor retail stores...there is a reason for this.</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/AVvXsEj0buiMGulJcJXFOM-a8-jZ0rUjIikg5c8n_83UMMjp24JeL3mqCX9N0ht8LI-2g2NdoJTo-vkF0LBJEGp4HoVPBcqsYpLMDckWqbKFYQjLdGV0cAQhsblfaqAJC4Xfkun_j-hshZRUVtvCKhET-RhaW04qS9UF4a3XYjyAsNLuawdxI7IPJjB7-uR0rw/s6000/IMG_2425.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0buiMGulJcJXFOM-a8-jZ0rUjIikg5c8n_83UMMjp24JeL3mqCX9N0ht8LI-2g2NdoJTo-vkF0LBJEGp4HoVPBcqsYpLMDckWqbKFYQjLdGV0cAQhsblfaqAJC4Xfkun_j-hshZRUVtvCKhET-RhaW04qS9UF4a3XYjyAsNLuawdxI7IPJjB7-uR0rw/w640-h426/IMG_2425.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic Backcountry Cuisine meal...Cooked Breakfast</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Back in November 2022 one of the large machines Backcountry Cuisine use to dehydrate ingredients went out of service. This has seriously slowed production rates. As a result there has been a shortage of backcountry meals in most of the local stores. I recently visited the Hunting and Fishing store at Tower Junction here in Christchurch and they had NO Backcountry meals at all. Like zero...not even the Vegan meals most people never buy. </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/AVvXsEiaOV3Xe8fJG55sSSvZJZfDWJuaSw8wyEV5eaUPeh-jLlYUFFcdZaU5Xn2VJkmENho0z1f9pvosSoml6tEbvdC5if-ni_Bi7Chmiz8Ihs5Va7DqoXr-6FXefqIcJPGWInKVq9t40Bv_sLmHUFQbqWvS6x3PthjnPqNvArRTaJcvlfWUfnA3fnxccpWiSg/s320/download.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="320" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOV3Xe8fJG55sSSvZJZfDWJuaSw8wyEV5eaUPeh-jLlYUFFcdZaU5Xn2VJkmENho0z1f9pvosSoml6tEbvdC5if-ni_Bi7Chmiz8Ihs5Va7DqoXr-6FXefqIcJPGWInKVq9t40Bv_sLmHUFQbqWvS6x3PthjnPqNvArRTaJcvlfWUfnA3fnxccpWiSg/w640-h316/download.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dehydrator at Backcountry Cuisine in Invercargill</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Hopefully the shortages do not last for too long because love them or hate them Backcountry Cuisine is the number one freeze dried meal brand here. Losing them from the market would be a huge problem for anyone who uses freeze dried meals. You might have to do what the old timers did and eat real foods like sausages, steak and bacon with mashed spud, rice or cous cous.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> My God how primitive!!! </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/AVvXsEiLhFF4cB6WgOg-tg6uR9mKZ89hJ9n4Rse9SRocjjiJYlhAOur5Tpzz9aWuvlJD6RBKXlBSQH08RDzzQWAVaoq401OK720NQ-K8nrgOGEjFgrvd_rq2xI34dqenyBjtfOKZMiLJ2-6ECQjpoNee8ua3dIYBQVwUokG8a_6s_itHIk_A4lxocxvPUhEiDg/s6000/IMG_0283.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhFF4cB6WgOg-tg6uR9mKZ89hJ9n4Rse9SRocjjiJYlhAOur5Tpzz9aWuvlJD6RBKXlBSQH08RDzzQWAVaoq401OK720NQ-K8nrgOGEjFgrvd_rq2xI34dqenyBjtfOKZMiLJ2-6ECQjpoNee8ua3dIYBQVwUokG8a_6s_itHIk_A4lxocxvPUhEiDg/w640-h426/IMG_0283.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this your future without Backcountry meals?</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Real Meals, Radix and boutique food companies are making inroads into the freeze dry meal market but they have neither the range of meals nor the production ability to totally replace Backcountry Cuisine. As yet we cannot get any of the big international brands like Mountain House here. </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/AVvXsEhdjuUCYjgDnoEgvaR2_JWzZFHs-zX6eJJi15VVjBFvpQZJd7AhX0LMJhU0ZI3MWBdHuHB8bmSIcq--vR062GK2HSpf1u5kSIgvN44YzttabY8X5xAh-Q7fHuHDgYfV6puG6WHg0lh2_1e22DVaBnS5t3_os_XvGH5UrG8CwyXX2lF4FymrnZyTJmLPIQ/s720/rm2-536x720.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjuUCYjgDnoEgvaR2_JWzZFHs-zX6eJJi15VVjBFvpQZJd7AhX0LMJhU0ZI3MWBdHuHB8bmSIcq--vR062GK2HSpf1u5kSIgvN44YzttabY8X5xAh-Q7fHuHDgYfV6puG6WHg0lh2_1e22DVaBnS5t3_os_XvGH5UrG8CwyXX2lF4FymrnZyTJmLPIQ/w476-h640/rm2-536x720.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real Meals...not as large as Backcountry cuisine</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">If you live in Christchurch and need to buy some Backcountry meals you should go have a look at the Hunting & Fishing store in Rangiora. I was there in the weekend and they had ample supplies of both the small and regular sized meals. They also have plenty of the bags of mixed vegetables, dried meat and mashed potato. </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/AVvXsEgolr9voTpWNAOkgGANoh7MXe4ZHtfVBswy0ShWYdbd0AiSUh5-ygI67qo3FmAQPkG30qzw-BXUlNB8mCTOfuA__bhly49jpzxE5k7Ts186ujElKBtazUBe4hXW1LzcFsQNj1zFlDfpopP7eItJF3kAU47Tk-jHum-0b_uiNcAaFPejX4-YipZ1fNfqrA/s2560/20230507_144832.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolr9voTpWNAOkgGANoh7MXe4ZHtfVBswy0ShWYdbd0AiSUh5-ygI67qo3FmAQPkG30qzw-BXUlNB8mCTOfuA__bhly49jpzxE5k7Ts186ujElKBtazUBe4hXW1LzcFsQNj1zFlDfpopP7eItJF3kAU47Tk-jHum-0b_uiNcAaFPejX4-YipZ1fNfqrA/w640-h288/20230507_144832.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small sized BBC meals at Rangiora Hunting & Fishing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Either they had a stash of meals or they just don't get the volume of traffic that the Christchurch store receives. BTW: the Rangiora Hunting & Fishing has a great range of items in store...it is just about as big as the flagship Tower Junction store. </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/AVvXsEiZhZrbiDwZiS86tZxXHPgr5P772qdnOZ0Jw1oN38gVm3r6fIpDPkcRNhM4xqjPutUm8f7fTK-wREfNBGObTAMFe-8MJZovtKnt5Z6EKTUTN5X2BkXX4ad3bXD5mFvh7zActTorWKpc1GFLQRpctd2K6MDEdLH68gos1ViCrWySGylNMpEeTpH-1o2D1Q/s2560/20230507_144850.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhZrbiDwZiS86tZxXHPgr5P772qdnOZ0Jw1oN38gVm3r6fIpDPkcRNhM4xqjPutUm8f7fTK-wREfNBGObTAMFe-8MJZovtKnt5Z6EKTUTN5X2BkXX4ad3bXD5mFvh7zActTorWKpc1GFLQRpctd2K6MDEdLH68gos1ViCrWySGylNMpEeTpH-1o2D1Q/w640-h288/20230507_144850.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They also sell Real Meals, O-Meals and Outdoor gourmet meals</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Anyway...hopefully Backcountry Cuisine will soon rectify the problem and be back up to full time production once again. </p><p><br /></p>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-6711323759881292022023-05-07T13:13:00.007-07:002023-05-08T19:53:30.102-07:00The huts of the St James Walkway<h3 style="text-align: center;">A look at the huts along the St James Walkway</h3><p style="text-align: center;"> I recently finished walking the St James Walkway and I thought it would be worth looking at the fantastic array of huts you will find along the track. There are seven huts and one shelter along the Walkway and they provide overnight accommodation and sheltered spots for the folk who are tramping here.</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/AVvXsEg_LrDoO9WEYJ8Y96OJaJ4e5jjpSequicJNR8rJRsI3hKacvCbo1P-Mwtdl2BEaDY2x_Tsaik5wi_GkNBRACgxcmsMS5Qx7np9Ln22YwP8s3P93wzjUChx1OWhn-m5lfd3_V_YnRRlRaH4_RcXuOvMc9AsZGFMSxO1pjTZBaBipHMwxJeD2SsZCcrKAuw/s6000/IMG_1014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LrDoO9WEYJ8Y96OJaJ4e5jjpSequicJNR8rJRsI3hKacvCbo1P-Mwtdl2BEaDY2x_Tsaik5wi_GkNBRACgxcmsMS5Qx7np9Ln22YwP8s3P93wzjUChx1OWhn-m5lfd3_V_YnRRlRaH4_RcXuOvMc9AsZGFMSxO1pjTZBaBipHMwxJeD2SsZCcrKAuw/w640-h426/IMG_1014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am on Anne Saddle on the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">The St James Walkway is a 67 kilometer long track taking in several river valleys and crossing the border of the Lewis Pass National Reserve, St James Conservation Area and Lake Sumner Forest Park. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I walked the St James Walkway from Lewis Pass Tarn to Boyle Village so let's follow the huts in that direction and find out a bit more about each of them..</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">About the St James Walkway:</h4><p style="text-align: center;">In the early 1970's the Walkways Commission and the Department of Internal Affairs were trying to encourage more people into the outdoors. One way was through the construction of easier Walkways which was an early attempt at Great Walks. The St James Walkway was the only one to actually be completed before their interest waned. </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/AVvXsEjivyDNXCdDthjFYg8DxcO4-lXxeF89I6DoEX2oqd_51Ny63v3Ir7LANT5NhIW4Bb90ZiAj7KHUrmh67Ln5ecJCnM30l2qYDovzY1FKdRx2ZmqPw4krigrX18zWd8_vmutygKE2OBZ5ExTMSvCbsziklov4Qw8m2k450Q3TI_vnG-eU5HoALfeppQtw7A/s6000/IMG_0657.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivyDNXCdDthjFYg8DxcO4-lXxeF89I6DoEX2oqd_51Ny63v3Ir7LANT5NhIW4Bb90ZiAj7KHUrmh67Ln5ecJCnM30l2qYDovzY1FKdRx2ZmqPw4krigrX18zWd8_vmutygKE2OBZ5ExTMSvCbsziklov4Qw8m2k450Q3TI_vnG-eU5HoALfeppQtw7A/w640-h426/IMG_0657.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the St James Walkway at Lewis Pass</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/AVvXsEiDa-bR24hfbHT936YBNfFGqO3dPMdTcrj-CA8u3-At26bg--mMXdISH0kd-WxWO7LL1DE06z7f4g2LhQhOGMDRXbmZRIalW5MgsQ8eAR_246v3K0kh7segv_iYy4bKl9DCHviiedftwRez_TJVZuRq4J34SZ8k8t9Ufjp1sj3DOZyQSC_YyALFstoQqw/s6000/IMG_0701.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDa-bR24hfbHT936YBNfFGqO3dPMdTcrj-CA8u3-At26bg--mMXdISH0kd-WxWO7LL1DE06z7f4g2LhQhOGMDRXbmZRIalW5MgsQ8eAR_246v3K0kh7segv_iYy4bKl9DCHviiedftwRez_TJVZuRq4J34SZ8k8t9Ufjp1sj3DOZyQSC_YyALFstoQqw/w640-h426/IMG_0701.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walkways Commission marker on Cannibal Gorge Swingbridge</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">The St James Walkway is a rough half circuit so you can start from either end and end up back on SH 7. The two ends of the track are separated by 20 kilometers of SH 7 so it is not possible to walk all the way back to your car. </p><p style="text-align: center;">You will need to either hitch a ride back to your start point or use the 'own car' shuttle service offered by the Boyle Outdoor Education Center. For a small fee they will drive you to Lewis Pass Tarn (in your own car) and then take your car back for secure storage at the center. It is worth doing it this way as Lewis Pass Carpark is notorious for vandalism of cars. </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/AVvXsEjZ3xB8QwHxvYdKswCR5H_Ga2XvXnsMuI1IPv6aMqbIEoGbqoYMDj0tWJI2fwEEQkPjcUUuvvaUx-2am1otXo2cCGXfgG_UkdEsUgktRMuLLQ055XOeybsjI2MiAGB1t90YmR9XZzHkAxTainMEYp-WjyjcHG98fQMER_EaiOz7nXw8bSIVu84bkOEf6Q/s6000/IMG_7493.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3xB8QwHxvYdKswCR5H_Ga2XvXnsMuI1IPv6aMqbIEoGbqoYMDj0tWJI2fwEEQkPjcUUuvvaUx-2am1otXo2cCGXfgG_UkdEsUgktRMuLLQ055XOeybsjI2MiAGB1t90YmR9XZzHkAxTainMEYp-WjyjcHG98fQMER_EaiOz7nXw8bSIVu84bkOEf6Q/w640-h426/IMG_7493.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn off to the St James Walkway at the Lewis Pass Carpark</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Most people tramp the St James Walkway from Lewis Pass Tarn to Boyle Settlement to take advantage of the terrain. This was the direction I walked the track.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h4>Lewis Pass Tarn to Ada Pass Hut: Day 1</h4><p style="text-align: center;">The first day on the St James Walkway is the walk from the Lewis Pass carpark to Cannibal Gorge or Ada Pass Hut. I walked through to Ada Pass Hut so it was 10 km's over 5-6 hours...</p><p><i>Lewis Pass Shelter:</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Lewis Pass Shelter is the first structure on the Walkway built as shelter for people tramping the track. It is located next to the tarn at the Lewis Pass Carpark just east of the pass itself. From this carpark there is access to a variety of walks and tracks including the Lewis Pass Nature Walk, Lewis Pass Tarn Walk, Lewis Pass Tops Track and the St James Walkway. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTi_neD315xCvGxVAdWJKMsw_E7sVB0mDluPWVwv4i774fnPYF4gf4Ba_u2iUmYm_FZjGkaD0HDvQB6teru68MhBTtSE79zGCV9CDeY3fz7wTxUAwkyQbQGVmXwWusPE8TMYRoNr3pVmxZy6LpD8TCJt3l76NYEKePCo4WRq6ykOY1d_26W_uQJHS8gQ/s6000/IMG_8309.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTi_neD315xCvGxVAdWJKMsw_E7sVB0mDluPWVwv4i774fnPYF4gf4Ba_u2iUmYm_FZjGkaD0HDvQB6teru68MhBTtSE79zGCV9CDeY3fz7wTxUAwkyQbQGVmXwWusPE8TMYRoNr3pVmxZy6LpD8TCJt3l76NYEKePCo4WRq6ykOY1d_26W_uQJHS8gQ/w640-h426/IMG_8309.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spencer Range is visible from the Lewis Pass carpark</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The shelter is a three sided affair with seating and information panels inside. There is enough space here for about 10 people at any given time. It is mostly water proof and makes an ideal spot to wait if you have transport coming to collect you from this end of the track. </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/AVvXsEjuUfQnDG3L4ZL_L_zsvZkNGyQTseT_zmPskmLm7HjCbde4lvZZ-cCkapIat4DkDHSR0lV_8_C83D5sd6yN2mSgB5MGK1CdBO5z-mGs2CPtFuF3vhl6pnbyTBOUFP7Nd8UtgpyezepDCOTS9KP2LouikiqfVrgQxXToacgnz52QpkcQE2XtaM5tx0r0nA/s6000/IMG_7474.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUfQnDG3L4ZL_L_zsvZkNGyQTseT_zmPskmLm7HjCbde4lvZZ-cCkapIat4DkDHSR0lV_8_C83D5sd6yN2mSgB5MGK1CdBO5z-mGs2CPtFuF3vhl6pnbyTBOUFP7Nd8UtgpyezepDCOTS9KP2LouikiqfVrgQxXToacgnz52QpkcQE2XtaM5tx0r0nA/w640-h426/IMG_7474.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lewis Pass Shelter, Lewis Pass National Reserve</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/AVvXsEiR06Zbd6Y9AaH0nOJ_NG8dxSeiauZ6T-Szw6ct-_84DFFCtJ6Vtdjbfdwd00jTjRFB7Ay-qN9OVLfnVr3oWFqCh5fD2ORoS9uG12AlS9KD7-_RFGDC5LiGYakl6sQKpQJ0ATy661XPNVejpujfsf0GlgzT5DhTJnYyZhsOGviqw4ZkGI5AZO0x8ZC1vw/s6000/IMG_8311.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR06Zbd6Y9AaH0nOJ_NG8dxSeiauZ6T-Szw6ct-_84DFFCtJ6Vtdjbfdwd00jTjRFB7Ay-qN9OVLfnVr3oWFqCh5fD2ORoS9uG12AlS9KD7-_RFGDC5LiGYakl6sQKpQJ0ATy661XPNVejpujfsf0GlgzT5DhTJnYyZhsOGviqw4ZkGI5AZO0x8ZC1vw/w640-h426/IMG_8311.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the rear of Lewis Pass Shelter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">There is a small water tank attached to the highway side of the shelter and a vault style toilet to the rear. The shelter is surrounded by Beech forest and it is just possible to see both the carpark and the tarn from inside the structure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFe1jUqMIxsTeYKGRab-uWuFlnxnlylxltDYzRyJdCi1rpVGPkPcVbmplSw7pfn0XoYNJStSEnVNsV56gm7lKdAOVH9J862jqh8EeunwGHPRnlBKBWnJiA2uvK7QRI3fNXv8xeHXIPZCSz2q1aYM2KyiLETe1fxbZZrWOj_scGmq3AAdFp0Pfg_8VTQ/s6000/IMG_7476.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFe1jUqMIxsTeYKGRab-uWuFlnxnlylxltDYzRyJdCi1rpVGPkPcVbmplSw7pfn0XoYNJStSEnVNsV56gm7lKdAOVH9J862jqh8EeunwGHPRnlBKBWnJiA2uvK7QRI3fNXv8xeHXIPZCSz2q1aYM2KyiLETe1fxbZZrWOj_scGmq3AAdFp0Pfg_8VTQ/w640-h426/IMG_7476.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a water tank on the side of the Lewis Pass Shelter<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJe3-58FrAsFtnmHBnjvaTAiD21maa69QLL4wksRcVqbRLaAW4xJcxVnet3bqlBYTGhX8ZuTXOIKtdxIWMNP5lr_JjwHYNwVTZ4j7ggrrQ18Q5QE_JtveFq8FZ8hZmOpe7HG6yr0cDIT5s04PRcQTYc63MZYkCj_zzTKnUC0qdHXqMmO7fgKlpX8gylA/s6000/IMG_8310.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJe3-58FrAsFtnmHBnjvaTAiD21maa69QLL4wksRcVqbRLaAW4xJcxVnet3bqlBYTGhX8ZuTXOIKtdxIWMNP5lr_JjwHYNwVTZ4j7ggrrQ18Q5QE_JtveFq8FZ8hZmOpe7HG6yr0cDIT5s04PRcQTYc63MZYkCj_zzTKnUC0qdHXqMmO7fgKlpX8gylA/w640-h426/IMG_8310.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic DOC backcountry vault toilet at Lewis Pass Tarn</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make sure you go have a look at the Lewis Pass Tarn before you leave. It is a really lovely alpine lake with fantastic opportunities for photography. It is less than a two minute walk to the lookout over the tarn from the shelter. On a calm, still day you get a great mirror image of the nearby mountains</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/AVvXsEi7ITUzY5WVoLgQ8u20bE7yXEdQX8KtrXCCJIYEMYtYccgFhacs5Wie9l11rLYTP47oqKdMQ9A75ir4NHYjKgCnQ3mCJgeoIkpovLO1Om4LeVnplG47tCFfccYETyDL3EaIlt1fLDfILqahELP-ovOkgqUa6iE1PucmyhLm_RwXLmXfw_AogpbzLybIYw/s6000/IMG_8313.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ITUzY5WVoLgQ8u20bE7yXEdQX8KtrXCCJIYEMYtYccgFhacs5Wie9l11rLYTP47oqKdMQ9A75ir4NHYjKgCnQ3mCJgeoIkpovLO1Om4LeVnplG47tCFfccYETyDL3EaIlt1fLDfILqahELP-ovOkgqUa6iE1PucmyhLm_RwXLmXfw_AogpbzLybIYw/w640-h426/IMG_8313.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View over Lewis Pass Tarn from near the shelter</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">From here you start the track proper as you make your way along the St James Walkway to the first hut of the day Cannibal Gorge Hut. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Specifications:</p><p style="text-align: center;">Day Shelter: (Not for overnight stay) water from tank, vault toilet, internal seating</p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>Cannibal Gorge Hut:</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cannibal Gorge Hut is the first hut along the track and it is sits on the edge of a large river flat about four hours along the track. If you are starting the track later in the day this is the place you should be aiming for as it is within striking distance of Lewis Pass. </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/AVvXsEj_qNnUkpGiQLzEMtfLjfJomWRQWKqwBDcOO5F8EKqlrahz9kXmTfj-c3gS4LGEbaKDmO6nOrdshXlS4c1EUUJhs4b2cGHJGV0cATpVODxvkZfb606Q30aNNthw7INNLp491faHVTFaotTVuldsKVETnNC0eVDTm-zR_kt9RIoz-6NA4pVr-SksWpZITQ/s6000/IMG_0758.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qNnUkpGiQLzEMtfLjfJomWRQWKqwBDcOO5F8EKqlrahz9kXmTfj-c3gS4LGEbaKDmO6nOrdshXlS4c1EUUJhs4b2cGHJGV0cATpVODxvkZfb606Q30aNNthw7INNLp491faHVTFaotTVuldsKVETnNC0eVDTm-zR_kt9RIoz-6NA4pVr-SksWpZITQ/w640-h426/IMG_0758.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Cannibal Gorge Hut from across the river flats</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cannibal Gorge Hut was built in the late 1970's so it is starting to look its age. If the St James ever becomes a Great Walk (as has been suggested) then I would expect all the huts to be replaced or seriously upgrade. For the moment...you gets what you gets!!! </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/AVvXsEhhL5XIyvrApTZ-MrcEklp6yXVdAUeuhkLFej-Y07CdjkCPBbH33ksU0_hodI--GJGYFnXzwOiyYmBas0t82c4Pa2N81wb_NSIA_hznxmqmNH6Z4IP2VNeFIz_eKhhyRMm2xfhB8dfVOrdiTc8D1Wbg4dYYrj55ae25a5rvfWIuxZIR5gNEc0WZyxo-eA/s6000/IMG_0764.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhL5XIyvrApTZ-MrcEklp6yXVdAUeuhkLFej-Y07CdjkCPBbH33ksU0_hodI--GJGYFnXzwOiyYmBas0t82c4Pa2N81wb_NSIA_hznxmqmNH6Z4IP2VNeFIz_eKhhyRMm2xfhB8dfVOrdiTc8D1Wbg4dYYrj55ae25a5rvfWIuxZIR5gNEc0WZyxo-eA/w640-h426/IMG_0764.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cannibal Gorge Hut, Lewis Pass National Reserve</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The hut has 20 bunks in an unusual three tier bunkroom set up...there are three platforms for the mattresses to sit on so your head space is lower than usual. There is one bunkroom with 9 spaces and another with 11. I have never seen this set up before but I know there are a couple of other huts across the country organised this way. </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/AVvXsEhNqujpOXukBAgrSEO466QCrJZqfNXqZgv-W41IkBMRUjdj2YCRYdgwboKenon7csHGQmol91YbTlUK8X-TTvjxiJpQ8q-r4okobsPQIzo9ib5NehItEHdmPvig6FcLvaOznC3tknE1PA93S3yMaHNj2bNZscebAZgBLrrT1dglxfstE1WAeH7Ui8Lw4w/s6000/IMG_0765.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqujpOXukBAgrSEO466QCrJZqfNXqZgv-W41IkBMRUjdj2YCRYdgwboKenon7csHGQmol91YbTlUK8X-TTvjxiJpQ8q-r4okobsPQIzo9ib5NehItEHdmPvig6FcLvaOznC3tknE1PA93S3yMaHNj2bNZscebAZgBLrrT1dglxfstE1WAeH7Ui8Lw4w/w640-h426/IMG_0765.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unusual three tier bunks in Cannibal Gorge Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">There is plenty of living space in the hut and over the summer there will often be a hut warden in residence in a separate bunkroom attached to the hut. There is a good wood burner here and if there is firewood it will quickly heat up the hut and bunkrooms. </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/AVvXsEi5FkG1II3A2OLa36LqHMrhHrXmbi6QYWATvmGCv6ELQn4a29NFtvPdfLy2Jf_3yy-sFSPHmQgkqlKQfVi8UUPtClNZXQuRHqgrQKUNSW0WwQRgXC3m1oVROORW4lo7JUIExwO7F65rUTMcHvPnWWikgGgsfisQexpnkU0H1VIcPH5-HqP-JjG9KFzS3A/s6000/IMG_0767.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FkG1II3A2OLa36LqHMrhHrXmbi6QYWATvmGCv6ELQn4a29NFtvPdfLy2Jf_3yy-sFSPHmQgkqlKQfVi8UUPtClNZXQuRHqgrQKUNSW0WwQRgXC3m1oVROORW4lo7JUIExwO7F65rUTMcHvPnWWikgGgsfisQexpnkU0H1VIcPH5-HqP-JjG9KFzS3A/w640-h426/IMG_0767.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cannibal Gorge Hut: cooking and dining area</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I stopped at Cannibal Gorge Hut just long enough to eat some lunch before continuing along the Walkway to my destination for the night...Ada Pass Hut. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Specifications:</p><p style="text-align: center;">Serviced Hut: 20 bunks, water from tanks, wood burner, vault toilets, picnic table</p><p><br /></p><p><i>Ada Pass Hut:</i></p><div style="text-align: center;">Ada Pass Hut is the second along the route of the St James Walkway and it is roughly 5-6 hours from the start of the track up at Lewis Pass. This will be the destination for the majority of trampers starting at this end of the Walkway so bring a tent just in case it is full. </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/AVvXsEjeQtypcGDbxA_3TpJDPBJgxuh14nArC8om4-DleYStOpUVThEprBLPpAyM90loFVDN4zYduZvt7Drd_ZmFub3Hw7OI5YMhV3HuiistDnTKgkWJW7ATKsgixUkk_9dCIzeZORbRsem-HEQl51eYtxKaWCk6B9JU2gEVPQLtUlSNi-Y9QxEBlAcjBYzpZg/s6000/IMG_0795.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQtypcGDbxA_3TpJDPBJgxuh14nArC8om4-DleYStOpUVThEprBLPpAyM90loFVDN4zYduZvt7Drd_ZmFub3Hw7OI5YMhV3HuiistDnTKgkWJW7ATKsgixUkk_9dCIzeZORbRsem-HEQl51eYtxKaWCk6B9JU2gEVPQLtUlSNi-Y9QxEBlAcjBYzpZg/w640-h426/IMG_0795.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ada Pass Hut, St James Conservation Area</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The hut is of the 'one big room' type so the bunkroom is separated from the living area by a half wall. These are much easier to heat but it does mean you can sometimes be a bit too hot overnight. I've been to Ada Pass Hut three times now and I really like it...it is not a flash hut but it does the job you need it to do. </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/AVvXsEhBQeDPLR17LPB72D372zfeLfC7A7R6kMcO4cjajtAGGV-G1oxyKKo8msqYZjHlZuF4gkx_ryjrKvMpi4g90t5fXlY9r6MwjxKQMlKrqKFY4Lx2pS8_5em6te8o0iNgVlxC-vBwbNEzTND901vp91P_JNNpRV1CxWcOrcSakgX6KgYCKAt5oAiou5bV4A/s6000/IMG_0797.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQeDPLR17LPB72D372zfeLfC7A7R6kMcO4cjajtAGGV-G1oxyKKo8msqYZjHlZuF4gkx_ryjrKvMpi4g90t5fXlY9r6MwjxKQMlKrqKFY4Lx2pS8_5em6te8o0iNgVlxC-vBwbNEzTND901vp91P_JNNpRV1CxWcOrcSakgX6KgYCKAt5oAiou5bV4A/w640-h426/IMG_0797.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice veranda at the front of Ada Pass Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a stunning view up towards Three Tarn Pass from the hut veranda...this is an entry point to the Matakitaki Valley as well as Nelson Lakes NP. It is awesome to sit outside and look at the mountains that frame your line of sight. </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/AVvXsEgwI-r6kjFS0SU4eMyz-TDDi29crMlrsiMhCpJsooNDoL8PBAbYhP7dZFhJzuHIf2A7K29iHw1YqsKAK2xdV8YM3i4d_osMYRGrALlx8bjsmEVi-HsFiUeWy_xIU6sjqiczicTcoLdNCYzZD47ZcJK44PmpFHy8Uq-8B63kYKevPjhg6EjHOLwOnB78Qw/s6000/IMG_0799.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI-r6kjFS0SU4eMyz-TDDi29crMlrsiMhCpJsooNDoL8PBAbYhP7dZFhJzuHIf2A7K29iHw1YqsKAK2xdV8YM3i4d_osMYRGrALlx8bjsmEVi-HsFiUeWy_xIU6sjqiczicTcoLdNCYzZD47ZcJK44PmpFHy8Uq-8B63kYKevPjhg6EjHOLwOnB78Qw/w640-h426/IMG_0799.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to Three Tarn Pass from Ada Pass Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Ada Pass Hut was built in the late 1970's so it is looking a bit tired but it is still a perfectly usable hut with plenty of space for its allotted 14 occupants. If the St James ever becomes a Great Walk this hut will need to be enlarged or replaced to cope with larger numbers. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhvZ_zf1pYLon1mUI69DPnh5RW69vSJ36ssifnV1HYzorbH3sVb9cmeDpnNWMW4sFvX6SXSraZQKygpb3Q0d-aY-47kapfi4iENfLZ5s-LrwINgilHXvBzpLizsPYnZsOtSY4xydluAhmK0vb0e1mLZoZZxI7F3SzYEU1gyYL9ynkNJNGHUxmylCI5g/s2048/DSCN4816.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhvZ_zf1pYLon1mUI69DPnh5RW69vSJ36ssifnV1HYzorbH3sVb9cmeDpnNWMW4sFvX6SXSraZQKygpb3Q0d-aY-47kapfi4iENfLZ5s-LrwINgilHXvBzpLizsPYnZsOtSY4xydluAhmK0vb0e1mLZoZZxI7F3SzYEU1gyYL9ynkNJNGHUxmylCI5g/w640-h480/DSCN4816.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ada Pass Hut: living space inside</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There is plenty of space in front of the hut for tents and of the various huts on this track Ada Pass Hut is usually the one where you might need to camp. It gets traffic from three directions so it can often be full during the holidays and over long weekends.</div><div style="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/AVvXsEgcA8DfS42VzNjccejGwIEI3TdIdw7YdLcK-RwI8xWb17NcvyaSRJX_rkp-wo08uKNk7k-iK5Scfh6wTAqzc8uBii5IBxC2iWO3x_4Etzjz1u_FUkd7OSqLhBp-PYsdpRP-Y-Tgcu8mPJbxDZns9mJHvB2TB2Wd0OyZ5jOHgOwxhVw18zkcMjnwh8UXKg/s6000/IMG_0801.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcA8DfS42VzNjccejGwIEI3TdIdw7YdLcK-RwI8xWb17NcvyaSRJX_rkp-wo08uKNk7k-iK5Scfh6wTAqzc8uBii5IBxC2iWO3x_4Etzjz1u_FUkd7OSqLhBp-PYsdpRP-Y-Tgcu8mPJbxDZns9mJHvB2TB2Wd0OyZ5jOHgOwxhVw18zkcMjnwh8UXKg/w640-h426/IMG_0801.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...lots of flat space in front of Ada Pass Hut...</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhbU3vzicUt2H6TLxQQZbcMAPSw4ggpTcGvoe20pBc0Jv7UeFq48X6boIOmKnlsWhiIDqS4EQyMS3B3_e9Kn779s9eESmBTnHx5PceeF0y5b9-jy7bm7kaRx-hkoFst04T2FQx7ZUZas44IpgdDr3XY0cWXMJ9w61yR2F3GXcYCqMB5VNXeWNc43b9p1w/s6000/IMG_0805.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbU3vzicUt2H6TLxQQZbcMAPSw4ggpTcGvoe20pBc0Jv7UeFq48X6boIOmKnlsWhiIDqS4EQyMS3B3_e9Kn779s9eESmBTnHx5PceeF0y5b9-jy7bm7kaRx-hkoFst04T2FQx7ZUZas44IpgdDr3XY0cWXMJ9w61yR2F3GXcYCqMB5VNXeWNc43b9p1w/w640-h426/IMG_0805.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking some kai at Ada Pass Hut, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I certainly appreciated Ada Pass Hut later that day when it started raining...it would have been a wet old night if you had been camping here and not in a hut. </div><p style="text-align: center;">Specifications:</p><p style="text-align: center;">Serviced Hut: 14 bunks, water from tank, wood burner, long-drop toilet, coal supplied</p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: left;">Ada Pass Hut to Christopher Hut: Day 2</h4><p style="text-align: center;">Day two covers the St James Walkway from Ada Pass to Christopher Hut. It is roughly 11 kilometers over 4-5 hours. Some people continue on to Anne Hut which is another 13 kilometers over 4-5 hours making for a long 25 kilometer 8+ hour day. This is what I did back in 2015 when I last walked the track...it was a bloody long way!</p><p><i>Ada Cullers Hut:</i></p><div style="text-align: center;">The first hut you will pass enroute for Christopher Hut is the historic Ada Cullers Hut. This is an old deer cullers hut built in the late 1950's and at one time it would have been home to a pair of hunters shooting deer in the Ada and Christopher Valleys. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEiiBEuAXCbboajmlc6EVJnAqicU8p4rQY2ZygQTh1LretXLtrbpmhB8PDSG8s2tYX2HUcL48L4AaYV1BEZFtgmWdgVPkWS9ntyA2g-mBhL21EQNCk6zkuR7L-lbsL-3X_jnb0x0VwkYCIgZUjJy3k3FFyyUTtPc5akKZicbLxq_J_dynJjkqfMnEf6jcA/s4320/SING0089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBEuAXCbboajmlc6EVJnAqicU8p4rQY2ZygQTh1LretXLtrbpmhB8PDSG8s2tYX2HUcL48L4AaYV1BEZFtgmWdgVPkWS9ntyA2g-mBhL21EQNCk6zkuR7L-lbsL-3X_jnb0x0VwkYCIgZUjJy3k3FFyyUTtPc5akKZicbLxq_J_dynJjkqfMnEf6jcA/w640-h480/SING0089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Ada Cullers Hut, St James Conservation Area</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hut is right on the confluence of the Ada and Christopher Rivers and is set in a patch of Matagouri trees just back down the Ada River. Originally a small 2 bunker (with canvas bunks) it has been refurbished recently with a coat of paint, a small shelf/bench and four standard DOC bunks with mattresses. </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/AVvXsEjblsQL7R0piQARXQ_GecqJz8_6hhTCzsX6xdTHMQsqdtCR4C5ZYMkrGLbdc1joPvissi4BLTCzlPKhGbsJC0TAcRciPgBJ4TZzE6LSRi5Mm5rh_RF0pKVCkxssa2p8XOmvm5epKJXAfPbLPxrxgVE6g2CuXrKI20L1kilt1i_dROuxLFgNKRgtflsxPw/s2048/DSCN4834.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblsQL7R0piQARXQ_GecqJz8_6hhTCzsX6xdTHMQsqdtCR4C5ZYMkrGLbdc1joPvissi4BLTCzlPKhGbsJC0TAcRciPgBJ4TZzE6LSRi5Mm5rh_RF0pKVCkxssa2p8XOmvm5epKJXAfPbLPxrxgVE6g2CuXrKI20L1kilt1i_dROuxLFgNKRgtflsxPw/w640-h480/DSCN4834.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exterior of Ada Cullers Hut in 2015</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is incredibly spartan inside with no heating, seating or water tank but there are mattresses so you could actually use it. Water is from the nearby river and would need to be boiled and or treated due to large numbers of Geese in the area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It would be a great day or over night base for hunters working the local area. There was no-one using the hut this time around but I could see how it might appeal to a lot of folk. I would think about staying here in the warmer months. </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/AVvXsEiOpgxrmPJR5XN-WCfjBd6gI9UOLyI6NTGks7-VNw-5KBo8iJq1yBXkMg2_S-spxz_Qloabidu_wDxrJSZkHQ_6KWMYVmzkN3hBf58WAogt8ru6tit9iDkC8_rTcM-4F1MVYXL8cfK9B52EgGl7ScM581jK6eQXpDPGHcCT1UCNQRl66mH0mODfc7Q8iw/s4320/SING0092.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpgxrmPJR5XN-WCfjBd6gI9UOLyI6NTGks7-VNw-5KBo8iJq1yBXkMg2_S-spxz_Qloabidu_wDxrJSZkHQ_6KWMYVmzkN3hBf58WAogt8ru6tit9iDkC8_rTcM-4F1MVYXL8cfK9B52EgGl7ScM581jK6eQXpDPGHcCT1UCNQRl66mH0mODfc7Q8iw/w640-h480/SING0092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ada Culler Hut: spartan interior of 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/AVvXsEj_eKd6ED-nWS1nLn9fsA7lueOsDC23pzYnlKQH_SiUPES0M_gtKX2djrCfPvBC-dj8bEahbRtl0jmp78stVaW7N1wBeRiwbHT6Ci89pGBKdhXxcBJnvdJL7igbFvuxMBVpU_QoQ7jhqLrQ2-MW2UqIdsnFSn4C0bHlQoKP5VkvBNvRk11vHeCa2Sv2pA/s1080/504.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eKd6ED-nWS1nLn9fsA7lueOsDC23pzYnlKQH_SiUPES0M_gtKX2djrCfPvBC-dj8bEahbRtl0jmp78stVaW7N1wBeRiwbHT6Ci89pGBKdhXxcBJnvdJL7igbFvuxMBVpU_QoQ7jhqLrQ2-MW2UqIdsnFSn4C0bHlQoKP5VkvBNvRk11vHeCa2Sv2pA/w640-h296/504.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ada Cullers Hut: the door end of the hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is great that these old facilities still exist as they are a link to the outdoor history of New Zealand and can still provide perfectly acceptable shelter to hardy adventurers. </div><p style="text-align: center;">Specifications:</p><p style="text-align: center;">Basic Hut: 4 bunks, water from stream, long-drop toilet</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><i>Christopher Hut: (2 nights)</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was cold and pouring with rain the whole way from Ada Pass Hut to Christopher Hut so there was no way I was adding another 4-5 hours onto my journey to walk to Anne Hut. I stayed at Christopher Hut for two nights as it was windy, wet and snowing the next day. </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/AVvXsEgZsQQY01Mh13SVUT-9pF_jPzNsK3OSL8ADW49yu8I3aMykOClmilk_uSWhB3K8AJkNkxKRMTLX8WKD8KHyeO4ZeD2gOpe_4-Xy-o5guDorAP6eVsAqOqvMDCDKVJ6Eu0IIelIuE3PMaqpYpipZqZG4dUN9YJxXxMxpWyJqSNmSVhZnOeL0aWNNBM_rEQ/s6000/IMG_0837.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsQQY01Mh13SVUT-9pF_jPzNsK3OSL8ADW49yu8I3aMykOClmilk_uSWhB3K8AJkNkxKRMTLX8WKD8KHyeO4ZeD2gOpe_4-Xy-o5guDorAP6eVsAqOqvMDCDKVJ6Eu0IIelIuE3PMaqpYpipZqZG4dUN9YJxXxMxpWyJqSNmSVhZnOeL0aWNNBM_rEQ/w640-h426/IMG_0837.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christopher Hut, St James Conservation Area</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Christopher Hut was a great place to spend a couple of nights as there were only four of us in the hut and we had plenty of firewood to keep us warm. I was always planning to stay here...back in 2015 I walked all the way around to Anne Hut in one day and it just about broke me. I would suggest to anyone walking this track to stay a night at Christopher Hut and not to walk all the way to Anne Hut. . </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/AVvXsEjIyKrXGB-ZByjUmyoI0SFk1zLqy9T8u3kyeDmnGI_aByujL6bsUILBMA5fJK99Yt6lxXx29hzYYA3-YeKwWw1CTPph6QlL4InI2wAieQkJTSDGJPue_bwCI3PROWVuSRLCfbHXV0PlmKq8EOmrl6YZJJ7g4tHgnt7Ui6qAIp3lMSxVT1C23tb7Wn_aGA/s6000/IMG_0823.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyKrXGB-ZByjUmyoI0SFk1zLqy9T8u3kyeDmnGI_aByujL6bsUILBMA5fJK99Yt6lxXx29hzYYA3-YeKwWw1CTPph6QlL4InI2wAieQkJTSDGJPue_bwCI3PROWVuSRLCfbHXV0PlmKq8EOmrl6YZJJ7g4tHgnt7Ui6qAIp3lMSxVT1C23tb7Wn_aGA/w640-h426/IMG_0823.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christopher Hut: the cooking bench</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The hut has had a spruce up inside and out thanks to the Jobs for Nature program and it has given it a nice new lease of life. They have also opened up the old warden's quarters here so there is a small three bunk side room with its own fire, bunks and cooking bench. </div><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/AVvXsEjf36iANStGM_qvVahx988cxYO_pnWBBxTTdGANX3J4TD4EAjd85k9ZILDACU07KCvhUU9Y1DzRfEeCLsfhNoWdu9_oeaK8Ja0USUbbiLjRkp2s_IE3iVlG-wtX6dBchhV3oZkfKaDiLrUS3mikRh3rB5VeFxfnN_ifV_5ptNyH6TPHrTC3Y0cloyQ2yw/s6000/IMG_0824.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf36iANStGM_qvVahx988cxYO_pnWBBxTTdGANX3J4TD4EAjd85k9ZILDACU07KCvhUU9Y1DzRfEeCLsfhNoWdu9_oeaK8Ja0USUbbiLjRkp2s_IE3iVlG-wtX6dBchhV3oZkfKaDiLrUS3mikRh3rB5VeFxfnN_ifV_5ptNyH6TPHrTC3Y0cloyQ2yw/w640-h426/IMG_0824.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christopher Hut: the platform bunks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf88WpehktRGPXA9S54LhD0eM_L1N777x3RV7qXUCS_EM346Uh4l02d2vgCaWVWxiOu5yxeNj7aOWsefDVc1d4fO-Z4IINiaTguOj03JQpsG3qWynHEuEBK4LRTRmmld5D5Ye_7jO0oqXxuaufbq2oqbXWmC-st4lqld3gXfHbYNuxtAfXWWW_aKmQBA/s6000/IMG_0825.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf88WpehktRGPXA9S54LhD0eM_L1N777x3RV7qXUCS_EM346Uh4l02d2vgCaWVWxiOu5yxeNj7aOWsefDVc1d4fO-Z4IINiaTguOj03JQpsG3qWynHEuEBK4LRTRmmld5D5Ye_7jO0oqXxuaufbq2oqbXWmC-st4lqld3gXfHbYNuxtAfXWWW_aKmQBA/w640-h426/IMG_0825.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Christopher Hut on my recent visit</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">The weather on the third day of my tramp was atrocious so I just stayed put. It was snowing, wet and windy and -10 degrees outside so it was just too dangerous to contemplate walking to Anne Hut. Real hyperthermia weather...</p><p style="text-align: center;">I spent the day reading, drinking tea and chopping firewood as did the three hunters. We had a good discussion about the Army as all four of us had served at one time or another.</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/AVvXsEhyx7wocjeNtM39gqYRGgcaeoVM2WWomCqQFtUGyLwsun1P5DsIe43CZcyyKyKvRWlZlwSAn4uZj4QDCkwc-UY-UgXTPwBDGO2V5-4GcynDFnbYNDwCvM2UGZFjJSAfn6Uyr9x2o8bLdFMGu12UK4ETjrGCzTQ6AeEZJdqpD-ftjqGrayPZH1mIdILgmQ/s6000/IMG_0815.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyx7wocjeNtM39gqYRGgcaeoVM2WWomCqQFtUGyLwsun1P5DsIe43CZcyyKyKvRWlZlwSAn4uZj4QDCkwc-UY-UgXTPwBDGO2V5-4GcynDFnbYNDwCvM2UGZFjJSAfn6Uyr9x2o8bLdFMGu12UK4ETjrGCzTQ6AeEZJdqpD-ftjqGrayPZH1mIdILgmQ/w640-h426/IMG_0815.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain and snow flurries in the Ada River 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/AVvXsEj4E6fXvqAZ2jCNybQW5Qzy5IuLEwW7PwJW-_wlNPYkB5AuIiJK0zrH6uhoOBcPwwQsgSUCYSRLRhmxcy8NA4seoi8s9U3Kt8cd_nR96Mibrrv83YwUggtieHeLvtOtXqV4DGbtE1pxwfW5L5DN-mL-LCOsPoddJQGL2z0aXZFyXvAMq98F5VZSiVID6A/s6000/IMG_0818.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4E6fXvqAZ2jCNybQW5Qzy5IuLEwW7PwJW-_wlNPYkB5AuIiJK0zrH6uhoOBcPwwQsgSUCYSRLRhmxcy8NA4seoi8s9U3Kt8cd_nR96Mibrrv83YwUggtieHeLvtOtXqV4DGbtE1pxwfW5L5DN-mL-LCOsPoddJQGL2z0aXZFyXvAMq98F5VZSiVID6A/w640-h426/IMG_0818.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...at least the rainwater tank got filled...</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Because I stayed a second night I was overdue from my tramp and Karen did the right thing and called SAR and the Police. Luckily I walked off the track before they started looking for me but under the circumstances it was the safest course of action. </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/AVvXsEgphvaOqvEXLCd891-v15nzvLSXDZBON5RiSEA8OWhXuA-ZlwbKzqU4WNdzyKhk9KZ7KGr089syXhFyE5q5B6gAgIzREEqGGglcQ5dszik6QwYLdCyrkE7bcJvVDIzTFIQmg6uswJXBk5F6RbOx-N9QtvCUE-I7niC16LOzKNEJLlcj0Jzo_pYuZNhQFw/s6000/IMG_0813.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphvaOqvEXLCd891-v15nzvLSXDZBON5RiSEA8OWhXuA-ZlwbKzqU4WNdzyKhk9KZ7KGr089syXhFyE5q5B6gAgIzREEqGGglcQ5dszik6QwYLdCyrkE7bcJvVDIzTFIQmg6uswJXBk5F6RbOx-N9QtvCUE-I7niC16LOzKNEJLlcj0Jzo_pYuZNhQFw/w640-h426/IMG_0813.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Christopher Hut really was a shelter from a storm...</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I had a decent time at Christopher Hut as the hunters staying in the hut with me were friendly but I was ready to move onto Anne Hut the next day. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Specifications:</p><p style="text-align: center;">Serviced Hut: 16 bunks, water from tank, wood burner, wood shed, vault toilet, picnic table. Small side room with 3 bunks and own wood burner. </p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><b>Christopher Hut to Anne Hut: Day 4</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">On the fourth day of my trip I walked from Christopher Hut around Mt Federation and up the Henry Valley to Anne Hut. It is roughly 12 kilometers and takes about 4-5 hours. </p><p><i>Anne Hut:</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Anne Hut is the newest hut on the on the St James Walkway and is a replacement for an older hut which burnt down in the early 2010's. The hut sits out in the middle of a wide open grassy plateau and is in a much better position than the old site down by the river in the shade of big hills. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgoFRH2jXvg4hVcfCI5LpW7ZxcKNAg3GIxAeFGD0qbJclISXkaEMPjqfagZObuEy9IcU5pTd6Dc0U6EgtTwJmNaCT2nqgqrQiU5bnEZ_Tnb-uuSqD7lrlATy7yws0uJOYxU-n2qPNf5MVYhmrJKwcZaMC9rnagxD79xmRf0RWVw1sbv40xlMsuVQveQ/s6000/IMG_0935.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgoFRH2jXvg4hVcfCI5LpW7ZxcKNAg3GIxAeFGD0qbJclISXkaEMPjqfagZObuEy9IcU5pTd6Dc0U6EgtTwJmNaCT2nqgqrQiU5bnEZ_Tnb-uuSqD7lrlATy7yws0uJOYxU-n2qPNf5MVYhmrJKwcZaMC9rnagxD79xmRf0RWVw1sbv40xlMsuVQveQ/w640-h426/IMG_0935.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne Hut: St James Conservation Area</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hut was completed in 2012 so it is typical of the new breed of DOC huts with good insulation, double glazing, a veranda and plenty of internal space. Some people don't like these big new huts but they are clean, tidy (for the most part) and comfortable so I don't see what they are complaining about. </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/AVvXsEihxo62-x6w-6a01RnWU2HiAbUqGNjOoQFrbI4olMmLXnFSHdkmgyVuhfx6Pa7WM3qVC0s_b4ZY1N2A6r8AAU3SzhQGH4GD0rzUjRhUMoO_jOQBfz9TLaBBffbDbJ1fl9TWoZ5EjJwKZF-RAEgB5-up3kYgB7SSFrKryTZR5WY7DQGA4tf9H0S3tqmv4w/s6000/IMG_0938.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxo62-x6w-6a01RnWU2HiAbUqGNjOoQFrbI4olMmLXnFSHdkmgyVuhfx6Pa7WM3qVC0s_b4ZY1N2A6r8AAU3SzhQGH4GD0rzUjRhUMoO_jOQBfz9TLaBBffbDbJ1fl9TWoZ5EjJwKZF-RAEgB5-up3kYgB7SSFrKryTZR5WY7DQGA4tf9H0S3tqmv4w/w640-h426/IMG_0938.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne Hut: the dining area in the hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I had a complete bunkroom to myself as the hunters were all in the other and the English chap slept out next to the fire. Just as well as I am told I sometimes snore. I wouldn't know because I'm usually asleep...</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/AVvXsEhW5hYlSYL9pZ0NOYpmenq0GhEEmqAZ7hWRyvA8HFWlJqqrAxIej6CAuZIjWjq3EPUQihBj5HE3p3UvYYzqxEhjE3_7Dg8b7X3094mlAMrvcb0lbryWR-niMVLym43C2idzK43BKYReuiq_HwNGfRktEp7svoQy65WHhZUJGJDdfNQ_TQo5kPBXpYPyOA/s6000/IMG_0939.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5hYlSYL9pZ0NOYpmenq0GhEEmqAZ7hWRyvA8HFWlJqqrAxIej6CAuZIjWjq3EPUQihBj5HE3p3UvYYzqxEhjE3_7Dg8b7X3094mlAMrvcb0lbryWR-niMVLym43C2idzK43BKYReuiq_HwNGfRktEp7svoQy65WHhZUJGJDdfNQ_TQo5kPBXpYPyOA/w640-h426/IMG_0939.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne Hut: one of the two bunkrooms</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anne Hut is directly on the path of the Te Araora Trail so it is often full of TA trekkers over the summer months. From here the TA walkers are either heading to Waiau Pass or along the rest of the St James Walkway to Boyle Village. It was coming to the end of the TA season when I visited so it was only myself, an English tramper and six hunters staying. </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/AVvXsEgBpG4mk7GbyhIQ9g-u4FX4i4-Wv33oTFCU_DZ0NZbrCN8ZwYZ3pwbpkKY2LOMGWK3zQxDdYeAmWvMPZslXI81QC6uohIFwd2sgNc3YKVdbK5q_2RmyQ3S4YXZYOSgvUPDNuJ0Q8ugWwrl6q2BqQ0szABkvbYeuBL-rKXE5aKOFEgsvRu627tqe4NMjRQ/s6000/IMG_0942.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpG4mk7GbyhIQ9g-u4FX4i4-Wv33oTFCU_DZ0NZbrCN8ZwYZ3pwbpkKY2LOMGWK3zQxDdYeAmWvMPZslXI81QC6uohIFwd2sgNc3YKVdbK5q_2RmyQ3S4YXZYOSgvUPDNuJ0Q8ugWwrl6q2BqQ0szABkvbYeuBL-rKXE5aKOFEgsvRu627tqe4NMjRQ/w640-h426/IMG_0942.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking bench inside Christopher 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/AVvXsEi8vL4i3gw7K7CO4pEZluHP8RXYljZTPA6MYL5asxWUHO7TfR11RO7GgfJp5uVQiSPNuuFfD7OqAbKK5Lyr8BDZV1Ncz5ThSiBUShSMdnz8KRV4EL_faWBgJRyWVPnOl2zUJ-AqxmmtZsfiZS30NCSpjsrI3j72CB4sD7aIGKXMDqKn3oJL1wk81I56aA/s6000/IMG_0943.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vL4i3gw7K7CO4pEZluHP8RXYljZTPA6MYL5asxWUHO7TfR11RO7GgfJp5uVQiSPNuuFfD7OqAbKK5Lyr8BDZV1Ncz5ThSiBUShSMdnz8KRV4EL_faWBgJRyWVPnOl2zUJ-AqxmmtZsfiZS30NCSpjsrI3j72CB4sD7aIGKXMDqKn3oJL1wk81I56aA/w640-h426/IMG_0943.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are three tables inside Christopher Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The veranda runs along the north side of the hut and makes for a nice sunny position to sit outside on a fine day. Last time I was here in 2015 I sat outside for nearly two hours getting some rays. It is a great place for drying your gear but do weigh your stuff down with rocks as it is sometimes windy here. </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/AVvXsEh1yEOh9TX3TT1dOOM-u4eckLnw8PquEFHuz4AYYKRhHp_EERfbSCZ1oTzvWtaJotc2JWUCNL0jVJkm9dXfjAQrVa5yEzEJGTk-aLlf9F3QsH1cd5OID6RkxoieyTPElpPQsM15d0FQM5Z8hrmaB09Xb_x8SZjt_5bOpEixyee8wSn0VqzQnvbsV4ehSg/s6000/IMG_0945.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yEOh9TX3TT1dOOM-u4eckLnw8PquEFHuz4AYYKRhHp_EERfbSCZ1oTzvWtaJotc2JWUCNL0jVJkm9dXfjAQrVa5yEzEJGTk-aLlf9F3QsH1cd5OID6RkxoieyTPElpPQsM15d0FQM5Z8hrmaB09Xb_x8SZjt_5bOpEixyee8wSn0VqzQnvbsV4ehSg/w640-h426/IMG_0945.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to the Libretto Range from Anne Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Anne Hut is lovely and is the real jewel on this circuit...this is the type and style of hut DOC would build if this track ever gets upgraded to Great Walk status. </div><p style="text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEgGJxe1rJjBQjWiRIPnH2mVhP_NMxbp6u7fI23-NBb746Osg2UTQu_0ZfzcPvAbSdkFjYRkcUFbcsu_s_kn_c1q9HJVu1_1dyqNTDtZhTuYwjUYWgwbyFNLQvM3xpv_NJhZ3Z1nqRhuR8E2TOcjQ_147UiBelllzFZDuqPTM2Ajq8He41EPV8k7mGcRsg/s2048/DSCN4849.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJxe1rJjBQjWiRIPnH2mVhP_NMxbp6u7fI23-NBb746Osg2UTQu_0ZfzcPvAbSdkFjYRkcUFbcsu_s_kn_c1q9HJVu1_1dyqNTDtZhTuYwjUYWgwbyFNLQvM3xpv_NJhZ3Z1nqRhuR8E2TOcjQ_147UiBelllzFZDuqPTM2Ajq8He41EPV8k7mGcRsg/w640-h480/DSCN4849.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hut warden's quarters attached to Christopher Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This was the second to last day of my tramp and in the morning I was walking the 18 kilometers to Boyle Flat Hut up the Anne River to a saddle and then down the Boyle River Valley to the hut.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Specifications:</p><p style="text-align: center;">Serviced Hut: 24 bunks, water from tanks, wood burner, vault toilets, picnic table</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Anne Hut to Boyle Flat Hut: Day 5</h4><p style="text-align: center;">This section was covered on the fifth day of my tramp and it is by far the longest section of the St James Walkway. It takes most people 6-8 hours to walk even though the terrain is very gentle...its just a long way. </p><p><i>Rokeby Hut:</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rokeby Hut is a small hut about half way down the Boyle Valley when walking from Anne Saddle to Boyle Flat Hut. It is sign posted from the track but is actually fairly well camouflaged in a patch of Beech trees next to Rokeby Stream.</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/AVvXsEjSBzS80QPxbeSbhrNGR0p0pmVi4dLhsD8Yzfl0oSCaXY_5TsK2ntvFXwMEjck4gdFHwN2580DOOL0sLQXcG_nRSTYy1cKIxqK1Sp_WPrHSAaeNbzRlA4LQT4DwdTmYork2sU81sqhZM2_TYwd5-1QDBsqiwAVO8VlgBPMH4tTri7DXKfcg-H_P4IYI6Q/s6000/IMG_1039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBzS80QPxbeSbhrNGR0p0pmVi4dLhsD8Yzfl0oSCaXY_5TsK2ntvFXwMEjck4gdFHwN2580DOOL0sLQXcG_nRSTYy1cKIxqK1Sp_WPrHSAaeNbzRlA4LQT4DwdTmYork2sU81sqhZM2_TYwd5-1QDBsqiwAVO8VlgBPMH4tTri7DXKfcg-H_P4IYI6Q/w640-h426/IMG_1039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DOC sign to Rokeby hut from the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFd4D9VfCqEuspZyFCfwalrs0UJRiQ76RSKM_25IgfnsLgQn-hHO32ga_AnswHqZWrfaEvdb0h5FRM-ymuldY6DMqwGNnjKLKdYC0-WKzvKHCMosSqTlvFEtPmvC1VNaNc7JVDQ5hV7-lf-6BuQpUmz2_vZhleqN_DHIb2fMV4aM8MrpuFQD7jtD0Jg/s6000/IMG_1037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFd4D9VfCqEuspZyFCfwalrs0UJRiQ76RSKM_25IgfnsLgQn-hHO32ga_AnswHqZWrfaEvdb0h5FRM-ymuldY6DMqwGNnjKLKdYC0-WKzvKHCMosSqTlvFEtPmvC1VNaNc7JVDQ5hV7-lf-6BuQpUmz2_vZhleqN_DHIb2fMV4aM8MrpuFQD7jtD0Jg/w640-h426/IMG_1037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rokeby Hut is tucked into the Beech forest</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hut has been recently painted but it still has the original canvas bunks which are short and quite uncomfortable. It does have a nice wood burner so you can at least heat this hut up. This is the same type of woodburner in the warden's quarters at Christopher Hut and has a small oven on the right hand side. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bit of damper bread anyone...?</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/AVvXsEhckvUnIfgiMv2UymVHn3Pw8O-UHiJHm5wP2YETZThqVNjIidmOwHIbErGtvn3oKE2XdruWqYcXkdB-8bS3BLfa8KjCEC32Por_-VWuiJ018ox1_Lh9shz82p1GXGNCmvgXlJDeWN4mHurzXVc771BlRtCYC9_91uxYtr0RUrL11kkKReuhpeXzlSYkUQ/s1066/rokeby-hut-interior-1920.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1066" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckvUnIfgiMv2UymVHn3Pw8O-UHiJHm5wP2YETZThqVNjIidmOwHIbErGtvn3oKE2XdruWqYcXkdB-8bS3BLfa8KjCEC32Por_-VWuiJ018ox1_Lh9shz82p1GXGNCmvgXlJDeWN4mHurzXVc771BlRtCYC9_91uxYtr0RUrL11kkKReuhpeXzlSYkUQ/w640-h360/rokeby-hut-interior-1920.webp" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Rokeby Hut on the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rokeby Hut gets a bit of use from the TA trekkers but the far more comfortable Boyle Flat Hut is only 1.5 hours down the valley so that is where most people stay. Still perfectly usable as a hut provided you are less than 5'10" and don't mind a sore back in the morning. </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/AVvXsEh4Hu_bc5acL2pPPgyrescQGBHHRkEsKkwrUvOjcgwPPvTPoeKSrWo_ujt9vKZthkrk3GmLdm2KlvdQN3zXWNyi5ksNmcEjlun9ieiiP9AIeHzC0WQSp2pWALSvK8jKfU2LseInKFHhrDYXh-EvG3Ski1HArSyiZO4SVlvjmDb7xyBkxRYsCPyvG_YB_A/s800/Rokeby_Hut_-_St_James_Walkway,_New_Zealand_(102).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="800" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Hu_bc5acL2pPPgyrescQGBHHRkEsKkwrUvOjcgwPPvTPoeKSrWo_ujt9vKZthkrk3GmLdm2KlvdQN3zXWNyi5ksNmcEjlun9ieiiP9AIeHzC0WQSp2pWALSvK8jKfU2LseInKFHhrDYXh-EvG3Ski1HArSyiZO4SVlvjmDb7xyBkxRYsCPyvG_YB_A/w640-h464/Rokeby_Hut_-_St_James_Walkway,_New_Zealand_(102).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear of Rokeby Hut, St James Conservation Area</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This hut was built the same time as Ada Cullers Hut and Anne Cullers Hut in the heyday of the deer culling era in the late 1950's. Another spartan hut but the fact is is still here and able to be used speaks to the soundness of this design. </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/AVvXsEjurf-NPow0M_JYydRAFwPBaMaf9yV8W-j7xEwpShDbwWIisqcYLOg7gmjgYiwH_O997odd4p8NjL212aXwClw0xfIiRVv2UbcH3tb9sFZQw5F2OhJlbuJI_QVi5aySzvPIrglFhUWbTphuHL2A6APH4wSbzQq6x9_ua0nbHq7DBu2h6xGf4GNDVYdwoA/s2048/DSCN4878.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurf-NPow0M_JYydRAFwPBaMaf9yV8W-j7xEwpShDbwWIisqcYLOg7gmjgYiwH_O997odd4p8NjL212aXwClw0xfIiRVv2UbcH3tb9sFZQw5F2OhJlbuJI_QVi5aySzvPIrglFhUWbTphuHL2A6APH4wSbzQq6x9_ua0nbHq7DBu2h6xGf4GNDVYdwoA/w640-h480/DSCN4878.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view of Rokeby Hut on the St James 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/AVvXsEjj_Q-b1DaBC-tH0uVrZ5Shq-HSRBrafM3FMIMJ9uwU7A5xvg6xf9SL3x24B2wOA7fBU5hZMtax-KIQ5K0YeHTpNhZ0JSNIxd1vKso-KBmxlFFDovDOWTXr-Zj_g2VHAcnxBmEkRTOXxU7rwCAd7MSNxEwM-YfuRWtZt84oeYAmrGg252M1vLou_VZ_HA/s2048/DSCN4880.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_Q-b1DaBC-tH0uVrZ5Shq-HSRBrafM3FMIMJ9uwU7A5xvg6xf9SL3x24B2wOA7fBU5hZMtax-KIQ5K0YeHTpNhZ0JSNIxd1vKso-KBmxlFFDovDOWTXr-Zj_g2VHAcnxBmEkRTOXxU7rwCAd7MSNxEwM-YfuRWtZt84oeYAmrGg252M1vLou_VZ_HA/w640-h480/DSCN4880.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...canvas bunks inside Rokeby Hut....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Make sure you go have a look if you ever happen to be passing by this point...stay if you like the rustic type huts.</div><p style="text-align: center;">Specifications:</p><p style="text-align: center;">Basic Hut/Bivy: 2 bunks, water from stream, open fireplace, long-drop toilet</p><p><br /></p><p><i>Boyle Flat Hut :</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Boyle Flats Hut is the last on the main route of the St James Walkway and will be the last nights accommodation for the majority of people walking the track. It is located in the mid reaches of the Boyle River Valley about 4 hours from the end of the walkway. </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/AVvXsEgiRcFlrQ2JOcv4Pq6NV2CgjKopP9z6lWVqQyG3IEppfKH7QeQZ6fBO_uvuOjNANUz-wF7TxCfKdEiJgTtvIsSDnI9HLZAl8KElc7jWCKj3EyrdN3sg7cLsLDQWSxIbj8AtI5izCTo52j8L0euwRVrszukDS0OBr8bc7p4PpZpcXzn_RaVZT5SKFPEt1g/s6000/IMG_1056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRcFlrQ2JOcv4Pq6NV2CgjKopP9z6lWVqQyG3IEppfKH7QeQZ6fBO_uvuOjNANUz-wF7TxCfKdEiJgTtvIsSDnI9HLZAl8KElc7jWCKj3EyrdN3sg7cLsLDQWSxIbj8AtI5izCTo52j8L0euwRVrszukDS0OBr8bc7p4PpZpcXzn_RaVZT5SKFPEt1g/w640-h426/IMG_1056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boyle Flat Hut, St James Conservation Area</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This hut was purpose built (like Christopher/Ada Pass/Cannibal Gorge) for the St James Walkway. They used a variety of hut designs to make the Walkway more interesting and this hut has a number of special features. </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/AVvXsEgMENHn3R-uamwgCOh-RDhO30DmBFmaf_ilMZlpejHKSD5BiQpCQ8RZhZC2CSgcZFbzv-u_Wdj-2wOfRD_M1frCW1AQMkVietAoAsLT7N3NFAXZqL7Jw8xEdcJNJGjC1_6YaecGLjYUPpWfMfNUQjw7ZYy9r1BCVUrztSj4vwhS7xmDvzkBdPURo_hF3A/s6000/IMG_1059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMENHn3R-uamwgCOh-RDhO30DmBFmaf_ilMZlpejHKSD5BiQpCQ8RZhZC2CSgcZFbzv-u_Wdj-2wOfRD_M1frCW1AQMkVietAoAsLT7N3NFAXZqL7Jw8xEdcJNJGjC1_6YaecGLjYUPpWfMfNUQjw7ZYy9r1BCVUrztSj4vwhS7xmDvzkBdPURo_hF3A/w640-h426/IMG_1059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boyle Flat Hut: view of the interior</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/AVvXsEiy_dVWfKDUW_36bgTFKq0PmYgsem6Ia_VKFS74g0vngmNwgRitshsxwjlAsLreZEDWU-N1DS6NscbSZxaF9I-6h7-6eqXXrSyjvCmuaKVJqBD7-VDlWupBvgOmluBpWkLlSQO3DHAqXFGw56QbpuppLMByZqjop3rHpoq8NFEyPSLN7EFnnhLwRiWWZg/s6000/IMG_1060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_dVWfKDUW_36bgTFKq0PmYgsem6Ia_VKFS74g0vngmNwgRitshsxwjlAsLreZEDWU-N1DS6NscbSZxaF9I-6h7-6eqXXrSyjvCmuaKVJqBD7-VDlWupBvgOmluBpWkLlSQO3DHAqXFGw56QbpuppLMByZqjop3rHpoq8NFEyPSLN7EFnnhLwRiWWZg/w640-h426/IMG_1060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pit set up in Boyle Flat Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the cool features of this hut is the padded bench seat along the window. I wish they would do this in more backcountry huts because those wooden benches are murderous on your rear. There is a very nice view out to the river flats opposite the hut from that bench. </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/AVvXsEhEtW02YKprNcA9fm-OLBk_uVJmktyPaBiVKvHbzdx_qkdRtGLX3bpSwGXRPXJ9Nr4TgwP0sFTnzswKLfbKVgEAxQ0ZWOfuvHcWUDOpwULfP1rDSOUvkhhKqLorfJ_YfN_FOP6TXv_SbCr7ARsH0UI5GmCEWAhIJ2G7GNFRoJiKCYhocSYGo8u936n-SA/s2048/DSCN4425.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtW02YKprNcA9fm-OLBk_uVJmktyPaBiVKvHbzdx_qkdRtGLX3bpSwGXRPXJ9Nr4TgwP0sFTnzswKLfbKVgEAxQ0ZWOfuvHcWUDOpwULfP1rDSOUvkhhKqLorfJ_YfN_FOP6TXv_SbCr7ARsH0UI5GmCEWAhIJ2G7GNFRoJiKCYhocSYGo8u936n-SA/w640-h480/DSCN4425.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome padded bench seat at Boyle Flat 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/AVvXsEjbc2cThJKMQxygK-OAwdcgeigQwRAdkLPUuNg3Af5nzWTNRzi96eM8mgYACMUOR3-y3NUc2auHbCUkp_erklrk919rVj-H0JSw_XmFfH0ZUKvu7kSwOLi9rGoeDFMSIMUOSW1KsvfLEgTU3ZMorB-Pf_3BJPVKO7-ovWUBKWJ8PyzdM0J16WbAPd2FhQ/s2048/DSCN4426.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc2cThJKMQxygK-OAwdcgeigQwRAdkLPUuNg3Af5nzWTNRzi96eM8mgYACMUOR3-y3NUc2auHbCUkp_erklrk919rVj-H0JSw_XmFfH0ZUKvu7kSwOLi9rGoeDFMSIMUOSW1KsvfLEgTU3ZMorB-Pf_3BJPVKO7-ovWUBKWJ8PyzdM0J16WbAPd2FhQ/w640-h480/DSCN4426.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More interior detail of Boyle Flat Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Another unique feature of Boyle Flat Hut is the large carved map of the St James Walkway on one of the walls. It has excellent detail of the various catchments which make up the track and gives you some perspective on your trek. </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/AVvXsEj8Gqaf-7guQE2DHuaZGNqfhIYIQLC_q1UVWXmqU4yr4MOM2K8VB-QneXAz4HQTJnj7ZTwXrj_vh15a9EExUCXw3W0SyM2foGccq3iL3lB6Ej4rCH9FSpqhFRoqyL88xW1rwWysGEtcZR68AZFVc1ruZ3GMwsU8AijcD8fPaM2O3BrEj70hLUnhWb9Y-A/s2048/DSCN4427.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/AVvXsEj8Gqaf-7guQE2DHuaZGNqfhIYIQLC_q1UVWXmqU4yr4MOM2K8VB-QneXAz4HQTJnj7ZTwXrj_vh15a9EExUCXw3W0SyM2foGccq3iL3lB6Ej4rCH9FSpqhFRoqyL88xW1rwWysGEtcZR68AZFVc1ruZ3GMwsU8AijcD8fPaM2O3BrEj70hLUnhWb9Y-A/w480-h640/DSCN4427.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of St James Walkway in Boyle Flat Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This hut is either a Lockwood or Fraemoh's design but it is difficult to decide which company made it. Both companies made kitset wooden houses that could be largely built by people with a modicum of skill. You basically slotted them together on the site which made them ideal as backcountry huts. They are my favorite type of hut and I just love the deep honey color of the wood with its multitude layers of varnish. </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/AVvXsEgZhegMHAXroyaNOa6MP0g04sw9KWIGxOszU3lCtUGYzwa9uKIR6S008tXub1vEZjGjEe9NhJp5xrN-51UFUeodV0hclx7rY-IuZzJwPiZYDlGjwJWchh9AA__YIv7gdvwL4TYWwz-Tqvr70K8_0OYPwkZjQwpdnIOfbkKQcuduw9dPbrWPC56Fcj_caw/s2048/DSCN4428.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhegMHAXroyaNOa6MP0g04sw9KWIGxOszU3lCtUGYzwa9uKIR6S008tXub1vEZjGjEe9NhJp5xrN-51UFUeodV0hclx7rY-IuZzJwPiZYDlGjwJWchh9AA__YIv7gdvwL4TYWwz-Tqvr70K8_0OYPwkZjQwpdnIOfbkKQcuduw9dPbrWPC56Fcj_caw/w640-h480/DSCN4428.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second bunkroom at Boyle Flat Hut...love that wood!!!</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/AVvXsEgzz4-f8YOHNCEkN-MWMTi1E2ZS1CjNUXDSgR37Gk5aI9JAXPmW-smRlKvmF5zUT4aAukxA4C5NHdXkPX23okbzTCOMkjy2DLxiHl7hP-XcpIAzi7dFrivmUixY4YntkcaLEFJ6l4VmqyO8EnBWLXCGLMTk9N5L0p0YDIoEx4ffu67ELEyI_mOkmvaAVQ/s6000/IMG_1057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzz4-f8YOHNCEkN-MWMTi1E2ZS1CjNUXDSgR37Gk5aI9JAXPmW-smRlKvmF5zUT4aAukxA4C5NHdXkPX23okbzTCOMkjy2DLxiHl7hP-XcpIAzi7dFrivmUixY4YntkcaLEFJ6l4VmqyO8EnBWLXCGLMTk9N5L0p0YDIoEx4ffu67ELEyI_mOkmvaAVQ/w640-h426/IMG_1057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last view of Boyle Flat Hut as I was leaving</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">As I said previously Boyle Flat Hut is the last hut directly on the route of the St James Walkway. There is one other hut just off the Walkway which I will discuss. This is Magdalen Hut. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Specifications:</p><p style="text-align: center;">Serviced Hut: 16 bunks, water from tanks, wood burner, long drop toilets, picnic tables</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><b>Boyle Flat Hut to Boyle Village: Day 6: Final Day: </b></p><p><i>Magdalen Hut:</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">I have been to Magdalen Hut a number of times and it is one of my most visited huts anywhere in New Zealand. It is not directly on the route of the St James Walkway but many trampers either visit the hut or stay there as an alternate to Boyle Flat Hut. </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/AVvXsEgHgKbgnsn-T7O5uGEF1aryGgvh_-S5sjCLCwsoOafNL_S2RBS7v706WOxC5YCF6zqHFq8XukaFlCv4eHFyLyOZdyJHbOqGMR4grwAeqlVwJ8Stcws-8mhNia6O-NPiMc_dq-vWN7UXQFhz3HpS90fZg5-Nm4XFsO9ssmQiI8U8bbVk6NxIPlCgHclwbQ/s4000/DSCN0050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgKbgnsn-T7O5uGEF1aryGgvh_-S5sjCLCwsoOafNL_S2RBS7v706WOxC5YCF6zqHFq8XukaFlCv4eHFyLyOZdyJHbOqGMR4grwAeqlVwJ8Stcws-8mhNia6O-NPiMc_dq-vWN7UXQFhz3HpS90fZg5-Nm4XFsO9ssmQiI8U8bbVk6NxIPlCgHclwbQ/w640-h480/DSCN0050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magdalen Hut, Lake Sumner Forest Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the mid Boyle River swing bridge it takes about 30 odd minutes to walk down to Magdalen Hut. It is clearly marked at the bridge and the track sidles the side of the hills as it makes its way down the Boyle River to the Hut. </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/AVvXsEgI2_rMM4VHc4D6kPKhvP2I3vTPwo_NeFjQpTTJJ2a3quULtN4xfti-XJHhSt5bF2kvuuPjSl9Yj3bsepmKHcoT5g5fcQaMkF81eQXmC-EZIVqcOzQP7dMmx6jlorRSZbO3Mhtpk6sQgbClz9IEhrCEOhZzesxowdURdWa7Bkux5knC--Wu0OuLb7OioA/s4000/DSCN0040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2_rMM4VHc4D6kPKhvP2I3vTPwo_NeFjQpTTJJ2a3quULtN4xfti-XJHhSt5bF2kvuuPjSl9Yj3bsepmKHcoT5g5fcQaMkF81eQXmC-EZIVqcOzQP7dMmx6jlorRSZbO3Mhtpk6sQgbClz9IEhrCEOhZzesxowdURdWa7Bkux5knC--Wu0OuLb7OioA/w640-h480/DSCN0040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the side track to Magdalen Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Magdalen Hut is also quite new being constructed in the early 2010's after the old hut became unserviceable. It is a great wee 6 bunker and the pattern used here has been replicated in a number of places right across the Motu. </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/AVvXsEiqrFSB-SxuEvZBTgIbUH3IBA89xnqNpCVErlI-cmvAjWMH5ZDqjnLnMRsXP8Dp_F-u7YnB806h7r-PiIkPfLcKJAaH8hFCvfd_tVPfh6diUBiRK1XZgRJPKIuDFgymCgQSHHK_voihrTUzKUnbZBwPprl2efGiFFhPYGWwNJubBtGgduik2cHCm8XkQQ/s4000/DSCN0055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrFSB-SxuEvZBTgIbUH3IBA89xnqNpCVErlI-cmvAjWMH5ZDqjnLnMRsXP8Dp_F-u7YnB806h7r-PiIkPfLcKJAaH8hFCvfd_tVPfh6diUBiRK1XZgRJPKIuDFgymCgQSHHK_voihrTUzKUnbZBwPprl2efGiFFhPYGWwNJubBtGgduik2cHCm8XkQQ/w640-h480/DSCN0055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior of Magdalen Hut on a nice sunny day</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEg7g5whyBJifSoDlKgT1s8MWZzUFkJ8BolVeTFyGDZSyuQqyvs5MU7xtV7Wz4fStx1UFtnntVjeh-lw6vXhK0Fxw_ZIMjnOWGTrE71dsYRzOCCZTsDWZsYZNokHG9q0aT5UdE6fnz9w6DJIGxM1Y27P1yFProGNIn1wb2Yn-fl99NZuk4C4gsQxP55yLw/s4000/DSCN0067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g5whyBJifSoDlKgT1s8MWZzUFkJ8BolVeTFyGDZSyuQqyvs5MU7xtV7Wz4fStx1UFtnntVjeh-lw6vXhK0Fxw_ZIMjnOWGTrE71dsYRzOCCZTsDWZsYZNokHG9q0aT5UdE6fnz9w6DJIGxM1Y27P1yFProGNIn1wb2Yn-fl99NZuk4C4gsQxP55yLw/w640-h480/DSCN0067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood burner and table inside Magdalen Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I last stayed here back in 2021 but I am planning a return trip as part of my Winter 2023 series of tramps. I'm hoping to get up to the hut before the first big snow dump of the year possibly later this month. Of the six times I have stayed here in the last decade I have had the hut to myself on four occasions. </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/AVvXsEiP8IH8a74Zl8d0S1bKtwXmCpoS0xE75MB7h2CMzJ9u8-9eGu6Hi9lO88T_ylQRoLMXjw1TUfl6wxOqcPAu5t4i9p9RVLlza6OfVf4q5sSSXciKUVQAgNvfK1W1kgnpf2VwAh1XwauYGPEu3Q-sxDYO7WyAF40d2nLiMm2tG4EgiirTXqLosCDIRp-wCA/s4000/DSCN0084.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8IH8a74Zl8d0S1bKtwXmCpoS0xE75MB7h2CMzJ9u8-9eGu6Hi9lO88T_ylQRoLMXjw1TUfl6wxOqcPAu5t4i9p9RVLlza6OfVf4q5sSSXciKUVQAgNvfK1W1kgnpf2VwAh1XwauYGPEu3Q-sxDYO7WyAF40d2nLiMm2tG4EgiirTXqLosCDIRp-wCA/w640-h480/DSCN0084.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing inside Magdalen Hut back in 2019</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">FYI: in winter and the shoulder seasons it can get bloody cold here so make sure you have a good sleeping bag in case the firewood shed is empty. Also draw water from the tank before dark as it often freezes on a frosty night and you will find yourself without cooking/drinking water. </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-TmvqKc641PKS5F_rPTzPLg0EbHBkkEVkKxaiC6l3tDadXbRBCzJJw8DVwQjnfbXNcnRg5O_A2Z1cWckwe9sGVd2XsSs0uaAoEEuKpPnwfZf_VfxtcFi5v2sgqu64Hwjf1UPLWoN2Sv96T2AIj7VMtu4bc5Y-18pkDWpvX-oGpXHEZfSHnIO4vjgL3A/s4000/DSCN0107.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TmvqKc641PKS5F_rPTzPLg0EbHBkkEVkKxaiC6l3tDadXbRBCzJJw8DVwQjnfbXNcnRg5O_A2Z1cWckwe9sGVd2XsSs0uaAoEEuKpPnwfZf_VfxtcFi5v2sgqu64Hwjf1UPLWoN2Sv96T2AIj7VMtu4bc5Y-18pkDWpvX-oGpXHEZfSHnIO4vjgL3A/w640-h480/DSCN0107.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A frosty morning at Magdalen Hut, Lake Sumner Forest Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The best time to visit Magdalen Hut is outside of summer as it gets busy as hell due to Te Araroa Trail walkers in the warmer months. I would come mid week to try to get the hut to yourself and if it is full it is just over an hour to walk to the larger Boyle Flat Hut. </div><p style="text-align: center;">Specifications:</p><p style="text-align: center;">Serviced Hut: 6 bunks, water from tanks, wood burner, flush toilets, wood shed</p><p style="text-align: center;">So there you go all the huts and shelters you are likely to encounter along the St James Walkway. There are some real beauties on this track and DOC has provided a variety of huts and shelters for you to stay at while you are walking. </p>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Saint James Walkway, New Zealand-42.3919262 172.4914788-70.702160036178839 137.3352288 -14.081692363821155 -152.35227120000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-71547251656396968982023-05-01T15:04:00.003-07:002023-05-10T15:30:29.971-07:00St James Conservation Area: St James Walkway: 27th March -1 April 2023: Day 5 -6<h3 style="text-align: center;"> ...more from my St James Walkway saga...</h3><p style="text-align: center;">The final two days of the St James Walkway take you up the Anne River to Anne Saddle before descending into the Boyle River catchment. From Anne Saddle you are on the eastern side of the Southern Alps and you spend the remainder of the trip in the Boyle Valley. </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/AVvXsEg6xKL0sCw3UroofVMaxxcyXkyCNicqpjzHERcRa37lmx5l0mMg6Nv_qTsvQFsLNv8gR2Rr0GlGvUzKvNMW1qKG5QGqNL_ZCWEPDcUHYFN2gw3b8iikk09dv40wRpuCjEH_42bs-uIGAwFqyLT9EHJ07E2x_K5yZmgxzFYitKPBBFN9H9qfivVknq1AtA/s6000/IMG_0957.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xKL0sCw3UroofVMaxxcyXkyCNicqpjzHERcRa37lmx5l0mMg6Nv_qTsvQFsLNv8gR2Rr0GlGvUzKvNMW1qKG5QGqNL_ZCWEPDcUHYFN2gw3b8iikk09dv40wRpuCjEH_42bs-uIGAwFqyLT9EHJ07E2x_K5yZmgxzFYitKPBBFN9H9qfivVknq1AtA/w640-h426/IMG_0957.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up the Henry Valley from Anne Hut<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">Its a long way walking from Anne Hut to Boyle Flat Hut...over 7 hours for me on this trip. It is only 17 km's but I am not used to walking those kinds of distances. It not hard walking as you walk up one grassy valley cross a low pass and then down another grassy valley. </p><p><br /></p><h4>Anne Hut to Boyle Flat Hut:</h4><div style="text-align: center;">I was the first out of the hut as is my norm as I really like to walk in the early morning...it is a lot cooler than walking in the blazing heat of the afternoon. I also find the light of the early morning very appealing and it photographs really nicely.</div><div><br /></div><div style="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/AVvXsEg-c_02UuKOUXU3dDQnXns66hSNyAFwIqqC-TyviimDvCMOwCvri8pL75tR8jdEHWJaFVqgK_Z5gyuk_oQ3OZ6qfRsSCX3trtHDQ71Y3Rh7woWp8-IhKSpwbdWBdBoHBDRNBI_02OLn9ei7FqZiBLcI5dxnWzNTvrTb-w9EtOovZm5EC2ahaw_x4sdxdg/s6000/IMG_0950.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-c_02UuKOUXU3dDQnXns66hSNyAFwIqqC-TyviimDvCMOwCvri8pL75tR8jdEHWJaFVqgK_Z5gyuk_oQ3OZ6qfRsSCX3trtHDQ71Y3Rh7woWp8-IhKSpwbdWBdBoHBDRNBI_02OLn9ei7FqZiBLcI5dxnWzNTvrTb-w9EtOovZm5EC2ahaw_x4sdxdg/w640-h426/IMG_0950.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DOC sign outside Anne Hut...17 km's to Boyle Flat Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnllI9jhwiFWKOizZM6dnIhUoJd3TsBzpnwjGWHsa8pP_G5k3sdN3fUB4qHBZfH7ZlfwBFrmRI69v1-IsXZ_53-ujCOPi3f7sCcGv31ausB91lh1LQK94rIOtemuaYKUcyFaCD6Q-gRgi2kRcjypg6cfJypdu2XpqZahAVXbdQJ3nDeiHzGHKVggmH4Q/s6000/IMG_0951.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnllI9jhwiFWKOizZM6dnIhUoJd3TsBzpnwjGWHsa8pP_G5k3sdN3fUB4qHBZfH7ZlfwBFrmRI69v1-IsXZ_53-ujCOPi3f7sCcGv31ausB91lh1LQK94rIOtemuaYKUcyFaCD6Q-gRgi2kRcjypg6cfJypdu2XpqZahAVXbdQJ3nDeiHzGHKVggmH4Q/w640-h426/IMG_0951.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up the Henry Valley in my direction of travel</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtDmKfVSy6-I8EES20iJTSeKTdCjAtA2waMoB0v1_RD3fBNOaJldg1x-Qg33H9SILw01muIN-Hr4FX9ex-i3YWMgwKX7CktS2pFJ-ksVqPvbsWqUFcVH349dXqF143or1ZCTs7aigWeNC4KnmU72ApYsXKLaPDiuPLeWACVmNYPa_WEBfzdgdMtjokQ/s978/AnneMap1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="978" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtDmKfVSy6-I8EES20iJTSeKTdCjAtA2waMoB0v1_RD3fBNOaJldg1x-Qg33H9SILw01muIN-Hr4FX9ex-i3YWMgwKX7CktS2pFJ-ksVqPvbsWqUFcVH349dXqF143or1ZCTs7aigWeNC4KnmU72ApYsXKLaPDiuPLeWACVmNYPa_WEBfzdgdMtjokQ/w640-h548/AnneMap1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map: St James Walkway in Anne Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a beauty of a day with clear blue skies, sun and little wind. I could tell it was going to be warm later in the day so i wanted to get as far along my days journey as possible before it got to warm. </div><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/AVvXsEg0qxd5xTZUfVVOUar6pmfc8tEZLXYZC5VA97jvQXlrUC5bTGWGpSS0SUNckOHMRBSTXHUwdYK1LXzCAYJl1wavzWVVxbuLnPf2_MwP0KA4vd1lqZiffJTx8CNTwS1IIKNUtkESml7s19PluAIXLU4pko_eQSA1ueDdijkJl8wZ-Q3_JXCKfsm8K2GfPw/s6000/IMG_0953.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qxd5xTZUfVVOUar6pmfc8tEZLXYZC5VA97jvQXlrUC5bTGWGpSS0SUNckOHMRBSTXHUwdYK1LXzCAYJl1wavzWVVxbuLnPf2_MwP0KA4vd1lqZiffJTx8CNTwS1IIKNUtkESml7s19PluAIXLU4pko_eQSA1ueDdijkJl8wZ-Q3_JXCKfsm8K2GfPw/w640-h426/IMG_0953.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last view of Anne Hut as I set out in the morning</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRFLjtYs0d7DP37NV14JXp-XogIpjMJKnarKo_tw8gkgamQFYUbeIs2xP_m7fGIARH0ET9riErB8ob7meu6V5x9vUzpjYK3sftLr0MV9dgNRQeyINoEbJ0LzU_IhvULwsudOve2pRNCSeQSsHUFT1xUb-17t5TWfHV9VlbAds5SRrjWYlGZgm71Y7nA/s6000/IMG_0954.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRFLjtYs0d7DP37NV14JXp-XogIpjMJKnarKo_tw8gkgamQFYUbeIs2xP_m7fGIARH0ET9riErB8ob7meu6V5x9vUzpjYK3sftLr0MV9dgNRQeyINoEbJ0LzU_IhvULwsudOve2pRNCSeQSsHUFT1xUb-17t5TWfHV9VlbAds5SRrjWYlGZgm71Y7nA/w640-h426/IMG_0954.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So long Anne Hut...hope to see you again!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was the only person heading to Boyle Flat Hut that day and I basically had the track to myself except for four TA walkers I passed heading NOBO. I passed two of them near Anne Saddle and the other two as I was about to break out into the Boyle River Valley. It is late in the TA season so these are some of the few remaining trekkers for the 2022/2023 season.</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/AVvXsEjNrpiHwZidaj-9DHPzWr7ZsvLTyLT8d0lXoePgVnceM0T4zuwq2Xhe9COdum9I_XATO16fWvMFciThu6wQ2P4M-f-Tj4G2N3QvT4S029w_ZpNMA-PFwV85w0bPwPaoU-AhjIzn9dyqL7O0EzpbYnILqJ93hlNPWTrTyLgHH4SmZPFLClfl9cC49m7D9g/s6000/IMG_0958.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrpiHwZidaj-9DHPzWr7ZsvLTyLT8d0lXoePgVnceM0T4zuwq2Xhe9COdum9I_XATO16fWvMFciThu6wQ2P4M-f-Tj4G2N3QvT4S029w_ZpNMA-PFwV85w0bPwPaoU-AhjIzn9dyqL7O0EzpbYnILqJ93hlNPWTrTyLgHH4SmZPFLClfl9cC49m7D9g/w640-h426/IMG_0958.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Henry Valley, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yHvIKZPUYvUF8PeDCJkk9HX4SXLbLXojthjZlmRxt8RjYPm7OGHrGLvRqEIozse0gxtGX6Ipw0x_eesaqrwh-T1PtKTV8kwOmN_itDeogKLwZWtfEC91nm0CfyIjqQ0bt3B_sXSQQPnbylTp8wYGvfuLp9Bq3Ll4mBwyGDFhO-DrYrrzBv9nUxB_BQ/s6000/IMG_0960.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yHvIKZPUYvUF8PeDCJkk9HX4SXLbLXojthjZlmRxt8RjYPm7OGHrGLvRqEIozse0gxtGX6Ipw0x_eesaqrwh-T1PtKTV8kwOmN_itDeogKLwZWtfEC91nm0CfyIjqQ0bt3B_sXSQQPnbylTp8wYGvfuLp9Bq3Ll4mBwyGDFhO-DrYrrzBv9nUxB_BQ/w640-h426/IMG_0960.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading down to cross the Anne River</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>About 3 km's down the track you cross to the true left of the Anne River. From here you continue up the valley for about another 2 hours until you get to Anne Saddle. It was shady in the valley as the sun had not yet risen over the surrounding hills. The Anne River Valley is high and narrow so it takes time for the sun to rise. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a lovely sunny day which made a change from the dull conditions I had the previous couple of days walking around to Anne Hut. </div></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/AVvXsEgzSkvbVbRMevNEcafRJXKtk_79r5pYNOERPshpjx5riFwUTPbx28kz_09-zDV5l9KsVmPzN5nOgVexXbMFeIOrZTo1NnwskXuYjVCTXMyo6c60RcuXEXVsoP6AsLkvWrPmFbwlq5gImqb7LABtUh3aDP0THAOjDifB2nxISpcNwrkGUE1Pxvm1z3lxrA/s6000/IMG_0962.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSkvbVbRMevNEcafRJXKtk_79r5pYNOERPshpjx5riFwUTPbx28kz_09-zDV5l9KsVmPzN5nOgVexXbMFeIOrZTo1NnwskXuYjVCTXMyo6c60RcuXEXVsoP6AsLkvWrPmFbwlq5gImqb7LABtUh3aDP0THAOjDifB2nxISpcNwrkGUE1Pxvm1z3lxrA/w640-h426/IMG_0962.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne River Footbridge, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgha7CBgj0p9RpcHP5F-yus8uZaJcV8fawGfDWVdVRKfQAdlmbQPtEyHvIQ-sPHuHGeC_5U0b2rSmCeu18y6FIrED8c8v2dakgaNDQDG6hhMqBLQ_ttTrwguixZYBE0fZE8q2ivUV4LYJmhlrWbMHZOJfOLErOFgf__cVV-kDcfzdONlqv8C6f7TkP5BA/s6000/IMG_0964.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgha7CBgj0p9RpcHP5F-yus8uZaJcV8fawGfDWVdVRKfQAdlmbQPtEyHvIQ-sPHuHGeC_5U0b2rSmCeu18y6FIrED8c8v2dakgaNDQDG6hhMqBLQ_ttTrwguixZYBE0fZE8q2ivUV4LYJmhlrWbMHZOJfOLErOFgf__cVV-kDcfzdONlqv8C6f7TkP5BA/w640-h426/IMG_0964.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the Anne River from the footbridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuhNcjaMXAqcnC4e4gbqoTirKVX4lFRLBXHWEHEaghWgdSBu9TDnmzUJKr4JyHUiByG23cfHSbsbjC0oFCb-yof0oYfgqEQDVO3Gxz2_AhqLbjiWWPZ-Uud3BfXJXMAc9qRsYGtYrKnl77Ks7E1wB2OzfvpubbghiYK0-BCNJW6dKUCF3lLA4ps976g/s6000/IMG_0965.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuhNcjaMXAqcnC4e4gbqoTirKVX4lFRLBXHWEHEaghWgdSBu9TDnmzUJKr4JyHUiByG23cfHSbsbjC0oFCb-yof0oYfgqEQDVO3Gxz2_AhqLbjiWWPZ-Uud3BfXJXMAc9qRsYGtYrKnl77Ks7E1wB2OzfvpubbghiYK0-BCNJW6dKUCF3lLA4ps976g/w640-h426/IMG_0965.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shady conditions along the Anne River</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice easy track up the Anne River Valley for the first couple of hours, the track is mostly on river terraces with the occasional climb over intervening ridge lines. It is about 2-3 hours from Anne Hut to Anne Saddle....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEhmMQ9-1wv1NkJGRCuzF_61w-3_6gWxZovwbUUdKIjB2ksS5YiaUSX5AqvX4kQeP7nIGlm_DlC_Ln7hLVaPY2V-qEVuEiIYRGktHKrtm2uXnEgkzVaboul-DhhwUwgsfSa7-i9vfAH3in26bR765ZjGEWh18pNk1H8oS09XtrsxQXghqP4WsboK8e5VQg/s6000/IMG_0967.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMQ9-1wv1NkJGRCuzF_61w-3_6gWxZovwbUUdKIjB2ksS5YiaUSX5AqvX4kQeP7nIGlm_DlC_Ln7hLVaPY2V-qEVuEiIYRGktHKrtm2uXnEgkzVaboul-DhhwUwgsfSa7-i9vfAH3in26bR765ZjGEWh18pNk1H8oS09XtrsxQXghqP4WsboK8e5VQg/w640-h426/IMG_0967.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the true left of the Anne River for the second hour</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFV0weF6hDmZzy3aUodksr-Cu7f5JxjvSxl-Xu-Io8rIbsK2AocrXPsUaF0wVxY9JbtGbbZ8m8tgc1BpPrhpArS1yRD20dLM4uGbXuhg5WNaz5pxUUJvfROUfCCdmgKwqcCOgiQY_BR9Y55IoknQdUKjLfwCUxxXa8gbsWRn05938v7hOXGhuLHRmZzg/s6000/IMG_0968.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFV0weF6hDmZzy3aUodksr-Cu7f5JxjvSxl-Xu-Io8rIbsK2AocrXPsUaF0wVxY9JbtGbbZ8m8tgc1BpPrhpArS1yRD20dLM4uGbXuhg5WNaz5pxUUJvfROUfCCdmgKwqcCOgiQY_BR9Y55IoknQdUKjLfwCUxxXa8gbsWRn05938v7hOXGhuLHRmZzg/w640-h426/IMG_0968.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Anne River is in a much narrower valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtjc7AF4WluE44RUYyTVOGV7LzHyPBmRQ9jlknnHjLzgETfaLbjgjVmMakd_MUsmMa5ko1T6dYegpjLvBcfTeZSaILBwoX97YS2Mec8MLgY8B56WnM-nVVGgpi6PGTPCxf8Er8LBQ9qxRvWL1VkMsqeS9lje9ZoiM8e1FeWZuyn63Vbmnxs9e7O3RoQ/s6000/IMG_0970.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtjc7AF4WluE44RUYyTVOGV7LzHyPBmRQ9jlknnHjLzgETfaLbjgjVmMakd_MUsmMa5ko1T6dYegpjLvBcfTeZSaILBwoX97YS2Mec8MLgY8B56WnM-nVVGgpi6PGTPCxf8Er8LBQ9qxRvWL1VkMsqeS9lje9ZoiM8e1FeWZuyn63Vbmnxs9e7O3RoQ/w640-h426/IMG_0970.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beech forest along the Anne River</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is swampy right up the Anne River so there are frequent sections of boardwalk to cross. I like it as it makes for supremely easy walking...not all that interesting though.</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/AVvXsEi93YjsKJIlfd-BlwxBzi0y_Bz-sEv1uuocXdn-cYiANpbJ5Qjbo7cDJUSc2tGpOSGqq2s0AtaUhGj9of-M6p77ElHfF2V__t0tN49JjGsUmlY_ov2CrlPQBeH_DrBbbI_UdhO9byhE_rlp-mx5vDdOhADxGl8be4_yfSaD-xvL93Ka0TmMgXVopbIe5g/s6000/IMG_0972.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93YjsKJIlfd-BlwxBzi0y_Bz-sEv1uuocXdn-cYiANpbJ5Qjbo7cDJUSc2tGpOSGqq2s0AtaUhGj9of-M6p77ElHfF2V__t0tN49JjGsUmlY_ov2CrlPQBeH_DrBbbI_UdhO9byhE_rlp-mx5vDdOhADxGl8be4_yfSaD-xvL93Ka0TmMgXVopbIe5g/w640-h426/IMG_0972.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On boardwalk in the Anne Valley, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jlUaA6WQhlW_h3cY5GBiI07L8mE4FVZ1IVXyfiopZ8rd9nQo3_JJfPRVtHeDvHAN4qFxQpl2IPtMg7dfUWGG7jD3DJl7G-FiVW51w6Sh29DpjDz3nLFLSmp4KLvktkCGEouqTw5Qai_qe0pDEx7Z4EPZY1fo3H0d0RBrSD1PGPuCq88Pvu93yQb3Rw/s6000/IMG_0974.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jlUaA6WQhlW_h3cY5GBiI07L8mE4FVZ1IVXyfiopZ8rd9nQo3_JJfPRVtHeDvHAN4qFxQpl2IPtMg7dfUWGG7jD3DJl7G-FiVW51w6Sh29DpjDz3nLFLSmp4KLvktkCGEouqTw5Qai_qe0pDEx7Z4EPZY1fo3H0d0RBrSD1PGPuCq88Pvu93yQb3Rw/w640-h426/IMG_0974.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are a number of big tussock wetlands in the Anne Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4Q-zN8Md1aSQ7NZLoTGa6SDTYCe3TxjAUK7_TtlyMxLwwDixTtIuWA20TOc6jn24AWpDWmceDOGPhWXEnjTsU-Iy6faglUJLLrbT-18pG2M7ZY0wk0MBep0R-IgvpdQTkBBIuOe-DmM-gel49OB4ApyGHrCCYloltPrx9F31tCBVCbHV-ASjBzM11g/s6000/IMG_0975.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4Q-zN8Md1aSQ7NZLoTGa6SDTYCe3TxjAUK7_TtlyMxLwwDixTtIuWA20TOc6jn24AWpDWmceDOGPhWXEnjTsU-Iy6faglUJLLrbT-18pG2M7ZY0wk0MBep0R-IgvpdQTkBBIuOe-DmM-gel49OB4ApyGHrCCYloltPrx9F31tCBVCbHV-ASjBzM11g/w640-h426/IMG_0975.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming to the end of a boardwalk in the Anne Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The St James Walkway crosses over to the true right of the river on a second footbridge about 1.5 hours into the day. I stopped near here for a break as it was a good way point to find my location on a map. You are on the true right for the rest of the way up to Anne Saddle. </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/AVvXsEiZejFhSIitvlZVkLe4wV5NxDRmZ1dWPPy7FCTjG46qiTjm62o7vHlP3z3zl4_HbDiqWgeCpuQ1iJ63LpGibzOjE3Ky7-tkfwUW0DQhFQwnFpoujyNJcSja1h7b0TOMU_gllgoPqAi8nYpgrDNNiqWD78WoQ_dwxN-5VRFWaATu4xxOkT_lEELCgVT9Zg/s6000/IMG_0977.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZejFhSIitvlZVkLe4wV5NxDRmZ1dWPPy7FCTjG46qiTjm62o7vHlP3z3zl4_HbDiqWgeCpuQ1iJ63LpGibzOjE3Ky7-tkfwUW0DQhFQwnFpoujyNJcSja1h7b0TOMU_gllgoPqAi8nYpgrDNNiqWD78WoQ_dwxN-5VRFWaATu4xxOkT_lEELCgVT9Zg/w640-h426/IMG_0977.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second footbridge about 1.5 hours into the Anne Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ridge below is the most strenuous part of the track along this section of the walkway, this one climbs above a gorge in the Upper Anne River. You climb up a hundred meters before descending back down to the river on the eastern side of the spur...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecc_GNKkauoKnuWTLs8FBJXmdGbIbUFHYH4mXuTmCe8d523u8jDEBbmIZgvg9mt8P03ut3onKCMm79NPb4AHPW5eWl_1fFeyEeNzw1wiDH5_hV4cNmUrLomhwmGglKEY-jhH1dwrGVRpezT_mCoYBWvIBe_0QR4fLSGF32fm7zMIp2ndmXFDd6iRD_Q/s6000/IMG_0979.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecc_GNKkauoKnuWTLs8FBJXmdGbIbUFHYH4mXuTmCe8d523u8jDEBbmIZgvg9mt8P03ut3onKCMm79NPb4AHPW5eWl_1fFeyEeNzw1wiDH5_hV4cNmUrLomhwmGglKEY-jhH1dwrGVRpezT_mCoYBWvIBe_0QR4fLSGF32fm7zMIp2ndmXFDd6iRD_Q/w640-h426/IMG_0979.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ridgeline comes right down to river in Anne Valley</td></tr></tbody></table></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/AVvXsEh9DJ5qX-KwRYYGP7d9xMX6SgtMtIE9-jz5AKaj_BKTgRBsUGv2asBua5MFiG633wewrsUZOrqDLQ7IpgrcYYz4ns8Si8P48ySRvuxNAKCb5JY-OhlS4LkXWhSFU8qyO8GUh2cpjtkylApxaZUFm7h-Thk__qzMBH96_rram1CuYwORBjGQi11K6MS99w/s6000/IMG_0980.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DJ5qX-KwRYYGP7d9xMX6SgtMtIE9-jz5AKaj_BKTgRBsUGv2asBua5MFiG633wewrsUZOrqDLQ7IpgrcYYz4ns8Si8P48ySRvuxNAKCb5JY-OhlS4LkXWhSFU8qyO8GUh2cpjtkylApxaZUFm7h-Thk__qzMBH96_rram1CuYwORBjGQi11K6MS99w/w640-h426/IMG_0980.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The St James Walkway climbs over this spur</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJo4kL5peoh0gGq2wYt5I0RO1BE1tGArhp0UX6bD25Xu58X54E_gY3-Zjnu8jiRZXStDsXL25oZGXo6yWGjavWfcDYtU89xAmBD11qnUlEMJZCtuy8FpIadCi6GgprS8XOL4WeSpf9El1mazuipbTlzJ1luVUmz5CnttOst8ekhwUEr94IlzK4nSpNg/s6000/IMG_0985.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJo4kL5peoh0gGq2wYt5I0RO1BE1tGArhp0UX6bD25Xu58X54E_gY3-Zjnu8jiRZXStDsXL25oZGXo6yWGjavWfcDYtU89xAmBD11qnUlEMJZCtuy8FpIadCi6GgprS8XOL4WeSpf9El1mazuipbTlzJ1luVUmz5CnttOst8ekhwUEr94IlzK4nSpNg/w640-h426/IMG_0985.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving back alongside the Anne River</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the far side of the ridge you can see some distance up the Anne Valley to where the valley splits into two branches. You are heading off to the right which is in the direction of Anne Saddle and the crossing into the Boyle River catchment. </div><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyle22XhRAMdd-HJf7eo2p8vQ3olqJ5ArASSQUabNg0lGcSkiFRfSySrUyAwn7PwvVP9R6puNjpICgjMUr_BdS-TVo11cCTxlGC2PnS6r-13Hvp2w7X8c-T3JqSSR38plD1UNa2qiy9nGNtgI_6SM7S2J2RQTUIgwW93XE_TJDB9jFwMU33Hizkh5mQ/s6000/IMG_0983.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyle22XhRAMdd-HJf7eo2p8vQ3olqJ5ArASSQUabNg0lGcSkiFRfSySrUyAwn7PwvVP9R6puNjpICgjMUr_BdS-TVo11cCTxlGC2PnS6r-13Hvp2w7X8c-T3JqSSR38plD1UNa2qiy9nGNtgI_6SM7S2J2RQTUIgwW93XE_TJDB9jFwMU33Hizkh5mQ/w640-h426/IMG_0983.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up the Upper Anne River towards the end</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPSk-0t98HGiuDX0qC-5Z6uJ21hGSGt8AI3eCHn0un9q9TT-hdxpCrx3ekutfmoJOoYll4IW8dZViQePaH4jfML_rY1ad45q62y2PtsommOkbto3zoxuThqw4I4QW-JSdX1TXuhwnNdYJIk-mAviUWDiIyeWIxuhdHn_Q4T7P1_D-z-7JLKHdkjsMdg/s6000/IMG_0987.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPSk-0t98HGiuDX0qC-5Z6uJ21hGSGt8AI3eCHn0un9q9TT-hdxpCrx3ekutfmoJOoYll4IW8dZViQePaH4jfML_rY1ad45q62y2PtsommOkbto3zoxuThqw4I4QW-JSdX1TXuhwnNdYJIk-mAviUWDiIyeWIxuhdHn_Q4T7P1_D-z-7JLKHdkjsMdg/w640-h426/IMG_0987.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You are heading off to the right to climb over Anne Saddle</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I stopped for a break near the confluence of the two branches of the Anne Valley. I had been walking for over two hours by this point with another hour to get me to the top of Anne Saddle. I was making slow but sure progress. </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/AVvXsEjkMsYn52l_gsmPJbw6b_aDCXAiBhmOuxm7qcGjtNL0pruP7ndo6qlHxbfAsZcqq_m71cO9PHWECBKFW8Om27nHNKzJpQOuox-rSAya_7DnndWQfG9oeeuHy2PgYj39eYoq5lv3hb_Ugxh74tL2WJ1C8LwnoUd3mCoSjn6DRGCB2MUAyfl77WMs5tFg9Q/s6000/IMG_0989.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMsYn52l_gsmPJbw6b_aDCXAiBhmOuxm7qcGjtNL0pruP7ndo6qlHxbfAsZcqq_m71cO9PHWECBKFW8Om27nHNKzJpQOuox-rSAya_7DnndWQfG9oeeuHy2PgYj39eYoq5lv3hb_Ugxh74tL2WJ1C8LwnoUd3mCoSjn6DRGCB2MUAyfl77WMs5tFg9Q/w640-h426/IMG_0989.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View back down the Anne Valley from near the valley head</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlEu5QzSpKeFxtEQxavcgzdrsSUWFjx2YvkDxhKKTFAJezS5RS0oYgP4BU1rzHmFy-4gnGAxq3rCkOQPIC_B4ewhPoWFq7um_wGyA5xM5pzZ2Sz9JfgqKZoYgiLlObje44EwWUUV3c1yR4VV6KUw71vlUOeUE2LMj1I5A6XS7XRFQJFkwd-P6RT-mPw/s6000/IMG_0991.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlEu5QzSpKeFxtEQxavcgzdrsSUWFjx2YvkDxhKKTFAJezS5RS0oYgP4BU1rzHmFy-4gnGAxq3rCkOQPIC_B4ewhPoWFq7um_wGyA5xM5pzZ2Sz9JfgqKZoYgiLlObje44EwWUUV3c1yR4VV6KUw71vlUOeUE2LMj1I5A6XS7XRFQJFkwd-P6RT-mPw/w640-h426/IMG_0991.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Rokeby is part of the Opera Range of mountains</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You head off to the right when you get near the head of the Anne River and there are marker poles and signs pointing towards Anne Saddle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaaV4Xucsp0B5yafbmn9vfnElDuaJJL0GLRx3FXJpMBBCIDb_blihugcAMddb_vxAWQ-CospY6IjLuRLjEu_-ozbE4iejcmOWr1JrzZ0ASYRiHk9YJ7w7ZWRfWtMRIhLspAkyOYHDPurBowETlwR6DDALywZYaO78rHTe4uIjgQ2zCmfZQiDJorb_WA/s6000/IMG_0992.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaaV4Xucsp0B5yafbmn9vfnElDuaJJL0GLRx3FXJpMBBCIDb_blihugcAMddb_vxAWQ-CospY6IjLuRLjEu_-ozbE4iejcmOWr1JrzZ0ASYRiHk9YJ7w7ZWRfWtMRIhLspAkyOYHDPurBowETlwR6DDALywZYaO78rHTe4uIjgQ2zCmfZQiDJorb_WA/w640-h426/IMG_0992.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The St James Walkway veers to the right in the Anne Valley</td></tr></tbody></table></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/AVvXsEigM-S4DBHTB79JTgCt1nk90TA0t2vIjTheqfB0LiPBNcsTs8dIwaZ9N38Fj_khaLxAZax6cxxNWn1ych2PzGLfbOebq0-q2V6mHXvo9hzbkudH5C9hyPyO-Hp71JAmQ7ApoZZo44YM6Hzzq35ZI-zF2Zm5oI06n6EvCnUjvpeDIUZZnAsb1LYBQPBDEw/s6000/IMG_0993.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigM-S4DBHTB79JTgCt1nk90TA0t2vIjTheqfB0LiPBNcsTs8dIwaZ9N38Fj_khaLxAZax6cxxNWn1ych2PzGLfbOebq0-q2V6mHXvo9hzbkudH5C9hyPyO-Hp71JAmQ7ApoZZo44YM6Hzzq35ZI-zF2Zm5oI06n6EvCnUjvpeDIUZZnAsb1LYBQPBDEw/w640-h426/IMG_0993.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View up the south branch of the Anne Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see in the photo below its not much of a saddle to climb all things considered...it is about 1100 meters above sea level but because you are gaining height so gradually it just seems like a slightly higher point along the valley floor. </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/AVvXsEgEuJ5qFfft31yQk0rWfSxzbD4IKLGB2yybmGVm8rSez8S9MPGlcRYQOtJ9g0OAziGiKynkqtj37h-P2hRlS-pXX66MrHxAXziOtpZOHSb81ug3brr1vAeMNkKSZ_KgesctEKepuDD4D5L6LCyynSJKM_-G9i_tqJl2woD41rxoZmmgm0cdhhASb-zFWQ/s6000/IMG_0995.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuJ5qFfft31yQk0rWfSxzbD4IKLGB2yybmGVm8rSez8S9MPGlcRYQOtJ9g0OAziGiKynkqtj37h-P2hRlS-pXX66MrHxAXziOtpZOHSb81ug3brr1vAeMNkKSZ_KgesctEKepuDD4D5L6LCyynSJKM_-G9i_tqJl2woD41rxoZmmgm0cdhhASb-zFWQ/w640-h426/IMG_0995.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of Anne Saddle at end of Anne Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the last view I had down the Anne River before heading off towards Anne Saddle. As you can see it is really swampy up here and the track sidles along the hillside just up from the river on slightly drier ground. </div><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMgBAfLCAzCZSvSBELCU4MWho3uVc_zdQvwO8RaSffjssVdDDmIzefddE_-byWqbmej1w5RN2zvQK0xmIIp9EqyX1m9Z4Vq-sObPmfDU7FP0dYt3FiD0jonuJ507yK3CP7ZAfmRJNPh1vahFlbGUBYqTSnAPRWPhjNI5nN41UIR7tE9Mye3RnIdDKYg/s6000/IMG_0998.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMgBAfLCAzCZSvSBELCU4MWho3uVc_zdQvwO8RaSffjssVdDDmIzefddE_-byWqbmej1w5RN2zvQK0xmIIp9EqyX1m9Z4Vq-sObPmfDU7FP0dYt3FiD0jonuJ507yK3CP7ZAfmRJNPh1vahFlbGUBYqTSnAPRWPhjNI5nN41UIR7tE9Mye3RnIdDKYg/w640-h426/IMG_0998.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last view down the Anne River Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eventually you reach the swampy head of the Anne River...this is slower going as you pick your way from mud patch to mud patch. As you get closer to the top of the valley the track becomes steeper and rocky but nothing too strenuous. A small helicopter flew over me at low altitude along here...probably transporting hunters to one of the huts up in the mountains.</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/AVvXsEi8fV9kaAhRsfzWBADCtpP_cHQBwd2XsI3kE5j19yxa-1kSyPuKfc8KHjuJ3T3QnB10sV6facjkSJIBJcMV7ljvCZjLHmq4I2W8Ik0eOAK8ZbPHr7pFRe6ynyCSOeUHPYDiWyGjXEvyUAVeJzjhZktNStOn4xmSDuq7l6Wql7XZdlz_dYOqOBcjyAN9yQ/s6000/IMG_0999.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fV9kaAhRsfzWBADCtpP_cHQBwd2XsI3kE5j19yxa-1kSyPuKfc8KHjuJ3T3QnB10sV6facjkSJIBJcMV7ljvCZjLHmq4I2W8Ik0eOAK8ZbPHr7pFRe6ynyCSOeUHPYDiWyGjXEvyUAVeJzjhZktNStOn4xmSDuq7l6Wql7XZdlz_dYOqOBcjyAN9yQ/w640-h426/IMG_0999.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St James Walkway skirts the bogs near Anne Saddle</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB-18wsibS9QlZC0wfRpJODGbg3Y5xvNAVwCFb3A-v2UB7cJjzj_o8XSuur9Okxnq6eYYeNwFLgCvauvRCSdDkTHoAdF-JTvSES6pIgOWUFet0ALW9BHty1sJarSC5R-Ir0no3lnJIfSJU5OcbxnsSXyzgDAJHyktaeC_0dNyXCWhvZi-yAQi92lAGg/s6000/IMG_1003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB-18wsibS9QlZC0wfRpJODGbg3Y5xvNAVwCFb3A-v2UB7cJjzj_o8XSuur9Okxnq6eYYeNwFLgCvauvRCSdDkTHoAdF-JTvSES6pIgOWUFet0ALW9BHty1sJarSC5R-Ir0no3lnJIfSJU5OcbxnsSXyzgDAJHyktaeC_0dNyXCWhvZi-yAQi92lAGg/w640-h426/IMG_1003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the last climb to Anne Saddle, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below is the steepest part of the track, this is over the last 200 meters before the saddle, it is mildly steep and rocky and requires a bit of care. Honestly, this is one of the easiest saddles I have ever walked over bar Ada Pass on day two!</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/AVvXsEg-EoalW0yS-9h_xspc83R_f7qvil5vzuhldwSXE9DOtiyuPo3kCu4fJaDATwCmM6IaEbXK7tkQAfjNV3VjJHAbsx1Pm-M7hjJWtTvREyf5amCyRwu7fSzdosIZCePgRc3jsKGP61sz-l0sEm9blEa0PWHiOt4UDMYKm5Q0-eI__-Et5zwk-x5yC-uQZg/s6000/IMG_1006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EoalW0yS-9h_xspc83R_f7qvil5vzuhldwSXE9DOtiyuPo3kCu4fJaDATwCmM6IaEbXK7tkQAfjNV3VjJHAbsx1Pm-M7hjJWtTvREyf5amCyRwu7fSzdosIZCePgRc3jsKGP61sz-l0sEm9blEa0PWHiOt4UDMYKm5Q0-eI__-Et5zwk-x5yC-uQZg/w640-h426/IMG_1006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open forest near the top of Anne Saddle</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzXsVdi2jhERnLjKTSmOY_rXPyz_nNg6qPT8egE53Gt3d5fnc3ooE475wVwKxbGUNML5S76YISSnpiPy2_9qStuAtstNgIfH8syNzEkLR6As9jAyTLEdlZIjvQNNoB3xfAzo3jVyxL_f7g3HwkFQmGE85s97GM48NHLrDHmYuBvTvV1ngxswBG3PUxQ/s6000/IMG_1009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzXsVdi2jhERnLjKTSmOY_rXPyz_nNg6qPT8egE53Gt3d5fnc3ooE475wVwKxbGUNML5S76YISSnpiPy2_9qStuAtstNgIfH8syNzEkLR6As9jAyTLEdlZIjvQNNoB3xfAzo3jVyxL_f7g3HwkFQmGE85s97GM48NHLrDHmYuBvTvV1ngxswBG3PUxQ/w640-h426/IMG_1009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atop Anne Saddle, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The top of Anne Saddle is a long low plateau with a couple of tarns surrounded by marsh land. There is plenty of rocks to sit on here while you have a break although there is not enough space to set up a camp unless you were using a hammock. </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/AVvXsEh8klISXsHwZ0Ifc8uf0fcoJwoI9HKFp7paEjop77RMXjpLs32W9a6FDYR8PeAofpeNPH46VMAF69Kpsjev34Wgk1jwNnkVW5d9qkWecfb2aw6r77B06SOkh35ZGnsi60UZ3rp-0eSs43V0WOlwqWU7IY7MOabfIyq5IZOMxgrvRi8hD1_70i61UumdpQ/s6000/IMG_1008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8klISXsHwZ0Ifc8uf0fcoJwoI9HKFp7paEjop77RMXjpLs32W9a6FDYR8PeAofpeNPH46VMAF69Kpsjev34Wgk1jwNnkVW5d9qkWecfb2aw6r77B06SOkh35ZGnsi60UZ3rp-0eSs43V0WOlwqWU7IY7MOabfIyq5IZOMxgrvRi8hD1_70i61UumdpQ/w640-h426/IMG_1008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne Valley side of Anne Saddle on the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAZdWLk9SVYNGcIPq0Eg3NmqGiz54VCvOL5PFUcd_lHT0ARiRD6S3-SKxZqrfObks_Hz0Ly9xwBnjDuY078Is20ljtTQycB2gblmJfHvEFESZkSmFYT-y1Dd-PfxB7RicOzLsZvlYGqmh60Pz9e7HSIfX5USDeA5xQdzA0Wx5E4Rvw7qfT1qLF1DwdQ/s6000/IMG_1010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAZdWLk9SVYNGcIPq0Eg3NmqGiz54VCvOL5PFUcd_lHT0ARiRD6S3-SKxZqrfObks_Hz0Ly9xwBnjDuY078Is20ljtTQycB2gblmJfHvEFESZkSmFYT-y1Dd-PfxB7RicOzLsZvlYGqmh60Pz9e7HSIfX5USDeA5xQdzA0Wx5E4Rvw7qfT1qLF1DwdQ/w640-h426/IMG_1010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DOC sign at the top of Anne Saddle, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBM4781e_5yDDp-4Xw_S8w3yzWqyi-CaXodugFdFhT8fHD8agZ7XS7Ycaq2JhfSu9ziSYk2-Bwy2fmE5xvXvu3qZjxjz4vqkiK4He1Rd4Ef-ve-u9J1U0h-P08mCTsmbD2QXaGsi28IA4tZQ75368WHAICI6u4nmf5lh6DbUsIt5pKyxtsue9eADRjA/s6000/IMG_1013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBM4781e_5yDDp-4Xw_S8w3yzWqyi-CaXodugFdFhT8fHD8agZ7XS7Ycaq2JhfSu9ziSYk2-Bwy2fmE5xvXvu3qZjxjz4vqkiK4He1Rd4Ef-ve-u9J1U0h-P08mCTsmbD2QXaGsi28IA4tZQ75368WHAICI6u4nmf5lh6DbUsIt5pKyxtsue9eADRjA/w640-h426/IMG_1013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne Saddle is 1136 meters above sea level</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArhFOjaCf1QJXvR3cOQtyfX9X7_KEcsWhkxSLh2kI7hemAKlnM-GesvfA-xdqlLeNleMKAJaDPqjxmcCtX2f-WC4Rft5Dx8MWjcrsAYAnTAZR4GJJHSOb7VMAz1YMc_uFLyLGRQy54Af759gCoQQRvkNfhrUhzZfG7kp7zA8UU5-8bcuyyzws8RMT6A/s6000/IMG_1011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArhFOjaCf1QJXvR3cOQtyfX9X7_KEcsWhkxSLh2kI7hemAKlnM-GesvfA-xdqlLeNleMKAJaDPqjxmcCtX2f-WC4Rft5Dx8MWjcrsAYAnTAZR4GJJHSOb7VMAz1YMc_uFLyLGRQy54Af759gCoQQRvkNfhrUhzZfG7kp7zA8UU5-8bcuyyzws8RMT6A/w640-h426/IMG_1011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarns and bogs near Anne Saddle on the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here I am up on the saddle...it took me about 2.5 hours to reach this spot from Anne Hut and is roughly 1/3 of the way to Boyle Flat Hut. I stopped just off the track and had a snack and water break before continuing on my way...<br /></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/AVvXsEgD-8-P7haHp0ZKEnMXBwUTx1g-hr6yUlPxs4g87M9MuplF0sf4o3JMwuTERHFxEWNAscumZto86R2kdmw_1cNPlzz9J9jEC7xgSlFUnCHElRZ8cTqCPghBS1R_wsVGhTcdhh8vdqDlDZOuB-b0CwA8loPTyEyVZeFppeklzQXzGBJSaKE4Y7t25J5Zeg/s6000/IMG_1014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-8-P7haHp0ZKEnMXBwUTx1g-hr6yUlPxs4g87M9MuplF0sf4o3JMwuTERHFxEWNAscumZto86R2kdmw_1cNPlzz9J9jEC7xgSlFUnCHElRZ8cTqCPghBS1R_wsVGhTcdhh8vdqDlDZOuB-b0CwA8loPTyEyVZeFppeklzQXzGBJSaKE4Y7t25J5Zeg/w640-h426/IMG_1014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Join Moake atop Anne Saddle, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtmVO7FSb4OxO50EP0zH7FpbsP4GGAXA_mI0RtsCJLpO_XuWJTUL_4W2v2bJVH9BLu-UW7oYSY2fUo2rJZEhkguVLDYHuBx3u3obqCJLAdd8GEhDM5YqAoJp2Uy7W3Kism5ZeUWlPsQuumnzHUVhikUvFN-rIUbbjB5z4NacRNTZmBWtmFGrkjPqgWQ/s6000/IMG_1016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtmVO7FSb4OxO50EP0zH7FpbsP4GGAXA_mI0RtsCJLpO_XuWJTUL_4W2v2bJVH9BLu-UW7oYSY2fUo2rJZEhkguVLDYHuBx3u3obqCJLAdd8GEhDM5YqAoJp2Uy7W3Kism5ZeUWlPsQuumnzHUVhikUvFN-rIUbbjB5z4NacRNTZmBWtmFGrkjPqgWQ/w640-h426/IMG_1016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the Boyle River side of Anne Saddle</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The descent from Anne Saddle used to be abrupt and step but DOC have constructed a new section of track from just off the crest to a point about 2.5 kilometers down the Boyle. It is a lovely gradual drop down to the mid reaches of the Boyle River Valley. </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/AVvXsEh0CRmc8lxeUL_lEDmbp_B2RGE4-FY4ZiCefeKFU23bVCir5aGMEisQanTZXzsQmym32zObBtIGQJIubR4BwlBuk1ch-DaFgqVMhRjE0ELDD40RQBLfXD9VJvvOar9tRK5HqrKCEl4Iv_G4FFAnsbnIFIEhEDdgZw9uwEUPxpR1qOYm_qYnbWmZNIgudw/s855/AnneMap2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="848" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CRmc8lxeUL_lEDmbp_B2RGE4-FY4ZiCefeKFU23bVCir5aGMEisQanTZXzsQmym32zObBtIGQJIubR4BwlBuk1ch-DaFgqVMhRjE0ELDD40RQBLfXD9VJvvOar9tRK5HqrKCEl4Iv_G4FFAnsbnIFIEhEDdgZw9uwEUPxpR1qOYm_qYnbWmZNIgudw/w634-h640/AnneMap2.JPG" width="634" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map: St James Walkway, Anne Saddle to Rokeby Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjHKhFxbPpWYE-xjxGjYVewSMDprOH2PV9HMcWCiuqKrrNKyOsB5E6lbfpvMPK1pNrEJDAuNe-Hu7kV96xvJUULjNRl_KtWzx18PL5yGN2bYKbSksjxh_IXFuidRudUpywKqRIksyzj7aubUTtm-toayO76GSw6EGrA3Rg0inxQVekU1quun6cNinJxOA/s6000/IMG_1017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKhFxbPpWYE-xjxGjYVewSMDprOH2PV9HMcWCiuqKrrNKyOsB5E6lbfpvMPK1pNrEJDAuNe-Hu7kV96xvJUULjNRl_KtWzx18PL5yGN2bYKbSksjxh_IXFuidRudUpywKqRIksyzj7aubUTtm-toayO76GSw6EGrA3Rg0inxQVekU1quun6cNinJxOA/w640-h426/IMG_1017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending into the Boyle River from Anne Saddle</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRqvaWbr5FkspA95SLSV_UWpMYlnaHoSksvQotLRpYYD3LQX9M4DjejJa4cZgIdF1wn3RNtsrvsbxZFirz34WC6gFxZwa6EmNiS5_0QXpKTrTM4M5PupaWPnWtqR8odFjSNhwjdVuHV57daKdRTHWhpi7gikp8lEUUA11zOJks10a97aZ28nn76c_2Q/s6000/IMG_1019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRqvaWbr5FkspA95SLSV_UWpMYlnaHoSksvQotLRpYYD3LQX9M4DjejJa4cZgIdF1wn3RNtsrvsbxZFirz34WC6gFxZwa6EmNiS5_0QXpKTrTM4M5PupaWPnWtqR8odFjSNhwjdVuHV57daKdRTHWhpi7gikp8lEUUA11zOJks10a97aZ28nn76c_2Q/w640-h426/IMG_1019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the new track section descending to the Boyle River</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The track goes through some very nice Goblin Forest and there are a number of pretty streams crossing the track there are several places where you do a water supply through here. It is a much nicer way to cover the terrain and a real step up from the track I covered back in 2015. </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/AVvXsEjDxWkTgnSeAG_MqKU7RyEqt4KMjtsgVtvNHuL8mNI1IVi305uocQqqt3di72Bhtv-k_qPWKMMwKb4u_S58qd7duK_LcaapYQRZjOCzJh_LFMfAyyQlEDnkBjzw-dEqLyyeoh2h1ntAZgDJuub8j17Shack6V7GHdiJtfe8Q3uWAUKizZtg_gljTyVE6g/s6000/IMG_1020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxWkTgnSeAG_MqKU7RyEqt4KMjtsgVtvNHuL8mNI1IVi305uocQqqt3di72Bhtv-k_qPWKMMwKb4u_S58qd7duK_LcaapYQRZjOCzJh_LFMfAyyQlEDnkBjzw-dEqLyyeoh2h1ntAZgDJuub8j17Shack6V7GHdiJtfe8Q3uWAUKizZtg_gljTyVE6g/w640-h426/IMG_1020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy walking on the new St James Walkway track section</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciop1pSFsSTk34lF24T_GRqmudL5AyHCYqRcztzsWvtwHYnvWWrtsL00oDH_KyqmYGRwA-UrFsMAeMIZujwaBFBSNlZhDWc9qg-Y7E0XSDrnEWeL_wswx5Y4jYni1BtmR53jFvqqie23kvg2_xywo30A00OuNYKyIlrlyA8qycbgACaptxRMT_NHJpQ/s6000/IMG_1022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciop1pSFsSTk34lF24T_GRqmudL5AyHCYqRcztzsWvtwHYnvWWrtsL00oDH_KyqmYGRwA-UrFsMAeMIZujwaBFBSNlZhDWc9qg-Y7E0XSDrnEWeL_wswx5Y4jYni1BtmR53jFvqqie23kvg2_xywo30A00OuNYKyIlrlyA8qycbgACaptxRMT_NHJpQ/w640-h426/IMG_1022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the descent into the Boyle River, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eventually you break out into the Upper Boyle River valley, it is really beautiful up there and would certainly warrant another visit just to camp in the area. It's all river flats and climbing over small ridges from here to Boyle Flat about 7 km's further down the valley.</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/AVvXsEjlmqiY73ikV6h4kT1NUsBOau-LMmvuFgZuuRYG2XPRmnLQqMNxtpYy2QErWl-0HKreZMtRrQiU4nx_K9KP5y0voUwp7JBuB1nyZ8rwnc3tkTZK4y94nOeL7TX_PC5VX3_gsuJoLGzkzrOO-Rq6jCGEyrMCb5D_TEK5z4W-XVwHt4ompgo4yaxX9G2gxA/s6000/IMG_1024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmqiY73ikV6h4kT1NUsBOau-LMmvuFgZuuRYG2XPRmnLQqMNxtpYy2QErWl-0HKreZMtRrQiU4nx_K9KP5y0voUwp7JBuB1nyZ8rwnc3tkTZK4y94nOeL7TX_PC5VX3_gsuJoLGzkzrOO-Rq6jCGEyrMCb5D_TEK5z4W-XVwHt4ompgo4yaxX9G2gxA/w640-h426/IMG_1024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view down the Boyle River Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CjGDsa0K4xR85C7HjvOSlzU44FE7-mjmDRBJFRULUP3Ulp6ZXq-GFHeBCPmYDQg9_ZfxROZoOsyp4pYfHcos1FiP7p9fT25D7VcskIFiS-4WHSLrHdFewGP66t2KkDPLxHh0OQ1WyY5-UzfljEB6U9GHXDNfj-cBRRNJabXR84A3N4-bqxfKln_eyA/s6000/IMG_1026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CjGDsa0K4xR85C7HjvOSlzU44FE7-mjmDRBJFRULUP3Ulp6ZXq-GFHeBCPmYDQg9_ZfxROZoOsyp4pYfHcos1FiP7p9fT25D7VcskIFiS-4WHSLrHdFewGP66t2KkDPLxHh0OQ1WyY5-UzfljEB6U9GHXDNfj-cBRRNJabXR84A3N4-bqxfKln_eyA/w640-h426/IMG_1026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing a stream in the Upper Boyle Valley, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQcqrwOdvTyaLZihsDf5rZ2YZlBFmwPrtQafYbYMyNUDaafKhO8v3TVmMh16uzQ1iDPc5KPRNtr6_do1depg_iQ1s_wFykmjC-T2s9csR49vTL0Y-tx0NA_QbBnGq-8xHNeHI2fhWwejU5Ncqen9Lp1WZrBqjolC7V66HPUSOrQuLnmpHvpGuSh0VLQ/s6000/IMG_1028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQcqrwOdvTyaLZihsDf5rZ2YZlBFmwPrtQafYbYMyNUDaafKhO8v3TVmMh16uzQ1iDPc5KPRNtr6_do1depg_iQ1s_wFykmjC-T2s9csR49vTL0Y-tx0NA_QbBnGq-8xHNeHI2fhWwejU5Ncqen9Lp1WZrBqjolC7V66HPUSOrQuLnmpHvpGuSh0VLQ/w640-h426/IMG_1028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boyle Valley is covered with grassy river flats</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are relatively low hills at this end of the Boyle River Valley and I could see a number of excellent looking camping sites as I made my way down the valley. </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/AVvXsEh899JHLzAq7D2U-_K5NTj8kjeN0Izf0D6CzwCdlg-8nK5zLpS1jIJPuRO-X090LzZ4CcULVF5_zxPoTxuUI3UG_JY2dF_AOzf4lI7mhC603IJ9ptY1yKh_mnbZnMoyF3svERHoLTVPDEy3nw8rFN9nA-cvWfGRPnpVAYmDc5tiC0NU_ctpR23QozQV_w/s6000/IMG_1030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh899JHLzAq7D2U-_K5NTj8kjeN0Izf0D6CzwCdlg-8nK5zLpS1jIJPuRO-X090LzZ4CcULVF5_zxPoTxuUI3UG_JY2dF_AOzf4lI7mhC603IJ9ptY1yKh_mnbZnMoyF3svERHoLTVPDEy3nw8rFN9nA-cvWfGRPnpVAYmDc5tiC0NU_ctpR23QozQV_w/w640-h426/IMG_1030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picturesque stream on the far side of the Boyle River</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rCBnte7vyV9qmjr6hgB4F534744U0YPNwsmxkS7R82Vhz30V9vLWHkZ_mz4wEeruPr6ZqYGJln2sEIKWz1lB6Ws64Ocy1ZVqOMA31Tae1j9oJOf7k3oQ36FzSSSMR856gRyD5WrXmizwhL2Ql2XVbmu5u1SNbsNxND2Np194A68Epw1uQcJSI91Dog/s6000/IMG_1031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rCBnte7vyV9qmjr6hgB4F534744U0YPNwsmxkS7R82Vhz30V9vLWHkZ_mz4wEeruPr6ZqYGJln2sEIKWz1lB6Ws64Ocy1ZVqOMA31Tae1j9oJOf7k3oQ36FzSSSMR856gRyD5WrXmizwhL2Ql2XVbmu5u1SNbsNxND2Np194A68Epw1uQcJSI91Dog/w640-h426/IMG_1031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to the Libretto Range from Boyle River Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZokyfSTgCSHH_xeTQMDmvNna3t9RIPEo9JVJPMIvPrSps40Ae2fNtyaS-2xP79KgMrF58eURncKAmYZ0pdk_E8GIv5kbMr72kBaBqmR6WpuwC_F_ZPLeakWXPgHmX4co2tJHOeWnNiMJ_jjHvZt3rn5QJ_IIGKM_HUpB6-XbPD96Dmx2bWzoNEiQ6gw/s6000/IMG_1032.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZokyfSTgCSHH_xeTQMDmvNna3t9RIPEo9JVJPMIvPrSps40Ae2fNtyaS-2xP79KgMrF58eURncKAmYZ0pdk_E8GIv5kbMr72kBaBqmR6WpuwC_F_ZPLeakWXPgHmX4co2tJHOeWnNiMJ_jjHvZt3rn5QJ_IIGKM_HUpB6-XbPD96Dmx2bWzoNEiQ6gw/w640-h426/IMG_1032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back up towards Anne Saddle from near Pt. 866</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>The track is seared into the grass of the river flats by all the passing feet. It is intersected at regular points by deer/pig/people tracks coming down from the hills. Watch for rocks and branches in that long grass...I tripped over an old rotten log walking along here back in 2015 and cut my knee.</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/AVvXsEh6jbUi7C4t7Qa1aGyKRM8tfisTSjp6G_S1bWhSQjPMiJS0Tc3PUzrfWC8mMItavoleWyh_amv5vqfo5Y5y4S_Z3uqRJXLoDnD-faOVqxz7-SzQJin19Ka8CUkzmiUHlWM0ZgLHXM0POIjCjwyEUsZU8_v1UV1fbtMz6skk81UIuWccnZ3n7EWwkkBFPw/s6000/IMG_1034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jbUi7C4t7Qa1aGyKRM8tfisTSjp6G_S1bWhSQjPMiJS0Tc3PUzrfWC8mMItavoleWyh_amv5vqfo5Y5y4S_Z3uqRJXLoDnD-faOVqxz7-SzQJin19Ka8CUkzmiUHlWM0ZgLHXM0POIjCjwyEUsZU8_v1UV1fbtMz6skk81UIuWccnZ3n7EWwkkBFPw/w640-h426/IMG_1034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obvious path of the St James Walkway, Boyle Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>About half way along the track to Boyle Flat you pass the old <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/st-james-conservation-area/things-to-do/huts/rokeby-hut/">Rokeby Hut</a>, this is a small 2 bunk hut located inside a small finger of bush on one of the ridges. It is "rustic" in nature; dirt floor, sacking bunks, no lining... but in quite good condition. There is even a classic corrugated iron dog box for the mustering dogs which were once used up the valley.</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/AVvXsEhU-sKdtDbet-fjIoz-2SDi_kWWJsPL1w1J0tWadUoVzd7WAZyiRgfOl9MPk7mQtzVgGO2oHQGgTvBn4Hv7OhiFk8tBaHvx42P80LznWD0IWn_XaJsuzcAZhFRbzwZqjaRoZ9ys_WRDunZ6Mg1GwGQQqQv-5Qv3XQeGmLfjs-OAJws6-ShDN9GIdqwMEg/s6000/IMG_1039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-sKdtDbet-fjIoz-2SDi_kWWJsPL1w1J0tWadUoVzd7WAZyiRgfOl9MPk7mQtzVgGO2oHQGgTvBn4Hv7OhiFk8tBaHvx42P80LznWD0IWn_XaJsuzcAZhFRbzwZqjaRoZ9ys_WRDunZ6Mg1GwGQQqQv-5Qv3XQeGmLfjs-OAJws6-ShDN9GIdqwMEg/w640-h426/IMG_1039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign to Rokeby Hut on the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgaCGG68G-7pBhJSLdLUoiTs2rC6YwlExESClgMjaG4eBSucx3TQX18bqzlB4xuRlmOcjWKcfvUL6RjrhlY-9XGm061K5-G6rorC2nI7YKGAS7mKurxocoCd6qHIS1N_Epk38btSz-f5DkrszramsyA5s5qNk7W-s8xDgCrpglBBIt1ZJsdKjJvQlKu4w/s6000/IMG_1037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCGG68G-7pBhJSLdLUoiTs2rC6YwlExESClgMjaG4eBSucx3TQX18bqzlB4xuRlmOcjWKcfvUL6RjrhlY-9XGm061K5-G6rorC2nI7YKGAS7mKurxocoCd6qHIS1N_Epk38btSz-f5DkrszramsyA5s5qNk7W-s8xDgCrpglBBIt1ZJsdKjJvQlKu4w/w640-h426/IMG_1037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red roof of Rokeby Hut peeks out of the Beech</td></tr></tbody></table><div></div><br />The hut looks like it has been painted recently...I know quite a few huts in this area have been refurbished or freshened up using money from the Jobs for Nature campaign. Lots of neglected huts have received the first real work on them in decades as the government fronted some money for people laid off during Covid. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxYkdX60qIA/VOpuQs2yQuI/AAAAAAAAFLM/lxzAVf8ravU/s1600/DSCN4878.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxYkdX60qIA/VOpuQs2yQuI/AAAAAAAAFLM/lxzAVf8ravU/w640-h480/DSCN4878.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Rokeby Hut in its bush surrounds on the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table></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/AVvXsEiVMWYi07XwyViJ3J0fw1a97yQ-yzyA2bXPAfwfbBRxiRTyzcny0BELzPpGwWwut9SoT81eHx4ObRR4CjMqZ9ckoHus_mBku5BWIv2vHS0PKxHplVE_E9FaPcB_orPmnUYKoRK1Difl_YLgPZ2jgJck-KYamE6JwUackjx4GePO7v9tNB1L0Fl3H1uVtw/s800/Rokeby_Hut_-_St_James_Walkway,_New_Zealand_(102).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="800" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMWYi07XwyViJ3J0fw1a97yQ-yzyA2bXPAfwfbBRxiRTyzcny0BELzPpGwWwut9SoT81eHx4ObRR4CjMqZ9ckoHus_mBku5BWIv2vHS0PKxHplVE_E9FaPcB_orPmnUYKoRK1Difl_YLgPZ2jgJck-KYamE6JwUackjx4GePO7v9tNB1L0Fl3H1uVtw/w640-h464/Rokeby_Hut_-_St_James_Walkway,_New_Zealand_(102).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view of Rokeby Hut, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kq6kRxZsDilYghLKRfA3OktJrq9mvz8UNeoMUvra0EN32ebPH5TBmpTQducEBRNZFf0Vo72-54-d3Nko_ndgnQ2aOZ09NRf0rVcz5VRr9QVHCyR_K8e1MN8KJlyRnd1TzstG5NTrIZPSc9gonVOQ49OXJykCo9MR2gajF-IdP7_TdM7kDPFF9uQoyw/s6000/IMG_1040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kq6kRxZsDilYghLKRfA3OktJrq9mvz8UNeoMUvra0EN32ebPH5TBmpTQducEBRNZFf0Vo72-54-d3Nko_ndgnQ2aOZ09NRf0rVcz5VRr9QVHCyR_K8e1MN8KJlyRnd1TzstG5NTrIZPSc9gonVOQ49OXJykCo9MR2gajF-IdP7_TdM7kDPFF9uQoyw/w640-h426/IMG_1040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down the Boyle River Valley from near Rokeby Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From Rokeby Hut I continued on my way over the last five kilometers to Boyle Flat Hut. In all it can take from 2-3 hours to cover the ground in the upper Boyle River and I was not moving swiftly. It is easy enough track to cover but the legs do start to get tired a bit earlier than they used to. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; 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/AVvXsEiMXf4cp_oq4FAkNSVt51S4WJO8IiISAVSu9kb2xglLH3-wDOhnyVZhZLlcO8nBu1j0TDJ9lWzS3fKyKVZ_HnrRwjikBWf9T8NIrpXxy9V8g2RVaG4cyMxvJzjMHxwC1P574iDBIpgY2ScpXtxIl7JdklVKMavYuyXDpPeKJhGI0fcCaEcd_YpbB5z2Fg/s854/AnneMap3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXf4cp_oq4FAkNSVt51S4WJO8IiISAVSu9kb2xglLH3-wDOhnyVZhZLlcO8nBu1j0TDJ9lWzS3fKyKVZ_HnrRwjikBWf9T8NIrpXxy9V8g2RVaG4cyMxvJzjMHxwC1P574iDBIpgY2ScpXtxIl7JdklVKMavYuyXDpPeKJhGI0fcCaEcd_YpbB5z2Fg/w632-h640/AnneMap3.JPG" width="632" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map: St James Walkway, Rokeby Hut to Boyle Flat Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgNYva3Tr0A1lxygswhDywgvnWHHeCWOJ0ejaFAcPDd5HGOGE_QelZUzfzxCH0Gfz6u8P7FwFT_nkDqQo7bII2pOuQrA1RDOsVpr63s3Qe8NCjY9Ly0gfDIheHwYmdPNlsD5GMrxMqkMxL6BAjeifXfoEChEyvFaquUIkHZoW9Ku7Qspn8xWsRMiJaJ2g/s6000/IMG_1041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYva3Tr0A1lxygswhDywgvnWHHeCWOJ0ejaFAcPDd5HGOGE_QelZUzfzxCH0Gfz6u8P7FwFT_nkDqQo7bII2pOuQrA1RDOsVpr63s3Qe8NCjY9Ly0gfDIheHwYmdPNlsD5GMrxMqkMxL6BAjeifXfoEChEyvFaquUIkHZoW9Ku7Qspn8xWsRMiJaJ2g/w640-h426/IMG_1041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing Rokeby Stream on the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVdd0H_aTckjYynPKE7MD6c6Ho_bOGC8C-imC-ikQu7LE7TorZS4IYYVFVbRqXwLytgpoXr1fHNiqpOW2n3uzYodnNPAKL3g96qZgOvks1u-myfjvOX1q4e5w6qHw7gmfKqujYmVULUTDOqJbVo55vUm4WMAUL-TFJAGhCgoedFhgq1w3Nhz2NzIGfA/s6000/IMG_1043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVdd0H_aTckjYynPKE7MD6c6Ho_bOGC8C-imC-ikQu7LE7TorZS4IYYVFVbRqXwLytgpoXr1fHNiqpOW2n3uzYodnNPAKL3g96qZgOvks1u-myfjvOX1q4e5w6qHw7gmfKqujYmVULUTDOqJbVo55vUm4WMAUL-TFJAGhCgoedFhgq1w3Nhz2NzIGfA/w640-h426/IMG_1043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matagouri trees between Rokeby and Boyle Flat Huts</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9clhJ9ZmH7AOtOXlyqkBS1hKMAHsAao-PgClGZkMw1MDFaaAjQcLcNl42-QvIZb5GlpIM69elmAZihAJ1yC2Zh7NXWAHuXNusD1vryHL43D3JrLtZVNpQrrgoHgl1U99GG1bWh0A0LmRjqKcLHZYfbXaEDbJtVO2myP9q1ayth7fswdh9cV8b8JcrmA/s6000/IMG_1045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9clhJ9ZmH7AOtOXlyqkBS1hKMAHsAao-PgClGZkMw1MDFaaAjQcLcNl42-QvIZb5GlpIM69elmAZihAJ1yC2Zh7NXWAHuXNusD1vryHL43D3JrLtZVNpQrrgoHgl1U99GG1bWh0A0LmRjqKcLHZYfbXaEDbJtVO2myP9q1ayth7fswdh9cV8b8JcrmA/w640-h426/IMG_1045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The eastern end of the Boyle River Valley, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaFaFTRz1E8GmbhU0rNrpgKzr_43AyhxjNqK3IgtsC903OmxL6JWASdmhZ-SXWmLO7X2fmUMR_xYJQAyNMI6c0H2DdiPdw-bqI8PoQVg6iLfROtOLfxgSiT6U3zqEA29GxiGBi1S6K9rL1pNInxItJJkTPI8-axbj5LSHoOzg8KfINWZ_C8aHrcaF1Q/s6000/IMG_1047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaFaFTRz1E8GmbhU0rNrpgKzr_43AyhxjNqK3IgtsC903OmxL6JWASdmhZ-SXWmLO7X2fmUMR_xYJQAyNMI6c0H2DdiPdw-bqI8PoQVg6iLfROtOLfxgSiT6U3zqEA29GxiGBi1S6K9rL1pNInxItJJkTPI8-axbj5LSHoOzg8KfINWZ_C8aHrcaF1Q/w640-h426/IMG_1047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point about a kilometer away from Boyle Flat Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">About 4 kilometres down valley you arrive at the swing-bridge to<a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/st-james-conservation-area/things-to-do/huts/boyle-flat-hut/"> Boyle Flat Hut</a>, my final destination for the day. It is four hours from the swing bridge to the road end...your destination on the final day of the Walkway.</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/AVvXsEixvouAYmWQbFk-0BG3cXn8OENiInqXL8YbPJOCRJumZ14UFSnPla7C2JXQP0XBigitytW_a6YpJf8yD8mZK11Ww55sFiPw69MFoUTAHG5Lc61FVYpmN2bgCkyUaxCAjwk0ELQCyyDEHHncDbs2uAcY2LsRmqiIBDLVgbde3seakqy0qRYwbWQuPEZpUw/s6000/IMG_1049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvouAYmWQbFk-0BG3cXn8OENiInqXL8YbPJOCRJumZ14UFSnPla7C2JXQP0XBigitytW_a6YpJf8yD8mZK11Ww55sFiPw69MFoUTAHG5Lc61FVYpmN2bgCkyUaxCAjwk0ELQCyyDEHHncDbs2uAcY2LsRmqiIBDLVgbde3seakqy0qRYwbWQuPEZpUw/w640-h426/IMG_1049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of the Boyle Flat Swingbridge, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMf3isrdXSb3d2WLtxuk_KrpLq93iLEXmo5GU6NvhwC2rW-CA3rqkth9rIdqvoOam2DDq7lo0ZGQfSc3UBoMp8g89H99jLR83gd4xwAVje9LJhOv2iKWD1xIXRIf9Ax7PmmoW5KvO8Vc821CTh91WXahDNmHOaccffWwtKr_mwvMNmUM6HgzeTGcg7tA/s6000/IMG_1051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMf3isrdXSb3d2WLtxuk_KrpLq93iLEXmo5GU6NvhwC2rW-CA3rqkth9rIdqvoOam2DDq7lo0ZGQfSc3UBoMp8g89H99jLR83gd4xwAVje9LJhOv2iKWD1xIXRIf9Ax7PmmoW5KvO8Vc821CTh91WXahDNmHOaccffWwtKr_mwvMNmUM6HgzeTGcg7tA/w640-h426/IMG_1051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn off to Boyle Flat Hut from the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was pleased to head over to the hut as my legs had given out for that day. I don't think I could have walked out to road end that day if I had too...I was stuffed!!! </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/AVvXsEhUIFRFXWgXqJdnakiKtJJVEk1jQi6zt06eIt0RSMvrnBQ991b8d4c429XeYFY_4eLJNb4AKYrtDNoXNGpazlw-za9irNE8gQdn1Kx4t3lTpIT1CWmem4AB3Uno7htUwQ-MfCICNo5ZEgWsrwunEd3yYLbmCHNRa3sHuQ2AzQx8vdezmGw9ud8YUIK53w/s6000/IMG_1052.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIFRFXWgXqJdnakiKtJJVEk1jQi6zt06eIt0RSMvrnBQ991b8d4c429XeYFY_4eLJNb4AKYrtDNoXNGpazlw-za9irNE8gQdn1Kx4t3lTpIT1CWmem4AB3Uno7htUwQ-MfCICNo5ZEgWsrwunEd3yYLbmCHNRa3sHuQ2AzQx8vdezmGw9ud8YUIK53w/w640-h426/IMG_1052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boyle flat Swingbridge, St James Conservation Area</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHFKTS3eN0_h6AK_aHH76AragSIv1k6TBd0RV_Ml9wh5APklXBJWKvQIrNOcebjCuITrW4yy2UtCgmAQZCjg-sUYICAgrqSVUKHLu-64wBQbT53mwjIuy2PSrVGCd5yebC9AD1uGpPsluXJyNY5_wfNwIhzXWoTW0x86m56gapqWhkcrO6QwNMlvi2A/s6000/IMG_1055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHFKTS3eN0_h6AK_aHH76AragSIv1k6TBd0RV_Ml9wh5APklXBJWKvQIrNOcebjCuITrW4yy2UtCgmAQZCjg-sUYICAgrqSVUKHLu-64wBQbT53mwjIuy2PSrVGCd5yebC9AD1uGpPsluXJyNY5_wfNwIhzXWoTW0x86m56gapqWhkcrO6QwNMlvi2A/w640-h426/IMG_1055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down the Boyle River from near Boyle Flat Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've stayed <a href="http://nzbushadventures.blogspot.co.nz/2014/12/boyle-flat-hut-trip-st-james-walkway-12.html">at the hut previously</a> and it is very nice, well maintained and in a prime location. It has sleeping platforms with 20 bunks spread over two rooms. There is plenty of space around the hut and in the nearby forest for tents as the hut can be super busy over the summer now that TA walkers are also using it. </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/AVvXsEgSAYZwfwpX7SAaF2WpIA9FTARrviJPsG_8jF4cvsf-uVFa8GZ9GvKnVPTkBaMf61YeCaHaxQ7-r5CjB16XAl-FzFdMWWUiR6H-wKlVyWOLZ8WJ1Ev-YrYPNtRbO1n3P65hvnQ8ULgFcdu7S0PVSD3cHj_bYRIQVq7TwBUhgwQkd1dRW22G8ZoupIh03A/s6000/IMG_1056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAYZwfwpX7SAaF2WpIA9FTARrviJPsG_8jF4cvsf-uVFa8GZ9GvKnVPTkBaMf61YeCaHaxQ7-r5CjB16XAl-FzFdMWWUiR6H-wKlVyWOLZ8WJ1Ev-YrYPNtRbO1n3P65hvnQ8ULgFcdu7S0PVSD3cHj_bYRIQVq7TwBUhgwQkd1dRW22G8ZoupIh03A/w640-h426/IMG_1056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boyle Flat Hut, St James Conservation Area</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzywQn3lTSN0rC7ipbAgEi1qxf9_zvwI-S2bOFXd-94pasikjrBg92mFVvLQUF7KELuZdInTdqW_cQeUERIE9FkdqZ81EpiFHPS-hY7urpfhV0oEJFbF1rJfpxI8dvPkJtuuR30SctkrdLFAsrCOD1X_-4akdQXSnu5IIm68hqP98JVMGporQmSPEkJQ/s6000/IMG_1057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzywQn3lTSN0rC7ipbAgEi1qxf9_zvwI-S2bOFXd-94pasikjrBg92mFVvLQUF7KELuZdInTdqW_cQeUERIE9FkdqZ81EpiFHPS-hY7urpfhV0oEJFbF1rJfpxI8dvPkJtuuR30SctkrdLFAsrCOD1X_-4akdQXSnu5IIm68hqP98JVMGporQmSPEkJQ/w640-h426/IMG_1057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer view of Boyle Flat Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The inside of the hut is very attractive as it is a classic Lockwood design with that deeply glossed wood inside. I especially like the padded bench seat along the window...the pads make sitting here so much more comfortable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><br /></div><div>Very, very nice!!! </div></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/AVvXsEgJEivTv3yakp1ESNTiipUquJMNn4dabFE3sqCfdJ_tPUSLZ7wfAgDC8u-tESfi3_b70j6q_IFsiM4Y9rDuz0Z6oblUOhO1R16XBHXCSdx07G9EVhQvA4JVf0c4HWypVyojVH01mgLiugu3mGk5Y0ClToMk6IL8usR3vsXqyFuTumULBE4i2qdOttebAQ/s6000/IMG_1059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEivTv3yakp1ESNTiipUquJMNn4dabFE3sqCfdJ_tPUSLZ7wfAgDC8u-tESfi3_b70j6q_IFsiM4Y9rDuz0Z6oblUOhO1R16XBHXCSdx07G9EVhQvA4JVf0c4HWypVyojVH01mgLiugu3mGk5Y0ClToMk6IL8usR3vsXqyFuTumULBE4i2qdOttebAQ/w640-h426/IMG_1059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boyle Flat Hut: interior view of living space</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTRh42J3_nTHqw3kpxoIuevP3PObmQxk-QK5d6bdLSMxQSJy1GY__BBQ8GoC5jPxnEI0y9lh3MF8XhL9VVK6k6lbq3Wx07Z2YgMqBJ1PeboaADHkE9UUYmPhDeaFq40yos3nWdhoxRFl89QcZXuRSxthcf05IRW8SYBT5c5IcxndxHW-cHEiKNeiUnw/s6000/IMG_1060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTRh42J3_nTHqw3kpxoIuevP3PObmQxk-QK5d6bdLSMxQSJy1GY__BBQ8GoC5jPxnEI0y9lh3MF8XhL9VVK6k6lbq3Wx07Z2YgMqBJ1PeboaADHkE9UUYmPhDeaFq40yos3nWdhoxRFl89QcZXuRSxthcf05IRW8SYBT5c5IcxndxHW-cHEiKNeiUnw/w640-h426/IMG_1060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boyle Flat Hut: my pit set up</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I got some water from the tank and had a well deserved brew...goddam was it good! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you are visiting the hut and the watertank's are empty the alternate source of water is the very nice creek about 50 meters to the north of the hut. Follow the track which goes past the left hand side of the wood shed...it is easy to find. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWkjxLZ72Rs/VOpuUvdYqoI/AAAAAAAAFL8/Sf918FPbQN4/s1600/DSCN4884.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWkjxLZ72Rs/VOpuUvdYqoI/AAAAAAAAFL8/Sf918FPbQN4/w640-h480/DSCN4884.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Approach to alternate water source for Boyle Flat Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Nice clean looking water in the creek but I would still purify it as who knows what is lurking just upstream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfY5-ZaW4MtcoFgO3uDfTW4h5Z0cFTr3b4H_sNYCd7xXqsEKEu5wZHdhLEdJI3ZjA29y6Ad4f2dqIF59OnUyT47HQjtwovZeWKOaGo88q0i4GtszZTeUySR3r9lzJm3DNRqmBheDrHs1X/s1600/DSCN4883.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfY5-ZaW4MtcoFgO3uDfTW4h5Z0cFTr3b4H_sNYCd7xXqsEKEu5wZHdhLEdJI3ZjA29y6Ad4f2dqIF59OnUyT47HQjtwovZeWKOaGo88q0i4GtszZTeUySR3r9lzJm3DNRqmBheDrHs1X/s640/DSCN4883.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Unnamed side stream near Boyle Flat Hut, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Its started to rain in the late afternoon at Boyle Flat Hut and gained in intensity through the night. It was still raining the next morning and only abated when I was about a kilometer from the Lower Boyle River swing-bridge. </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/AVvXsEgcllnRT3O92KFy7B_nckCugei6dAfEGCSrpi_0dNCbJNja_-n9_mNwHZaSaocRgls2L0EnHcUQv95iyPpgL4RdQFvHSOtGVSPiGKpUn9Qy9YG7J3b-sA2ptMFkgNAIYE89XRFiwuxge_5ozaDB2ZOZniSp6BAIY20txYlvf7P5cgKRa6W8iYYWiWmo1w/s6000/IMG_1061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcllnRT3O92KFy7B_nckCugei6dAfEGCSrpi_0dNCbJNja_-n9_mNwHZaSaocRgls2L0EnHcUQv95iyPpgL4RdQFvHSOtGVSPiGKpUn9Qy9YG7J3b-sA2ptMFkgNAIYE89XRFiwuxge_5ozaDB2ZOZniSp6BAIY20txYlvf7P5cgKRa6W8iYYWiWmo1w/w640-h426/IMG_1061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its started to rain in the late afternoon...Boyle Flat Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: center;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>I spent the night at Boyle Flat hut with a father and son party of hunters. They had been at the hut for three nights and hunting the surrounding area with little success. I was surprised as I have seen deer on the flats near the hut several times in the past. They were from Rangiora near Christchurch and we had a good chat about tramping, huts and the St James Conservation Area. </div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Jon is official overdue...</h4></div><div style="text-align: center;">So as I mentioned previously I had to stay an extra night at Christopher Hut due to the bad weather conditions. I judged it too dangerous to try to walk around to Anne Hut in the rain, snow, wind and cold on day three of my tramp. As such I was actually late home from this trip from this point on...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Karen did the right thing and called SAR and the Police to report me overdue from a trip. They sent a Police car up to BOEC to see if my car was still there to make sure I didn't crash on the way home. They also called Karen and said that they would start a search for me once I was 24 hours overdue. SAR were just getting ready to head out when I walked into the BOEC the next day..!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I just avoided being "...tramper lost in hills north of Christchurch..."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nothing I could do of course...there is no cell cover on the St James so I couldn't ring and say I was o.k. I had a PLB but I cannot send messages so that might be functionality I will look for the next time I replace my Locator Beacon. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b>Day five: St James Walkway, Boyle Flat Hut to Boyle Outdoor Education Centre (BOEC) (14.5 km's)</b></h4>The last day of the trip was rainy and cold which meant I was unable to use my main camera as itis only water resistant not waterproof. Normally this would be fine as I carry my waterproof action camera for days like that. It works in 4 K and takes decent photos and video though the sound is not fantastic. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEgVcBuXJaM6jVM33VtUSJ-p2huHwzM3V3UNWzDszh8_G3rfJnlvy2Bj2CwffN-Ig8Dy-Zp7w9Jcyd5JV5O0ZfeK4YdwhffYuWwfphjEPfaQ_gv8-tn8vLKjEMRgcsx_aAmye48xFan6b4mwCMnw5Kdl5exP-WSFa_iHQzZJekQB6u9iqsrH7xkVzbBd3Q/s400/Kaiser600jpg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcBuXJaM6jVM33VtUSJ-p2huHwzM3V3UNWzDszh8_G3rfJnlvy2Bj2CwffN-Ig8Dy-Zp7w9Jcyd5JV5O0ZfeK4YdwhffYuWwfphjEPfaQ_gv8-tn8vLKjEMRgcsx_aAmye48xFan6b4mwCMnw5Kdl5exP-WSFa_iHQzZJekQB6u9iqsrH7xkVzbBd3Q/w640-h480/Kaiser600jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I use a Kaiser Baas X 600 action camera</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Unfortunately I packed the wrong charging cable so I was unable to recharge it so I had to limit the amount of use. There is a video but there are no photos of the last day of this trip. Instead here are some photos from when I walked this track back in 2015. You can also watch my vlog of the last day walking out to the Boyle Settlement <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsrGtieaMRE">here</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqS6sFVFg9H3vQazxgoEvKxvlgFpjkh2FLxVJqLkrC808Rr8e3aRQ0XQRPZFfNY08HczTH5ZB-ZF3xLbnRQ-KhI_OdJvflX0FCker7LhWLtOOIf7Tyg5VLb4fARbWQkSWfUCJA2ado8q2UziY4vCsOQN7LHHJH0j4uYb-Tgmm9peyr4xQGVq-K8zg0ew/s1369/Boyle4.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1369" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqS6sFVFg9H3vQazxgoEvKxvlgFpjkh2FLxVJqLkrC808Rr8e3aRQ0XQRPZFfNY08HczTH5ZB-ZF3xLbnRQ-KhI_OdJvflX0FCker7LhWLtOOIf7Tyg5VLb4fARbWQkSWfUCJA2ado8q2UziY4vCsOQN7LHHJH0j4uYb-Tgmm9peyr4xQGVq-K8zg0ew/w640-h418/Boyle4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My vlog about this track section from Boyle Flat to the BOEC</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Another early morning as the three of us staying in the hut overnight headed down valley to the road end at Boyle Village. I was last out of the hut about five minutes after my hut companions and was wearing my full wet weather gear as it was raining quite heavily. </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/AVvXsEi3WJk7hcExfKkKMiwYVFf_HxMs4qLtv-Egu7cex3DVVBjeqv2BSiTYjqjvTmAoegZ95W98K6-XgDFeJo3iI9j9ZSBdihGRssP5ex0VZEGdOn1T2LLvhbw8s45zEAmQ5zkcDpKz_kb93V6Xsij3A3xSWNIf8id7IwHKiRoIzyKuxUcUX4hFDBDdXcM3zw/s853/BoyleMap1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="853" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WJk7hcExfKkKMiwYVFf_HxMs4qLtv-Egu7cex3DVVBjeqv2BSiTYjqjvTmAoegZ95W98K6-XgDFeJo3iI9j9ZSBdihGRssP5ex0VZEGdOn1T2LLvhbw8s45zEAmQ5zkcDpKz_kb93V6Xsij3A3xSWNIf8id7IwHKiRoIzyKuxUcUX4hFDBDdXcM3zw/w640-h616/BoyleMap1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map: St James Walkway in Mid Boyle River</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I've walked this part of the track numerous times now so was well acquainted with what lay in store.</div><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VS5wpyhXi0s/VOpuWglNrpI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/40avDME6WAY/s1600/DSCN4886.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VS5wpyhXi0s/VOpuWglNrpI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/40avDME6WAY/s640/DSCN4886.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Boyle Flat Hut on the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Travel through this section is easy, the track is benched from the hut to the first swing-bridge over the Boyle although there are a number of new slips on the track to be tackled. One of the slips is going to be a problem in the future as the whole side of a hill is slowly breaking down. DOC will eventually need to build a new track way up the hill to get past the slip. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8oWXbKg5C0WqrJtzsyi8JhzCWdf42OjwEF6XEO8VwEtZCGThz1KTEZm4QSoL-TqUzYvGNcpvl1dX6LQMhmRPiMkjevSLkEHRO_OIJAp1WJ2J-2KWvZPH-ETpXGBlrDUQ_x2_vjC86SY/s1600/DSCN4887.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8oWXbKg5C0WqrJtzsyi8JhzCWdf42OjwEF6XEO8VwEtZCGThz1KTEZm4QSoL-TqUzYvGNcpvl1dX6LQMhmRPiMkjevSLkEHRO_OIJAp1WJ2J-2KWvZPH-ETpXGBlrDUQ_x2_vjC86SY/w640-h480/DSCN4887.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Track between Boyle Flat and first swing-bridge, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /> I really like the Upper Boyle Valley because the forest is dense...similar to a West Coast track.</div><div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfqzQ5vR0_QXZlxRjEVW-bVDIjuQB4HeVFAez_OR0RK9gXa4IDk9cSkvSiRuF2hLAa_Y1S81ooquvUmiVUbvPFELZLQZgrtt2kvWUI8umoL3aAqPQ3Efm4BVKsEqLYDxsFSJOO1a7MiY/s1600/DSCN4888.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfqzQ5vR0_QXZlxRjEVW-bVDIjuQB4HeVFAez_OR0RK9gXa4IDk9cSkvSiRuF2hLAa_Y1S81ooquvUmiVUbvPFELZLQZgrtt2kvWUI8umoL3aAqPQ3Efm4BVKsEqLYDxsFSJOO1a7MiY/w640-h480/DSCN4888.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Lush track side growth, Boyle Flat track, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1i72ZCnBWl8juuLEBW1RVRFEb77xQPsA2lYOwZSo7p2v2wODzyHoUXijnvvz7cQCCYAbgF37iujs13LvCCtPAczzfQDbnUzIzPRcffl8X1bB513PVtZI7qUwkSosJRmBmozD47mJmow/s1600/DSCN4889.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1i72ZCnBWl8juuLEBW1RVRFEb77xQPsA2lYOwZSo7p2v2wODzyHoUXijnvvz7cQCCYAbgF37iujs13LvCCtPAczzfQDbnUzIzPRcffl8X1bB513PVtZI7qUwkSosJRmBmozD47mJmow/w640-h480/DSCN4889.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">St James Walkway: Boyle River view south</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eventually you reach the old stile which separates the upper valley from the cattle flats around St Andrews. The swing bridge is about 100 meters further down the track from this spot. You are actually in the Lake Sumner Forest Park once you cross this fence...it is a bit weird but a small section of the Boyle Valley actually sits in that park rather than the St James Conservation Area. </div><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ66ONr2GcOmlAxMxm3SphU4YDJ6Fw0lfYK75dkGIRs-usXNY1tSEuxBxuilSLqacNww1mFv860TstNMVJ2rDY8xqrAD9A52a56nWIlwleX9jiAQRC4TEBGRUJweX_Rc24zsaAl9sMbcc/s1600/DSCN4890.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ66ONr2GcOmlAxMxm3SphU4YDJ6Fw0lfYK75dkGIRs-usXNY1tSEuxBxuilSLqacNww1mFv860TstNMVJ2rDY8xqrAD9A52a56nWIlwleX9jiAQRC4TEBGRUJweX_Rc24zsaAl9sMbcc/s640/DSCN4890.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">St James Walkway: the stile just before Boyle swing-bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><div style="text-align: center;">It takes an hour to get down to the swing-bridge over the Boyle River from Boyle Flat Hut. From here you cross the river and climb up a series of switch back track sections to the top of a plateau. You are walking over the plateau for quite a while before descending back down towards the river. </div><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGXlrgPmNgQ-IwRLfSxymHOV6YlUgNCNc3rcrJNQO1XhKF69OXa3QnJ9uWRHcbgc9lf0Fw9gdeHfcIu30f-FD7t32_gKn39RonnqGFkuwP-_FLfp7_jVe0BmnF8S1AWyf-TSaEbEP-vo/s1600/DSCN4891.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGXlrgPmNgQ-IwRLfSxymHOV6YlUgNCNc3rcrJNQO1XhKF69OXa3QnJ9uWRHcbgc9lf0Fw9gdeHfcIu30f-FD7t32_gKn39RonnqGFkuwP-_FLfp7_jVe0BmnF8S1AWyf-TSaEbEP-vo/w640-h480/DSCN4891.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Swing-bridge over Boyle River, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">On the day the track was wet, slick and muddy so care was required at several points when traversing muddy bogs. Normally you have to carefully jump from log to log, you can plough through but you will end with mud up to your knees. Dry conditions will probably shave at least 40 minutes off the usual time between the two swing bridges over the Boyle River. </div><br /></div><div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xS0QjKp2egrzyaj_oinnhIiIbl062UtjX4_ecPZbUwIHevz6z7Gpz7YkHHhuSuJitiDGkTlHaAtXB2bX3y3oCzx0E2973Zg7npT67VrYwC8dJMRMpuDXfz1zTsaJIFuy3zl78osNE2s/s1600/DSCN4892.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xS0QjKp2egrzyaj_oinnhIiIbl062UtjX4_ecPZbUwIHevz6z7Gpz7YkHHhuSuJitiDGkTlHaAtXB2bX3y3oCzx0E2973Zg7npT67VrYwC8dJMRMpuDXfz1zTsaJIFuy3zl78osNE2s/w640-h480/DSCN4892.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Nice dry conditions on the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKtBr2x5nuLc1U-ABnCXev_r39zdo8t1hB-zTT8mOlznwXwiMge1a8jJVOhatCEEGMLkVgiAT7XmcOFk39_mkn6bcsSI75mYwXww3eaHJWN-LtYsCXe3jJJ8oy3_nxm1D3uN2c3CdpT4/s1600/DSCN4893.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKtBr2x5nuLc1U-ABnCXev_r39zdo8t1hB-zTT8mOlznwXwiMge1a8jJVOhatCEEGMLkVgiAT7XmcOFk39_mkn6bcsSI75mYwXww3eaHJWN-LtYsCXe3jJJ8oy3_nxm1D3uN2c3CdpT4/s640/DSCN4893.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">St James Walkway: near St Andrews Flats<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">NB (2021): DOC have cut a new track section through here which avoids most of the worst mud and undulations. The new track is slightly uphill from the old one and clearly marked...it is a nice piece of track and easier to walk along than the old track. It starts near the high point over looking Magdalen Hut and continues down valley for about four kilometers. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEikToeBCceKRY2224W2WShR73u2gyPrL5Po4xNOFpbwFpVZYyi8v-4P5u-ntCbleAkG3tKj2dnPzDOdSaA4M5Pgc-5rGn0FYpz8Er9BfPPPeUbthXCxgLqUKFxB1qlGY8FenxTkXZHPJA3T5fjEXdTMAUmlLSjvH6oJ6a1Tx4JpOG7RiblUNi41-KgTfA/s1251/BoyleMap2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1251" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikToeBCceKRY2224W2WShR73u2gyPrL5Po4xNOFpbwFpVZYyi8v-4P5u-ntCbleAkG3tKj2dnPzDOdSaA4M5Pgc-5rGn0FYpz8Er9BfPPPeUbthXCxgLqUKFxB1qlGY8FenxTkXZHPJA3T5fjEXdTMAUmlLSjvH6oJ6a1Tx4JpOG7RiblUNi41-KgTfA/w640-h418/BoyleMap2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map: St James Walkway in lower Boyle river</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">It rejoins the old track close to the photo below...</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjFKA4ohYLjS0gU9BndklZ-CtQYOlU8UL5EbfoyrPHqvze0ql8F_lb8fiuIxRR0HKBK-xkE36CqIKQeXUOlqwJIZ-yiOVRpCsMPZf5WAzOKHtkRo9UTi7f1DMqDlLb3LnUYhf1NfqH6M/s1600/DSCN0026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjFKA4ohYLjS0gU9BndklZ-CtQYOlU8UL5EbfoyrPHqvze0ql8F_lb8fiuIxRR0HKBK-xkE36CqIKQeXUOlqwJIZ-yiOVRpCsMPZf5WAzOKHtkRo9UTi7f1DMqDlLb3LnUYhf1NfqH6M/w640-h480/DSCN0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">St James Walkway: half way to Boyle Village</td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><div style="text-align: center;">I love catching my first view of the lower Boyle swing-bridge as it means you are nearly finished. From the bridge there is only the last fairly easy walk of about 1.5 kilometers out to the road end. </div></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcw6eB11QOwYauF3zbsP_vwHuMwV_4gGyA11zXhaRmoV2REcRKTOP1Glv97hounrDuqaNYlhZAKuYBAxqpDuKJnsFHSougYFi3IfafmJpD0HmJiTR8eTirTYY7IH8GDD_1tzWwCkC2EA/s1600/DSCN4894.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcw6eB11QOwYauF3zbsP_vwHuMwV_4gGyA11zXhaRmoV2REcRKTOP1Glv97hounrDuqaNYlhZAKuYBAxqpDuKJnsFHSougYFi3IfafmJpD0HmJiTR8eTirTYY7IH8GDD_1tzWwCkC2EA/s640/DSCN4894.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">St James Walkway: lower Boyle swing bridge...a beautiful sight!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you want to cut about 30 minutes off your walk then look for the side track to the St Andrews 4 W/D road. It is much quicker to walk the final two kilometer's of the track down this road. The side track is marked by the red cross on the map below...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are a purist just stay on the main track and it will eventually dump you out by the BOEC....</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/AVvXsEiUCIzyiyVIA82oVHSrDbGa00lEQKZewic9T3G5Nh02y6FUmikiYv3BGV3XPFtPWNAqWqZ4t6aAiha8f2fLY3Xrzop8oRX8pj7b8h1nauUKr2N68AYswpVge1xEGAe5vqoHyzHHLF1RUao/s1066/BoyleMap.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1066" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCIzyiyVIA82oVHSrDbGa00lEQKZewic9T3G5Nh02y6FUmikiYv3BGV3XPFtPWNAqWqZ4t6aAiha8f2fLY3Xrzop8oRX8pj7b8h1nauUKr2N68AYswpVge1xEGAe5vqoHyzHHLF1RUao/w640-h468/BoyleMap.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map: lower Boyle River Valley, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEgMxgp286sSDUWGX-BdUxlaRFe4PbqTD_ROohWkIQl7G2NCgj7tc9Y8S2pkywKdLT3wI-B9_HGkKdzzKZxYJK4lzdxVQ1CpmF0b3bButK2y005eepQ4yXaJBpK-zx2oJrV4IDI3pqqrB_k/s4000/DSCN0137.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxgp286sSDUWGX-BdUxlaRFe4PbqTD_ROohWkIQl7G2NCgj7tc9Y8S2pkywKdLT3wI-B9_HGkKdzzKZxYJK4lzdxVQ1CpmF0b3bButK2y005eepQ4yXaJBpK-zx2oJrV4IDI3pqqrB_k/w640-h480/DSCN0137.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the 4 W/D road from the Boyle swing bridge to the BOEC</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It took me about four hours to walk from Boyle Flat to the Outdoor Education Center which is the standard time for this track. I am hoping to come up here for a trip into Magdalen Hut as part of my Winter 2023 series starting soon. I will make sure to film that trip and attach it to the end of this post. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><h4 class="separator" style="clear: both;">Best and worst bits of the St James Walkway</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Best part of the tramp was the whole section from Lewis Pass to the Christopher River as the Spencer Mountains are spectacular. They loam above you and really would not look out of place in Fiordland, Mt Aspiring or Arthurs Pass. This is enhanced when they are covered in snow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEgBzim1E1yeWM-6eUYWLpq66iK4YUBNafg5nCebi9SsA87eerhxLbyntCemDaPrvPAG8Z7XbjVoK4YO5kY5CFOcSb-gWUJRIRm67r0VK0sl201jIcesxZJ1S4Fv2oAuifn7EaaIWZbbQ-w/s2048/DSCN4833.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzim1E1yeWM-6eUYWLpq66iK4YUBNafg5nCebi9SsA87eerhxLbyntCemDaPrvPAG8Z7XbjVoK4YO5kY5CFOcSb-gWUJRIRm67r0VK0sl201jIcesxZJ1S4Fv2oAuifn7EaaIWZbbQ-w/w640-h480/DSCN4833.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The magnificent Faerie Queene, the Spencer Range in 2015</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anne Hut is awesome...I know it is new and does not have much character yet BUT a lot of thought went into the design and it shows. It is typical of the new style huts being built by DOC since the mid 2010's. It is one of the finest huts I have stayed in outside of the Great Walks and will gain character as time passes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEgOJl1SEBkMQWgedhFLgBzAWjQQoGttHDYmSEX8DHYPrHizcKUsDDhii42bRMeFmcUrqpVZPUfGkbdhDXxdAjSoOXuLcFMx0h01GPA7C7a2kyS00bGzE4M3ztSXgx3WGf7H0B0_0P2Oj9u38YJsUJBumxayJCIgMQPfUHqoMwbX44FADbkqWcX1P5mbPA/s6000/IMG_0938.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJl1SEBkMQWgedhFLgBzAWjQQoGttHDYmSEX8DHYPrHizcKUsDDhii42bRMeFmcUrqpVZPUfGkbdhDXxdAjSoOXuLcFMx0h01GPA7C7a2kyS00bGzE4M3ztSXgx3WGf7H0B0_0P2Oj9u38YJsUJBumxayJCIgMQPfUHqoMwbX44FADbkqWcX1P5mbPA/w640-h426/IMG_0938.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of the excellent Anne Hut, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also love those wide grass plains you walk across in the many valleys you traverse. They are generally good travel but they were a bit overgrown this time around. The grassland valleys were certainly easier to walk than the section from Lewis Pass to Cannibal Gorge Hut.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><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/AVvXsEj0bG4o6OgjRTJNQvJQVKq2eEen_8WWxlEhyphenhyphenMJBWpHASE96lsbQsDT6xwP5b9GZxR16evCfdWdmoWqadndcghEBcR9lFj7BGAsyFNBu56zTRN4dYBK5YhgKNt2OC38ElpjCpU1QzwTbDp8/s2048/DSCN3155.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bG4o6OgjRTJNQvJQVKq2eEen_8WWxlEhyphenhyphenMJBWpHASE96lsbQsDT6xwP5b9GZxR16evCfdWdmoWqadndcghEBcR9lFj7BGAsyFNBu56zTRN4dYBK5YhgKNt2OC38ElpjCpU1QzwTbDp8/w640-h480/DSCN3155.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The DOC sign for the St James Walkway near BOEC</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The worst part was the hour I spent walking around Mt Federation and up the start of the Henry Valley. It was easier this time around as I was only walking from Christopher Hut but the track is not fantastic. It is a pity you cannot walk along the river bank but all the marshy areas make this impossible. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Would I walk the St James Walkway again?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would certainly walk this track again and here are a couple of things I might do differently next time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Jq78KQ_Hgoxa0NY6RPoZkKFIVR522SlAwitlURFm2ezeeM-hOvYGecR-RRHRT_qIAb0cHOteH7csT7dZ-4aG8VNKuL1itDjbAr9SycdmDcBq3RAbqYXsz318PJDZEk4WuiJMa59zr5o/s2048/DSCN4851.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Jq78KQ_Hgoxa0NY6RPoZkKFIVR522SlAwitlURFm2ezeeM-hOvYGecR-RRHRT_qIAb0cHOteH7csT7dZ-4aG8VNKuL1itDjbAr9SycdmDcBq3RAbqYXsz318PJDZEk4WuiJMa59zr5o/w640-h480/DSCN4851.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St James Walkway: the Libretto Range from Anne Hut...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1. Walk it in the opposite direction from BOEC to Lewis Pass...just for a different take on the track.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2. Walk the track in Winter to experience it in snow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">3. Camp and not stay in the huts...you can camp anywhere along this track except near Ada Homestead...then you can walk a length of track each day that suits your own needs. Best done in fine weather.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">4. I would like to walk in from Boyle Settlement to Anne Hut and then traverse the rest of the Waiau Valley down to the St James Cycleway and over the mountains to Hanmer...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><b>This should be one of you your must do tramps...</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Awesome trip and much recommended to all you Kiwis out there...it is a relatively easy 4-5 day tramp suitable for everyone. Do it before it becomes a Great Walk...it was a runner up the last time they were looking at new Great Walk Tracks but lost out to the Humpridge Track. It is a awesome candidate for Great Walk status with a variety of terrain and a relatively easy route. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEjwnDbbDemorRin_A8srcOGSyUzv9zYwpVHmC26p5dJ8YI_gMfUGuUL-NTyZtb4zA5MRkwYANvt6ifghz1OxS9IswXCSx7tJ12ddblFWUfVOn6Itx3PBMHo-7A6KfT-J8sDl9VXJ-GRfHqMQ2uRtbzYS793jU1J_t57Og-1Nf05MAYAZ3JoHbIs1rMVIg/s1400/humpridgetrack-okakalodgewebversion.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1400" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnDbbDemorRin_A8srcOGSyUzv9zYwpVHmC26p5dJ8YI_gMfUGuUL-NTyZtb4zA5MRkwYANvt6ifghz1OxS9IswXCSx7tJ12ddblFWUfVOn6Itx3PBMHo-7A6KfT-J8sDl9VXJ-GRfHqMQ2uRtbzYS793jU1J_t57Og-1Nf05MAYAZ3JoHbIs1rMVIg/w640-h410/humpridgetrack-okakalodgewebversion.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hump Ridge officially became a Great Walk in April 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You should put your boots on and give it a go before it becomes a Great Walk tourist Mecca and bookings are impossible to get. </div><br style="text-align: left;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>Access:</b> From SH 7 (Lewis Pass Highway), the track starts at Lewis Pass Tarns, southern terminus is at Boyle Village.</div><div><b>Track Times:</b> Day one: From Lewis Pass- 2.5 hours to Cannibal Gorge Hut, another 1.5-2 hours to Ada Pass Hut: Day two: 3 hours to Ada Cullers Hut, another hour to Christopher Hut. Day three was a pit day! Day Four: 5 hours to Anne Hut from Christopher Hut</div><div><b>Hut Details:</b> Cannibal Gorge Hut: serviced, 20 bunks, water tank, wood burner, toilets, wood shed: Ada Pass Hut: serviced, 14 bunks, water tank, wood burner, toilets, wood shed: Ada Cullers Hut: basic, 4 bunks, water from stream: Christopher Hut: serviced, 20 bunks, water tanks, wood burner, toilet, wood shed: Anne Hut: serviced, 24 bunks, water tanks, wood burner, toilets, wood shed: Boyle Flat Hut: serviced, 20 bunks, water tank, wood burner, toilet, wood shed</div><div><b>Miscellaneous: </b>Severe avalanche risk<b> </b>in Winter/Spring, some un-bridged side streams. The walkway is in a high alpine area and as such is prone to extreme weather. </div><div><b>You Tube:</b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hefCi2Z9Ymc">Anne Hut to Boyle Flat Hut</a></div><div><span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsrGtieaMRE">Boyle Flat Hut to Boyle Settlement</a><br /></span></div>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Saint James Walkway, New Zealand-42.3919262 172.4914788-70.702160036178839 137.3352288 -14.081692363821155 -152.35227120000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-90049653556591343372023-04-30T18:28:00.005-07:002023-05-10T15:13:10.906-07:00St James Conservation Area: St James Walkway: 27th March -1 April 2023: Day 4<h3 style="text-align: center;">...more St James Walkway adventures...</h3><p style="text-align: center;">Continuing on from the start of my tramp on the St James Walkway lets look at day four of my trip. At the end of the previous post I was having a pit day at Christopher Hut due to bad weather. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjIiR7ls-_-G05fFSRr7T7oVfwRRPSj4bu04M-Vbyq1_xNBdnzJ4QqJvIkoTOb-IfTwpME2778R4F02zeko6Y5RNC6GGegVqxNSpWE5p1dSt9SCa9yCW3Rdj009DxM_jhghT4YntvwMtU4mluqUFRl4_bHbh6u5jw6S-Y6bW9oESZdrfv_fWGA1s_8Q/s6000/IMG_0934.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjIiR7ls-_-G05fFSRr7T7oVfwRRPSj4bu04M-Vbyq1_xNBdnzJ4QqJvIkoTOb-IfTwpME2778R4F02zeko6Y5RNC6GGegVqxNSpWE5p1dSt9SCa9yCW3Rdj009DxM_jhghT4YntvwMtU4mluqUFRl4_bHbh6u5jw6S-Y6bW9oESZdrfv_fWGA1s_8Q/w640-h426/IMG_0934.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the approach to Anne Hut on Day four</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">On day four I set out from Christopher Hut on the 4-5 hour trip to Anne Hut further along the walkway. It is by far the easiest day of the track as you are walking across flat grassy plains for most of the way. The only difficult part of this trip was a bit of a dodgy track on the true right of the Henry River where a section of track had collapsed into the river. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h4>Day 4: Christopher Hut to Anne Hut</h4><div style="text-align: center;">The weather on day four of my trip was much better so I was able to continue my trip. I set off from the hut at 8.00 am on the 13 km, 5 hour trek to Anne Hut on the far side of Mt Federation. The whole day was valley travel so most of the walking was across flat grassy ground. </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/AVvXsEhf46JMA0EcMWjQCdm7LTlwM1apBAvio2lRtahBtzTlWv_7L5GSuIe8Ky7J23gMWjZ45gQG4PQRrMrko_sTnV3cO3WJvCZupdJsuGbZf1RPZ1zIYJheNrTlct9KvirydEP25bETTCO9COcfkCbbr4a-Fd783355Fq4RoBjGAaIJr9q1XgWBeo8t8ZJg3g/s6000/IMG_0832.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf46JMA0EcMWjQCdm7LTlwM1apBAvio2lRtahBtzTlWv_7L5GSuIe8Ky7J23gMWjZ45gQG4PQRrMrko_sTnV3cO3WJvCZupdJsuGbZf1RPZ1zIYJheNrTlct9KvirydEP25bETTCO9COcfkCbbr4a-Fd783355Fq4RoBjGAaIJr9q1XgWBeo8t8ZJg3g/w640-h426/IMG_0832.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucking into a brew on the morning of Day 4...Christopher Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was still cloudy and a little cold as I started walking and the cloud at the far end of the valley looked a bit menacing but in the event it was a fairly pleasant walk. The Spencer Mountains had a good coating of snow on them from the weather the previous day. I could see the occasional avalanche track running down the snow slopes especially on the Faerie Queene.</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/AVvXsEg0cT3-WKXQiPBPCR3WX-XZW9R6EiwvNqjBJCov3NfYyFq5e851sIgetWaA8PyI6b0ztbZlFAk1IzN8pHgjlViyC9GKRKASkmsEaujRVtT4frK0tpoCwF_hMu2LZmWq4w-zFXslge-ulOsSece0ZPdxyIVl3qzFKVULTcrGlpo1-zHiZpm6-lyXRC3wQg/s6000/IMG_0833.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cT3-WKXQiPBPCR3WX-XZW9R6EiwvNqjBJCov3NfYyFq5e851sIgetWaA8PyI6b0ztbZlFAk1IzN8pHgjlViyC9GKRKASkmsEaujRVtT4frK0tpoCwF_hMu2LZmWq4w-zFXslge-ulOsSece0ZPdxyIVl3qzFKVULTcrGlpo1-zHiZpm6-lyXRC3wQg/w640-h426/IMG_0833.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Faerie Queene was well covered with snow</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/AVvXsEhWs9V0uJao_kvYsXH3Np5LRHwlRVgiA43Wh9RwoXuZ-jxlA9rC0-aIHqBlSNdlzvDzOxy9HNTG-wHrJ3Ffc82pOYSwly4POJOLF0yOm3N0COFjL7Hpwj5YpvDhWGhD4wNs27OF1tcnB8RPn03yOft4BjysiR2-aw1DtAGmVVsUOXnPBl1pfirM8yNCKg/s6000/IMG_0834.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWs9V0uJao_kvYsXH3Np5LRHwlRVgiA43Wh9RwoXuZ-jxlA9rC0-aIHqBlSNdlzvDzOxy9HNTG-wHrJ3Ffc82pOYSwly4POJOLF0yOm3N0COFjL7Hpwj5YpvDhWGhD4wNs27OF1tcnB8RPn03yOft4BjysiR2-aw1DtAGmVVsUOXnPBl1pfirM8yNCKg/w640-h426/IMG_0834.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow on the Faerie Queene emphasizes the size of the peak</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was a dusting of snow down the valley on the Glenrae Hills around Lake Guyon. Anyone coming in over Fowler Pass would have had a slippery and cold journey. </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/AVvXsEghORpEwy9OwNHVSux7dsSb123aWtB_njJ4jW5k9vnpZrvZk0VrHBovGq3IGSQsce2ofdFoKK-JtbD8MABzKihRdNxc-z1TE2_UpKTLMtlltD-___YTb0pRxpVGD1F7NXDNzvxmXkIWMpBErkqQORbor2bm-cqbUB8SYEE4qkpPvNL2fdnF0jD0q4CdMQ/s6000/IMG_0835.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghORpEwy9OwNHVSux7dsSb123aWtB_njJ4jW5k9vnpZrvZk0VrHBovGq3IGSQsce2ofdFoKK-JtbD8MABzKihRdNxc-z1TE2_UpKTLMtlltD-___YTb0pRxpVGD1F7NXDNzvxmXkIWMpBErkqQORbor2bm-cqbUB8SYEE4qkpPvNL2fdnF0jD0q4CdMQ/w640-h426/IMG_0835.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the Ada Valley from in front of Christopher Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was pleased to be on the move once again but sad to leave my refuge at Christopher Hut. It had been a great place to spend a couple of days and I hope I get to visit it once again. I will have to find some reason to come back up here...maybe a trip up the Christopher River.</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/AVvXsEjAeny-qvw0Yi1PjtgbgmRRzf80lQCIDeEpMTWvZqYXHxFmcLsVs99FTxwS5R6T-dnIJTV3-d5jwPW_HUQOPYn58ym996L1cQVXmlP9t5sTzRfyitOPXDBgSygbGszVB7uF_zKA02Z9RjrQX1a_YgUD5l3RHZIHCvv7V6Cf01lsg3Gufkq2QE5x1Avdyg/s6000/IMG_0837.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeny-qvw0Yi1PjtgbgmRRzf80lQCIDeEpMTWvZqYXHxFmcLsVs99FTxwS5R6T-dnIJTV3-d5jwPW_HUQOPYn58ym996L1cQVXmlP9t5sTzRfyitOPXDBgSygbGszVB7uF_zKA02Z9RjrQX1a_YgUD5l3RHZIHCvv7V6Cf01lsg3Gufkq2QE5x1Avdyg/w640-h426/IMG_0837.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christopher Hut, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first part of the day was walking across the river flats to the bottom of Mt Federation near Ada Homestead. This part of the track was easy walking as it is just flat ground covered with scattered grass, tussock and some Matagouri trees. </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/AVvXsEgMlYOy70uu030xWevAK697sala8ojNJKeedQGE9WaUFNXZxRxZ23KzMGbIEN2FjJjJBV4sxfGw8Uog7CgG7iwlrnnLMzFJlXJzuN4U7XhVoCIqOV7cjEFGxTYC1CjUOX8HZkYN9xAl8-YuHskddgC67slZMv55nL-tbt9-OT65FeWaXKWEdt6wDZSBrQ/s6000/IMG_0838.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlYOy70uu030xWevAK697sala8ojNJKeedQGE9WaUFNXZxRxZ23KzMGbIEN2FjJjJBV4sxfGw8Uog7CgG7iwlrnnLMzFJlXJzuN4U7XhVoCIqOV7cjEFGxTYC1CjUOX8HZkYN9xAl8-YuHskddgC67slZMv55nL-tbt9-OT65FeWaXKWEdt6wDZSBrQ/w640-h426/IMG_0838.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I prepare to set off to Anne Hut, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If you are lucky you will see some of the wild St James horses near here...they often congregate on the bush edge close to Christopher Hut. These are descendants of farm animals released in the early 20th century to provide a supply of hardy animals for St James Station. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It must be a hard life up here for them in winter as they sometimes get three meter snowfalls in this area. Unfortunately I did not see any this trip although the hunters said they had been active before the bad weather arrived. One of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJK_2kz3Qx0">Kiwi vloggers</a> I follow had multiple interactions with them when he visited last week so I was just unlucky this time around. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tLODlSaBT7o/VOpt6M1Y5RI/AAAAAAAAFGU/eIECshuBjV8/s1600/DSCN4839.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tLODlSaBT7o/VOpt6M1Y5RI/AAAAAAAAFGU/eIECshuBjV8/s640/DSCN4839.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">St James Walkway: wild St James Horses from 2015 </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I said the start of the day is easy travel across expansive grasslands this then turns into a miserable rocky, swampy grovel around the lower slopes of Mt Federation. The track is hemmed in between the Ada River and Mt Federation making for a lot of climbing and descending spurs. This is never good terrain for a track but at least it only takes an hour to get past this section. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEgmp2qdQKZ_xbbDM52Vbb-dnrHJ5-3hgC_lce4CJ12ZbPYCyx6dqsjTJ1i6fldhQke1ouQnUfRuab-wEWuiwSpagXx3tVBZjsVgEdbXVTWZMesbZ-xdHGE78urCIufJ01mEnoV1n5Cm-96E6c0v0-gHMN5OvCrKoscOAcRfz_LXoNWDT8feTwJtb0V9rA/s6000/IMG_0841.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp2qdQKZ_xbbDM52Vbb-dnrHJ5-3hgC_lce4CJ12ZbPYCyx6dqsjTJ1i6fldhQke1ouQnUfRuab-wEWuiwSpagXx3tVBZjsVgEdbXVTWZMesbZ-xdHGE78urCIufJ01mEnoV1n5Cm-96E6c0v0-gHMN5OvCrKoscOAcRfz_LXoNWDT8feTwJtb0V9rA/w640-h426/IMG_0841.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading towards Mt Federation on the St James 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/AVvXsEigZapPtu0YezrHTdWr1jDCSn4F2GWOItpkl9B-bylzwoYoR57AtmIlBOdn25CFAIRUO2BPuvzxgLY9Gx0H_ltlR0ixknnUYqk0ZHhwjKVdy5_96VJ-REyZu7QfXtAz9m2eGxFDnG5B6xsWiNj5znQyhAVOG5ba_ywzzZDJPlQWXEFAsVCDWKNsmlbikg/s6000/IMG_0842.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZapPtu0YezrHTdWr1jDCSn4F2GWOItpkl9B-bylzwoYoR57AtmIlBOdn25CFAIRUO2BPuvzxgLY9Gx0H_ltlR0ixknnUYqk0ZHhwjKVdy5_96VJ-REyZu7QfXtAz9m2eGxFDnG5B6xsWiNj5znQyhAVOG5ba_ywzzZDJPlQWXEFAsVCDWKNsmlbikg/w640-h426/IMG_0842.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faerie Queene from further down the Ada 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/AVvXsEhXZ9p7udoYkn-mykp41MZZTP3iMutQyXXdnXD2tDlOMS-VwuxV9yRy9eOmk1iiZnILIRTO7etLGza3vQHRjheo0_HH8geImYMwHjdaDnuhqeqLT-LZKdzRZanfhnmGMdJTD8s-T2Eojc9d5VEuqruPf-pirT0aVYpsKZuLOApC7aOF3vQDfgJl7iK4pQ/s6000/IMG_0844.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZ9p7udoYkn-mykp41MZZTP3iMutQyXXdnXD2tDlOMS-VwuxV9yRy9eOmk1iiZnILIRTO7etLGza3vQHRjheo0_HH8geImYMwHjdaDnuhqeqLT-LZKdzRZanfhnmGMdJTD8s-T2Eojc9d5VEuqruPf-pirT0aVYpsKZuLOApC7aOF3vQDfgJl7iK4pQ/w640-h426/IMG_0844.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east towards the distant Ada Homestead</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The walk down the Ada Valley is through a mixture of Matagouri and tussock. I could see a lot of wild pig sign around here as well as obvious tracks from the wild horses. The track is well marked with snow poles but the ground path is really obvious and easy to follow.</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/AVvXsEiRvSdEVfXPzgh7dmxoR5bZXwP1CMFZpSk-XEASaoDtxpAFv5Lmm6qlT32E40J4-1mN7sSzOG4lGhBE6hj13brLCDd4rsI8HJXASDh9JppynS6uMFtSijaH9MhLu0ph8gD5inu_nlW30ihQNc9oPwl84Ex3TrT1mc0OjmYjxXfQz35z1FpRNtHF12MuBA/s6000/IMG_0846.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvSdEVfXPzgh7dmxoR5bZXwP1CMFZpSk-XEASaoDtxpAFv5Lmm6qlT32E40J4-1mN7sSzOG4lGhBE6hj13brLCDd4rsI8HJXASDh9JppynS6uMFtSijaH9MhLu0ph8gD5inu_nlW30ihQNc9oPwl84Ex3TrT1mc0OjmYjxXfQz35z1FpRNtHF12MuBA/w640-h426/IMG_0846.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matagouri trees in the Ada Valley, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjzhaRnAkrGqYGM_eSvLd1aWn1n3S8R6Og8Iy3OOD_3476rkkoH8J-UKQYANBW2Fp5QqW1NIMY4w-nQwlQyZLFqmIwhzuvUURgmj6NrDLt6mxxEy_pE0D_serlQhSj8N5L8NCMJgaqB3pB7tt14KBQ_YsYmYSAp2Q8x5Kkgg-z9AlbVdcOz-8HXnxjEqA/s6000/IMG_0849.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhaRnAkrGqYGM_eSvLd1aWn1n3S8R6Og8Iy3OOD_3476rkkoH8J-UKQYANBW2Fp5QqW1NIMY4w-nQwlQyZLFqmIwhzuvUURgmj6NrDLt6mxxEy_pE0D_serlQhSj8N5L8NCMJgaqB3pB7tt14KBQ_YsYmYSAp2Q8x5Kkgg-z9AlbVdcOz-8HXnxjEqA/w640-h426/IMG_0849.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faerie Queene from near Ada Homestead, St James 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/AVvXsEgjcPd-u0TKt6i89mPt0TMZtrJ3kKoiv_jWLY2-Ij9GXl67oT98cd2p53c0k8Lo6uZ2z0v0OGtjqFpDVh55534ed5A9t03WqDSZ7vcpr8IrCRQgpUmEao3xbWsjP0aGsBTaFrrpIOX6ZrHGXxrxgWA0ypCOeSUqJkN2LKS8MHuHRxDVolBSmdsyDMdotA/s6000/IMG_0851.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcPd-u0TKt6i89mPt0TMZtrJ3kKoiv_jWLY2-Ij9GXl67oT98cd2p53c0k8Lo6uZ2z0v0OGtjqFpDVh55534ed5A9t03WqDSZ7vcpr8IrCRQgpUmEao3xbWsjP0aGsBTaFrrpIOX6ZrHGXxrxgWA0ypCOeSUqJkN2LKS8MHuHRxDVolBSmdsyDMdotA/w640-h426/IMG_0851.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the Ada River flats near Mt Federation</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mt Federation juts down to the edge of the Ada River as you make your way past Ada Homestead. The river flats shrink from about 3 kilometers wide to less than 500 meters. From the flank of Mt Federation to the rivers edge would only be 20-40 meters wide at the narrowest point.</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/AVvXsEi4kftKVatOFnDCwprbatwXsVUjwQeMeLjRRRb8BDFgJYtTk4qb770IS5Yqo6IosWCY7yZVLw55pUx32Qs2p1UoLojUAto0Mi5MGdEafrYEDfN1FcLuvKFU_1Ge51Z8wgUa5JiaURC1CkcWoCpfgBayOHgJB9fCt6ahWy9PgQx4sX3jXR9rLIz_FnmJeQ/s6000/IMG_0852.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kftKVatOFnDCwprbatwXsVUjwQeMeLjRRRb8BDFgJYtTk4qb770IS5Yqo6IosWCY7yZVLw55pUx32Qs2p1UoLojUAto0Mi5MGdEafrYEDfN1FcLuvKFU_1Ge51Z8wgUa5JiaURC1CkcWoCpfgBayOHgJB9fCt6ahWy9PgQx4sX3jXR9rLIz_FnmJeQ/w640-h426/IMG_0852.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern side of Mt Federation (1612) from the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the end of the easy travel for the next hour or so: from this point the track is irritating. It runs up and down the lower slopes of Mt Federation, you are never more than 100 meters from the river but because it is swampy you cannot walk on the river terraces. It is also over grown in a number of spots. <br /><br />As we say in Kiwiland...noice!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLQJvQl1hasjGqSdrVVLH9ZBDkNpI8SMu1PD4IVEcTz7A1VC3HfIatDe9LkUhhtPcF9wJjwrKLN3WHhasTrvL2Xfgc35TgtiUTaHeWMW4FLdoQoK0h2LZFB0rpsLfWHWQD-QFz5QI2NThM1A93Hr0Oo_KrTSSGLr3lOczjKxN8dHaapAmm29ZDuk0DA/s6000/IMG_0855.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLQJvQl1hasjGqSdrVVLH9ZBDkNpI8SMu1PD4IVEcTz7A1VC3HfIatDe9LkUhhtPcF9wJjwrKLN3WHhasTrvL2Xfgc35TgtiUTaHeWMW4FLdoQoK0h2LZFB0rpsLfWHWQD-QFz5QI2NThM1A93Hr0Oo_KrTSSGLr3lOczjKxN8dHaapAmm29ZDuk0DA/w640-h426/IMG_0855.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river flats contract as you start to round Mt Federation, Ada Valley</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="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/AVvXsEib9gt7Ma8cAWTzLmD9O28keiZ5ondTkqb-Po1K6w7Y1CpFKBv_hIjJCgFZDg45kWWSha7zbuWh60V_a5O7r3Z3-bQNMDUAUSQmyJoLF32weBPGvzeue2N2zS_wHNZ4wUQ3LlsQjvg7VOpMI8z2XPT4GLOML2rCsv4Obg-LK6lSOJdTbsfjuqZEryhXpQ/s6000/IMG_0860.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9gt7Ma8cAWTzLmD9O28keiZ5ondTkqb-Po1K6w7Y1CpFKBv_hIjJCgFZDg45kWWSha7zbuWh60V_a5O7r3Z3-bQNMDUAUSQmyJoLF32weBPGvzeue2N2zS_wHNZ4wUQ3LlsQjvg7VOpMI8z2XPT4GLOML2rCsv4Obg-LK6lSOJdTbsfjuqZEryhXpQ/w640-h426/IMG_0860.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indistinct track around Mt Federation, St James 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/AVvXsEgvqgUSZCNTrevOlaC5vXFpCOLXW9FJIuHjh_hNx3ZosuigxEiH-Z1_bEcI3Vllt68ZhqQhhm0DhzW6RmkkrHnN3aDmZXvajpJBfcRA43XUTxerGrzO47rKaP5atiQzNQWCc7qejMcKbny9VYBfLrCAeSLykWU3YncvzQbgNhv62-5B0xZKjEdLSIr73w/s6000/IMG_0862.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqgUSZCNTrevOlaC5vXFpCOLXW9FJIuHjh_hNx3ZosuigxEiH-Z1_bEcI3Vllt68ZhqQhhm0DhzW6RmkkrHnN3aDmZXvajpJBfcRA43XUTxerGrzO47rKaP5atiQzNQWCc7qejMcKbny9VYBfLrCAeSLykWU3YncvzQbgNhv62-5B0xZKjEdLSIr73w/w640-h426/IMG_0862.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geese on the banks of the Ada River near Ada Homestead</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That is Ada Homestead in the distance on the true left of the river. This area once housed a working sheep and cattle station on leased DOC land between the Spencer Mountains and <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/stjames">St James Conservation Area</a>. It is usually un-occupied only being used when DOC teams have work to do up these valleys. </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/AVvXsEgyq-lRxPuT4XGuZiRDrtgeBJkwfjxPQTrlaICoMcxv7kTwnZOkr5-5eBMUp890ZF2ikkmJep22u77DApa0XqX-JFCBIOVhVgrhInsJor7zgOG9lYCSPA97uhjHtmcHKse19kF6SQAyQ6XIoITUnkPk-yoSK2kIud_ctzvOC7bLGJSxR6C5FQN41XlKsg/s6000/IMG_0864.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyq-lRxPuT4XGuZiRDrtgeBJkwfjxPQTrlaICoMcxv7kTwnZOkr5-5eBMUp890ZF2ikkmJep22u77DApa0XqX-JFCBIOVhVgrhInsJor7zgOG9lYCSPA97uhjHtmcHKse19kF6SQAyQ6XIoITUnkPk-yoSK2kIud_ctzvOC7bLGJSxR6C5FQN41XlKsg/w640-h426/IMG_0864.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distant view of Ada Homestead, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uFMyulNOGA/VOpt8vgksyI/AAAAAAAAFG4/fDLwooN6Qeg/s1600/DSCN4843.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uFMyulNOGA/VOpt8vgksyI/AAAAAAAAFG4/fDLwooN6Qeg/s640/DSCN4843.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Close up of the Ada Homestead from the St James Walkway (2015)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a limited view up the Waiau River Valley from near Ada Homestead. You can see up the valley towards Waiau Pass and the north eastern edge of Nelson Lakes NP. This is the route the Te Araroa Trail follows so this section of the St James Walkway is very busy over the summer months. </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; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbro0hq5SZvX6YZaIP2HkqArNuKGEugeK_beUiB9sLJmnaLdQOrRz-jC3_UotoHrrpIUAUGtu86DOq1vq1xxj87Pslq2g9jRENUl7fNa68ddx17_2FLT1eE6SvbXOU2465J9sgs8CMALjHO7vh8Zg-k5WUqkqZ3wS5JrJ2_oIHB8DYofsD3mLpMvLJw/s6000/IMG_0866.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbro0hq5SZvX6YZaIP2HkqArNuKGEugeK_beUiB9sLJmnaLdQOrRz-jC3_UotoHrrpIUAUGtu86DOq1vq1xxj87Pslq2g9jRENUl7fNa68ddx17_2FLT1eE6SvbXOU2465J9sgs8CMALjHO7vh8Zg-k5WUqkqZ3wS5JrJ2_oIHB8DYofsD3mLpMvLJw/w640-h426/IMG_0866.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View up the Waiau River Valley from the St James 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/AVvXsEhtsrDR1Daax7RBcMOBAh_8mNJ7LSS7bhBae3MrRJ2F9Q972CNZxGB3nnHWQeGfTQ6S8zwV9DUNrgIziHxFzAdFvbV5lxb8JLpE1QKj8zXt8PcuR_dAhq8Tbo23YyUyk25i-xVWZ7S07VYF7CA0VkpM2EGyO8bs-XtxMl3xNbltCu1Tx59WBwtnCouJ0Q/s6000/IMG_0873.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsrDR1Daax7RBcMOBAh_8mNJ7LSS7bhBae3MrRJ2F9Q972CNZxGB3nnHWQeGfTQ6S8zwV9DUNrgIziHxFzAdFvbV5lxb8JLpE1QKj8zXt8PcuR_dAhq8Tbo23YyUyk25i-xVWZ7S07VYF7CA0VkpM2EGyO8bs-XtxMl3xNbltCu1Tx59WBwtnCouJ0Q/w640-h426/IMG_0873.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View up the Waiau River Valley from beyond Ada Homestead</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You have to climb up the flank of Mt Federation near the Waiau-Ada confluence to avoid swampy terrain. The track weaves in and out of some Matagouri and low scrub. There are a couple of small slips where the track has washed away. I just about fell off the track as it crumbled away beneath me so watch your footing. </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/AVvXsEg1nXQHAXd4NCFJdbhInX_YaehWth7qWoDyUQnncAqWku_-Ji-zPX4Re0Fh3B50dqiFAQVfh1f0uAdzuxOejPwKbiR6Dr0Xq6xjSbGNcPPDS0OlotI-GCQdSREc6PteTwwNZjU5W3WDXyfm3L-MORCtWfv519U8VRacRALg6PnKi0XdOnMEWQjXRZgaNA/s6000/IMG_0868.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nXQHAXd4NCFJdbhInX_YaehWth7qWoDyUQnncAqWku_-Ji-zPX4Re0Fh3B50dqiFAQVfh1f0uAdzuxOejPwKbiR6Dr0Xq6xjSbGNcPPDS0OlotI-GCQdSREc6PteTwwNZjU5W3WDXyfm3L-MORCtWfv519U8VRacRALg6PnKi0XdOnMEWQjXRZgaNA/w640-h426/IMG_0868.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St James Walkway sidles along the bottom of Mt Federation</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/AVvXsEiSbG_3P3veiEa_v3r6mpSIHtEb_FFD95HUrgT9JApCaJc_VsehrDvIHov2_bdLx_N6gT-TS0giP7_iaajqv35yYZicmy0xX-kKOSi9cKnfehHOVEPOaatEa2s-M8v42keG1ohej89csRUuetQzLVC8n_PrmioE53HNV8JQq1myYi5mKdBN6bHH5QfAug/s6000/IMG_0870.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbG_3P3veiEa_v3r6mpSIHtEb_FFD95HUrgT9JApCaJc_VsehrDvIHov2_bdLx_N6gT-TS0giP7_iaajqv35yYZicmy0xX-kKOSi9cKnfehHOVEPOaatEa2s-M8v42keG1ohej89csRUuetQzLVC8n_PrmioE53HNV8JQq1myYi5mKdBN6bHH5QfAug/w640-h426/IMG_0870.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View east along the Waiau River Valley towards McArthur Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjSFXIq2-PnVI0LD3x5OdANfXF-I1dxK7HBFMbxxnpBnBjNAcExRbWkih7qy63pREBO2ctUY7XQlbhG1Of0ik1j3NHVrIwyyDh_WztdgQJrXL4-EntihXPCv66Z6Yuy6ggvnGZRsIjT-jAQlZGROV4adSBp_M0ZOCw6hRlSd7ibKBg9lAdQ5ILNGrLPow/s6000/IMG_0874.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFXIq2-PnVI0LD3x5OdANfXF-I1dxK7HBFMbxxnpBnBjNAcExRbWkih7qy63pREBO2ctUY7XQlbhG1Of0ik1j3NHVrIwyyDh_WztdgQJrXL4-EntihXPCv66Z6Yuy6ggvnGZRsIjT-jAQlZGROV4adSBp_M0ZOCw6hRlSd7ibKBg9lAdQ5ILNGrLPow/w640-h426/IMG_0874.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last section of the Ada River heading towards Waiau Confluence</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The track from Waiau Pass joins the St James Walkway near Ada Homestead. Te Araroa walkers often need to walk some distance up the Christopher Valley to cross the river. As you can imagine the combined flow from the Ada, Christopher and Waiau Rivers can be substantial at times. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="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/AVvXsEhsE3Hu409nShzjCvX4CuaGnJ465vvllNKF4Ydc4qTPfVfBxbCbh0BY_bGs52MEaejNpY5bdoaUU55x-G1TYjcw5HNGgXP7uaaf3jsmLncpE9lrBYsGamf2itPAJx4te1LYIYMNRmIoK4XAutWTQBUBYXCmlXO5RHkk6PUiPIxxZWlMpe3zXZMesTtqBQ/s6000/IMG_0878.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsE3Hu409nShzjCvX4CuaGnJ465vvllNKF4Ydc4qTPfVfBxbCbh0BY_bGs52MEaejNpY5bdoaUU55x-G1TYjcw5HNGgXP7uaaf3jsmLncpE9lrBYsGamf2itPAJx4te1LYIYMNRmIoK4XAutWTQBUBYXCmlXO5RHkk6PUiPIxxZWlMpe3zXZMesTtqBQ/w640-h426/IMG_0878.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view up the Upper Waiau Valley...route of Te Araroa Trail</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/AVvXsEiWg9bIGFuzfIkP_H8imqZbS9tuzHP0osA2nu1iBFvPKTjxj0yvj8S4BGnyGlioQJsIIsp0vUjUP_TpGRXrDd-2YThRlUx0benn0Lg3hiqrWSoB4sX2BMVKVdr2idiJdrFKeiNw8DVoOfe7Wf1gnd9wFjmPCVEgAmjPPephronh_OLdKvroF_IUD-YVXg/s6000/IMG_0879.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg9bIGFuzfIkP_H8imqZbS9tuzHP0osA2nu1iBFvPKTjxj0yvj8S4BGnyGlioQJsIIsp0vUjUP_TpGRXrDd-2YThRlUx0benn0Lg3hiqrWSoB4sX2BMVKVdr2idiJdrFKeiNw8DVoOfe7Wf1gnd9wFjmPCVEgAmjPPephronh_OLdKvroF_IUD-YVXg/w640-h426/IMG_0879.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down the Waiau Valley towards McArthur Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgkGx7OGUmUu4eKunLlIImG8V6tKSq5Y9kzNLqsSI0WomFk1d3ihGt8qfwZai1YUhJMEUWK3BPlQSAoGTcpN6Ur7e3Ns5CORG5eqOtPhfipTSn1JZOwPxUM0NuOSrdzTY3ciy9I-_myCOfkR0pDYi6wKeAyD1lGCNduCqgYaQ9h1LZca4VdIAgNgiEQRQ/s6000/IMG_0883.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGx7OGUmUu4eKunLlIImG8V6tKSq5Y9kzNLqsSI0WomFk1d3ihGt8qfwZai1YUhJMEUWK3BPlQSAoGTcpN6Ur7e3Ns5CORG5eqOtPhfipTSn1JZOwPxUM0NuOSrdzTY3ciy9I-_myCOfkR0pDYi6wKeAyD1lGCNduCqgYaQ9h1LZca4VdIAgNgiEQRQ/w640-h426/IMG_0883.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turning into the Henry Valley from the Ada Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once around Mt Federation there is a 2-3 hour walk up the Henry River Valley to contend with. In summer take LOT'S of water with you from Christopher Hut/Anne Hut as this section is exposed, hot and bone dry: there is no potable water at all. There are huge numbers of Geese in the Waiau, Ada and Henry Valleys so any river water there is suspect.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a massive valley, the far side would be 4-5 km's away at this point.</div><div style="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/AVvXsEh0T0jBp6_tcnfMc0MQilGEqE4T-UAR2CbHCrZuAyA9xIIJvTA-P6j-s1MrDI_PxHEjbAGXqPgrv2u6FkUM9801UROjypJZeXZI77NiwZhqWo7RTT5Zu_lL34-CHDfZsSlZ2IjiVFa4i4RAIv5SYQjyhpvrE3ehfTc7SpVbxxo8KPHo2Rhz5dYdLQsXjQ/s6000/IMG_0886.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T0jBp6_tcnfMc0MQilGEqE4T-UAR2CbHCrZuAyA9xIIJvTA-P6j-s1MrDI_PxHEjbAGXqPgrv2u6FkUM9801UROjypJZeXZI77NiwZhqWo7RTT5Zu_lL34-CHDfZsSlZ2IjiVFa4i4RAIv5SYQjyhpvrE3ehfTc7SpVbxxo8KPHo2Rhz5dYdLQsXjQ/w640-h426/IMG_0886.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the St James Walkway heading into the Henry Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was cold and cloudy the day I walked to Anne Hut and the sun did not appear until late in the day. Luckily the worst of the weather was finished so I managed to make it around to the hut without too many difficulties. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEisLP9SVWNZf9ComvqRYbjRdNBPdNxzcZnMmV_zIb6BaN8JnVxmn36tZPVQsp0xp7zyb0aCIdbFKYlxHMk8rainIaSW_Z4RaMYt4ryE6_0C8cKioh1FwhvkHKMR7UItZ-ev8Wk7ql2oNENvT7y8NBTsBnc_K-B4CIViWHiVMWCrjZJff1yRr1XUPUX-OA/s6000/IMG_0888.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLP9SVWNZf9ComvqRYbjRdNBPdNxzcZnMmV_zIb6BaN8JnVxmn36tZPVQsp0xp7zyb0aCIdbFKYlxHMk8rainIaSW_Z4RaMYt4ryE6_0C8cKioh1FwhvkHKMR7UItZ-ev8Wk7ql2oNENvT7y8NBTsBnc_K-B4CIViWHiVMWCrjZJff1yRr1XUPUX-OA/w640-h426/IMG_0888.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Jervios (1862) lurks under cloud, St James Conservation 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/AVvXsEivNUq6Zd0OmJfVuzRiW5ER9zG1gqM6kkYD9SfQ35F_Lbzi2bpjF72cAG5SRGKro2Z9LMk1Xc8vmS-56w9HI2vM8Yq3nY4AxMR4aKVwV000HhezK9gh34GSQFedHhh6J4DtDeRcBX3M72WBx3r36ze2x8ThTgX9O8Oby5Ll62Ckyxuulf4vHkNyBTN2BQ/s6000/IMG_0891.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNUq6Zd0OmJfVuzRiW5ER9zG1gqM6kkYD9SfQ35F_Lbzi2bpjF72cAG5SRGKro2Z9LMk1Xc8vmS-56w9HI2vM8Yq3nY4AxMR4aKVwV000HhezK9gh34GSQFedHhh6J4DtDeRcBX3M72WBx3r36ze2x8ThTgX9O8Oby5Ll62Ckyxuulf4vHkNyBTN2BQ/w640-h426/IMG_0891.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down the Waiau towards Glenrae Range and McArthur Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you make your way up the Henry Valley you cross a succession of low ridges. These look like moraine walls from some ancient glacier. There are a lot of glacial erratic's around...rocks left behind by some retreating glacier. This whole valley is at around 1000 meters so it is very likely there were big glaciers here during the last ice age. </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/AVvXsEj7wmba4-Nqs6HsQVnPawpDOTbH9lhuXfC_Xq1C2gvQ8ZC264LvmN3ayM71Ng8jRj1Q6AIEVxwshjOmg1GuFx3szInX30wUCkfjJ2Pfxn7zjOmJqsCC9pKVFfX9aASKdNy7UL9POcpNWz6dnYEwNUcu5JHz7ViX7HePkOx_Lk_JVqJSFCKA-08fWaAIRQ/s6000/IMG_0892.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wmba4-Nqs6HsQVnPawpDOTbH9lhuXfC_Xq1C2gvQ8ZC264LvmN3ayM71Ng8jRj1Q6AIEVxwshjOmg1GuFx3szInX30wUCkfjJ2Pfxn7zjOmJqsCC9pKVFfX9aASKdNy7UL9POcpNWz6dnYEwNUcu5JHz7ViX7HePkOx_Lk_JVqJSFCKA-08fWaAIRQ/w640-h426/IMG_0892.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old glacial moraine terraces in the Henry 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/AVvXsEjfzP1G4sOxCWTdd2vg_wndoQLJnj7dbzV9WjPo6-GF_0vOLyteGwiQ90mMvosrcfQHNEbpxczorCpNUsXZKfdzEygEyamzPXOc_KzRSA-QA91kmWR48a1qOEn251joVGo1MhnAC-rjeoK1K3ppZ2NCN1c5KXwb4bu_TuEPy14FKGU7CjHBZIi7wbXyvQ/s6000/IMG_0893.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzP1G4sOxCWTdd2vg_wndoQLJnj7dbzV9WjPo6-GF_0vOLyteGwiQ90mMvosrcfQHNEbpxczorCpNUsXZKfdzEygEyamzPXOc_KzRSA-QA91kmWR48a1qOEn251joVGo1MhnAC-rjeoK1K3ppZ2NCN1c5KXwb4bu_TuEPy14FKGU7CjHBZIi7wbXyvQ/w640-h426/IMG_0893.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View east towards Mt Jervois...St James 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/AVvXsEgvloitJKcQW3tq8WKtiv1qhBC0gHWzd7euueJ1meKWgkoBwwFhUH76prTrYfvsEsi8BxwsUqS62hu6oQ6XvxwcPW4E-tePRVNQNE--lG483ovGbZjoGWpFBjsEp0KPhenxOIIRumcnJVu2I4nTF33TcOr7XgAcV9VD_Qhsj7VFz5vlJUXIv1oS7ri6Ng/s6000/IMG_0894.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvloitJKcQW3tq8WKtiv1qhBC0gHWzd7euueJ1meKWgkoBwwFhUH76prTrYfvsEsi8BxwsUqS62hu6oQ6XvxwcPW4E-tePRVNQNE--lG483ovGbZjoGWpFBjsEp0KPhenxOIIRumcnJVu2I4nTF33TcOr7XgAcV9VD_Qhsj7VFz5vlJUXIv1oS7ri6Ng/w640-h426/IMG_0894.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boardwalk over a marsh area...St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The walking through here is easy but tedious as hell...it is up and down over the small ridges with low swampy grasslands in between the ridges. I was happy to climb over the last ridge onto a plateau which stretches from here all the way to the Henry Suspension Bridge. </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/AVvXsEgRv8E1cUmQdDBsCkcV2PtvKRj6J66adHQTbea9GEi_-oNJCqRB6YlhFf0yu-Yjj_BYneeRVawhqJOTYmcfiU84NwfltbcIIGUkmhO0jfg13m0wxLoZLHfRqYdl2WbD-eS0xSGVoOzDhRI7jN3nPe8sRxOGxo0wE_yjCIpF0cQpdjEPyCrRKzPv994wLw/s6000/IMG_0895.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRv8E1cUmQdDBsCkcV2PtvKRj6J66adHQTbea9GEi_-oNJCqRB6YlhFf0yu-Yjj_BYneeRVawhqJOTYmcfiU84NwfltbcIIGUkmhO0jfg13m0wxLoZLHfRqYdl2WbD-eS0xSGVoOzDhRI7jN3nPe8sRxOGxo0wE_yjCIpF0cQpdjEPyCrRKzPv994wLw/w640-h426/IMG_0895.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last ridge before the Henry Swing Bridge</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/AVvXsEi0XyxF2IVu_nuhXOVDab_e2DUFejfILRyPUSB3RCiJ5Wrhij4qPP_RREiH32-MJBRBh5UNnAcixjXGmBA-tQfO-wFUhO1ySqcs7jWNdtZXhmTy2aKKpSkWm5872KwMsj56PJYPS9oBPrYU8SpziMq-49uXX4hcT0819tmulXjD-9kGr_C14SqAPXHWVQ/s6000/IMG_0897.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XyxF2IVu_nuhXOVDab_e2DUFejfILRyPUSB3RCiJ5Wrhij4qPP_RREiH32-MJBRBh5UNnAcixjXGmBA-tQfO-wFUhO1ySqcs7jWNdtZXhmTy2aKKpSkWm5872KwMsj56PJYPS9oBPrYU8SpziMq-49uXX4hcT0819tmulXjD-9kGr_C14SqAPXHWVQ/w640-h426/IMG_0897.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across a small plateau down towards the Henry River</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjhrOGL4jX7RK1MUooavB1OukKD97jNAUWl9QiPz1tnWRTnbeFvwbPrFC1POVgt3idByfShuQ8hGyYwp-6QO73UImDVENcxtXIyhzAXqpopE2okjGdzk7h8CH6WYeuTJmUUssjThVu9GV22I7Eb1uRN9YYKSoxf_4iDdfSIzzSjFZE0UAEUfVaehOWxgg/s6000/IMG_0901.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrOGL4jX7RK1MUooavB1OukKD97jNAUWl9QiPz1tnWRTnbeFvwbPrFC1POVgt3idByfShuQ8hGyYwp-6QO73UImDVENcxtXIyhzAXqpopE2okjGdzk7h8CH6WYeuTJmUUssjThVu9GV22I7Eb1uRN9YYKSoxf_4iDdfSIzzSjFZE0UAEUfVaehOWxgg/w640-h426/IMG_0901.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Track markers along the St James Walkway route</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eventually you connect with an old 4 W/D track half way up the valley- you follow this for the rest the way to the hut and it makes for much faster travel. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AeWg2T_nJFc/VOpt-VE-9iI/AAAAAAAAFHU/wGhWH5xYP1o/s1600/DSCN4846.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AeWg2T_nJFc/VOpt-VE-9iI/AAAAAAAAFHU/wGhWH5xYP1o/s640/DSCN4846.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">St James Walkway: sign on edge of 4 W/D track in Henry Valley</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Apparently there is a side track connecting the St James Walkway with this 4 W/D track near the Waiau River but I didn't see it. If you can find it use it as it would probably save you 30-40 min's walking time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEhyO7ywvdacC5owLBJHmxH9rD-DJnJT6vX93C-7aOTnQxVlhCcsbB5I9kOPPh8uYdOvcbubP_NikvAH29OQYh2JRrwWF-fjtrHXJLn5hN-YnBZp2B4cA4f7KJuRumyR95KWqtmi1HWYMTrl8toBsapllPp-J1rGACe7zItjZW7UD1TkNrxQXnJ4LoULcg/s6000/IMG_0908.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyO7ywvdacC5owLBJHmxH9rD-DJnJT6vX93C-7aOTnQxVlhCcsbB5I9kOPPh8uYdOvcbubP_NikvAH29OQYh2JRrwWF-fjtrHXJLn5hN-YnBZp2B4cA4f7KJuRumyR95KWqtmi1HWYMTrl8toBsapllPp-J1rGACe7zItjZW7UD1TkNrxQXnJ4LoULcg/w640-h426/IMG_0908.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Henry Valley 4 W/D track enroute to Anne 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/AVvXsEjEdCoRF02tZfH__Xveehgbve4zNXjFafn2jkbPTX0HUjyheZfZBreoqL18tk81zJUZclZSVz7B3XbX2clx0GG9BxFfod5NpH-TMb44-3GHhf21UEc2bSlW2jW-Iw6-vSDQBkDxIC14EQCf-WJuljswaLnNnHYDkoSr9mm7IKW2-IiOoh374a5JsVP4cQ/s6000/IMG_0910.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdCoRF02tZfH__Xveehgbve4zNXjFafn2jkbPTX0HUjyheZfZBreoqL18tk81zJUZclZSVz7B3XbX2clx0GG9BxFfod5NpH-TMb44-3GHhf21UEc2bSlW2jW-Iw6-vSDQBkDxIC14EQCf-WJuljswaLnNnHYDkoSr9mm7IKW2-IiOoh374a5JsVP4cQ/w640-h426/IMG_0910.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 4 W/D track goes all the way to Anne Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You get to a point where a side track veers off the main 4 W/D track and heads towards the patch of Beech forest near the Henry River Swingbridge. It is sign posted but suffice to say look for the junction as it is usually very difficult to ford the Henry River except in sustained dry weather. </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/AVvXsEg3iNbGZTicB2P0S-mXw_YzeuTJv2lYuGjFwRTuLqkmjQ13t_qABsr8e3Eg_Gq2yrBfXv4lt3_z1QfmN-MfFcxZb4I-B9RXtJR3AZLc3exCizvmFnrXmUyuq5a6E3jxVUCMVgSmnAH1UVrx4YCnwoGkvAuva4y4JCFFYrCMLfugYgwPdBkiMnQ3srk0IA/s6000/IMG_0911.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iNbGZTicB2P0S-mXw_YzeuTJv2lYuGjFwRTuLqkmjQ13t_qABsr8e3Eg_Gq2yrBfXv4lt3_z1QfmN-MfFcxZb4I-B9RXtJR3AZLc3exCizvmFnrXmUyuq5a6E3jxVUCMVgSmnAH1UVrx4YCnwoGkvAuva4y4JCFFYrCMLfugYgwPdBkiMnQ3srk0IA/w640-h426/IMG_0911.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beech trees mark the location of the Henry River Swingbridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfp4WgltNqNyGCG_QDtBhAOp_lDrtw68KYO2-RG4teWahSWZfQB_MC-T-0os_oMvC5BvQJi2pQVp_O0pnkAD7OEjJDahuvvB2XJXarhoFJfzWyaYHgx9mlqgBp_Q0jra1xrjsEQb4F90ZenacT1Y1OHAo2o6jKW8iyWZ3xc294d68bk2KkOlxETX2iA/s6000/IMG_0913.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfp4WgltNqNyGCG_QDtBhAOp_lDrtw68KYO2-RG4teWahSWZfQB_MC-T-0os_oMvC5BvQJi2pQVp_O0pnkAD7OEjJDahuvvB2XJXarhoFJfzWyaYHgx9mlqgBp_Q0jra1xrjsEQb4F90ZenacT1Y1OHAo2o6jKW8iyWZ3xc294d68bk2KkOlxETX2iA/w640-h426/IMG_0913.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending down to the Henry River Swingbridge</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eventually you reach the Henry Swing bridge...it was quite sporty crossing it. The wind had come up and it was swaying back and forth alarmingly as the wires need tightening. You need to cross this bridge as the 4 W/D ford further up the valley looked deep and swift. The bridge was built because people have died trying to cross the Henry River.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> Far better to play it safe and follow the track instead.</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/AVvXsEirEviyYrsGfnaZyk1KZjEgG-Fj_gF-zKL_vcIPcXJifJ0pZYBrggA4OoeVbEq5IapqO1uYR-fy3dtK2RYkIVnMfoRx1F4jHtCxANwDoPsXwMpJceGFBxBL5-9Xbv4snaJPMfXWNLrOPERHFyAsxD0o0mTLjG-aSdgSnbwhDPU2B2WUpNzluorc_N64xA/s6000/IMG_0915.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEviyYrsGfnaZyk1KZjEgG-Fj_gF-zKL_vcIPcXJifJ0pZYBrggA4OoeVbEq5IapqO1uYR-fy3dtK2RYkIVnMfoRx1F4jHtCxANwDoPsXwMpJceGFBxBL5-9Xbv4snaJPMfXWNLrOPERHFyAsxD0o0mTLjG-aSdgSnbwhDPU2B2WUpNzluorc_N64xA/w640-h426/IMG_0915.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swing-bridge over the Henry River, St James 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/AVvXsEjnDJagSNabnw3Se9GGXqaAMFzSNEsLyiohJWe_j6jGSROLvbqoFyIQNCsP1ruJYsUIAJ0XJG2xm-5qqLTxJHAx6Cq9Cgc795PXWDvSDSxXU3qtywrg0_5KF4Hs5N0BhkplNZUi1UxLy2idV3zAPsgV7RPFgxsB2ReHOBxu7k53HI3oHT_NfxVPnnEQdg/s6000/IMG_0917.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDJagSNabnw3Se9GGXqaAMFzSNEsLyiohJWe_j6jGSROLvbqoFyIQNCsP1ruJYsUIAJ0XJG2xm-5qqLTxJHAx6Cq9Cgc795PXWDvSDSxXU3qtywrg0_5KF4Hs5N0BhkplNZUi1UxLy2idV3zAPsgV7RPFgxsB2ReHOBxu7k53HI3oHT_NfxVPnnEQdg/w640-h426/IMG_0917.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry River Swingbridge is about 100 meters across</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEh1a6w7oJtfXwmIXi21qSJSyVmC98s8ZTrIUBE8rVx7JCrp3zowpMHYuUVOA7lw4QsK-ubdZsjsda_v002P1WbBSGKlmVwm63EWfDAdLfVRNxpJEVnTs5jjN6wR8eQmSaqbUFIrehvOkbrnlDW8gkDe8fXbwe5ca_RAutO5fVq3s5mw3ja6940TTO38ZQ/s6000/IMG_0919.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1a6w7oJtfXwmIXi21qSJSyVmC98s8ZTrIUBE8rVx7JCrp3zowpMHYuUVOA7lw4QsK-ubdZsjsda_v002P1WbBSGKlmVwm63EWfDAdLfVRNxpJEVnTs5jjN6wR8eQmSaqbUFIrehvOkbrnlDW8gkDe8fXbwe5ca_RAutO5fVq3s5mw3ja6940TTO38ZQ/w640-h426/IMG_0919.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View back over the Henry River Swingbridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The track on the far side of the Henry Swingbridge is bloody dodgy...a slip has taken away a section and you have to climb over a couple of gaps in the track. A fall would not be good as you are about 20 meters above the river here. I stopped to talk to some DOC workers near here and they said a couple of guys were coming in to blast a new track as it was so dangerous. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEhJBuebTR1apZm_w-8bFihVr3VQynRxoD1yaLO8gjdkJH_nlObXpWsyHYPLfQqp6O24q0GLZJLhGHlwP2_g5lWKva9z448kb70LUBHyfuO_LZq2zcCH-rhmSgjTQ3DEDvTsibSoFJH-Wbn4G3kd6LODfbWPcCunJG1hfFbscToTGO-wrWK6r0vBvuYYAg/s6000/IMG_0918.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBuebTR1apZm_w-8bFihVr3VQynRxoD1yaLO8gjdkJH_nlObXpWsyHYPLfQqp6O24q0GLZJLhGHlwP2_g5lWKva9z448kb70LUBHyfuO_LZq2zcCH-rhmSgjTQ3DEDvTsibSoFJH-Wbn4G3kd6LODfbWPcCunJG1hfFbscToTGO-wrWK6r0vBvuYYAg/w640-h426/IMG_0918.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View down the Henry River from the swingbridge</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-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_XJvlU3DYt6PjlLvVUgeJEqJ0MfCvEHyo6erAS_U2edYauP0xAWF25eaOZnFfoJYBgLJVtn34XOtqYSPrmt1ma0hjrcbJsGV8VRF__pAMy8T1oTWQAtaZE1Q0c0N1Z_XKsOQnCEy5M2Gu8tm12Tmrhcd60tEqscRrXYswB2uKGjJizcDPGsqTLSLKhg/s6000/IMG_0921.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XJvlU3DYt6PjlLvVUgeJEqJ0MfCvEHyo6erAS_U2edYauP0xAWF25eaOZnFfoJYBgLJVtn34XOtqYSPrmt1ma0hjrcbJsGV8VRF__pAMy8T1oTWQAtaZE1Q0c0N1Z_XKsOQnCEy5M2Gu8tm12Tmrhcd60tEqscRrXYswB2uKGjJizcDPGsqTLSLKhg/w640-h426/IMG_0921.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodgy cliff side track near the Henry Swingbridge, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After the swing-bridge you walk across some river flats to the 4 W/D track leading up to Anne Hut. The track meanders along the river and then crosses a couple of side streams before emerging near the ford over the Henry River. It is about 1.5 kilometers from the bridge to the 4 W/D track...</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/AVvXsEgFoyff-EdmzlDUTfS6lhFPWzoPybArC-mSPDAg0EvjrIJmeVocL041MVMzi7Ha-aaVwkWQeYtLfBvp2oK1vNNVII4vAeMNhnquxtLUe4hGaVx7hLI_ttn2sHdblRPb16KgEZ6sQAM1UfMemoKGVwlqlrgGVpHOfUFCnvILo5cgzn1rULYyS9TVMalNow/s6000/IMG_0924.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoyff-EdmzlDUTfS6lhFPWzoPybArC-mSPDAg0EvjrIJmeVocL041MVMzi7Ha-aaVwkWQeYtLfBvp2oK1vNNVII4vAeMNhnquxtLUe4hGaVx7hLI_ttn2sHdblRPb16KgEZ6sQAM1UfMemoKGVwlqlrgGVpHOfUFCnvILo5cgzn1rULYyS9TVMalNow/w640-h426/IMG_0924.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking along the Henry River towards the 4 W/D track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You ascend one last hill on the 4 W/D track onto a flat plateau...it is then a flat 2 km walk to Anne Hut sitting temptingly out on an open plain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHXceVZ3m70sYtXy3XzB_eeG4eQtPEMf1Wxl4NSzosSMSwGqXKQ9uCqK6gT3ReQHupO-0Cw0KHfGreDZIJFBeSPMqEXsbYv3jdClga9vx3fac1A4FIwhHLBfYYk170aTP_YgxLIPSNBjlA5Zg7wqYd0JucCW2n-QF5AFA8pgU12kBpFKyDogPAuib0g/s6000/IMG_0928.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHXceVZ3m70sYtXy3XzB_eeG4eQtPEMf1Wxl4NSzosSMSwGqXKQ9uCqK6gT3ReQHupO-0Cw0KHfGreDZIJFBeSPMqEXsbYv3jdClga9vx3fac1A4FIwhHLBfYYk170aTP_YgxLIPSNBjlA5Zg7wqYd0JucCW2n-QF5AFA8pgU12kBpFKyDogPAuib0g/w640-h426/IMG_0928.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the 4 W/D track coming up from the Henry River</td></tr></tbody></table></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/AVvXsEizFQUAp2QBWDu0etr2BmqC3qsL2ubzZpUg6PUDXVpJEAGtvgTnnsKH9Cthop1qtAAeoR_qiFjARaNu6zoV5nk_8ShS1EslIOv876yw1O3CLUuMzjKOQJp0-TIUuimsFnzLQunQrmGY8nFqrlfILpkTHueBLPGQvAksycxE-aBocjdhZugvGOuCwudhbw/s6000/IMG_0926.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFQUAp2QBWDu0etr2BmqC3qsL2ubzZpUg6PUDXVpJEAGtvgTnnsKH9Cthop1qtAAeoR_qiFjARaNu6zoV5nk_8ShS1EslIOv876yw1O3CLUuMzjKOQJp0-TIUuimsFnzLQunQrmGY8nFqrlfILpkTHueBLPGQvAksycxE-aBocjdhZugvGOuCwudhbw/w640-h426/IMG_0926.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the plateau Anne Hut sits on...St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>On a hot sunny day it takes an age to cover those last kilometers but with the cloudy conditions it was quite a pleasant stretch on the way to the hut. I could see smoke coming from the chimney and a guy outside chopping wood so I knew there were people in residence. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKYcWnOQqd-X_NiO7xiTykQYRIOGH9oiImQVVi-IWjf8QLnjzPOAeRJK3MctNTXRbBdDHvkmI4ofkMn7kh9eWvTvF26hAnuegBeBekbAXJRFJCDsY9_fBNdvdmb3YwyqJePLN8V8__qOPGVFzZUUoDAbiPOWA7g38JLZMiFnG9D4TDao8CGrLzki2dw/s6000/IMG_0933.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKYcWnOQqd-X_NiO7xiTykQYRIOGH9oiImQVVi-IWjf8QLnjzPOAeRJK3MctNTXRbBdDHvkmI4ofkMn7kh9eWvTvF26hAnuegBeBekbAXJRFJCDsY9_fBNdvdmb3YwyqJePLN8V8__qOPGVFzZUUoDAbiPOWA7g38JLZMiFnG9D4TDao8CGrLzki2dw/w640-h426/IMG_0933.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First and distant view to Anne Hut, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEg4fDpzSTwdt6MTUtGvPHujU6hnwCXB3o9oX9-OyMgvfS_knIlcowl1zu1ATNJHezMmjJDdEZTD3Nib6LZyNumdJdk1FlEzXra0RejvRpz6d6TePVrYgWRLtOXIGiV7TpgstnnkbA3YCVJ0AgCWAog3GdJRCqyMc5dtlIF_ae4IdcFSP6qmoWn0tMvM3A/s6000/IMG_0930.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fDpzSTwdt6MTUtGvPHujU6hnwCXB3o9oX9-OyMgvfS_knIlcowl1zu1ATNJHezMmjJDdEZTD3Nib6LZyNumdJdk1FlEzXra0RejvRpz6d6TePVrYgWRLtOXIGiV7TpgstnnkbA3YCVJ0AgCWAog3GdJRCqyMc5dtlIF_ae4IdcFSP6qmoWn0tMvM3A/w640-h426/IMG_0930.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne Hut sits on a wide open plateau above the Henry River</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLylov_NMaCw_o4RrRcFD82j1v0wtAxj6uQIRHDFNpn8b6g53mFVWAA6luALyMNkC3aWSWu_VZEZBWtKTsEeq6oVkP9khQB7_kkBWuv_l7ZbW6yqLfGCyIlbmoM3cv4PL4bkBPia_7aiAO4TQEIsheQKIB0bSoVsetq-Sw4omFPZpVRVHCHRPAMII3w/s6000/IMG_0935.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLylov_NMaCw_o4RrRcFD82j1v0wtAxj6uQIRHDFNpn8b6g53mFVWAA6luALyMNkC3aWSWu_VZEZBWtKTsEeq6oVkP9khQB7_kkBWuv_l7ZbW6yqLfGCyIlbmoM3cv4PL4bkBPia_7aiAO4TQEIsheQKIB0bSoVsetq-Sw4omFPZpVRVHCHRPAMII3w/w640-h426/IMG_0935.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...nearly at Anne Hut on the St James Walkway...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/st-james-conservation-area/things-to-do/huts/anne-hut/">Anne Hut</a> is a total cracker...it is fairly new and nicely repositioned from its old shaded location closer to the Henry River. The old hut was down by the river and in the shade of some tall hills so it was cold and damp. It is a lovely hut and is very popular as the St James Walkway, St James Cycleway and Te Araroa Trail all pass by here. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQ68B--3RRs/VOpuAcS8AlI/AAAAAAAAFHw/vqTUT9TOLZY/s1600/DSCN4849.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQ68B--3RRs/VOpuAcS8AlI/AAAAAAAAFHw/vqTUT9TOLZY/s640/DSCN4849.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Anne Hut in the St James Conservation Area<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was a new intentions book in the hut left there in late January and it already had 10 pages of visitors marked in it. That is how busy it is over the summer months...</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/AVvXsEjfcnIZBKFX4qG_q4MmskcN-PNGogsxLpZxEnil-7C5uGj5uSOE3IedXIMpBTooE3uV78c7Qv1ux5B0EuWFt3H_48wzNIWKXfJS08CezeFOwp-Xz6N02vE_75tKck8TG9aAUWE-fTvq_MK1e-qfhNpYN-bBvOQ98MHF039oeTaI4RLAiyGAYacqG5yT_Q/s6000/IMG_0938.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcnIZBKFX4qG_q4MmskcN-PNGogsxLpZxEnil-7C5uGj5uSOE3IedXIMpBTooE3uV78c7Qv1ux5B0EuWFt3H_48wzNIWKXfJS08CezeFOwp-Xz6N02vE_75tKck8TG9aAUWE-fTvq_MK1e-qfhNpYN-bBvOQ98MHF039oeTaI4RLAiyGAYacqG5yT_Q/w640-h426/IMG_0938.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne Hut: interior tables and benches...</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/AVvXsEgcxIGXmlarcNpKkeANTUUqvIWPeuA9pY7kIhbs7AfV9E3EEYLf_5ibPfsbYffsaB6C1CUuz8hLVABp1Pqmwe6o6gT4AnbYRYEsKzSwOzeD04biMBDtGJeXZQc2qNaxtQ7lbZBI0_ST47tIU5mQvbIPuWOXUGdg11rLtOTfCRSgbOo6W1XXPCjisiXbOg/s6000/IMG_0939.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxIGXmlarcNpKkeANTUUqvIWPeuA9pY7kIhbs7AfV9E3EEYLf_5ibPfsbYffsaB6C1CUuz8hLVABp1Pqmwe6o6gT4AnbYRYEsKzSwOzeD04biMBDtGJeXZQc2qNaxtQ7lbZBI0_ST47tIU5mQvbIPuWOXUGdg11rLtOTfCRSgbOo6W1XXPCjisiXbOg/w640-h426/IMG_0939.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span>St James Walkway</span>: Anne Hut...one of the bunkrooms</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/AVvXsEiGmmFbqBIFsCMXaHt3DEQJBrPXw-lnRm9c0fAJ8aUwYoN3aiok3VL2HH3sgG-DB4COfuUtrWTV0yT7w8GeoTqXgGd82Z8xK7WnFK9tAQ7Klw9f5Uosol5UsmakrOjJvD_RvWl8Jo9zYZW_iE1fj-vsIzLhsQGWku0lyKyGGbt9VzvIk8HKo9Rl7hATpA/s6000/IMG_0942.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmmFbqBIFsCMXaHt3DEQJBrPXw-lnRm9c0fAJ8aUwYoN3aiok3VL2HH3sgG-DB4COfuUtrWTV0yT7w8GeoTqXgGd82Z8xK7WnFK9tAQ7Klw9f5Uosol5UsmakrOjJvD_RvWl8Jo9zYZW_iE1fj-vsIzLhsQGWku0lyKyGGbt9VzvIk8HKo9Rl7hATpA/w640-h426/IMG_0942.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span>St James Walkway: Anne Hut</span> cooking bench</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvZv4-SdflhP5Hsnkq856KzVdPI4ElEJIhyAeWFz-iPfKRK6GGWvtmXH6ovdXJPG24iR7h2EziJi9Kbrpv_jo0WAHlSXf2H6ur2oFQ2AJVHMY_wHk2xh_FxjjZJv5t7Ft2kv4DT4Dm7M/s1600/516.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvZv4-SdflhP5Hsnkq856KzVdPI4ElEJIhyAeWFz-iPfKRK6GGWvtmXH6ovdXJPG24iR7h2EziJi9Kbrpv_jo0WAHlSXf2H6ur2oFQ2AJVHMY_wHk2xh_FxjjZJv5t7Ft2kv4DT4Dm7M/s640/516.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span>Anne Hut: the wood burner is centrally located<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></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/AVvXsEjcPEjaregxfs1pXYzQKo53PWlxROrRvOG_B1FmWReYhMNHrXtsxKH2J7LfJPJfEtKORILeuBYXFm9EaQpi7pNqlCFUUXl5IC0lu4E1Kq-I_XMa4DwHjgvm7-7hUKvSQ5xrXbvcilFi6LpCincDZxVehoymJ0-_uG8PVxPZ3uODrinwpCqkHsWA0WfTWw/s6000/IMG_0943.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPEjaregxfs1pXYzQKo53PWlxROrRvOG_B1FmWReYhMNHrXtsxKH2J7LfJPJfEtKORILeuBYXFm9EaQpi7pNqlCFUUXl5IC0lu4E1Kq-I_XMa4DwHjgvm7-7hUKvSQ5xrXbvcilFi6LpCincDZxVehoymJ0-_uG8PVxPZ3uODrinwpCqkHsWA0WfTWw/w640-h426/IMG_0943.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span>St James Walkway: </span>Anne Hut living space</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hut was rebuilt in 2012 after the old Anne Hut burnt down. It is big: 24 bunks, warm (well insulated), spacious, well appointed with a big wood shed (but no damn wood) and multiple rain water tanks. Very, very nice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1t6V2rAcwdHdgMiab3mhIJ6oeBcPDxFSkz3rVGj2tLaEH680rdT2ZNq2Ow6wUWuyEhXrRg3--x_HXSRJgCrvgyLgdEVyzXY_sU7NmykCGbV0ekC_VcP41KuFra6lP2y2Wv8xvIFgujYA-EvWsVrN53tcHG0jCF2lmcznsp2qfHJpLvhLhxzSJRjYHFQ/s6000/IMG_0945.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1t6V2rAcwdHdgMiab3mhIJ6oeBcPDxFSkz3rVGj2tLaEH680rdT2ZNq2Ow6wUWuyEhXrRg3--x_HXSRJgCrvgyLgdEVyzXY_sU7NmykCGbV0ekC_VcP41KuFra6lP2y2Wv8xvIFgujYA-EvWsVrN53tcHG0jCF2lmcznsp2qfHJpLvhLhxzSJRjYHFQ/w640-h426/IMG_0945.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gear drying on the veranda at Anne Hut, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Look at that view, awesome!</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1HpREa2NBg/VOpuA8qO05I/AAAAAAAAFII/cvUYnqayzRY/s1600/DSCN4850.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1HpREa2NBg/VOpuA8qO05I/AAAAAAAAFII/cvUYnqayzRY/s640/DSCN4850.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">View down Henry River Valley from Anne Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I noted with interest that the hut was connected to the ground with massive concrete piles, which leads me to believe that it must be bloody windy up here sometimes. It must get some shockingly deep snow as the hut is probably at 800-900 meters in the middle of a wide open semi alpine plateau. In the middle of a winter storm it probably has snow drifts up against it. <br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZ9F2pbu4DE/VOpuBTTUP5I/AAAAAAAAFIA/ROXAfk8oZlo/s1600/DSCN4851.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZ9F2pbu4DE/VOpuBTTUP5I/AAAAAAAAFIA/ROXAfk8oZlo/s640/DSCN4851.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">View up valley from Anne Hut to Opera Range</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I shared the hut that night with four hunters and a slightly eccentric English tramper. The hunters had had little success as DOC had recently shot most of the deer on the surrounding hills. Seems a bit crazy when the Roar was starting but it was probably some stack of money that had to be spent or lost. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The English guy had been in the country since the end of December and had just been tramping the whole time. He said he comes over every couple of years and spends three months tramping. He had been up most of the valleys on the West Coast including a pile that few Kiwi trampers visit. He had spent the previous night camped up near Anne Saddle.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRdc9qGcfeY/VOpuB8OejnI/AAAAAAAAFIE/C_nC2Xb0TKI/s1600/DSCN4852.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRdc9qGcfeY/VOpuB8OejnI/AAAAAAAAFIE/C_nC2Xb0TKI/s640/DSCN4852.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Dusk at Anne Hut on the St James Walkway looking east towards St James Range</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cTZH5w2b3r8/VOpuCAuxWtI/AAAAAAAAFIQ/rfe5V_FEPbc/s1600/DSCN4853.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cTZH5w2b3r8/VOpuCAuxWtI/AAAAAAAAFIQ/rfe5V_FEPbc/s640/DSCN4853.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Nightfall Anne Hut looking west towards Opera Range</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was very limited firewood at the hut so we had a rather meagre fire that night. It was sufficient to warm the hut up and with six people in the hut breathing and cooking it kept it just warm enough overnight. Quite a pleasant night all around with me spending some time talk to the English dude and the hunters. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: center;">Come back soon for the conclusion of my St James Walkway adventures where I walk from Anne Hut to the Boyle Outdoor Education Center with a night at Boyle Flat Hut enroute.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Access:</b> From SH 7 (Lewis Pass Highway), the track starts at Lewis Pass Tarns, southern terminus is at Boyle Village.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Track Times:</b> Day one: From Lewis Pass- 2.5 hours to Cannibal Gorge Hut, another 1.5-2 hours to Ada Pass Hut: Day two: 3 hours to Ada Cullers Hut, another hour to Christopher Hut. Day three was a pit day! Day Four: 5 hours to Anne Hut from Christopher Hut</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Hut Details:</b> Cannibal Gorge Hut: serviced, 20 bunks, water tank, wood burner, toilets, wood shed: Ada Pass Hut: serviced, 14 bunks, water tank, wood burner, toilets, wood shed: Ada Cullers Hut: basic, 4 bunks, water from stream: Christopher Hut: serviced, 20 bunks, water tanks, wood burner, toilet, wood shed: Anne Hut: serviced, 24 bunks, water tanks, wood burner, toilets, wood shed</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Miscellaneous: </b>Severe avalanche risk<b> </b>in Winter/Spring, some un-bridged side streams. The walkway is in a high alpine area and as such is prone to extreme weather. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>You Tube:</b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9-CshnlWLQ">Christopher Hut to Anne Hut</a></div></div>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Saint James Walkway, New Zealand-42.3919262 172.4914788-70.702160036178839 137.3352288 -14.081692363821155 -152.35227120000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-81856781254663966262023-04-23T19:08:00.003-07:002023-04-23T19:23:38.979-07:00St James Conservation Area: St James Walkway: 27th March -1 April 2023: Day 1-3<h3 style="text-align: center;"><b>Revisiting the St James Walkway.....</b></h3><div style="text-align: center;">I recently spent 6 days tramping around the <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/stjameswalkway">St James Walkway</a> near Lewis Pass. The St James Walkway is a near circuit which is 67 km long taking in the Maruia, Ada, Henry, Anne and Boyle River valley's. There are a number of good huts to stay in on the way, as well as some fine scenery especially the Poplar and Spencer Mountains.</div><div style="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/AVvXsEjNuSk-jQqLIeFmWvowkIEuL9d-6hQp6R6QyWvS3mL1itX_80Cr1GnMnhZ66i8c_1x41QadosRGfRD52KR3aT7xZcYXr7u2SUiQ07oXaUpTgdq2PgJMdS1ONaQmz6DO4yQ6QDLbM4_G7c7lmGbcIOEljcadibFUCiOUaNiBvNQ_WeRjza7qTIOCMrao5A/s6000/IMG_0758.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuSk-jQqLIeFmWvowkIEuL9d-6hQp6R6QyWvS3mL1itX_80Cr1GnMnhZ66i8c_1x41QadosRGfRD52KR3aT7xZcYXr7u2SUiQ07oXaUpTgdq2PgJMdS1ONaQmz6DO4yQ6QDLbM4_G7c7lmGbcIOEljcadibFUCiOUaNiBvNQ_WeRjza7qTIOCMrao5A/w640-h426/IMG_0758.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards Gloriana from near Cannibal Gorge Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I walked the track from Lewis Pass back to Boyle Village so that the folks at the Boyle Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) could drop me at the pass and then take my car back to the center for secure storage. This is a service they offer for a nominal fee and ensures your car is not vandalised or stolen from the road end. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunwZRjNnN5d9d25jgWWQDUFnpWMOVK2CQn5UA3aNeupqwQ4ACOlVUuc5zamqCO6TvK7ROLISR1mi8vcEcuSTaSgyKVOJp6901PeWWQUNrW6WdsC_WAP9ICI5kdaP91lUCAEP0ikTv0rc/s1600/StJamesProfile.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunwZRjNnN5d9d25jgWWQDUFnpWMOVK2CQn5UA3aNeupqwQ4ACOlVUuc5zamqCO6TvK7ROLISR1mi8vcEcuSTaSgyKVOJp6901PeWWQUNrW6WdsC_WAP9ICI5kdaP91lUCAEP0ikTv0rc/s640/StJamesProfile.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Profile diagram of the St James Walkway: Source <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/stjameswalkway">DOC website</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I had planned to walk the track over 5 days but bad weather forced me to stay an extra night at Christopher Hut. Luckily I had enough supplies to do so and meant I was a day late to finish the track. I will discuss that in more detail later.</div><div style="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/AVvXsEjbTiXUIwBjgqgNvTUrEIgPS-vWmPSnI4o_VRdgHBXFBLJTPulUU0RaFC5WUWnlFDMqcpV4LJwD8k3urE4p9UflhkiufsgFXHXcRONRVCefJX8YAyEfZpL0UxV6aR1s0DVo_VVMIlDzokhIyZ12ngPU1uw3BwdZ2kLjPiKLTVqAg8Qd-ab1J1TRU116Bw/s6000/IMG_0815.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTiXUIwBjgqgNvTUrEIgPS-vWmPSnI4o_VRdgHBXFBLJTPulUU0RaFC5WUWnlFDMqcpV4LJwD8k3urE4p9UflhkiufsgFXHXcRONRVCefJX8YAyEfZpL0UxV6aR1s0DVo_VVMIlDzokhIyZ12ngPU1uw3BwdZ2kLjPiKLTVqAg8Qd-ab1J1TRU116Bw/w640-h426/IMG_0815.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow flurries in the Christopher River Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was generally a good trip even with several wet days and one day with snow and cold, windy weather. The track was busy as it is the beginning of the 'Roar' which is the main hunting period for deer here in New Zealand. I had many hunters on the track with me over the several days. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEhchrEwk4N7BssHyG4FgTBP8lZFQOF6IOUvtuWeWgMZt-kdjHYrz7_PxOm5Xdgkn6ZRD5I6SarWEcZwTojK3mSUPW7nqAKin1x9tc8KeaevHSLbX9_9K_ZDlpiLsqmmHpSTis03ndPNZk-rXupMbl1IUrO2TXth34iVBPqjw2g3hjBpqvWi01jslzPKIg/s4320/SING0040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchrEwk4N7BssHyG4FgTBP8lZFQOF6IOUvtuWeWgMZt-kdjHYrz7_PxOm5Xdgkn6ZRD5I6SarWEcZwTojK3mSUPW7nqAKin1x9tc8KeaevHSLbX9_9K_ZDlpiLsqmmHpSTis03ndPNZk-rXupMbl1IUrO2TXth34iVBPqjw2g3hjBpqvWi01jslzPKIg/w640-h480/SING0040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain falls in the Ada River Valley on day two</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway...let's have a look at how the trip panned out for me...</div><br /><h4><b>Day One: St James Walkway, Lewis Pass to Ada Pass Hut (12.4 km's)</b></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started from the Lewis Pass end of the track as a clockwise tramp takes advantage of the downhill tilt to the whole track. I left my car at the <a href="http://www.boyle.org.nz/">Boyle Outdoor Education Centre</a> and got them to shuttle me to the start of the track at the Lewis Pass Tarns. A valuable service as it is common for cars to be broken into at the St James Walkway car park, they cannot safely be left there. </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/AVvXsEhOacz9FBSVMLh0tLIqZSaFDA4V5F7nPX_AV1dYVoIByOEItiLYT4OqsbsRCkMRPySyE36377PMfSg-chC79hwscmu7XekyppBCxDDMF8BU4AGfGustpQQDqyakPEhmAPiFFNNO0I82bBO3UnVPFPBn37u3IWiyHo0xcvbvz7ShneKI4tZTyGOVxlsPqg/s6000/IMG_0653.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOacz9FBSVMLh0tLIqZSaFDA4V5F7nPX_AV1dYVoIByOEItiLYT4OqsbsRCkMRPySyE36377PMfSg-chC79hwscmu7XekyppBCxDDMF8BU4AGfGustpQQDqyakPEhmAPiFFNNO0I82bBO3UnVPFPBn37u3IWiyHo0xcvbvz7ShneKI4tZTyGOVxlsPqg/w640-h426/IMG_0653.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of Lewis Pass Tarn, start of St James 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/AVvXsEgv2dHc_gmmxxQhrskvJuhnU4TVExy9VeuILvB66rcoGiBIDT0q5JaebvQ52DYDIozM55Io4NTJ2Y-0g6LTKsXtn1rP68jFBXSP99g7QyICHDY9Uvx2vqQQBc1woHqHOwSEd8bF5Mn-h3SQXuECxb-PQSAeVSxmQLH0e81_6uhbu63fjtqp4hQFfNTNBw/s6000/IMG_0654.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2dHc_gmmxxQhrskvJuhnU4TVExy9VeuILvB66rcoGiBIDT0q5JaebvQ52DYDIozM55Io4NTJ2Y-0g6LTKsXtn1rP68jFBXSP99g7QyICHDY9Uvx2vqQQBc1woHqHOwSEd8bF5Mn-h3SQXuECxb-PQSAeVSxmQLH0e81_6uhbu63fjtqp4hQFfNTNBw/w640-h426/IMG_0654.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the St James Walkway at Lewis Pass Tarn</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The St James Walkway starts with the scenic track around the Lewis Pass Tarn and is clearly sign posted from there. It is 67 kilometers' or 4-5 days tramping from here to the Boyle Outdoor Education Center down the Lewis River Valley.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSA3R74LzE9F16QX96UAGAfYNiANI2suIXXksaZFANeuuZ-1UFvt_2QBlKHKBhC5mLTYf9SRrUaytWSM9BmQT3ZinQadakI1pzXUT4iSGl1egTSC44dPDlquMBSrI_xrpYf7xvdtiQvtY/s4320/IMG_8184.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSA3R74LzE9F16QX96UAGAfYNiANI2suIXXksaZFANeuuZ-1UFvt_2QBlKHKBhC5mLTYf9SRrUaytWSM9BmQT3ZinQadakI1pzXUT4iSGl1egTSC44dPDlquMBSrI_xrpYf7xvdtiQvtY/w640-h480/IMG_8184.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the eastern end of Lewis Pass Tarn (September 2021)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the tarn you make your way along the track through an area of lichen covered Beech forest which makes a dramatic start to your journey.</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/AVvXsEgTJdEk9aK-ESGFgLdeSZYakgWiF8uhN7Ju3w7cc8t0_NrcVtL9V6svRBdB-M6eFdxkEkMmePKJ32F26XCXgN7nOmOXMRLtbHjm1d_0CP6aAxj7HJy4O69r-26AihCVwiuOUO_tljIXk_DwTJzs6nBBCb5sfR43dDEMuygYNK8BKRD05WLitvTIA1OlAA/s6000/IMG_0663.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJdEk9aK-ESGFgLdeSZYakgWiF8uhN7Ju3w7cc8t0_NrcVtL9V6svRBdB-M6eFdxkEkMmePKJ32F26XCXgN7nOmOXMRLtbHjm1d_0CP6aAxj7HJy4O69r-26AihCVwiuOUO_tljIXk_DwTJzs6nBBCb5sfR43dDEMuygYNK8BKRD05WLitvTIA1OlAA/w640-h426/IMG_0663.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extensive boardwalk near the start of the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This section has some some beautiful alpine bogs, very picturesque, before descending steeply to the Maruria River and the first swing bridge on the track. The forest is Beech even though you are actually on the West Coast now. The more typical Podocarp forest starts further down the Maruia River close to Lake Daniell. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEjGVS5UETmAhoAwWv-ErrXivbWNi45t61yK8bkyIrXLCSOabz73sCw-VPFLTHyBYERAv-m2TrEJ2a-6P1BfmVab4r_OFNcEnNQrpRaCU5YnWmZi4XUIXqF9lrZsAULwJVOqrRJAPCx5BWY/s4320/IMG_8192.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVS5UETmAhoAwWv-ErrXivbWNi45t61yK8bkyIrXLCSOabz73sCw-VPFLTHyBYERAv-m2TrEJ2a-6P1BfmVab4r_OFNcEnNQrpRaCU5YnWmZi4XUIXqF9lrZsAULwJVOqrRJAPCx5BWY/w640-h480/IMG_8192.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The forest near the Lewis Pass Tarn is covered with lichen (September 2021)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The track condition is generally good with plenty of boardwalk, a lot of track markers and a mostly benched track to follow. Later on as you approach Cannibal Gorge Hut the track gets a bit rocky and undulating under foot...</div><div style="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/AVvXsEhtt4bU_1dk9153D6i8Q5_6WPcd6-XtMXpCiGc4TRp1LG6SNp6Gb6Enqd2Qb5TCu22wN4wjuQTAMubWMrBOlvyEC9hpLD2mM_2B5fUoVDLH5P_M8QYMzSLRTA38jPXY0XyJT-QaFrdJJY6N2uZHsgtAlEECAEDLRsaLhdvOIBL2qcwhkvWTUdXPmA_gVg/s6000/IMG_0663.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtt4bU_1dk9153D6i8Q5_6WPcd6-XtMXpCiGc4TRp1LG6SNp6Gb6Enqd2Qb5TCu22wN4wjuQTAMubWMrBOlvyEC9hpLD2mM_2B5fUoVDLH5P_M8QYMzSLRTA38jPXY0XyJT-QaFrdJJY6N2uZHsgtAlEECAEDLRsaLhdvOIBL2qcwhkvWTUdXPmA_gVg/w640-h426/IMG_0663.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the scenic walk at Lewis Pass Tarn, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There is a small kiosk with an intentions book about 300 meters down the St James Walkway where you can see how many other people are on the track ahead of you. It is about 8.5 km's or 3-4 hours walk from here to the first hut on the track. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tk-FodhZ-VU/VOptgdQAINI/AAAAAAAAFAw/LA4KqV4Uj98/s1600/DSCN4793.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tk-FodhZ-VU/VOptgdQAINI/AAAAAAAAFAw/LA4KqV4Uj98/s640/DSCN4793.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Start of the St James Walkway...intentions book near the tarn</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2v6JsRIMzp8/VOptgvknK1I/AAAAAAAAFA0/JGBj40Kty3s/s1600/DSCN4794.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2v6JsRIMzp8/VOptgvknK1I/AAAAAAAAFA0/JGBj40Kty3s/s640/DSCN4794.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">St James Walkway: descending towards Maruia River</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">You are walking down to and along the Maruia River Right Branch until just past Ada Pass Hut when you change over to the Ada River catchment. You can see the Maruia in a few places but you never get close enough to reach it as you are sidling along the side of the Freyburg Range. </div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWrE35H5FM_xKH4RR3AU8F_ri4pixJjjTt957yiyFt_Qrc8y0nxYQByQBgGpWvwYZMk2D3VrCzM-vpyACnA1Oqo6hD83nQojmxtbA5x3qqO-xfRnXqi5FrQvLmn3-sH2xHoGaVaFW1DU/s1600/StJames1.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="605" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWrE35H5FM_xKH4RR3AU8F_ri4pixJjjTt957yiyFt_Qrc8y0nxYQByQBgGpWvwYZMk2D3VrCzM-vpyACnA1Oqo6hD83nQojmxtbA5x3qqO-xfRnXqi5FrQvLmn3-sH2xHoGaVaFW1DU/w432-h640/StJames1.PNG" width="432" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Cannibal Gorge section of the St James 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/AVvXsEj9E1hjnDFMPYDVzDbhlEEe9t9kGkheecU06dyk44PzhTv_R6199UW2smIRGvJmbiEbyej_F7G4JcQvCgDp-l2Pt3sLCoymXJ6yIMBH0tyqQwHWcCFcpRZyQnSWm8x8oGJ8AxwVDdhwnuBxaozIpEq0RPQLKwtQFqE_46IbBYfDmvisTQYiJKdn2b5Hbw/s6000/IMG_0674.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9E1hjnDFMPYDVzDbhlEEe9t9kGkheecU06dyk44PzhTv_R6199UW2smIRGvJmbiEbyej_F7G4JcQvCgDp-l2Pt3sLCoymXJ6yIMBH0tyqQwHWcCFcpRZyQnSWm8x8oGJ8AxwVDdhwnuBxaozIpEq0RPQLKwtQFqE_46IbBYfDmvisTQYiJKdn2b5Hbw/w640-h426/IMG_0674.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading deeper into the forest on the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">There are a number of smaller side streams crossing the track as you descend to the Maruia River. The larger ones are bridged and all are perfectly fine water sources if you need to fill your bottles. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEj9ggKnjRVQ7gVXQf6bt4mj8UbmMGr3r2gZhOVLI5e60C2ix0-NaWklPg9aSXuhzMvifzhoi4DwvRblNpFxXM29GEjpuGV2SK3-IwhxtI4xywqRXC7N8B6JUElnU6EkRKHAIoHBxgVIx7f0Sv1nyyuqoSpgkyMju899ya2Vcity7jgHt2TfaSVA342Kmw/s6000/IMG_0676.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ggKnjRVQ7gVXQf6bt4mj8UbmMGr3r2gZhOVLI5e60C2ix0-NaWklPg9aSXuhzMvifzhoi4DwvRblNpFxXM29GEjpuGV2SK3-IwhxtI4xywqRXC7N8B6JUElnU6EkRKHAIoHBxgVIx7f0Sv1nyyuqoSpgkyMju899ya2Vcity7jgHt2TfaSVA342Kmw/w640-h426/IMG_0676.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of several side streams you cross enroute to Cannibal Gorge</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEivmTq5uDARkowBqEIYlDCKhVIjvycppre7bFeJ9cE5zWMe4YRrwq1nylsiaynK2m0zrz8Rf6LvUYsqbXMQvNjyRxiKlIgz_X7EQM9sQAnsGt9u1CjE_cHEP6sJEDjrDLfHX2DOwOov0dDATP3EaGqZTij-_RH55y_oNN0JwGzH3L_cxG6FDwIxM7Ucvw/s6000/IMG_0680.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmTq5uDARkowBqEIYlDCKhVIjvycppre7bFeJ9cE5zWMe4YRrwq1nylsiaynK2m0zrz8Rf6LvUYsqbXMQvNjyRxiKlIgz_X7EQM9sQAnsGt9u1CjE_cHEP6sJEDjrDLfHX2DOwOov0dDATP3EaGqZTij-_RH55y_oNN0JwGzH3L_cxG6FDwIxM7Ucvw/w426-h640/IMG_0680.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good track conditions into Cannibal 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/AVvXsEhtNvbe5Q9CEPXqFa_uF8F1Dxq6Sw4VBVl2djSHp2d1TYPpGBDM88f7NdXTH-tWOJ6imp8t8TU6DpVmmr1biIgH4OfPFWADzywQ5PdojaTRvmSmD6At5cDpsP30V1ZOKKwcvE7SH9BzivCiYu4AFQpiepoSk78KC1NKZ0ZfaxnN8qr0wHqpS7k5LhuKCA/s6000/IMG_0682.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNvbe5Q9CEPXqFa_uF8F1Dxq6Sw4VBVl2djSHp2d1TYPpGBDM88f7NdXTH-tWOJ6imp8t8TU6DpVmmr1biIgH4OfPFWADzywQ5PdojaTRvmSmD6At5cDpsP30V1ZOKKwcvE7SH9BzivCiYu4AFQpiepoSk78KC1NKZ0ZfaxnN8qr0wHqpS7k5LhuKCA/w640-h426/IMG_0682.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blown out stream bed, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">You eventually arrive at the first swing bridge across the Maruia River, this is the first of seven bridges you cross on the track. Generally all the major rivers are bridged. There are several un-bridged side stream's (especially in the Cannibal Gorge section) that could be a problem if it was raining heavily.</div><div style="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/AVvXsEgLlBD-cdbGVfMezo3N47KeZAsFZ6qUv5_BoPjXpcEi4t63I_NTHe7d3Nn18HJsT2hRt3oBu6Fbq9XUm2uIOaSEhkKGPpTdLy4VsexvB4JozFlsGs3oEio6ScsfEmX6B1FdpnmyXut8mINLgDoU7swK_i7qgVx1rTsqehoKeziM9TSemlms6wwn5gAixA/s6000/IMG_0687.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlBD-cdbGVfMezo3N47KeZAsFZ6qUv5_BoPjXpcEi4t63I_NTHe7d3Nn18HJsT2hRt3oBu6Fbq9XUm2uIOaSEhkKGPpTdLy4VsexvB4JozFlsGs3oEio6ScsfEmX6B1FdpnmyXut8mINLgDoU7swK_i7qgVx1rTsqehoKeziM9TSemlms6wwn5gAixA/w640-h426/IMG_0687.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cannibal Gorge: first swing-bridge (6 more 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/AVvXsEiGij9UyB8BT7ZTT6ZAg-Fqc9mMfsuQ7k5BrxV8xCpH3pDChNLLdRE2oY8rXGUImRcVTfgVuncX_FhdlaAMDGHlJRv272qFZgYP6AZ8376VYa95cCZq6PW6J2T2Fg7qJ3_mkP2rcGufhg8j9RXKwc5QF3s9l1QABfxflmQgF3UDuOyWx7_2lIY741HXhA/s6000/IMG_0689.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGij9UyB8BT7ZTT6ZAg-Fqc9mMfsuQ7k5BrxV8xCpH3pDChNLLdRE2oY8rXGUImRcVTfgVuncX_FhdlaAMDGHlJRv272qFZgYP6AZ8376VYa95cCZq6PW6J2T2Fg7qJ3_mkP2rcGufhg8j9RXKwc5QF3s9l1QABfxflmQgF3UDuOyWx7_2lIY741HXhA/w640-h426/IMG_0689.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View up the Maruia River from the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTapKVfaZM8j2cmIlL487Xi8z0PQ4X-Q0U-VxKZy7a-4Z54fV-Xph31eo-3xTcJt0knq50hDyMvID7I2XK6zXskHwjDu1A-WTZUAf_o8e0H_OkHMrxUUEnmiq5YaFPtncRCb8uiGCDmB2ylAze6OhzxpNXt_jt75XCmPwyiLfZaHTKXGC9W02GI66f_Q/s6000/IMG_0694.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTapKVfaZM8j2cmIlL487Xi8z0PQ4X-Q0U-VxKZy7a-4Z54fV-Xph31eo-3xTcJt0knq50hDyMvID7I2XK6zXskHwjDu1A-WTZUAf_o8e0H_OkHMrxUUEnmiq5YaFPtncRCb8uiGCDmB2ylAze6OhzxpNXt_jt75XCmPwyiLfZaHTKXGC9W02GI66f_Q/w640-h426/IMG_0694.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer view of Cannibal Gorge Swingbridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cannibal Gorge is so named as it was the site of an impromptu battle between two Maori Iwi before Europeans arrived in New Zealand. As was their custom, the winning side ate the losing side for dinner. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEiIKSiaA6ohKNKFVyWKP_UKta2yVqpNDzGnKqQ7mlBdJQmjr9U0_Hpu56iZWJ7LKLJwiUoOFFMdgjfWRpwAc8aaYXSFrquaObSc_4mdixYDjaD5Z4uiGi3puvPE8KBLpgWhlzLk0iteabY8Cq6nMsGyZeA81TKt5VAJzzP5C0rP4erlvE9c9a7lxX1MtQ/s6000/IMG_0695.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKSiaA6ohKNKFVyWKP_UKta2yVqpNDzGnKqQ7mlBdJQmjr9U0_Hpu56iZWJ7LKLJwiUoOFFMdgjfWRpwAc8aaYXSFrquaObSc_4mdixYDjaD5Z4uiGi3puvPE8KBLpgWhlzLk0iteabY8Cq6nMsGyZeA81TKt5VAJzzP5C0rP4erlvE9c9a7lxX1MtQ/w640-h426/IMG_0695.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Information panel near the Cannibal Gorge swingbridge</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZwPmx3Ekglyzf9IXloi0-zKxQcwuZ1MdKqruNRhd_Q9MvA0D0EJh7AFPUBqZz0NHHPMRmuO2m07iUqbJ1hdhYaKP_zOi_ESLirEYazcLKE-c-mo-A9QkqyMXtXZFeDJVTZlBjJb_SP7n/s1600/DSCN4798.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZwPmx3Ekglyzf9IXloi0-zKxQcwuZ1MdKqruNRhd_Q9MvA0D0EJh7AFPUBqZz0NHHPMRmuO2m07iUqbJ1hdhYaKP_zOi_ESLirEYazcLKE-c-mo-A9QkqyMXtXZFeDJVTZlBjJb_SP7n/w640-h480/DSCN4798.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">St James Walkway: information about Cannibal Gorge</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The early history of New Zealand is pepper shot by instances of extreme violence and carnage...both Maori and settler history. New Zealand was a rough and fearsome pioneer nation until late in the 1880's...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once at the bridge you cross the Maruia River and then begin to climb up the hills on the true right of the Maruia River. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwnMyBfykNFpzOQHvBqAS8SODjP0CtPi_27UjUmA-lm31oQc78FPkNe4SPr4l9xg_almuH2hpE3YsYL__ZOjG17nMu2EDYHO0D7ZZG8SKXLOSr6t-6fVR5Sn6o9NZqnXYfEO0T-y6ajHOoRhGM2flcd7Ha9HX3YlIP1EBEpHjc3lOK4onx19QYOWUIQ/s6000/IMG_0700.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwnMyBfykNFpzOQHvBqAS8SODjP0CtPi_27UjUmA-lm31oQc78FPkNe4SPr4l9xg_almuH2hpE3YsYL__ZOjG17nMu2EDYHO0D7ZZG8SKXLOSr6t-6fVR5Sn6o9NZqnXYfEO0T-y6ajHOoRhGM2flcd7Ha9HX3YlIP1EBEpHjc3lOK4onx19QYOWUIQ/w640-h426/IMG_0700.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign on Cannibal Gorge Swingbridge, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="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/AVvXsEj4pmFZgTQ-8Um6Mmf-z52wdM9tp_8IGhjQRFp0M5Pr6rFeHHAuZKqdDomLNvQNbYuQwXE0P4QNwOs6PGn023okhJUC1Ypkx2hYqULuGdFZ17T9ZpdMkn352xlYTlQaNkhzFinqCB669uSzfa_Kgg6dg6z0lHD_Qvr3Lxa6IXBB8hVYlvOxV6rT9Rs2_w/s6000/IMG_0698.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pmFZgTQ-8Um6Mmf-z52wdM9tp_8IGhjQRFp0M5Pr6rFeHHAuZKqdDomLNvQNbYuQwXE0P4QNwOs6PGn023okhJUC1Ypkx2hYqULuGdFZ17T9ZpdMkn352xlYTlQaNkhzFinqCB669uSzfa_Kgg6dg6z0lHD_Qvr3Lxa6IXBB8hVYlvOxV6rT9Rs2_w/w640-h426/IMG_0698.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the Maruia River on the Cannibal Gorge Swingbridge</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/AVvXsEj9iD3LYJw1Az_55RBstYjX97ujGUBQH7HQUCsb6OCUgcmScOqpkMVA-V1jCymx9WWFizlsAUGZyh_bpli6Iuws7MWglV9LjaN394q4QugOawLSQasg8-XnYXNrfrRkrM7vedjeLWL8Qldo1WtZfbJhwxPEHMOHHyMvw5OgJxIWdf7xRjwIhoy6ohwj5w/s6000/IMG_0701.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iD3LYJw1Az_55RBstYjX97ujGUBQH7HQUCsb6OCUgcmScOqpkMVA-V1jCymx9WWFizlsAUGZyh_bpli6Iuws7MWglV9LjaN394q4QugOawLSQasg8-XnYXNrfrRkrM7vedjeLWL8Qldo1WtZfbJhwxPEHMOHHyMvw5OgJxIWdf7xRjwIhoy6ohwj5w/w640-h426/IMG_0701.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old Walkways Commission sign near Cannibal Gorge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the view up and down the Maruia River from the middle of the swingbridge. </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/AVvXsEitYVUDXkm87LhubUwG2LYaZo__2azZQjs2S73xqUvxr2M63MixFKTpOr2RwZwxCHvGp8K723d4J53SedYzHmV61Hdv6A3ovR7zC5v24SDtIwWMv7ko4kSQay3g7izedi3g0zpdU_BNKDVaEYyJZmiudtTz0qWEllUr3dj5oNaSnivFDQ2QFp1rF-LCsQ/s6000/IMG_0702.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYVUDXkm87LhubUwG2LYaZo__2azZQjs2S73xqUvxr2M63MixFKTpOr2RwZwxCHvGp8K723d4J53SedYzHmV61Hdv6A3ovR7zC5v24SDtIwWMv7ko4kSQay3g7izedi3g0zpdU_BNKDVaEYyJZmiudtTz0qWEllUr3dj5oNaSnivFDQ2QFp1rF-LCsQ/w640-h426/IMG_0702.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up river from the crossing of the Maruia 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/AVvXsEjaVd743UtTvNyqz1NP7tYeIYC5G9DfWJIPp5M25QnXCjogeaY6hLDi0gcP11oToY38Mh7ZSdbzNgpEvHJ43iN1BiHrbWTWJ6I5bQc3nejTTsKsj1ljC0vYX9hKVnIvt0XqHxXLUR7YQbSW8LXkzSMqxx6Ku_zjmlkkJ4mmhNlWciY-vUnJoj-U5FZX-Q/s6000/IMG_0704.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVd743UtTvNyqz1NP7tYeIYC5G9DfWJIPp5M25QnXCjogeaY6hLDi0gcP11oToY38Mh7ZSdbzNgpEvHJ43iN1BiHrbWTWJ6I5bQc3nejTTsKsj1ljC0vYX9hKVnIvt0XqHxXLUR7YQbSW8LXkzSMqxx6Ku_zjmlkkJ4mmhNlWciY-vUnJoj-U5FZX-Q/w640-h426/IMG_0704.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View downstream from the Cannibal Gorge Swingbridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div>I forgot how much climbing you do on this part of the track as it has been eight years since I was last here. I have wanted to come back many times since 2015 but I just had too many other tracks to cover in the intervening years. There is a lot of up and down to get up and over ridges coming down from the higher peaks. </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/AVvXsEiv-dfQfx1tiS5HFk5-vq3a2P7yEtZbN6ollv0-FkRspCqPPhSg-GZ-y2En0fu2kYwmHnkCUidBW40jzYsgsc2TrmjTAqI1ZhHhUm-mUCyRcYhiEL6jh8meYRqgGXWnOi0zlMyubTt_fZk7JrQiFFHolduZUhCRhu3dVjq2Qg9AALlPKZrVIRFVrXTpOg/s6000/IMG_0705.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-dfQfx1tiS5HFk5-vq3a2P7yEtZbN6ollv0-FkRspCqPPhSg-GZ-y2En0fu2kYwmHnkCUidBW40jzYsgsc2TrmjTAqI1ZhHhUm-mUCyRcYhiEL6jh8meYRqgGXWnOi0zlMyubTt_fZk7JrQiFFHolduZUhCRhu3dVjq2Qg9AALlPKZrVIRFVrXTpOg/w640-h426/IMG_0705.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up out of Cannibal Gorge on day 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/AVvXsEiE5iJLfIP-iEW2TtawTn9WvDid4lZ6E-CXjCUT95kZvCsyj6W6DUq2Sp7foPcwvAzT7JlD9_XY68QA9EzNN6iW4GBw6U6SC5ZThPeU0xh3XfLQW_zY0Mc22wCZzRPupp6SetxKTijw315NRpGqGTkrWZuyIW7Yt-YJFtSfK8pOBAF1hXVFur1PgoryqQ/s6000/IMG_0707.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5iJLfIP-iEW2TtawTn9WvDid4lZ6E-CXjCUT95kZvCsyj6W6DUq2Sp7foPcwvAzT7JlD9_XY68QA9EzNN6iW4GBw6U6SC5ZThPeU0xh3XfLQW_zY0Mc22wCZzRPupp6SetxKTijw315NRpGqGTkrWZuyIW7Yt-YJFtSfK8pOBAF1hXVFur1PgoryqQ/w640-h426/IMG_0707.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky and root covered track near Cannibal Gorge, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">About one hour along the track you reach the point where a creek on the true left of the river leads up to the Zampa Tops. The Zampa Tops are a continuous series of tussock clearings from here all the way along the Opera and Libretto Ranges and make an excellent fine weather tramp. You can stay on the tops and walk all the way south to near Boyle Flat Hut if you want to...</div><div style="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/AVvXsEiVl72SA4oNN_WcHPmmU32XBEfudqH8GuHdvoU_F6rs-66o7XO8TzON-akUM13FuqBPXc8Qk1fravztfkjEcm-vjhIa2ITYKiWmOiD07T5POdCJ5Tgtd8JIUXp5acuOZ7ghDVhDvsOHuANgtVYQTHoR7Rk0YKcov8XfdfcQq8GCY2PFt_NM4FRFv3Qyxw/s6000/IMG_0709.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVl72SA4oNN_WcHPmmU32XBEfudqH8GuHdvoU_F6rs-66o7XO8TzON-akUM13FuqBPXc8Qk1fravztfkjEcm-vjhIa2ITYKiWmOiD07T5POdCJ5Tgtd8JIUXp5acuOZ7ghDVhDvsOHuANgtVYQTHoR7Rk0YKcov8XfdfcQq8GCY2PFt_NM4FRFv3Qyxw/w640-h426/IMG_0709.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St James Walkway: creek leading towards Zampa Tops</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had the usual progression of Fantails and Robins following me along the track, there is a goodly number of birds in the area. I saw a number of Tui, Bellbirds, Robins, Kaka, Kakariki and Keruru as I walked along.</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/AVvXsEgK5dxz3o6xzFqQIS_7GJt9emuZWZgyc1c0P0c3B0INfyNN7MsLVa2bHfrMeMMp5PrFaOyyApil05Jt2vsybT9VrcDFivhPvUSCYli_j8IK0gP-jqR-DX_Mpwt0qPwhuDFbXv0Ke5es-EiY_r4M67McjwiIEh8Umo08Yth3nICdHE-h95RO-xP-VPah8A/s6000/IMG_0727.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5dxz3o6xzFqQIS_7GJt9emuZWZgyc1c0P0c3B0INfyNN7MsLVa2bHfrMeMMp5PrFaOyyApil05Jt2vsybT9VrcDFivhPvUSCYli_j8IK0gP-jqR-DX_Mpwt0qPwhuDFbXv0Ke5es-EiY_r4M67McjwiIEh8Umo08Yth3nICdHE-h95RO-xP-VPah8A/w640-h426/IMG_0727.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Island Robin, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INa2lYcjiuY/VOptmCEMDSI/AAAAAAAAFCI/I8vT1uApqBE/s1600/DSCN4802.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INa2lYcjiuY/VOptmCEMDSI/AAAAAAAAFCI/I8vT1uApqBE/s640/DSCN4802.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div align="center">Another curious Robin on the St James Walkway</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are a number of "no stop" avalanche zones along the track, the steep terrain combined with a lot of snow in winter makes avalanches fairly common. You should not be venturing up this end of the St James Walkway over Winter unless there is zero snow on the higher areas, it's just too dangerous. Check the Avalanche advisory service before venturing along the track between May and October. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nQl7Rh0vw4_F43t3p6sKH7tpojJNOVK6MrrzuiEACeTYEQY-Nx9JQJdjiYXsp34zjQZYXsV-5_tTs8t4IPM8ZvaT__AiQPCUqVrFadItBzaZGjrDvGlP4rmE-ZXxthUpIgplYqh56H-jrvKFPfmh5NDiaJLZe4kWis6YyGsUKQsfilXO2YsRF9bmLA/s6000/IMG_0721.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nQl7Rh0vw4_F43t3p6sKH7tpojJNOVK6MrrzuiEACeTYEQY-Nx9JQJdjiYXsp34zjQZYXsV-5_tTs8t4IPM8ZvaT__AiQPCUqVrFadItBzaZGjrDvGlP4rmE-ZXxthUpIgplYqh56H-jrvKFPfmh5NDiaJLZe4kWis6YyGsUKQsfilXO2YsRF9bmLA/w640-h426/IMG_0721.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St James Walkway: avalanche warning sign</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You pass a number of small side streams along the way...some of these could be problematic in heavy rain. There are also a number of track side waterfalls which are both picturesque and good water sources. </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/AVvXsEgQZnYi2B6e7IBK_VESL-8DV-o3_lVsw6JrQVJOax2LyhyTb5ONopNK__aoZs4KS9F2UCZe1tYjXCfyAYtNdoDBV_B9RKhSiLt-7Z1lSaGM3MsOlhxwtNKbu5Yy--u1o5Lb1qYeQPJkboIx-PqACmKED8MK6bI6m5qj3Uujzq1m_2mh8A7d6woSwlv4IA/s6000/IMG_0713.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZnYi2B6e7IBK_VESL-8DV-o3_lVsw6JrQVJOax2LyhyTb5ONopNK__aoZs4KS9F2UCZe1tYjXCfyAYtNdoDBV_B9RKhSiLt-7Z1lSaGM3MsOlhxwtNKbu5Yy--u1o5Lb1qYeQPJkboIx-PqACmKED8MK6bI6m5qj3Uujzq1m_2mh8A7d6woSwlv4IA/w640-h426/IMG_0713.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many side streams through Cannibal 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/AVvXsEilNbTQey9pCLX35c07qKO85n6iQwYQRqkW52fSCtat0MRT8H1K99CMeOSziG2iGuokCbdmH3tm47i6gyQXduYGri1-lOvG9xzTVepXlQqYpc7wfbWDfryG0nxci2vm4s24iGZrRbKqtz7oHYkWLPJMvpsQk-ZlLoWN3Kiwvun7bcZkdHHSd-gajVG0CQ/s6000/IMG_0715.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNbTQey9pCLX35c07qKO85n6iQwYQRqkW52fSCtat0MRT8H1K99CMeOSziG2iGuokCbdmH3tm47i6gyQXduYGri1-lOvG9xzTVepXlQqYpc7wfbWDfryG0nxci2vm4s24iGZrRbKqtz7oHYkWLPJMvpsQk-ZlLoWN3Kiwvun7bcZkdHHSd-gajVG0CQ/w426-h640/IMG_0715.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Track side waterfall, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I stopped for my first break of the day about two hours along the track. There are lots of good spots alongside the track where you can stop and sit on the side of the track. It was cool through this area even with the sun shining down on the forest. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Winter is fast approaching folks...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHrQHLuX_DrmmNxK9B7VFTuSM6HPgMnCulI6XJRnMPtmQ-SdPe09QcO00brX4euwiGsYKB-hffDcuDCkYAdpNUHW9UJiS9W7HbPZp1U1RlHHym5eYm7HGACh52rH3oW7dsRqt4TVFGClybX2uTq8NfClnefFE1a_jG_aUqYkMBrW6rz-pFiUaG3DBhQ/s6000/IMG_0717.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHrQHLuX_DrmmNxK9B7VFTuSM6HPgMnCulI6XJRnMPtmQ-SdPe09QcO00brX4euwiGsYKB-hffDcuDCkYAdpNUHW9UJiS9W7HbPZp1U1RlHHym5eYm7HGACh52rH3oW7dsRqt4TVFGClybX2uTq8NfClnefFE1a_jG_aUqYkMBrW6rz-pFiUaG3DBhQ/w640-h426/IMG_0717.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my rest spot near Cannibal Gorge</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6RI-x82eVA/VOptlWQc-XI/AAAAAAAAFB8/bQcf1NuuVhk/s1600/DSCN4804.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6RI-x82eVA/VOptlWQc-XI/AAAAAAAAFB8/bQcf1NuuVhk/s640/DSCN4804.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">St James Walkway: Cannibal Gorge Track about 2 hours in</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Eventually you start to descend down towards the Maruia River once again and eventually break out into some open river flats about 3 hours into the day. I took the opportunity to stop for a short break here before continuing on my way towards Cannibal Gorge Hut. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEhVg0GUdPKzKGj89byDqZgQ9wRM8F4Vm0AClMrV0QYf15MCzj6QHA-T7Ga22SXsMMfgtKDEOWuZ8gLchnRHd9HRd10RzMyLR-yhPlp8oAwn3_MJD25mZaqE2eE2-JXTAoUwHeVSTzcVy-D47FfGyqPOIuZTn0kxcIFSmiMs03enJkliM5q5ebBurOtiuw/s6000/IMG_0736.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVg0GUdPKzKGj89byDqZgQ9wRM8F4Vm0AClMrV0QYf15MCzj6QHA-T7Ga22SXsMMfgtKDEOWuZ8gLchnRHd9HRd10RzMyLR-yhPlp8oAwn3_MJD25mZaqE2eE2-JXTAoUwHeVSTzcVy-D47FfGyqPOIuZTn0kxcIFSmiMs03enJkliM5q5ebBurOtiuw/w640-h426/IMG_0736.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the descent down towards the Maruia 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/AVvXsEgqicVPaKxiJWwGzWd1FJrBxVYHYnHPl-8ifr0efU8OehZjarki4WchLf3-pUgAGE_rTQUd4G9kORRiStf5xnmx8NhJCR-lKYDjuMhdQNWEPx9dGCom6ocOm115kEgcBzHuiEWceg18tL5lQ6dyhh2yPDrebjsFpnxd4xbCcly2BneYEil8vBR5LGiQJQ/s6000/IMG_0738.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqicVPaKxiJWwGzWd1FJrBxVYHYnHPl-8ifr0efU8OehZjarki4WchLf3-pUgAGE_rTQUd4G9kORRiStf5xnmx8NhJCR-lKYDjuMhdQNWEPx9dGCom6ocOm115kEgcBzHuiEWceg18tL5lQ6dyhh2yPDrebjsFpnxd4xbCcly2BneYEil8vBR5LGiQJQ/w640-h426/IMG_0738.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toi Toi mark the edge of the flats along the Maruia 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/AVvXsEijQWwbA2WMF7lEJSC8OS9cF2cR0bs35-gnaoIYoMi9j2anZN3NOjBj_EgDsRKd1n9MGzVmBESNrQ7-28U33jUBew81Y1Wh_gsHiqX1lpMh7YrkvNOTqgLCbkmr0N6qMkblTmwCnOz2Ea2xoo_vGLN9ORy3Mlhq-E4JWgeRZ4KkPcJw4pGv7t_-XSmlCg/s6000/IMG_0740.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQWwbA2WMF7lEJSC8OS9cF2cR0bs35-gnaoIYoMi9j2anZN3NOjBj_EgDsRKd1n9MGzVmBESNrQ7-28U33jUBew81Y1Wh_gsHiqX1lpMh7YrkvNOTqgLCbkmr0N6qMkblTmwCnOz2Ea2xoo_vGLN9ORy3Mlhq-E4JWgeRZ4KkPcJw4pGv7t_-XSmlCg/w640-h426/IMG_0740.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...alongside the Maruia River once again...</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEj3WNkRn_7v03Gn8OSdh3VaFjqFQc3JmaVi4vyCJ9_KydAzxwOuBypUzTssO7rq2B0PwIbTWnGIp9gh5_-Azo3OhR1I5o6sSzmCacn_SgXqCy21U329JrXorGTnBg5Tz0GlwOff8rtalgDx4mehfoPJxM8SqwHf3sU6kxbWduesxUS8lbEq5OoQQbWijA/s6000/IMG_0743.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WNkRn_7v03Gn8OSdh3VaFjqFQc3JmaVi4vyCJ9_KydAzxwOuBypUzTssO7rq2B0PwIbTWnGIp9gh5_-Azo3OhR1I5o6sSzmCacn_SgXqCy21U329JrXorGTnBg5Tz0GlwOff8rtalgDx4mehfoPJxM8SqwHf3sU6kxbWduesxUS8lbEq5OoQQbWijA/w640-h426/IMG_0743.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good camping spots on the Maruia River flats</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a bit of a restricted view up the Maruia Valley from the river flats but there is not much to see at this point. From the flats you are less than 30 minutes from Cannibal Gorge Hut...</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/AVvXsEiXcqMIObtRGKvFEXW4pJxdM2Mpb9QOgUbgl-m-Zp5HvJtaKiIKJAgghDIZxEaBrEwasCL37ipJVluCCRFv_kIyJ4H6lCIIQiVC4rd4lGlkU1RG1ShGy8ndi_3FQbr2JLpd8-15is3qr7_Ve0CgsmcOkKGSPtpgfKKoF7k8PTs_oSovdSsnzDQgyoYZ2g/s6000/IMG_0745.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcqMIObtRGKvFEXW4pJxdM2Mpb9QOgUbgl-m-Zp5HvJtaKiIKJAgghDIZxEaBrEwasCL37ipJVluCCRFv_kIyJ4H6lCIIQiVC4rd4lGlkU1RG1ShGy8ndi_3FQbr2JLpd8-15is3qr7_Ve0CgsmcOkKGSPtpgfKKoF7k8PTs_oSovdSsnzDQgyoYZ2g/w640-h426/IMG_0745.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obstructed view up the Maruia River from the flats, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was pleased to finally reach the Cannibal Gorge Hut Swingbridge as I knew it was close to Cannibal Gorge Hut. I had been walking for about three and a half hours at this point so I was more than ready for a lunch break. <br /><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/AVvXsEiQKLx8wzeP5g3M3ecRbEVK2M8I4H9oJEV2es0zFbNLptca0AGajgCtNbi0z2fg8yoPIRB6gCBwPmeFKpHEcbl7j5WtAaOdGaP0TJ1ZT4GVz2dY3gNYY3UkoQzsXADKLpdw2UAEc6YIW69lvyVhti6vmPs6f7XCaN63NfXFG9DRiab5sudY0yYuLaYkvA/s6000/IMG_0748.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKLx8wzeP5g3M3ecRbEVK2M8I4H9oJEV2es0zFbNLptca0AGajgCtNbi0z2fg8yoPIRB6gCBwPmeFKpHEcbl7j5WtAaOdGaP0TJ1ZT4GVz2dY3gNYY3UkoQzsXADKLpdw2UAEc6YIW69lvyVhti6vmPs6f7XCaN63NfXFG9DRiab5sudY0yYuLaYkvA/w640-h426/IMG_0748.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrival at the Cannibal Gorge Hut Swingbridge, St James 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/AVvXsEjGyf2xlN_4i8znkjkV1-XO881qdRHXm3RZ7y2yGLsSUN12_-hhx5fRIWWBmrW8ziMEANbK3hxRk4UMuNCnizRtpvCIr5ipSlF1_sSp0hAGepsdCloMR5tci-kBf563pTbaYTSHQ_KoEN5QuDtOXxl_DcOEWBC_WBwbtTjFJVvWyvEk_yd6t5lvcfUesw/s6000/IMG_0746.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyf2xlN_4i8znkjkV1-XO881qdRHXm3RZ7y2yGLsSUN12_-hhx5fRIWWBmrW8ziMEANbK3hxRk4UMuNCnizRtpvCIr5ipSlF1_sSp0hAGepsdCloMR5tci-kBf563pTbaYTSHQ_KoEN5QuDtOXxl_DcOEWBC_WBwbtTjFJVvWyvEk_yd6t5lvcfUesw/w640-h426/IMG_0746.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...limited loading allowed on these swingbridges...</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/AVvXsEh8tB6Oq6OvBv2jR4k7_NftfQVwBGppjKTUm7ZkRzTPXE9Y50knx9Pcp1BVALuxQnqd2z0B3uX739HETnuQNc6S1e5dw-dyOnACUesbfAOnsYsQqBi_x2AkbRuj8OyJvVUBcxw8PR-4zuvWd0DACFciXtNbs2BOh3crZPdGHlWBvP4DJMD7fjtuCfjwzw/s6000/IMG_0750.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tB6Oq6OvBv2jR4k7_NftfQVwBGppjKTUm7ZkRzTPXE9Y50knx9Pcp1BVALuxQnqd2z0B3uX739HETnuQNc6S1e5dw-dyOnACUesbfAOnsYsQqBi_x2AkbRuj8OyJvVUBcxw8PR-4zuvWd0DACFciXtNbs2BOh3crZPdGHlWBvP4DJMD7fjtuCfjwzw/w640-h426/IMG_0750.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is about 15 minutes from the swingbridge to Cannibal Gorge Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">DOC have re routed the track past Cannibal Gorge Hut Swingbridge...it now goes up and over a ridge rather than alongside the river. The track keeps falling into the river every time there is a big storm so they really didn't have another choice. It is a perfectly fine track but it sucks climbing up a big hill when you are so close to the hut site. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEhoLyax_KGUYNW-c8eKxLTKy8RRwd4YNhEgdkqHX10SU9ESTHTZBYSzexpwLpmxAKoxw161IF1-MpR-WprqLxUIDMihmxvbGVMAwsbb3QSl9VN0923lk1wD0KLA6rFB9acAruKiewKdMnF6tbPVHoPH2TVXeKTIlP4QXwvdhR7DeRQNFOi3IIeSpr1nOw/s6000/IMG_0752.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLyax_KGUYNW-c8eKxLTKy8RRwd4YNhEgdkqHX10SU9ESTHTZBYSzexpwLpmxAKoxw161IF1-MpR-WprqLxUIDMihmxvbGVMAwsbb3QSl9VN0923lk1wD0KLA6rFB9acAruKiewKdMnF6tbPVHoPH2TVXeKTIlP4QXwvdhR7DeRQNFOi3IIeSpr1nOw/w640-h426/IMG_0752.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up over the last ridge before Cannibal Gorge 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/AVvXsEiZDe1M73RJSBPnLW9kI96D0g_9coXEVzcYDyx_AI-KXfxjUHhH36CpfcVFREwK-B8YLkZMvO8SPMoHItP-gvOZcpwO5ipv_RP8L5oPz8rrKKZdDbCNsoBgdbq5PFBEHrdhKrytPB7e85bWTK4AvIc6GKcSqkkJwlXeHct5trXznowuma6jIxtLBTpNvw/s6000/IMG_0754.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDe1M73RJSBPnLW9kI96D0g_9coXEVzcYDyx_AI-KXfxjUHhH36CpfcVFREwK-B8YLkZMvO8SPMoHItP-gvOZcpwO5ipv_RP8L5oPz8rrKKZdDbCNsoBgdbq5PFBEHrdhKrytPB7e85bWTK4AvIc6GKcSqkkJwlXeHct5trXznowuma6jIxtLBTpNvw/w640-h426/IMG_0754.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Permalot marker along the St James 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/AVvXsEiF5XQzbQhUj-xEdpNU93pifcyySWWVhbC8ttd3KQD-lrGa9NzBZZQpM9FJE4W5GEWT_rl9vMS_NBNai6SyX_R12YOuUuHgAfawUvqji6vpvRE3yZA8NeiZAHF1WfESeR-YuM51nZwqhFH2bMs6lUffXtPL1UQ-oW0_O76trRNUl979brhIi6mDN06o4w/s6000/IMG_0756.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5XQzbQhUj-xEdpNU93pifcyySWWVhbC8ttd3KQD-lrGa9NzBZZQpM9FJE4W5GEWT_rl9vMS_NBNai6SyX_R12YOuUuHgAfawUvqji6vpvRE3yZA8NeiZAHF1WfESeR-YuM51nZwqhFH2bMs6lUffXtPL1UQ-oW0_O76trRNUl979brhIi6mDN06o4w/w640-h426/IMG_0756.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to enter the river flat around Cannibal Gorge Hut </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eventually you reach <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/west-coast/places/lewis-pass-scenic-reserve/things-to-do/huts/cannibal-gorge-hut/">Cannibal Gorge Hut</a>, a 20 bunker about four hours along the St James Walkway. It is a fine looking hut and would certainly warrant a stay if you started the tramp later in the day. Personally, I was bound for Ada Pass Hut another two hours up the track.</div><div style="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/AVvXsEjZHIRbytvfR0ZTnaQnn2z0pG_1vqRTSMHykqVFmDw0mZaWddkS7ksQ51qCbd6HCy1ky7BKiR9mUPEe_3Jf1qIlEC6pMsxaR2s_ePjAH-O7I1xvy-4DK_YQh7qRL1rCuw2oOfaI0NkurwOCeSVbkn_6Um8J9NRJnC-xpFb75TaTReq2VVF-mbo5HY2sgQ/s6000/IMG_0758.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHIRbytvfR0ZTnaQnn2z0pG_1vqRTSMHykqVFmDw0mZaWddkS7ksQ51qCbd6HCy1ky7BKiR9mUPEe_3Jf1qIlEC6pMsxaR2s_ePjAH-O7I1xvy-4DK_YQh7qRL1rCuw2oOfaI0NkurwOCeSVbkn_6Um8J9NRJnC-xpFb75TaTReq2VVF-mbo5HY2sgQ/w640-h426/IMG_0758.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cannibal Gorge Hut, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgCpsHMjAPbCJjGCjQ9zHYVZHx9tgqJ31KOe02YeGwIw6wEam8bOT87-2juWZnnJuJZg-A_gS5eGfX8upTH8lkpl4A0bdr7sbFsEMb-KSLxWZxCQsX59fQq22wLst7GEljPspGP6sxtMHCjwBKBTTzuOvDkYfzNQ-9qWj2DQppTQCceaAkLkZu69LSMZw/s6000/IMG_0761.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpsHMjAPbCJjGCjQ9zHYVZHx9tgqJ31KOe02YeGwIw6wEam8bOT87-2juWZnnJuJZg-A_gS5eGfX8upTH8lkpl4A0bdr7sbFsEMb-KSLxWZxCQsX59fQq22wLst7GEljPspGP6sxtMHCjwBKBTTzuOvDkYfzNQ-9qWj2DQppTQCceaAkLkZu69LSMZw/w640-h426/IMG_0761.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cannibal Gorge Hut, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I stopped just long enough to eat my lunch before continuing on my way. The hut was looking a bit worn down...it could really use a paint and tidy up. This is the oldest hut on the Walkway now so I imagine it would be a good candidate for replacement.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> If Lewis Pass Carpark was safer I would certainly walk in and stay here as part of an in/out overnight trip. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEivx00yhN8KzITe0P2o6p_uiCOyWxkwq5bMDFQgMWR3LVG3vFJiU9iCs1s4r50_fwkbqU8msfUCkIVgUkP6Ps-K9wGZk36dXHJJaecu_VDovABmOBJ5p5Lusn2Qwxvbw8G2LteenCYe0Oes_kergTM7ZI_Hd304q1q-LjDXJIyA8KHleux3vpC2wN-EBA/s6000/IMG_0764.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivx00yhN8KzITe0P2o6p_uiCOyWxkwq5bMDFQgMWR3LVG3vFJiU9iCs1s4r50_fwkbqU8msfUCkIVgUkP6Ps-K9wGZk36dXHJJaecu_VDovABmOBJ5p5Lusn2Qwxvbw8G2LteenCYe0Oes_kergTM7ZI_Hd304q1q-LjDXJIyA8KHleux3vpC2wN-EBA/w640-h426/IMG_0764.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Cannibal Gorge Hut needs a paint...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cannibal Gorge Hut has an unusual three tier bunk system with three platforms in each of the bunkrooms. The top and bottom tiers are quite low while the middle tier is about 2/3 of the normal height. It is obviously meant to increase the bunk numbers but would be a bit claustrophobic in use. </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/AVvXsEh9DEO4O1jqAfAcml44Hz7hyKZMwXyiDZbpHwN06bGGgdTEc9DrVJBnLCz_UqtDmPlbHdZRxEjcTIgdvHk92Wmw9_n7dcJpQYVf0wG0vCmPx5zfEBCppAAyYpBhCbl1NZC6os7fRHlU-btQsK5CKFxe7qFXsVC9d3TOpCWLbm-ab46yqyf_SCVA2kHfNA/s6000/IMG_0765.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DEO4O1jqAfAcml44Hz7hyKZMwXyiDZbpHwN06bGGgdTEc9DrVJBnLCz_UqtDmPlbHdZRxEjcTIgdvHk92Wmw9_n7dcJpQYVf0wG0vCmPx5zfEBCppAAyYpBhCbl1NZC6os7fRHlU-btQsK5CKFxe7qFXsVC9d3TOpCWLbm-ab46yqyf_SCVA2kHfNA/w640-h426/IMG_0765.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunkroom at Cannibal Gorge Hut, St James 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/AVvXsEhVGuk6H3MYmzzl79KWB413BQf7SC4qgHfOzyEzwmLMsUErklk8bCMmrhu6vxiHEX31lGr6FiBvpDm0C7H0qZv7HXDBj4hyzlvKGrJLupIPLF6Msk-t5BgiTDqD5LrbqMXNt4wngDD2O9Eabd-uijBpcKtjWmZssBKQTokOrFLc6O63K--l9G_CJRDsHA/s6000/IMG_0767.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGuk6H3MYmzzl79KWB413BQf7SC4qgHfOzyEzwmLMsUErklk8bCMmrhu6vxiHEX31lGr6FiBvpDm0C7H0qZv7HXDBj4hyzlvKGrJLupIPLF6Msk-t5BgiTDqD5LrbqMXNt4wngDD2O9Eabd-uijBpcKtjWmZssBKQTokOrFLc6O63K--l9G_CJRDsHA/w640-h426/IMG_0767.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span>St James Walkway </span>interior of Cannibal Gorge Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The St James Walkway continues from the back of the hut and from here to Ada Pass Hut is about 1.5 to 2 hours walking. You start off walking through Beech forest before emerging onto some river flats for a couple of kilometers. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEjgPiCp9JC05dTb-gH8UqFemO8AUXULzlpbhG4njELxzoCTNamLce4VxyXJH10vJsCDTwwp3qpvSLHWspgF8H9q0TrpX-dryTxEgIshWE4dpwdDj-7PTHVfPKMazc2nsHnbZY-ZNreljhUl5aAS7Ed0CBcrmmc2jXahZZbidBgaV7s6j0UFnEc2u5DIjA/s6000/IMG_0763.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPiCp9JC05dTb-gH8UqFemO8AUXULzlpbhG4njELxzoCTNamLce4VxyXJH10vJsCDTwwp3qpvSLHWspgF8H9q0TrpX-dryTxEgIshWE4dpwdDj-7PTHVfPKMazc2nsHnbZY-ZNreljhUl5aAS7Ed0CBcrmmc2jXahZZbidBgaV7s6j0UFnEc2u5DIjA/w640-h426/IMG_0763.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's 1.5 hours walk to Ada Pass Hut from Cannibal Gorge Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="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/AVvXsEh_CEPo-KFOW4xGQSimZVGrOXg9Y0JgCYgMI-d8CzGGzSk80AW1VErGvo3-6bFUrtGVUKSUGMEivqano-dylIB1nOUpmlvKl2-8wmUOgqIUcMTCTtVIUAPPzFOoYK4wI_VkIsZoq6qWlQF3JdzzKcsa33yoaYOOub2zQBDBSSg9Mp2grTR2rHMZATWg6Q/s6000/IMG_0770.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CEPo-KFOW4xGQSimZVGrOXg9Y0JgCYgMI-d8CzGGzSk80AW1VErGvo3-6bFUrtGVUKSUGMEivqano-dylIB1nOUpmlvKl2-8wmUOgqIUcMTCTtVIUAPPzFOoYK4wI_VkIsZoq6qWlQF3JdzzKcsa33yoaYOOub2zQBDBSSg9Mp2grTR2rHMZATWg6Q/w640-h426/IMG_0770.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The St James Walkway near the back of Cannibal Gorge 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/AVvXsEjJURZaIDvxHfZBDFUwrjlBnNw4JSolAL_h8bR8-WB-VjrDLTuWjON-xj8ZydbHJSDnCD8vpTaSsQbD3PxPJcY2AQA-qg6Dax_YjZdDzO8259ar5ft5gJ_0BDM9vDHkplwaQRFp9wBOuKhOX1vofuXqw_U-aMS-zJXTumajPySRWEzdUPCQmSv7jB9o6w/s6000/IMG_0771.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJURZaIDvxHfZBDFUwrjlBnNw4JSolAL_h8bR8-WB-VjrDLTuWjON-xj8ZydbHJSDnCD8vpTaSsQbD3PxPJcY2AQA-qg6Dax_YjZdDzO8259ar5ft5gJ_0BDM9vDHkplwaQRFp9wBOuKhOX1vofuXqw_U-aMS-zJXTumajPySRWEzdUPCQmSv7jB9o6w/w640-h426/IMG_0771.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flat travel when initially leaving Cannibal Gorge Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Past Cannibal Gorge Hut the track is generally within view of the ever decreasing Maruia River...it was very cool and pleasant walking in the late afternoon. If you are thinking about taking water from any of the rivers up here you should reconsider. All these valleys are infested with Canadian Geese at the moment and their droppings are everywhere including in the rivers. <br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fnTxi-FTUtE/VOpto7IzNvI/AAAAAAAAFCw/g5WH0VYO9Hs/s1600/DSCN4809.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fnTxi-FTUtE/VOpto7IzNvI/AAAAAAAAFCw/g5WH0VYO9Hs/s640/DSCN4809.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Mid reaches of the Maruia River on St James Walkway:</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You alternate between forest and grassland for the rest of the way to Ada Pass Hut. </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/AVvXsEgWFmSfrPIJU5XwBtxyJ6eByd5hP8CuvmvRLZDWyRDk2-AtW7FiCXrW4ozNRmWYEpfODOYyk6-rYip0qcZbG2gXKoR1dd5c_zeMc8UR5vRTleoTd4ysAEkGAvcMqnqDjAKvWiESIeEO06fkG4IdaxC-LBLhrYIS-jFOL6axnwBeKUibSoMsSfC5QHlYIw/s6000/IMG_0775.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFmSfrPIJU5XwBtxyJ6eByd5hP8CuvmvRLZDWyRDk2-AtW7FiCXrW4ozNRmWYEpfODOYyk6-rYip0qcZbG2gXKoR1dd5c_zeMc8UR5vRTleoTd4ysAEkGAvcMqnqDjAKvWiESIeEO06fkG4IdaxC-LBLhrYIS-jFOL6axnwBeKUibSoMsSfC5QHlYIw/w640-h426/IMG_0775.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River flats between Cannibal Gorge and Ada Pass 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/AVvXsEjI81K91J7hfvHxNuZjugmogl9ew5JNEjsjMuj_HGKbkhz4fOu6NqMTwsCJgg3WdzTS5epP4S2hzQ2Uh-rZQxlhBS0SjpqX2noW_wnnLsHUqXHf9jqCwj8yTqW2jjda1xhFC4mEhs29EXRFnbf23ivXKhodbW2j41zmpAHKTlLVioKq1I6rskJlbgcPAw/s6000/IMG_0777.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI81K91J7hfvHxNuZjugmogl9ew5JNEjsjMuj_HGKbkhz4fOu6NqMTwsCJgg3WdzTS5epP4S2hzQ2Uh-rZQxlhBS0SjpqX2noW_wnnLsHUqXHf9jqCwj8yTqW2jjda1xhFC4mEhs29EXRFnbf23ivXKhodbW2j41zmpAHKTlLVioKq1I6rskJlbgcPAw/w640-h426/IMG_0777.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View back down the Maruia River Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The views get progressively better as you move towards the head of the Maruia Valley as the mountains get steeper and more alpine in nature. There are some beautiful high alpine cirques and U- valleys that would not look out of place in Fiordland, Mt Cook or Aspiring NP</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/AVvXsEgBflcQofB1DcYjl64Xq1O74m3F8DFt-ibmYZ5rD65ydD2zOarJKW9LKovvKJIV_Af4QiVd-m0ocXWCKHbOyMP0UWBL58U8nCIddZnpGDJSMkb_Z99hSIjgsTcVL9Wl51Dbdl9nw4FUAs-4cxMrUVbiRhRxPPxOE1WMR27zUl3jIAKTvZcVrAykvP7_HQ/s6000/IMG_0781.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBflcQofB1DcYjl64Xq1O74m3F8DFt-ibmYZ5rD65ydD2zOarJKW9LKovvKJIV_Af4QiVd-m0ocXWCKHbOyMP0UWBL58U8nCIddZnpGDJSMkb_Z99hSIjgsTcVL9Wl51Dbdl9nw4FUAs-4cxMrUVbiRhRxPPxOE1WMR27zUl3jIAKTvZcVrAykvP7_HQ/w426-h640/IMG_0781.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The St James Walkway skirts along the Maruia 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/AVvXsEikKyfFUOW6GCh3cDHYLGRzVDs8oMkquktNF9XypyOVRemXulN4AoqUdxF603t8DhS-1TTvdZatz6mLMkR9TN3bytjBksGviNY2PMvvFSIi1aa-po3ZQ0KjaXUY4kGFfaIPSV-88eYzR0vwARCyZATOShJxAkncoD0KOGpVZZzH-neY1_GBfP0leY5vZQ/s6000/IMG_0782.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKyfFUOW6GCh3cDHYLGRzVDs8oMkquktNF9XypyOVRemXulN4AoqUdxF603t8DhS-1TTvdZatz6mLMkR9TN3bytjBksGviNY2PMvvFSIi1aa-po3ZQ0KjaXUY4kGFfaIPSV-88eYzR0vwARCyZATOShJxAkncoD0KOGpVZZzH-neY1_GBfP0leY5vZQ/w640-h426/IMG_0782.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View south along the Freyburg Range from the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The whole area is the south eastern border of Nelson Lakes NP which is noted for its high mountain ranges, passes and alpine features. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74tscrWfyzQ/VOptpUlKCBI/AAAAAAAAFC0/WjSKaz7_2ec/s1600/DSCN4811.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74tscrWfyzQ/VOptpUlKCBI/AAAAAAAAFC0/WjSKaz7_2ec/s640/DSCN4811.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">St James Walkway: a high cirque basin on the Spencer Range</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ-G4x2gikA/VOptqDEjqAI/AAAAAAAAFDA/dIgJXTrW9iE/s1600/DSCN4812.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ-G4x2gikA/VOptqDEjqAI/AAAAAAAAFDA/dIgJXTrW9iE/s640/DSCN4812.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Freyburg Range: eroded U-Valley from the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">About 20 minutes from Ada Pass Hut you cross the Billy Goats Gruff bridge, if you are wanting to have a wash this is the closest stream to the hut. A short walk across some river flats and the hut comes into view.....</div><div style="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/AVvXsEgb9-I503IlNos5SDzl173n11i8GYTqHm12o5QSmySqjNh-jmwB2h_gBPomsSMMw-8NjCJqacnb0QQjhWwysednD2Y7K6KzGsZIZFt8_0PHwnX2rEkFw9usHC9owJHIRIydCxFwappzVZ9oB6MA6W8jbz3EBMmMJgKCV1pzoXBlleAZEccno6wW6R-DVQ/s6000/IMG_0785.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9-I503IlNos5SDzl173n11i8GYTqHm12o5QSmySqjNh-jmwB2h_gBPomsSMMw-8NjCJqacnb0QQjhWwysednD2Y7K6KzGsZIZFt8_0PHwnX2rEkFw9usHC9owJHIRIydCxFwappzVZ9oB6MA6W8jbz3EBMmMJgKCV1pzoXBlleAZEccno6wW6R-DVQ/w640-h426/IMG_0785.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View over the Billy Goats Gruff bridge</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/AVvXsEjHcZzGMbzhml8NnDtY-marYW5X8Bt_ckK8iVHB_WE3ujs7nnCw6kqbB4ulp7U36X6JLuedonBATbJO9asCp9-EnaJMgyoA32TpBcLqwDWP15FoaeVsxLBxxzNxD563HM0szc2F7gRPQRhdqpivhH_3NflLlQEDKn1H3wVzhXh46GBZ79EN6tUgMnqhHg/s6000/IMG_0787.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcZzGMbzhml8NnDtY-marYW5X8Bt_ckK8iVHB_WE3ujs7nnCw6kqbB4ulp7U36X6JLuedonBATbJO9asCp9-EnaJMgyoA32TpBcLqwDWP15FoaeVsxLBxxzNxD563HM0szc2F7gRPQRhdqpivhH_3NflLlQEDKn1H3wVzhXh46GBZ79EN6tUgMnqhHg/w640-h426/IMG_0787.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St James Walkway: Billy Goats Gruff bridge</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/AVvXsEjj2H6m4kZorqSSFP75Xiby-wfrEzwMXrr-x4T-luaocGLPlqkQEPX04IMZaMax97_MtkKqdG3E43n3GIkDuMsBjhoCOigwAJjHgIxJvQLuB2VBl2Vlkib80sI_3DtaDz1vkV2x3BV63KlvXCJ-Ua3UzeyVzoksf2JLTzsQIiHdzWBDrJqTPq_FAUeobg/s6000/IMG_0789.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2H6m4kZorqSSFP75Xiby-wfrEzwMXrr-x4T-luaocGLPlqkQEPX04IMZaMax97_MtkKqdG3E43n3GIkDuMsBjhoCOigwAJjHgIxJvQLuB2VBl2Vlkib80sI_3DtaDz1vkV2x3BV63KlvXCJ-Ua3UzeyVzoksf2JLTzsQIiHdzWBDrJqTPq_FAUeobg/w640-h426/IMG_0789.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maruia River from the Billy Goats Gruff bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/west-coast/places/lewis-pass-scenic-reserve/things-to-do/huts/ada-pass-hut/">Ada Pass Hut</a> is a 14 bunker, it is really nice- well maintained, and usually has both coal and wood for the fire. It is on a small river terrace with plenty of open space around the hut for a small village of tents if required.</div><div style="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/AVvXsEiDCaoghHyxV0Frv2i1mpEiG1fkFZ_p96aQyhPZdvSm9vyXxrSKoMOAvg7JJ0pWRIfLyKf1yFMyZvc2NAliR1XYgfgKKDkEmzzW6LpVEnsWjIVC-owge1ZGvPFYDIGubY7UrptCvmHdXeOYOQjkgBDFLN7FSNaQPumnQVqcnftxZuxzm4wbcos5_Kg7Cw/s6000/IMG_0795.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCaoghHyxV0Frv2i1mpEiG1fkFZ_p96aQyhPZdvSm9vyXxrSKoMOAvg7JJ0pWRIfLyKf1yFMyZvc2NAliR1XYgfgKKDkEmzzW6LpVEnsWjIVC-owge1ZGvPFYDIGubY7UrptCvmHdXeOYOQjkgBDFLN7FSNaQPumnQVqcnftxZuxzm4wbcos5_Kg7Cw/w640-h426/IMG_0795.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ada Pass Hut, St James 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/AVvXsEiV1JrE_Zyp4PdsYPvY29ED0Zu8U2gEnhkKFjSSV_e6TAL_1y2kfQs0Dks1V3R5pwcn7fbKzv0I3etnr760dTv33DgssC5sy1l6DCjCaQJj8Cb9NFr0bBmXCcwf9G6FIAmPGaAxtZ-GggwPMGsoOUsXaYt4y0pBCpUxTh2n0KZed933wVQvNDunJt0_yA/s6000/IMG_0797.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1JrE_Zyp4PdsYPvY29ED0Zu8U2gEnhkKFjSSV_e6TAL_1y2kfQs0Dks1V3R5pwcn7fbKzv0I3etnr760dTv33DgssC5sy1l6DCjCaQJj8Cb9NFr0bBmXCcwf9G6FIAmPGaAxtZ-GggwPMGsoOUsXaYt4y0pBCpUxTh2n0KZed933wVQvNDunJt0_yA/w640-h426/IMG_0797.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer view of Ada Pass Hut, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Right across the valley is the route up to Three Tarn Pass, this is one of several routes into Nelson Lakes NP via the East Matakitaki Valley. It is steep, rough and would require ice axe and crampons if snow was present.</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/AVvXsEh5v74svji7_46lLg9ZRLQGSubyoiOe8hGK9NlJc3Gydm-hF3tVf9cXBlvcOgYZujyUYlTwoetfv3o-Sy0x_Y1aHPJsKhz1viLQXu2WKaslg6_HtKSGkEQTe3zbyumeupYbCAkyOWwSqHtr8ACWznQnxjd7VnymxhNmMiKHj2zE8Fzr-eVeEmVvxAWO7g/s6000/IMG_0798.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5v74svji7_46lLg9ZRLQGSubyoiOe8hGK9NlJc3Gydm-hF3tVf9cXBlvcOgYZujyUYlTwoetfv3o-Sy0x_Y1aHPJsKhz1viLQXu2WKaslg6_HtKSGkEQTe3zbyumeupYbCAkyOWwSqHtr8ACWznQnxjd7VnymxhNmMiKHj2zE8Fzr-eVeEmVvxAWO7g/w640-h426/IMG_0798.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ada Pass Hut: the Three Tarns Pass is up this valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a good view of the flat area in front of the hut, the stream was only a trickle but drift wood piles indicate that it carries a good load of water in winter. If stream water was required it would need to be fetched from a larger stream 10 minutes down the valley. Not needed as there was a gutter feed rainwater tank right next to the hut.</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/AVvXsEjsbs1T7WvoYCO4sMsYNEN02LVoIpQbAPrILgV7tFUkGamZLHJSuAK-Bo6viZPcMxLxVunVeAdkmx5mtC8FziX7orKmPhAMNrHrYfyxWBrfp8RbN9xyPuXg0WFIlL1yMDmvsW-o0pvg4_xwcUH-LXbcfm8uWBlvCmcvfh_w47C5ehDx_a3PYoDyreNxaQ/s6000/IMG_0799.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbs1T7WvoYCO4sMsYNEN02LVoIpQbAPrILgV7tFUkGamZLHJSuAK-Bo6viZPcMxLxVunVeAdkmx5mtC8FziX7orKmPhAMNrHrYfyxWBrfp8RbN9xyPuXg0WFIlL1yMDmvsW-o0pvg4_xwcUH-LXbcfm8uWBlvCmcvfh_w47C5ehDx_a3PYoDyreNxaQ/w640-h426/IMG_0799.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flat area in front of Ada Pass Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I sat outside the hut for about 10 minutes just taking in the surroundings and resting my legs after my 5+ hours of walking that day. My pack was heavy with 5 days food and camping gear inside though it gradually got lighter as I ate my rations. I was using the Beast on this trip...my large capacity Osprey Volt 75 liter pack. </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; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hLWq6h3ls2iqQQanKa59dWSitw8pxvi4EZbo_QRGfYREH5ILw7zvthp6UR033sMWff-jvlYgfv-CrtSX0XIo-Y77V27BjHcfmomHlP5Xx8N7aU1eIJ1xF5TNzn9VY2G9M7efThfEQG3D-izFs_khYNn6SrJIJiKK1Qn7COzS3blR0wVPJGsuZox2Xw/s6000/IMG_0800.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hLWq6h3ls2iqQQanKa59dWSitw8pxvi4EZbo_QRGfYREH5ILw7zvthp6UR033sMWff-jvlYgfv-CrtSX0XIo-Y77V27BjHcfmomHlP5Xx8N7aU1eIJ1xF5TNzn9VY2G9M7efThfEQG3D-izFs_khYNn6SrJIJiKK1Qn7COzS3blR0wVPJGsuZox2Xw/w640-h426/IMG_0800.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was using my Osprey Volt 75l pack</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The inside of Ada Pass Hut is basic but functional...it has a table, bench seats and a steel cooking bench. The bunks are on two platforms with 7 bunks on each level with a ladder for access to the top tier. i was up on the top platform that night which is not that easy as I get older and less supple. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was sharing the hut that night with a young couple from Wellington who were walking the St James like myself. They were both members of the TTC or Tararua Tramping Club...the oldest and best known in the country. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGU4GUfETK4/VOptslGbutI/AAAAAAAAFDk/Uq3o3gbH8Zo/s1600/DSCN4816.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGU4GUfETK4/VOptslGbutI/AAAAAAAAFDk/Uq3o3gbH8Zo/s640/DSCN4816.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Interior of Ada Pass Hut, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It started to rain later in the afternoon and continued right through the night and into the next day. We managed to get a meager fire going with the limited wood supply and some coal. There is a dearth of firewood here as it has all been picked up over the years. There was plenty of coal but you cannot start a fire with coal alone...you need a bed of hot embers to get the coal burning. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEjAcQYa4KD03iwQMnqNWJ3l46dBYZQyAkN1WlOskaZx0XKuLD80tOGyUTurPq4Meipfvs9D6AYrTS_FoCRH9dsKgOCL51hHVuEcgq5Vf-oGgKqxHxyr7YrQpJ3yiyNmD0gX3A9mVhlxPxg3jB7f-o0JeZh7Fo4SOQWIiz4ioqan5VPpjUY9tkMYa2lAQA/s6000/IMG_0806.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcQYa4KD03iwQMnqNWJ3l46dBYZQyAkN1WlOskaZx0XKuLD80tOGyUTurPq4Meipfvs9D6AYrTS_FoCRH9dsKgOCL51hHVuEcgq5Vf-oGgKqxHxyr7YrQpJ3yiyNmD0gX3A9mVhlxPxg3jB7f-o0JeZh7Fo4SOQWIiz4ioqan5VPpjUY9tkMYa2lAQA/w640-h426/IMG_0806.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain sets in at Ada Pass Hut, St James 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/AVvXsEhJhJgcRG6B277qiC1HmjuftFsKdzxPZ4aau7_a4FHFTDDgVHSWBaBPWsXCQ2XUYcz8YrTUI1qFu8NFd_iEjwLVDUqQCJeB8UnOXYhaWURSE-uVDZ6qlMf1kOLlnDM8bVGWl3XU5QqYJPgRVmXpgyWTUxC_f55yL3UXGqoa4tpKXh8WT61CAsnc5rNonQ/s6000/IMG_0805.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhJgcRG6B277qiC1HmjuftFsKdzxPZ4aau7_a4FHFTDDgVHSWBaBPWsXCQ2XUYcz8YrTUI1qFu8NFd_iEjwLVDUqQCJeB8UnOXYhaWURSE-uVDZ6qlMf1kOLlnDM8bVGWl3XU5QqYJPgRVmXpgyWTUxC_f55yL3UXGqoa4tpKXh8WT61CAsnc5rNonQ/w640-h426/IMG_0805.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking dinner at Ada Pass Hut that evening</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had a very restful night at the hut reading, eating and conversing with my hut companions. We exchanged information about tramps around the country...they were at the end of a 2 month extended tramping blitz through the South Island. The St James Walkway was their last tramp before heading for home. </div><br /><h4><b>Day Two: St James Walkway, Ada Pass Hut to Anne Hut (25.1km's)</b></h4><div style="text-align: center;">I had planned to be packed and be ready to go by 8am, my intention being to walk to Christopher Hut and stay for the night. This was giving myself a long rest day as it is only 4 hours between the huts. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhoMlB9hO1dBZUXrjaZebCm-14MJjlxgYIHb-rNtnpntSnFnuevsgBKDKUTgFWtaEre0Ka7tjBVJv7t_WlvbyuHZI2RPRHEMZLDe7ioLzn1WSwAEbXvO15jAuyO5hnbOOv_JcPyFhQ6NKIPIoc21Rm_dQKliSKI8R1Ma8kUZEvaWtZxY9ZsWYqNNSJA/s6000/IMG_0810.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhoMlB9hO1dBZUXrjaZebCm-14MJjlxgYIHb-rNtnpntSnFnuevsgBKDKUTgFWtaEre0Ka7tjBVJv7t_WlvbyuHZI2RPRHEMZLDe7ioLzn1WSwAEbXvO15jAuyO5hnbOOv_JcPyFhQ6NKIPIoc21Rm_dQKliSKI8R1Ma8kUZEvaWtZxY9ZsWYqNNSJA/w640-h426/IMG_0810.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was absolutely hosing down we when woke up the next morning so none of us were in any great hurry to leave the hut. It was so heavy that at times we could not see the river just 10 meters from the hut. My hut mates finally left around 9 am as they were walking all the way to Anne Hut that day. I stayed put for a while as it was teeming down and I had time to wait the rain out. </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/AVvXsEjm28vukQJyNeGlC0JfRVFBErUD3860peYKq5Ah1PGFlAXL8Mam5Fov1sQPnd4fW5_J9Chv3TwHvlau_kG09u7TPZ71arhKmNUJlEE7y9SSw0D9Ud0uC2J3MEeyOCwOt3aML7jG_V6KGQz6oRvvWBk3YXYFtewh6wCnjcCIgzkqeKCrOEjpidB4C-jcDA/s6000/IMG_0807.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm28vukQJyNeGlC0JfRVFBErUD3860peYKq5Ah1PGFlAXL8Mam5Fov1sQPnd4fW5_J9Chv3TwHvlau_kG09u7TPZ71arhKmNUJlEE7y9SSw0D9Ud0uC2J3MEeyOCwOt3aML7jG_V6KGQz6oRvvWBk3YXYFtewh6wCnjcCIgzkqeKCrOEjpidB4C-jcDA/w640-h426/IMG_0807.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy rain blocks views of the mountains from Ada Pass 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/AVvXsEiDHr95wJglrGpfLgX_Ig1RJjqGgOf-YqBhEdhkObMvLgnHWuqr_hwi_ZeAb7fNBw3ISTc6e6coP2Ya3atspLVIr2xJUy4DxN8tONMk3sbVoOEpsEWU7XADt6xnPM4GyIdvEzEMrHBtT4YCwk_gzbEklnylAGrIcDfK8QFdb3pFgNXxIoZVzFFPZQUSgg/s6000/IMG_0809.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHr95wJglrGpfLgX_Ig1RJjqGgOf-YqBhEdhkObMvLgnHWuqr_hwi_ZeAb7fNBw3ISTc6e6coP2Ya3atspLVIr2xJUy4DxN8tONMk3sbVoOEpsEWU7XADt6xnPM4GyIdvEzEMrHBtT4YCwk_gzbEklnylAGrIcDfK8QFdb3pFgNXxIoZVzFFPZQUSgg/w640-h426/IMG_0809.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the veranda of Ada Pass Hut into the rain</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">In the event I did not leave Ada Pass Hut until nearly 10 am as I waited for the weather to abate. It was still rainy and windy at 10 but the intensity of the rain was much less. At least I could walk down the track rather than swimming along it...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aoybu4KcWcs/VOptt53BT9I/AAAAAAAAFDw/_fFxHUk0xz8/s1600/DSCN4818.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aoybu4KcWcs/VOptt53BT9I/AAAAAAAAFDw/_fFxHUk0xz8/s640/DSCN4818.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span>St James Walkway: t</span>rack between Ada Pass Hut and Christopher River</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="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/AVvXsEjyhs580M70iUGZtpTYqsRX0Yvytx0nuzyBcFyGE6SX5Fr5iRt9Wonz1VUFPJxR_8KoR0zdNBJcTXDsglXsnmJqO5YKxf1L18Qr4xIn5yhjtPJ-szWyxha2dNjOCfSyM5WXcfVeUXVxFrkx69dVYd_zb9VeskqO2JH8mTuRxCd2kI8F1r38uaLVKMOPiw/s1518/ChristopherMap.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1518" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhs580M70iUGZtpTYqsRX0Yvytx0nuzyBcFyGE6SX5Fr5iRt9Wonz1VUFPJxR_8KoR0zdNBJcTXDsglXsnmJqO5YKxf1L18Qr4xIn5yhjtPJ-szWyxha2dNjOCfSyM5WXcfVeUXVxFrkx69dVYd_zb9VeskqO2JH8mTuRxCd2kI8F1r38uaLVKMOPiw/w640-h340/ChristopherMap.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map: Ada Pass Hut to Christopher Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was using my action camera for the rest of the day as it was too wet for the Canon M50 so I apologise in advance for the less than stellar images. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEgxCmMEdwnYxSQsD3iwBFDINAUPp8mu8u6psVdYwYrvjUnCbeGVz1y8iCjrzbyvSg9WRjs5DgkgbrVFWsaf6JxjFGgzIPfaTRtmGTRjdyfBk9s56R8kgVwt-0ZAyZM7NP4L4IcZXPx8IbPx_sdaKd3-BgazNFAQalx-K03ugYqLRnJYd2B-CbvNiHGjuQ/s6000/IMG_0810.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCmMEdwnYxSQsD3iwBFDINAUPp8mu8u6psVdYwYrvjUnCbeGVz1y8iCjrzbyvSg9WRjs5DgkgbrVFWsaf6JxjFGgzIPfaTRtmGTRjdyfBk9s56R8kgVwt-0ZAyZM7NP4L4IcZXPx8IbPx_sdaKd3-BgazNFAQalx-K03ugYqLRnJYd2B-CbvNiHGjuQ/w640-h426/IMG_0810.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three Tarn Pass emerges from the rain at Ada Pass 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/AVvXsEi5lEGafpP09us1Bmt20aiIHyZ8B6Ybvfrkls-I6du1U5UgsEuMYUiIShzNHM_xfnFyfVCthrBgzdTQ2uNMuy5MmWMyOvKOtelXujDOF-SVpLT09zudf3S9nkgz9SR_2TR8IjbRSItEYcDSwv8QltHiBIQHzabLKYl7ccqqAUVWwxcwF4zFMv9J7cYhQg/s4320/SING0009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lEGafpP09us1Bmt20aiIHyZ8B6Ybvfrkls-I6du1U5UgsEuMYUiIShzNHM_xfnFyfVCthrBgzdTQ2uNMuy5MmWMyOvKOtelXujDOF-SVpLT09zudf3S9nkgz9SR_2TR8IjbRSItEYcDSwv8QltHiBIQHzabLKYl7ccqqAUVWwxcwF4zFMv9J7cYhQg/w640-h480/SING0009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting out to Ada Pass from Ada Pass Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The track to Ada Pass starts right outside the door of the hut, it is a very gentle ascent up the last 200 meters to the pass. As you can see from the photos below, Ada Pass hardly deserves the name, it is basically a flat track on top of a flat plateau.</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/AVvXsEgRVpMWh_kKfJXIE3xUer33Hh0hV7VMUsd0Q8asbeWUJDPyxDMbdPtcj5O1hWZLps_QV5L4tUTg2n947vji2a-aNYe7gjUDPayHgxmaVu_JqfdLrDQvRGVlRjVCFAgHJWYfL5lLjqKVfq3WTYWTHYMaWbiHIoDgQ8d95nuArX4qp8_a1SC1WivRAmtmBQ/s4320/SING0013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVpMWh_kKfJXIE3xUer33Hh0hV7VMUsd0Q8asbeWUJDPyxDMbdPtcj5O1hWZLps_QV5L4tUTg2n947vji2a-aNYe7gjUDPayHgxmaVu_JqfdLrDQvRGVlRjVCFAgHJWYfL5lLjqKVfq3WTYWTHYMaWbiHIoDgQ8d95nuArX4qp8_a1SC1WivRAmtmBQ/w640-h480/SING0013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ada Pass is marked with a sign next to 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; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHHxuq9M7yM/VOptuFO4iGI/AAAAAAAAFD0/ESytLEfQ-N4/s1600/DSCN4819.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHHxuq9M7yM/VOptuFO4iGI/AAAAAAAAFD0/ESytLEfQ-N4/w640-h480/DSCN4819.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">DOC track sign at Ada Pass on the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZhAsmc8kS4/VOptu1ie4CI/AAAAAAAAFEE/1YS4a1GNcM4/s1600/DSCN4820.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZhAsmc8kS4/VOptu1ie4CI/AAAAAAAAFEE/1YS4a1GNcM4/w640-h480/DSCN4820.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Ada Pass (1008 meters)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If the signs weren't there would you recognise it as a pass at all?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Nonetheless it is one of the passes which separates the east coast of the South Island from the west coast. So I had just crossed back into Canterbury....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWlUa-dghUFEXRq8aHEeMpTgnjW-br6rFXMWvQOtpbyMJRg1PZHowFWeL9C4B-Xz6LyONS4FXSogQ62EjuQa8FwjhfIVAInUWaftJs9nwVHpP6xE_Fk-P1KQ5mUORR6DkS0cchnpGHg88M7EEDLsIyaZTXlX6XxIUyKVfMKTbVVfuTFupjmD86LxAaw/s4320/SING0014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWlUa-dghUFEXRq8aHEeMpTgnjW-br6rFXMWvQOtpbyMJRg1PZHowFWeL9C4B-Xz6LyONS4FXSogQ62EjuQa8FwjhfIVAInUWaftJs9nwVHpP6xE_Fk-P1KQ5mUORR6DkS0cchnpGHg88M7EEDLsIyaZTXlX6XxIUyKVfMKTbVVfuTFupjmD86LxAaw/w640-h480/SING0014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boardwalk leading away from Ada Pass, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdJ1ibA0S8I/VOptvc4W5yI/AAAAAAAAFEM/AqngaT_OMxs/s1600/DSCN4821.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdJ1ibA0S8I/VOptvc4W5yI/AAAAAAAAFEM/AqngaT_OMxs/s640/DSCN4821.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">What Ada Pass actually looks like...St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the eastern side you begin a very gentle descent into the headwaters of the Ada River and the track alternates between grass flats and bush fingers so it is very pleasant walking. Because of the height of the Spencer Mountains it was quite dark in the valley even though it was nearly 9 am....<br /><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/AVvXsEjFnB3b08wYpvtpEP5hNpm5Xb_UkVHFKmgTUF6pOvu6JpVTzJTbwLbdpBWaWVKwtfGATZoORCc5cbtT25xqheFiXWqMLpmeUuW15wgWN6gTyecx7-FJpeRffT1XDqZCcBIZTCDtYkbjWpgN9_UJNhfRkw23R7VSmRwClkHrvFWuaP1Y_OtiRX7SAiubng/s4320/SING0017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnB3b08wYpvtpEP5hNpm5Xb_UkVHFKmgTUF6pOvu6JpVTzJTbwLbdpBWaWVKwtfGATZoORCc5cbtT25xqheFiXWqMLpmeUuW15wgWN6gTyecx7-FJpeRffT1XDqZCcBIZTCDtYkbjWpgN9_UJNhfRkw23R7VSmRwClkHrvFWuaP1Y_OtiRX7SAiubng/w640-h480/SING0017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearing just past Ada Pass, St James 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/AVvXsEjRAcCgQK5GRzVYXIELZ3f9SxyPsBz_fyrV4nX6GtfGfEKc_O1xlr2bbsDpmX5qTbuN0wCTFA1Jdq7zTux8AQpDhLGumunYQ0tIPtnsQB_S-zV6sYj4PqnwIVFx0HQOUthO-arcK5NbK2fm4XQvI98O8tdKqQmf-zlvJo1XBSZYr8nO74eFe9kZFKV4GQ/s4320/SING0022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAcCgQK5GRzVYXIELZ3f9SxyPsBz_fyrV4nX6GtfGfEKc_O1xlr2bbsDpmX5qTbuN0wCTFA1Jdq7zTux8AQpDhLGumunYQ0tIPtnsQB_S-zV6sYj4PqnwIVFx0HQOUthO-arcK5NbK2fm4XQvI98O8tdKqQmf-zlvJo1XBSZYr8nO74eFe9kZFKV4GQ/w640-h480/SING0022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St James Walkway: descending from Ada Pass</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/AVvXsEj64W7hfv4KAmDzJ8fo9V2Ym-J6x6pEGE5bQIgYMEOYbAo0hOGgKbhBIAqF0ae6mKgcc8ieaUztWw9g-OsfAloSa1cyX46nDlcAGVu7eFb7rYYl3ALh1yR_85lGIZM6YMEYg3BhzGOdsKGytZPGr-yvD0oD69Rpav8xGx_yEOuYL9bsQhx6bP_SVfH58g/s4320/SING0024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64W7hfv4KAmDzJ8fo9V2Ym-J6x6pEGE5bQIgYMEOYbAo0hOGgKbhBIAqF0ae6mKgcc8ieaUztWw9g-OsfAloSa1cyX46nDlcAGVu7eFb7rYYl3ALh1yR_85lGIZM6YMEYg3BhzGOdsKGytZPGr-yvD0oD69Rpav8xGx_yEOuYL9bsQhx6bP_SVfH58g/w640-h480/SING0024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> I come to the edge of the Beech forest in the Ada Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="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/AVvXsEjx1KTdXM0mLGkZMvWFkh2OPWr4RWK2WvC7hC9kDdLngZQibR4Oyl1ZWmmPtAoJF67mR8ocBEvrKqLZNtywa8SZpRdL3sf1gTG1dJwCg-gQ33fJEtB0mFr8B0DA_Zw0k6QFT4ORmnBWQP0NHttb1zXKM_P3qW6K-GQtAWJtIBMb7FVvpC9cTS20owcdGQ/s4320/SING0026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1KTdXM0mLGkZMvWFkh2OPWr4RWK2WvC7hC9kDdLngZQibR4Oyl1ZWmmPtAoJF67mR8ocBEvrKqLZNtywa8SZpRdL3sf1gTG1dJwCg-gQ33fJEtB0mFr8B0DA_Zw0k6QFT4ORmnBWQP0NHttb1zXKM_P3qW6K-GQtAWJtIBMb7FVvpC9cTS20owcdGQ/w640-h480/SING0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stile over a boundary fence on my way to Christopher Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eventually you reach some wide flat grasslands and walk across these for about three kilometers before heading back into the forest. Normally this is a nice part of the track but with the rain and wind it was a real slog. At one point you pass a small tarn like lake which was covered in water fowl. </div><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/AVvXsEhe0seHC5yu7BAgVwZcDPYKOK9sRFTOe_JRHE-gK4n29MrbzX95qKjx2ylyPt3G8DmomykwYkiOr6p709za4J7dk21HpFCIgXBUVqFEj15dvOjs5OuHh6KFDC4tocZGxHFeV_u2KoE10X4Mu1le-UIxLTptb0-iso8IviGAUZIJ1wU1EVO5GGZ2dLrSnw/s4320/SING0029.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0seHC5yu7BAgVwZcDPYKOK9sRFTOe_JRHE-gK4n29MrbzX95qKjx2ylyPt3G8DmomykwYkiOr6p709za4J7dk21HpFCIgXBUVqFEj15dvOjs5OuHh6KFDC4tocZGxHFeV_u2KoE10X4Mu1le-UIxLTptb0-iso8IviGAUZIJ1wU1EVO5GGZ2dLrSnw/w640-h480/SING0029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting across the wind and rain swept grasslands in the Ada Valley</td></tr></tbody></table></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/AVvXsEhXOhtMJECwbY-gYUdUqGsRCg6bBWoPcj95mdbMdw4RTLvpHXy7HtgATS12MhaWdLo5V-pe82AXSbm-VrfFsN0mz3zxmt7P9FvgOHIflUd0pCu9i2JFH7RDq7XMzM7Bzx0WhCTxqDI4dWZcTphh6h84v_Bmu-DigwOFr395RWKQ6Sm-w_a4QVTNy0FapQ/s4320/SING0035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOhtMJECwbY-gYUdUqGsRCg6bBWoPcj95mdbMdw4RTLvpHXy7HtgATS12MhaWdLo5V-pe82AXSbm-VrfFsN0mz3zxmt7P9FvgOHIflUd0pCu9i2JFH7RDq7XMzM7Bzx0WhCTxqDI4dWZcTphh6h84v_Bmu-DigwOFr395RWKQ6Sm-w_a4QVTNy0FapQ/w640-h480/SING0035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small tarn lake with Gloriana Peak to rear...St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once past the lake you walk about another two kilometers across another large grassland to the edge of the beech forest. Normally you have great views along here of Gloriana Peak and the Faerie Queene but they were both obscured by the cloud. </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/AVvXsEhHG17HFDvx4itLWRpCLXEx4mn4Z_Al-5I8ZZYvQ16Max9Y401TSNs7YI4RGDdWVTjr_g4dRGDVpu2Rv47aOekdOoC2rA5SDGJMoCyJNb_uM9rCHi7QamQ2WNTCzn_upWSiWwdq2C1-MrZQPoHyynu3XUGu_sWrN4VunTNBiftxSFqvMbLRaM-asYlcew/s4320/SING0042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHG17HFDvx4itLWRpCLXEx4mn4Z_Al-5I8ZZYvQ16Max9Y401TSNs7YI4RGDdWVTjr_g4dRGDVpu2Rv47aOekdOoC2rA5SDGJMoCyJNb_uM9rCHi7QamQ2WNTCzn_upWSiWwdq2C1-MrZQPoHyynu3XUGu_sWrN4VunTNBiftxSFqvMbLRaM-asYlcew/w640-h480/SING0042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloud covers the view of the Faerie Queene, Ada River 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/AVvXsEjaAdsqpOUtqFRc_-f6LMp6ErDR029QPMyCQOa93J3dabpbb9FYQX-QRzTNkd-Dq10ILzN7Je45_D-01cuSVzzGI7zhR0nnq7g_tz1HDsIWMuuoRMYULV4Kp-DvZ2-oQOiarTHznhb2k00kwApAITgojAF1hXTWi3puhPqzaZ48b-FbdKlqsR0r87SVmg/s4320/SING0041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAdsqpOUtqFRc_-f6LMp6ErDR029QPMyCQOa93J3dabpbb9FYQX-QRzTNkd-Dq10ILzN7Je45_D-01cuSVzzGI7zhR0nnq7g_tz1HDsIWMuuoRMYULV4Kp-DvZ2-oQOiarTHznhb2k00kwApAITgojAF1hXTWi3puhPqzaZ48b-FbdKlqsR0r87SVmg/w640-h480/SING0041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ada River runs along the bottom 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/AVvXsEizko_KOl0NqMi9PTAn3siKcaJZIbT85LJt7fNNk4V4U8KoPJZYY6F9u767lVzTJqOI_jjgHtxm3maTxAyOGXbOO8PQmc0y2URjHGMa3RoP24XQ8_7qpHdCxioerSxophHU6U0aO4GuIs1cq4GM65RWogSzCJPqVjQVSAbmmfkGNcElmuCvmYUB7gS0gA/s4320/SING0040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizko_KOl0NqMi9PTAn3siKcaJZIbT85LJt7fNNk4V4U8KoPJZYY6F9u767lVzTJqOI_jjgHtxm3maTxAyOGXbOO8PQmc0y2URjHGMa3RoP24XQ8_7qpHdCxioerSxophHU6U0aO4GuIs1cq4GM65RWogSzCJPqVjQVSAbmmfkGNcElmuCvmYUB7gS0gA/w640-h480/SING0040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View back towards Ada Pass, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">During fine weather the further down the valley you travel the more spectacular the view of the Faerie Queene (2232 a.s.l) becomes until it dominates the whole left side of the valley. The mountains on the left side of the valley are the demarcation line between Nelson Lakes NP and the St James Conservation Area. It is also the end of the Southern Alps which stretch from Fiordland to Nelson Lakes NP.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7w95iXnzItAqjnIV7s5qZn8pChzlwxTzNkddCt13Nz7vQVtbq6X-LVrQpIziOm-SNUNLbBMy7k5Lhs8ltPKQDRmFlRG05rlh1mr49vDE-1OID1ni3yW5me2EdaZlUKu6nu-s8CdF0c1tEgGARHHARH5JcdLMDWxAGKdMJg-9TnRPYiAGt0rg2ujqVwQ/s4320/SING0066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7w95iXnzItAqjnIV7s5qZn8pChzlwxTzNkddCt13Nz7vQVtbq6X-LVrQpIziOm-SNUNLbBMy7k5Lhs8ltPKQDRmFlRG05rlh1mr49vDE-1OID1ni3yW5me2EdaZlUKu6nu-s8CdF0c1tEgGARHHARH5JcdLMDWxAGKdMJg-9TnRPYiAGt0rg2ujqVwQ/w640-h480/SING0066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloud covers the Spencer Mountains in the Ada Valley</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/AVvXsEjmNBMUzd6aU6U_vNb7MRo7MBiVahjqsS9gn28jC3MscTP8Mupu0ert_Fhh-qJKZasw_VECQIE0dBDDO1-kw1ikJg1z_vf-3qqt-6NkGPRyzaMjr1mAGjGnmxv6Kt2g5LR1neTajntUubmthZ6TdBBsuGGbGXVCyjD5BwY47dF_1pC7ZM8vuigG-MvgJg/s4320/SING0062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNBMUzd6aU6U_vNb7MRo7MBiVahjqsS9gn28jC3MscTP8Mupu0ert_Fhh-qJKZasw_VECQIE0dBDDO1-kw1ikJg1z_vf-3qqt-6NkGPRyzaMjr1mAGjGnmxv6Kt2g5LR1neTajntUubmthZ6TdBBsuGGbGXVCyjD5BwY47dF_1pC7ZM8vuigG-MvgJg/w640-h480/SING0062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side stream crossing the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">There is one last river flat before you reach the Christopher River and the track is right next to the river here for about a kilometer and a half. This was actually the easiest walking of the day as it is all close packed river gravels which are nice to walk on. </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/AVvXsEgXoWvWnsMW7HhcuPBCl1wN0ClVTRUQkIn4IfP4a6Wuy-fnIx0Nu3lg0bDR3jyvRhBTOGFcLEgdXR1wy1BBVm8xyESpPHF5P_wVQv6dN27n4WvM1rFmNINFLZPNqM38sFIElv91moYR9NUwvSPzPAFBE_9ExoU3gCHRmqX_DWsz9wepgor4G3xh8IPXNw/s4320/SING0072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoWvWnsMW7HhcuPBCl1wN0ClVTRUQkIn4IfP4a6Wuy-fnIx0Nu3lg0bDR3jyvRhBTOGFcLEgdXR1wy1BBVm8xyESpPHF5P_wVQv6dN27n4WvM1rFmNINFLZPNqM38sFIElv91moYR9NUwvSPzPAFBE_9ExoU3gCHRmqX_DWsz9wepgor4G3xh8IPXNw/w640-h480/SING0072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ada River from near the confluence with the Christopher 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/AVvXsEiLfAZA-tfh-JLdEDSeycDVe11P0CBfwOPJXxYGfBVvlBzXeyDE4aDqQ8kf1erBRgTWtjz8lwyhNn99n49LtI-4HT4ciCww6j2UmpqHqMumEkViI24pHJjhPN26C1LXz9DI_xkuATk228Xw0I8wHj9Mi5geReX72ye9k_1bDj_XPqGJ0qdPHOY-xuPcJw/s4320/SING0076.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfAZA-tfh-JLdEDSeycDVe11P0CBfwOPJXxYGfBVvlBzXeyDE4aDqQ8kf1erBRgTWtjz8lwyhNn99n49LtI-4HT4ciCww6j2UmpqHqMumEkViI24pHJjhPN26C1LXz9DI_xkuATk228Xw0I8wHj9Mi5geReX72ye9k_1bDj_XPqGJ0qdPHOY-xuPcJw/w640-h480/SING0076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...the river flats are also avalanche chutes so do not stop near here...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Below is a photo of what you can see here on a clear day...the Faerie Queene dominates this end of the Ada Valley. This picture is from the last time I was here way back in 2015. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2f-nmqFXto/VOptyfGqjxI/AAAAAAAAFEw/TtEOaQc_2vs/s1600/DSCN4826.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2f-nmqFXto/VOptyfGqjxI/AAAAAAAAFEw/TtEOaQc_2vs/s640/DSCN4826.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Faerie Queene from St James Walkway (2015)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWXREU4f-3k/VOptzFuGbzI/AAAAAAAAFE8/oQ65AzioK2c/s1600/DSCN4827.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWXREU4f-3k/VOptzFuGbzI/AAAAAAAAFE8/oQ65AzioK2c/w640-h480/DSCN4827.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">St James Walkway: great forest track section into the Christopher River</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/AVvXsEgzu1Qxf7NojatyM3w2bRKuSeI8OJZnXtsZKA-eL1-FuG9gisEwCsrS8Cj2-3PZZX9HwnNSK_XUW0tqvz5I41Jimnp9xOlCoL4aTlGT6hkPRmYU8RJbpXI8EaCSP4tqj6WD2kXbpadm29ijmDWDrkUB9oMwvXcO2Tx-VNAkQCTbV5RLMZTV0h0R3jpWbA/s4320/SING0058%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzu1Qxf7NojatyM3w2bRKuSeI8OJZnXtsZKA-eL1-FuG9gisEwCsrS8Cj2-3PZZX9HwnNSK_XUW0tqvz5I41Jimnp9xOlCoL4aTlGT6hkPRmYU8RJbpXI8EaCSP4tqj6WD2kXbpadm29ijmDWDrkUB9oMwvXcO2Tx-VNAkQCTbV5RLMZTV0h0R3jpWbA/w640-h480/SING0058%20(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camera Gully, Gloriana from near Ada Cullers Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This photo really doesn't do the peaks justice, Gloriana and the Faerie Queene are enormous and totally dominate the valley. This is most obvious once you reach Christopher Hut and can see it on the horizon. In winter avalanches have fallen off these peaks and reached 100 meters up the far side of the river valley. That is why you should not be up here over the winter months. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFPTcj84IGA/VOpt0mDx8YI/AAAAAAAAFFU/Gl-jjjo5gOQ/s1600/DSCN4829.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFPTcj84IGA/VOpt0mDx8YI/AAAAAAAAFFU/Gl-jjjo5gOQ/s640/DSCN4829.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Side view of Faerie Queene from the St James Walkway (2015)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYRewgyIGQwKPRL_fOIXrhzpzAsJaObFiNAt9LJcSLizrgKqseepN-a4lQjgdxJME1IUjx687qCnGCoyB9VCVNru_6IN6uoGOLOuQLe3x5GefZJnMQkx98vcy6gYoHnHpUEo40DiOvKpo/s1600/DSCN4830.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYRewgyIGQwKPRL_fOIXrhzpzAsJaObFiNAt9LJcSLizrgKqseepN-a4lQjgdxJME1IUjx687qCnGCoyB9VCVNru_6IN6uoGOLOuQLe3x5GefZJnMQkx98vcy6gYoHnHpUEo40DiOvKpo/s640/DSCN4830.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Bush track between Ada Pass and Christopher Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eventually you reach the Ada - Christopher River confluence and start walking down valley towards Christopher Hut. The river is very close to the track at this point but moves away the further down valley you travel. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Valleys in this area are the home of the St James wild horse herd, they live on the wide grass plains and forest fringes.</div><div style="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/AVvXsEiXrRvGNCSYzBx3kMbDsx6ZHzmysnpEyPj1gMFWGtmJTDaAOz9aloKGG_Ftnpzax8uxSUaXG-H8SZEWv-kFQcnHkFtFwc_1CXuNgnZuEE5IjoIDvBf9h03uZdxxdXpPdF6CwZZHX1943846KgFUFFQBfjPbIQniaYWNCCkCiHSU9rW7iQ-p6PRiAHJ7SA/s4320/SING0083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrRvGNCSYzBx3kMbDsx6ZHzmysnpEyPj1gMFWGtmJTDaAOz9aloKGG_Ftnpzax8uxSUaXG-H8SZEWv-kFQcnHkFtFwc_1CXuNgnZuEE5IjoIDvBf9h03uZdxxdXpPdF6CwZZHX1943846KgFUFFQBfjPbIQniaYWNCCkCiHSU9rW7iQ-p6PRiAHJ7SA/w640-h480/SING0083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up a wet and cloudy Christopher River Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMuKXCQyhGlvBGaYmBqiqeL6Fm8MKP9hNlpm4wHzyfheZY5DLk4gGh9rRP_ZggjJ3wT8BOoUOGH6kcVa7SIlm4aVvTGr94qPk5V0ohazEpdxVvSPJA4uURIxlTauWg6jm0j5EBsYTEV4/s1600/DSCN4831.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMuKXCQyhGlvBGaYmBqiqeL6Fm8MKP9hNlpm4wHzyfheZY5DLk4gGh9rRP_ZggjJ3wT8BOoUOGH6kcVa7SIlm4aVvTGr94qPk5V0ohazEpdxVvSPJA4uURIxlTauWg6jm0j5EBsYTEV4/s640/DSCN4831.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">View south towards Christopher Hut from the St James Walkway (2015)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">You can see below how the immensity of the Faerie Queene (2234 a.s.l) becomes more obvious the further away you get. The whole Spencer Mountain Range averages out at between 1900-2300 meters so they are not insignificant peaks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHahpAHS6XVhlM6m-HRhEQBWkTQTl6HQyVDOVTJfxzkQx5tyjVYrKzLPLns_qYdDUc9zsc4n50OVEGsXMR_ghQ-gGEohhBcm9lMuz8BLJDHs8Xcpd3jvurxFaC_7bwpRVzr_Pt99oh92g/s1600/DSCN4833.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHahpAHS6XVhlM6m-HRhEQBWkTQTl6HQyVDOVTJfxzkQx5tyjVYrKzLPLns_qYdDUc9zsc4n50OVEGsXMR_ghQ-gGEohhBcm9lMuz8BLJDHs8Xcpd3jvurxFaC_7bwpRVzr_Pt99oh92g/s640/DSCN4833.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Faerie Queene in all its splendor, Spencer Mountain Range (2015)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You pass <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/st-james-conservation-area/things-to-do/huts/christopher-ada-cullers-hut/">Ada Cullers Hut</a> near the confluence of the Ada River and Christopher River. It is a historic NZFS 4 bunk bivy from the deer culling days. At one time the government had deer hunters working for it controlling the number of deer in the higher mountains. Ada Cullers Hut would once have been home to a couple of cullers clearing deer from this area. </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/AVvXsEjyfWm3VB7VlgkO7EgvuOKMUKGKyWmtNdgCeDT3p38dFus0FoyUla5iCLgpXDIBPeFbrrQGT8iaFx2YJV3DzHVyLXgb3-bjtdR2kaxQBuud5b54zL982fv2dhKESt15JQVU52lvYLk_e2cKa57BNH5ySzp59ZYnet07Ms8adbKJ8jWwAf58ah0PVzyjXQ/s4320/SING0089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfWm3VB7VlgkO7EgvuOKMUKGKyWmtNdgCeDT3p38dFus0FoyUla5iCLgpXDIBPeFbrrQGT8iaFx2YJV3DzHVyLXgb3-bjtdR2kaxQBuud5b54zL982fv2dhKESt15JQVU52lvYLk_e2cKa57BNH5ySzp59ZYnet07Ms8adbKJ8jWwAf58ah0PVzyjXQ/w640-h480/SING0089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ada Cullers Hut comes into view, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I read a book about deer culling a couple of years ago and the author said this hut was often buried up to the window sill in snow over winter. They often had to dig it out before it could be used...my god it must have been cold inside.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbKYON-bzNS4WeTX2FuPCLajogKRhBtrNyqcbABjoSgr7OZ9ifbDW3HMXHyd6efrk4xpyKMbAnPD1irGxAsd6qu3HfVandgaLQDsm23GNJYweVpHpIlCN6qTPRcwjdHJo3CFupCwFWm0/s1600/DSCN4834.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbKYON-bzNS4WeTX2FuPCLajogKRhBtrNyqcbABjoSgr7OZ9ifbDW3HMXHyd6efrk4xpyKMbAnPD1irGxAsd6qu3HfVandgaLQDsm23GNJYweVpHpIlCN6qTPRcwjdHJo3CFupCwFWm0/s640/DSCN4834.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Ada Cullers Hut back in the summer of 2015</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think someone had been in to give Ada Cullers Bivy a bit of a tidy up...it appears to be recently painted and the old canvas sacking bunks have been replaced with new bunks with mattresses. There was a new Clearlite sheet on the roof so it was brighter inside and there is a new bench in the corner. This is awesome as the hut can actually be used now. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEgesInLthS7YJIBINta1Ar9shoXW1xkFwPE69PIWuafIH5oOUKYVY7AeqMnAMV2xK6_CBCeUXH5hzNreQ3256ccYntWZ7kYcEqCpuNmmqyjipi9UzxfABa5bsQOAd_xeaiBUjGbjAg3ob4-Dj9A1Oyid8dJsjnmrYK-jzMxXVmCGvqaAVQtHRXprFiuRA/s4320/SING0092.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesInLthS7YJIBINta1Ar9shoXW1xkFwPE69PIWuafIH5oOUKYVY7AeqMnAMV2xK6_CBCeUXH5hzNreQ3256ccYntWZ7kYcEqCpuNmmqyjipi9UzxfABa5bsQOAd_xeaiBUjGbjAg3ob4-Dj9A1Oyid8dJsjnmrYK-jzMxXVmCGvqaAVQtHRXprFiuRA/w640-h480/SING0092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Ada Cullers Bivy, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">About 20 minutes further down the valley you arrive at <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/st-james-conservation-area/things-to-do/huts/christopher-hut/">Christopher Hut</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/AVvXsEhk7rEGKlMs9Kk1hDTcQLYUFI8flckXPGYqAogOW1CpVOlyXlYjPGpijT84boJ0dDCfbit1XtGHlalZVZO3SzQcuxbDDfM45vi1724il-yel5URXcdwWm3G1N_-yXleCinGvDA0R5fIvhaR7axanSry7cWvmkfWrBnTnbeBhwYhW4Jn5lo-Oyt2J0epng/s4320/SING0094.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7rEGKlMs9Kk1hDTcQLYUFI8flckXPGYqAogOW1CpVOlyXlYjPGpijT84boJ0dDCfbit1XtGHlalZVZO3SzQcuxbDDfM45vi1724il-yel5URXcdwWm3G1N_-yXleCinGvDA0R5fIvhaR7axanSry7cWvmkfWrBnTnbeBhwYhW4Jn5lo-Oyt2J0epng/w640-h480/SING0094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the last stretch of track to Christopher Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Christopher Hut is sometimes used by Te Araroa Trail walkers coming over Waiau Pass. If the river is high they sometimes need to walk up past Ada Homestead and Christopher Hut to where the Christopher and Ada Rivers join. It is easier to cross them separately as they are not as deep or swift. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUofMhKt5F8fNM7SlmHKJc4MTgeB5UfGtCxp3QSkufOrl_zSq52S6f2q_GdUSWBPasnOu8MUoH7lH3gLTceWporem9N1xNJNnzbnS7vvjOkaBjKpLQgUWX0AgOj3NmxPUVqLws3HIH0vM/s1600/DSCN4832.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUofMhKt5F8fNM7SlmHKJc4MTgeB5UfGtCxp3QSkufOrl_zSq52S6f2q_GdUSWBPasnOu8MUoH7lH3gLTceWporem9N1xNJNnzbnS7vvjOkaBjKpLQgUWX0AgOj3NmxPUVqLws3HIH0vM/s640/DSCN4832.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">View north up Christopher River Valley from St James Walkway (2015)</td></tr></tbody></table><div> </div><span>If you are heading towards Waiau Pass there is a newish 6 bunk hut located two hours up the Waiau River Valley. <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/st-james-conservation-area/things-to-do/huts/waiau-hut/">Waiau Hut</a> was built in 2017 with funds donated to DOC for the purpose of building a hut in this valley. The donor (Mr Tony Birks) also provided part of the funding for the new (2020) Casey Hut II. That is over $400 000 he has donated to the Nature Heritage Fund...what a champion!!!</span><br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXgBSTOO8RJgyo3t1U4jZLRS74_uJeCuSEGR3kYx4r5Pq42T2wJQ8JSrAOQYRd2kHsfQX88J86SKfq17ySXfyx6o_S4KJ8bjjzKr92ZYcf_CyU8Kay8G3WKdXm7EkxPk-YxdIkqAIJBY/s1600/waiauhut-1920.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXgBSTOO8RJgyo3t1U4jZLRS74_uJeCuSEGR3kYx4r5Pq42T2wJQ8JSrAOQYRd2kHsfQX88J86SKfq17ySXfyx6o_S4KJ8bjjzKr92ZYcf_CyU8Kay8G3WKdXm7EkxPk-YxdIkqAIJBY/s640/waiauhut-1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Waiau Hut in 2018 from the DOC website<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Here is a photo of the new Casey Hut from my visit back in 2021...<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/AVvXsEhcTAq8mgxXEqK8pJI5CCwC0D7PzVsgBreTrB_WFSPIxTMpeiYNLzFCcJsEkLLWtXAq-QNqWjNiwEmwueZiW162TSKIyShg-jxb05tSOyhMOjH5YkEFwaFKwYSazfqW7EFx5DQRjMH3ThY/s1066/CaseyHut2020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1066" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTAq8mgxXEqK8pJI5CCwC0D7PzVsgBreTrB_WFSPIxTMpeiYNLzFCcJsEkLLWtXAq-QNqWjNiwEmwueZiW162TSKIyShg-jxb05tSOyhMOjH5YkEFwaFKwYSazfqW7EFx5DQRjMH3ThY/w640-h360/CaseyHut2020.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casey Hut II in the Poulter Valley, Arthurs Pass NP</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Christopher Hut is not on the direct line between the Waiau Pass Track and Anne Hut so any TA folk venturing up here are going a long way off the route. </div><div style="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/AVvXsEjO_mKOEuhTKAK9QmYZD1bciiBLvKFz7PKM8RTk2eY6gL2aEUwdWmxReDYYvcezJJbdfUyb82pK9yj65zJ2xLZzku8UPlLFoC2dfcDUqf1D7aSW_kW8j8Kj6TkdnEdrC-w9Vn15xmv4hWnJCKw3aWblVRxP-Y9APX6K5dN1G4bPp8b5sxu2wffmy4gvWQ/s6000/IMG_0813.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_mKOEuhTKAK9QmYZD1bciiBLvKFz7PKM8RTk2eY6gL2aEUwdWmxReDYYvcezJJbdfUyb82pK9yj65zJ2xLZzku8UPlLFoC2dfcDUqf1D7aSW_kW8j8Kj6TkdnEdrC-w9Vn15xmv4hWnJCKw3aWblVRxP-Y9APX6K5dN1G4bPp8b5sxu2wffmy4gvWQ/w640-h426/IMG_0813.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christopher Hut, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Christopher Hut is quite nice; 20 bunks, with plenty of living space, water tanks and lots of wood for the fire. There is a small bunkroom off the main building which is the old hut warden's quarters. It is able to be used and there was a guy staying in the room when I was at the hut. It is really cool with three bunks and its own woodburner/oven so it is just as warm as the main hut. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00xKe4EtRrIpBjvRiSvhKg8-xK_ava18WmTdF9oWPk4sNSUibFU_uv4UOUjNRjtIGpxg_VXDDNfdZEoM69r0hFdZvbCMs1xNOnYcFKiWAVWH4f7ObujAy7mcIAmXEuznNMMEKPHyJM4A/s1600/DSCN4836.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00xKe4EtRrIpBjvRiSvhKg8-xK_ava18WmTdF9oWPk4sNSUibFU_uv4UOUjNRjtIGpxg_VXDDNfdZEoM69r0hFdZvbCMs1xNOnYcFKiWAVWH4f7ObujAy7mcIAmXEuznNMMEKPHyJM4A/s640/DSCN4836.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span>St James Walkway: i</span>nterior of Christopher Hut: dining area</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="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/AVvXsEgsm1oXkcms8gIR4gpbgSl7UsrnJLpYl9ECh3Mh4RQLyzYlLNpG7zYoJt4tikKaeIS2rAoNfKtatCua37KP6C4Sd2IhntkmR-TVfxDrSKgd8ve8T9t3hBiTVsXKiK5FqLHETIDEdvErMiXCiv7rp97eXloG6Eey03mSwvzodj0yZEryiKqh8jgAz2p-9g/s6000/IMG_0825.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsm1oXkcms8gIR4gpbgSl7UsrnJLpYl9ECh3Mh4RQLyzYlLNpG7zYoJt4tikKaeIS2rAoNfKtatCua37KP6C4Sd2IhntkmR-TVfxDrSKgd8ve8T9t3hBiTVsXKiK5FqLHETIDEdvErMiXCiv7rp97eXloG6Eey03mSwvzodj0yZEryiKqh8jgAz2p-9g/w640-h426/IMG_0825.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the interior of Christopher Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There were three hunters at Christopher Hut who were all in for the start of the roar. Two of them were in the main hut with me and another was in the old warden's quarters. We spent a pleasant evening comparing stories of the outdoors around the fire. Later in the evening it started raining really hard and then started snowing as the temperature dropped. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Day three: Hut day at Christopher Hut</h4><div style="text-align: center;">I woke on day three with an intention to continue on my way but one look out of the window told me that was not going to happen. It was raining and snowing quite heavily and the wind was howling up the valley. One of the hunters had a thermometer and it was reading -2 degrees with another -8 degrees of wind chill so it was -10 degrees outside...</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/AVvXsEiiPxHWhWmpOsHhDTEdOBUUNCBmnGiaeCy88cjURyUvdRyiLeruxGIEQMckcHsjZNil1yN2zRs7zPUOa9NAwOotMzDOtKaQNMOGx2uktJftKBcFqEGfh7D3RGESXFGHbmgT8pvnzwYCtLVClnoSDXgsjn4nflRwqsJ2FBIr9J2w7jrsVapkHbOVGEC-lw/s6000/IMG_0827%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPxHWhWmpOsHhDTEdOBUUNCBmnGiaeCy88cjURyUvdRyiLeruxGIEQMckcHsjZNil1yN2zRs7zPUOa9NAwOotMzDOtKaQNMOGx2uktJftKBcFqEGfh7D3RGESXFGHbmgT8pvnzwYCtLVClnoSDXgsjn4nflRwqsJ2FBIr9J2w7jrsVapkHbOVGEC-lw/w640-h426/IMG_0827%20(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snow covered Faerie Queene on day three</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was carrying a good load of cold weather gear but even with all that on a 4-5 hour walk across wide open valley flats in snow, rain and strong wind was a dodgy proposition. It was fairly obvious that I was going to be spending another night at Christopher Hut as the weather conditions were an invitation to hypothermia. </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/AVvXsEjJ7xe1HjOHmZkBKdjiPt97BY8ZjE8D0ZkbZBnweNzyidAnfw3RvCaZfumArS2TvEbWN_GnCJht0OcjPnhkMsHxk7s3BgHL8perLJZXmKa8MkllWhstgqqj54XzrxH6EajcipV61p2IWhrL0mrIt2eSjaMnsnfkIonhQwC2IYvz3TCQhVAcfJIfOWigyw/s6000/IMG_0819.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7xe1HjOHmZkBKdjiPt97BY8ZjE8D0ZkbZBnweNzyidAnfw3RvCaZfumArS2TvEbWN_GnCJht0OcjPnhkMsHxk7s3BgHL8perLJZXmKa8MkllWhstgqqj54XzrxH6EajcipV61p2IWhrL0mrIt2eSjaMnsnfkIonhQwC2IYvz3TCQhVAcfJIfOWigyw/w640-h426/IMG_0819.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow covered hills along the Christopher River Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The four of us at the hut spent most of the day inside the hut reading and feeding the fire to keep warm. From time to time we would venture outside to chop firewood or to see if the weather was improving but it did not until about 4 pm that afternoon. The rest of the time the strong wind kept blowing rain and snow flurries up the valley. </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/AVvXsEhsoDImLbdT-lqxEia7Nsvho5Gf34pzpX8sJFdVWPXjRHY66q5vRDIYDReeRuaLIITY0mMmwWfSzH5nP7eHHHg1nZB7_iIDvLflLVPt7HK6IzlT8LfcIL8uJVylWZf9dPbMzxDadSV6kReH6XXx7_9LvsEo16SUBVXl2QuSoQBNBmx0YsmVMTx_XSShJg/s6000/IMG_0823.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoDImLbdT-lqxEia7Nsvho5Gf34pzpX8sJFdVWPXjRHY66q5vRDIYDReeRuaLIITY0mMmwWfSzH5nP7eHHHg1nZB7_iIDvLflLVPt7HK6IzlT8LfcIL8uJVylWZf9dPbMzxDadSV6kReH6XXx7_9LvsEo16SUBVXl2QuSoQBNBmx0YsmVMTx_XSShJg/w640-h426/IMG_0823.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the cooking bench in Christopher Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo15ShKHgDvwUx3DNNuSx8i9laS1WI9q6atnyTGqHBkUK83zz0eNIZSVcjZ02mNUTtj_JHCRt85B0TtlzSpwAifGV7HbehWgUVosYpuHrKk3kF4FKFSjlrOH3JSOBWaRQsd1gRlf403CCPf0ak0neXUPafZ3WwCVDZKp7ez8-CXl3sxeZOeG-ipnsvkg/s6000/IMG_0824.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo15ShKHgDvwUx3DNNuSx8i9laS1WI9q6atnyTGqHBkUK83zz0eNIZSVcjZ02mNUTtj_JHCRt85B0TtlzSpwAifGV7HbehWgUVosYpuHrKk3kF4FKFSjlrOH3JSOBWaRQsd1gRlf403CCPf0ak0neXUPafZ3WwCVDZKp7ez8-CXl3sxeZOeG-ipnsvkg/w640-h426/IMG_0824.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pit set up at Christopher Hut, St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">All four of us at the hut had previously been in the military which is unusual here in New Zealand with two Regular force and two Territorial force. We have a small military here in New Zealand with roughly 15000 in the NZDF at any one time. As such we do not have a great many veterans' compared to other nations. To have four of us in a hut at the same time is not that common.</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/AVvXsEhmBQh-OcID15RLdT8CNkggjV8n-LjW68fBi2lYRZlcD8J5a5yzLQvl4NACXv1V3k_HELZo4xO1WwhvMDblAgdSG6w8rr3kTyqaxUxqtfpf6bi0I2Mog7FGMvRKB6375PLPv_AtT4jvfNrd3VD-BhxI6kLZfb84IuOXK7CoHaw7fMJqz9J8f0CCzr9DFA/s6000/IMG_0829.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBQh-OcID15RLdT8CNkggjV8n-LjW68fBi2lYRZlcD8J5a5yzLQvl4NACXv1V3k_HELZo4xO1WwhvMDblAgdSG6w8rr3kTyqaxUxqtfpf6bi0I2Mog7FGMvRKB6375PLPv_AtT4jvfNrd3VD-BhxI6kLZfb84IuOXK7CoHaw7fMJqz9J8f0CCzr9DFA/w640-h426/IMG_0829.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow flurries roll up the Christopher River Valley</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjiDOsoi5URApTrVNsd_PmsicXCrd7zkD4Vj91zSF23L-CFLWK3TDHDf1HrveV16-oOuYzwMYx-QQs8XR3prpi9aiwRL4SthO1d8XjhU1DlFzyb7-Ib9cA9gszMKMzV4G1nQwznYcHNFDsNoyVqCQbH2Z1qqMde41BZhhn8m8_DCjNHwiONnrRJ1Gr98w/s6000/IMG_0821.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDOsoi5URApTrVNsd_PmsicXCrd7zkD4Vj91zSF23L-CFLWK3TDHDf1HrveV16-oOuYzwMYx-QQs8XR3prpi9aiwRL4SthO1d8XjhU1DlFzyb7-Ib9cA9gszMKMzV4G1nQwznYcHNFDsNoyVqCQbH2Z1qqMde41BZhhn8m8_DCjNHwiONnrRJ1Gr98w/w640-h426/IMG_0821.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A decently full woodshed at Christopher Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had a fairly pleasant day at the hut as I was carrying an extra days rations so I had plenty of food with me. Two of the hunters had flown in with a great selection of food and gear so in fact I had some homemade Lamb stew that night that they had spare. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had to don my thermal top and leggings for the first time in many years to keep me warm but it was warm enough in the hut with the fire going. Lucky for us we had a mostly full woodshed so we had enough fuel to keep the fire going. None of the other huts on the track had much firewood so it was good luck being at Christopher Hut. </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/AVvXsEgPnNBG_M02Z1VgZiAPV97dgp8qHOKK7yY4ZIt9IK2MyAL4HdePaj2uGQMzqC5L5IwJln8R506meDto8qCbzvAIu5Q2eSjKwr_SQQ80djRg5LAyzzxEz354TAULc1Iso3snDWZdjoAAtzkig47ufawxRTUsP5hP-0a4YC2djki_tsa4B3AEfBIr0afleQ/s6000/IMG_0831.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnNBG_M02Z1VgZiAPV97dgp8qHOKK7yY4ZIt9IK2MyAL4HdePaj2uGQMzqC5L5IwJln8R506meDto8qCbzvAIu5Q2eSjKwr_SQQ80djRg5LAyzzxEz354TAULc1Iso3snDWZdjoAAtzkig47ufawxRTUsP5hP-0a4YC2djki_tsa4B3AEfBIr0afleQ/w640-h426/IMG_0831.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...we had the fire burning for most of the day at Christopher 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/AVvXsEi7DuxYpDWszWN1gLYat4RWI0kM5_itl-Z_xeRD9PveaW9xoQKCmLQsCtRXN7AZdZUvujqsIK1heOlCSed0wHr-WfC7w9pigIfNE5aUZb_OpDOwFZWJI-fMMZ1PpXvtgTVdBxwJvHOUYKX3eIlelDyWbLFl74PcGySqd5QkJvZx5X9CDcst70RoFpPupw/s6000/IMG_0832.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DuxYpDWszWN1gLYat4RWI0kM5_itl-Z_xeRD9PveaW9xoQKCmLQsCtRXN7AZdZUvujqsIK1heOlCSed0wHr-WfC7w9pigIfNE5aUZb_OpDOwFZWJI-fMMZ1PpXvtgTVdBxwJvHOUYKX3eIlelDyWbLFl74PcGySqd5QkJvZx5X9CDcst70RoFpPupw/w640-h426/IMG_0832.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of tea is consumed on a pit day, Christopher Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I mentioned the weather cleared up around 4 pm which was too late for me to start walking to Anne Hut. We had better weather coming the next day so I knew I would be able to continue on my way the next day. Unfortunately there is no cell cover in the Christopher Valley so I couldn't let Karen know I was o.k. </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/AVvXsEixBQ8g-xcFdU5PnL40OL3kasQP121vAiaCKrxE5PRoN01ByYCueOKt33bObOTelUpMb7N_GFzq5higG1T5heItoWPwaKClFsacDc8jgYnMGMHRU-fOVnZCzUmPVdhlGxCweITUxz5wGOW6tMD5pm5Mc1K7gsTbZZJ8gy7NHz2ccCGfWKxpIgwrvSUwxA/s6000/IMG_0833.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBQ8g-xcFdU5PnL40OL3kasQP121vAiaCKrxE5PRoN01ByYCueOKt33bObOTelUpMb7N_GFzq5higG1T5heItoWPwaKClFsacDc8jgYnMGMHRU-fOVnZCzUmPVdhlGxCweITUxz5wGOW6tMD5pm5Mc1K7gsTbZZJ8gy7NHz2ccCGfWKxpIgwrvSUwxA/w640-h426/IMG_0833.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearing weather late on day three at Christopher Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It was a pity I was forced to stay at Christopher Hut for an additional day as it made me late to finish the track. I will talk a bit more about that in the next post. It was the wise and really the only decision to have a rest day with the extremes of weather. Better safe in a hut and late to finish than to not finish at all. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Come back soon for Days 4-6 as I finish the rest of the St James Walkway...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Access:</b> From SH 7 (Lewis Pass Highway), the track starts at Lewis Pass Tarns, southern terminus is at Boyle Village.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Track Times:</b> Day one: From Lewis Pass- 2.5 hours to Cannibal Gorge Hut, another 1.5-2 hours to Ada Pass Hut: Day two: 3 hours to Ada Cullers Hut, another hour to Christopher Hut. Day three was a pit day! Day Four: 5 hours to Anne Hut from Christopher Hut</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Hut Details:</b> Cannibal Gorge Hut: serviced, 20 bunks, water tank, wood burner, toilets, wood shed: Ada Pass Hut: serviced, 14 bunks, water tank, wood burner, toilets, wood shed: Ada Cullers Hut: basic, 4 bunks, water from stream: Christopher Hut: serviced, 20 bunks, water tanks, wood burner, toilet, wood shed: Anne Hut: serviced, 24 bunks, water tanks, wood burner, toilets, wood shed</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Miscellaneous: </b>Severe avalanche risk<b> </b>in Winter/Spring, some un-bridged side streams. The walkway is in a high alpine area and as such is prone to extreme weather at times. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>You Tube</b>: <span> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cULkN_W4-Y">Lewis Pass to Ada Pass Hut</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkfe3x3l4h8">Ada Pass Hut to Christopher Hut</a><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Saint James Walkway, New Zealand-42.3919262 172.4914788-70.702160036178839 137.3352288 -14.081692363821155 -152.35227120000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-17376024769733339712023-04-05T00:54:00.002-07:002023-04-05T00:54:49.152-07:00Overnight trip to Otamahua/Quail Island<h3 style="text-align: center;">Staying at Otamahua Hut </h3><p style="text-align: center;">I went for my first visit in 2023 to Otamahua/Quail Island recently and to try something different I stayed on the island overnight. You can book and stay at Otamahua Hut on the island on the DOC website and the 12 bunk hut is fully serviced with flush toilets, water tanks and plenty of firewood for the woodburner. </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/AVvXsEj9xc1YFLGYl358rCv3IDogtAC9A_6N8bM-gv5NQmRNC5XeC1oFHjhFCmBzx8zLHTm1AT3agpIqA922OtqoO0nIkFsAsgkz9T8Rc-fTWqV6b3njPVmxmbil8wMbPe2P9S1SJ6DTY1fTBvuvJDBUnO8kQ2Uik8MHjtFRhLeP--Pkiik1U10dXdVGCwQ7_A/s6000/IMG_0190.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xc1YFLGYl358rCv3IDogtAC9A_6N8bM-gv5NQmRNC5XeC1oFHjhFCmBzx8zLHTm1AT3agpIqA922OtqoO0nIkFsAsgkz9T8Rc-fTWqV6b3njPVmxmbil8wMbPe2P9S1SJ6DTY1fTBvuvJDBUnO8kQ2Uik8MHjtFRhLeP--Pkiik1U10dXdVGCwQ7_A/w640-h426/IMG_0190.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Otamahua Hut with tea mug in hand</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">The hut is a conversion of an old farm cottage from the 1920's and DOC have done a great job adding a new modern interior into a much older heritage shell. It has plenty of space both inside and out and nice views down to Lyttelton Harbor and the Port Hills. </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/AVvXsEgvEZtKe_cS1H_m7wW2YKJvpmStlrYgSClELHIDDmR7Rs7u5CT2wizNADAulVCZo4XCEQVfxr1SXwDTu8NymSarZh1rWMskoiaeU9S5WbWy-lLLdVMZFu-hPrcmJTo4--cXveCQ8ryu2JNxaFCYnAE-poqrf75SlEc9p0K7ZxuAj7oIr3OfBBU6C1siiA/s6000/IMG_0185.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEZtKe_cS1H_m7wW2YKJvpmStlrYgSClELHIDDmR7Rs7u5CT2wizNADAulVCZo4XCEQVfxr1SXwDTu8NymSarZh1rWMskoiaeU9S5WbWy-lLLdVMZFu-hPrcmJTo4--cXveCQ8ryu2JNxaFCYnAE-poqrf75SlEc9p0K7ZxuAj7oIr3OfBBU6C1siiA/w640-h426/IMG_0185.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of Otamahua Hut on Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">There is a jetty on the eastern side of Otamahua where the ferry berths...from here you are free to explore the island. There is a 5.5km track called the Otamahua Loop Track around the outside of the island which can be walked in either direction and this starts right from the jetty. </p><div style="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/a/AVvXsEg1wn6nToGiXVd-aRE4QBLp1UNV9qvNTqz7H1W4jtzoI9n_kfzVwMAqhGQWCDHcgc59FyUDCOa_JFFt_XO8Mk9SLoVgqRss_SvWQb7_ykTPkktn7mhfsJYEZOKZIXnID4mPgiDGvBocWjZ7dSgJxblG6bheRhtVVJ3X4ZlX9tNJh2i6D1nya5BLZBvW=s1600" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1wn6nToGiXVd-aRE4QBLp1UNV9qvNTqz7H1W4jtzoI9n_kfzVwMAqhGQWCDHcgc59FyUDCOa_JFFt_XO8Mk9SLoVgqRss_SvWQb7_ykTPkktn7mhfsJYEZOKZIXnID4mPgiDGvBocWjZ7dSgJxblG6bheRhtVVJ3X4ZlX9tNJh2i6D1nya5BLZBvW=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shelter at the Otamahua/Quail Island jetty</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I had a great time on the island and thought you might like to have a look at what a night in this hut is all about. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">On the ferry to Otamahua/Quail Island:</h4><p style="text-align: center;">You get to Quail Island by private boat or on the Black Cat Ferry from Lyttleton. It boards just over the railway bridge off the main entrance to the Port. Tickets are $15 for a child and $35 per adult and bookings are advised as the island is popular. There are scheduled sailings to the island at 10.15, 12.30 and 3.30 pm and the last ferry returns from Otamahua at 3.45. </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/AVvXsEgvfNl603hBhR21EH3I_eCvU-2wv91ik5CN0pT2rEuLtCUiiSKLy5c5Cjfa_3qkpCVzYo5ELKkuAeYjgiCFsbmiS96Rfs2W5KQFI-G_JXHpjXo3KV9jo_U-X7JnOrzOXiMyoo9hIQb-jMYvxiKapXRbhq7if5iIBbzdwyKchny2gnSRFPJMe0nOR4ootA/s6000/IMG_0138.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfNl603hBhR21EH3I_eCvU-2wv91ik5CN0pT2rEuLtCUiiSKLy5c5Cjfa_3qkpCVzYo5ELKkuAeYjgiCFsbmiS96Rfs2W5KQFI-G_JXHpjXo3KV9jo_U-X7JnOrzOXiMyoo9hIQb-jMYvxiKapXRbhq7if5iIBbzdwyKchny2gnSRFPJMe0nOR4ootA/w640-h426/IMG_0138.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of the ferry to Quail Island</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/AVvXsEjK7pAFKoFVhjGNaI7XRVwU9lpX-tZL8Q8wpIxr1GyIzsEgcPsmVSYCXllH2iGuEFk5Z5Iiaw2LKCAcuxPB7H1p5kA7hacniDIRFMDne2aLFqL-Gr2cNWhicIIpw5SwV3gVfHRamKhXyi1rQrMC6B0yqb3m5clRGPCL9Sd5weQ34UUab79VubzxCFn0Sg/s6000/IMG_0140.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7pAFKoFVhjGNaI7XRVwU9lpX-tZL8Q8wpIxr1GyIzsEgcPsmVSYCXllH2iGuEFk5Z5Iiaw2LKCAcuxPB7H1p5kA7hacniDIRFMDne2aLFqL-Gr2cNWhicIIpw5SwV3gVfHRamKhXyi1rQrMC6B0yqb3m5clRGPCL9Sd5weQ34UUab79VubzxCFn0Sg/w640-h426/IMG_0140.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We start the journey to Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were about 20 odd people on the ferry and I would see a number of them on the island later in the day. We had a lovely warm and sunny day for the trip with little cloud and only a gentle breeze. Perfect conditions really...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEgJ7tS4pFOBHzRSO-ajpUW88Bg0ja7lnRL9RZBimqqAckvydPSV20RgNX_aK2dzDPmLjBwRqhgv4ldqz6tOdYQP-3zmq_zeYqk65tJNpkMGvint9DYWZdtC0y3SBXEkxmOQ09leIx84GqzPb7jXAo-wkyh4QbW7t9lBBiQEj_6vA_NhIf1Vdhr0l4QAWA/s6000/IMG_0142.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7tS4pFOBHzRSO-ajpUW88Bg0ja7lnRL9RZBimqqAckvydPSV20RgNX_aK2dzDPmLjBwRqhgv4ldqz6tOdYQP-3zmq_zeYqk65tJNpkMGvint9DYWZdtC0y3SBXEkxmOQ09leIx84GqzPb7jXAo-wkyh4QbW7t9lBBiQEj_6vA_NhIf1Vdhr0l4QAWA/w640-h426/IMG_0142.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We head away from the dock at Lyttleton</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Odu9Rl180VaZcBoJhl68qiguRwh64a2NXII5a1p003Ir62gRmmks3U7B9d4WbI-hcfnuUSlc3D-nhyooQuKkM3xJYYIweeMZdyxs95lXTrjhqYraZ6lYne9mxbF39zPfYL84ECa_ZGoYCp4al-AC5f9Bb2RVBP8mcHDCtGZRETEQV0b1GPC_iOjOAA/s6000/IMG_0147.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Odu9Rl180VaZcBoJhl68qiguRwh64a2NXII5a1p003Ir62gRmmks3U7B9d4WbI-hcfnuUSlc3D-nhyooQuKkM3xJYYIweeMZdyxs95lXTrjhqYraZ6lYne9mxbF39zPfYL84ECa_ZGoYCp4al-AC5f9Bb2RVBP8mcHDCtGZRETEQV0b1GPC_iOjOAA/w640-h426/IMG_0147.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyttleton township from the Quail Island Ferry</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was a cruise liner in Lyttleton from the Norwegian Line and the town was full of international visitors. I know lots of people aspire to go on a cruise ship but for me I could not think of anything worse. It would be nice going from place to place and eating like a pig all the time but those cruise ships are modern day plague ships. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nope...not for me!!!</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/AVvXsEjsJKZVgQUzHA9kMImKI6mCACixwZY1ho51Rh4q4Q_d4UOoyLkb0W2N4hZhYzVbUSuF4f3o8dp7Cb8DrYrdzHpFHhbYud8sTS_1dcEdTM1fMSZEoqVFi6HKeF0lRigh9Y63ln8HUmeQZMX1eUmp4Vlrsmm6pnvnpKLNq3h-B6quQ8ybt4FV7A19RJPgzA/s6000/IMG_0145.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJKZVgQUzHA9kMImKI6mCACixwZY1ho51Rh4q4Q_d4UOoyLkb0W2N4hZhYzVbUSuF4f3o8dp7Cb8DrYrdzHpFHhbYud8sTS_1dcEdTM1fMSZEoqVFi6HKeF0lRigh9Y63ln8HUmeQZMX1eUmp4Vlrsmm6pnvnpKLNq3h-B6quQ8ybt4FV7A19RJPgzA/w640-h426/IMG_0145.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norwegian Lines ship <i>Norwegian Spirit</i> was at Lyttleton</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was an Antarctic ice breaker in the harbor which arrives every summer to take equipment and scientists down to the ice. It is operated by the US National Science Foundation but they also charter the ship out to various groups. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Usually you see a Russian ice breaker in port around this time of the year BUT...Ukraine!!!</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/AVvXsEiJSg-d8GU09kGiFDSDN924rRLzMMopzUhtdQclAttC75bhMzsH1FbceKSFBqu6EsZQBQOx0SlC3nf_9ZYBKkATjrX_YEuKVMyI01S1lkGDIv3GeSm5Ijcb6UgdWZS8B6AjEofC8ADyrdjPa3KZ-IR2N6kAqog0oCVRU8xMcID62L_1GTHg3Ov26x8Vfw/s6000/IMG_0146.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSg-d8GU09kGiFDSDN924rRLzMMopzUhtdQclAttC75bhMzsH1FbceKSFBqu6EsZQBQOx0SlC3nf_9ZYBKkATjrX_YEuKVMyI01S1lkGDIv3GeSm5Ijcb6UgdWZS8B6AjEofC8ADyrdjPa3KZ-IR2N6kAqog0oCVRU8xMcID62L_1GTHg3Ov26x8Vfw/w640-h426/IMG_0146.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>RV Nathaniel B Parker</i> in Lyttleton harbor</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">There was a cruise ship in Lyttleton for the day...it was the 80 000 ton <i>Norwegian Spirit</i> which is on the circuit around New Zealand for the 2022/2023 season. It basically sails around the country every 10 days picking up passengers along the way. This is a moderate sized cruise ship...the really big ones are getting up to the 150 000 ton mark now but we seldom see those monsters down here. </div><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/AVvXsEjlVYjg5dGpX3l1v43YaaLFc_zJ8FzpRkdDq8EP_fYNnHmUYxb3CuljUC7d8hLY4i-x5QRbwcQkL_hHecshVwXJ6EaT27Lm9mPZQIhfCVbn7Mnc_WGP_WE03JJ7t-LKCHpuYG5_Wo5dQtuqY3BCIM90kOnFIBbyfVbVH-7_fPMu5lePjZSoHBH-Lxmn_A/s6000/IMG_0148.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVYjg5dGpX3l1v43YaaLFc_zJ8FzpRkdDq8EP_fYNnHmUYxb3CuljUC7d8hLY4i-x5QRbwcQkL_hHecshVwXJ6EaT27Lm9mPZQIhfCVbn7Mnc_WGP_WE03JJ7t-LKCHpuYG5_Wo5dQtuqY3BCIM90kOnFIBbyfVbVH-7_fPMu5lePjZSoHBH-Lxmn_A/w640-h426/IMG_0148.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Norwegian Spirit</i> weighs in at 80 000 tonnes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fery was full on the way to Quail Island and when we arrived there were about 30 people waiting to head back to the mainland. Quail Island is very popular destination in the summer months and there are many visitors over the weekends and holidays. </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/AVvXsEiXaEcxFpJq-3DF1Rb4iQDpAmksRKP-suI4nMVbj8AMipcD9_PGC_BrRoNDNKweqbjxB4d-rtHHbXBznncyDZCborg1be3LZ82m_7mrWGP9zosZp7IxBqY4Yob6OFcUTyRz5CyaSXXmo4HBBsIOl2ybBXTywqWm1jJP8RjQ1DnVRE1TSC2I7Kcy8HlHBw/s6000/IMG_0150.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaEcxFpJq-3DF1Rb4iQDpAmksRKP-suI4nMVbj8AMipcD9_PGC_BrRoNDNKweqbjxB4d-rtHHbXBznncyDZCborg1be3LZ82m_7mrWGP9zosZp7IxBqY4Yob6OFcUTyRz5CyaSXXmo4HBBsIOl2ybBXTywqWm1jJP8RjQ1DnVRE1TSC2I7Kcy8HlHBw/w640-h426/IMG_0150.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passengers board the ferry to Lyttleton</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/AVvXsEg2oSfvLG4OwHjr53HfzjipwHZ6uYP91bXulIV-g0Nic_i5kBDiC_lKpFcN0tCfHfz8llahnczeQ2z4isEZUcYLwTLKpiBwlqXtUj7zCKgSvVtsUWZm3YtmKXZ8gyRi_xTElC4-EgXg-AXDFlcNSkipkCN3Dpi1k4j-7rzlSSEe3R0BHaIe2zq0DIZXdg/s6000/IMG_0152.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oSfvLG4OwHjr53HfzjipwHZ6uYP91bXulIV-g0Nic_i5kBDiC_lKpFcN0tCfHfz8llahnczeQ2z4isEZUcYLwTLKpiBwlqXtUj7zCKgSvVtsUWZm3YtmKXZ8gyRi_xTElC4-EgXg-AXDFlcNSkipkCN3Dpi1k4j-7rzlSSEe3R0BHaIe2zq0DIZXdg/w640-h426/IMG_0152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards Charteris Bay from the Quail Island dock</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ferry docks on the north east side of the island and from here you follow the network of paths which skirt the edge of the island in both directions. It was a busy scene with passengers getting on and off the ferry and gear being loaded aboard.</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/AVvXsEjuIRxxvsRokqLBncr8GqitJ4mO3vI7WsoaWZUQe7w61USPWrZOrypQ560woRyASHDyrKPkelIhr55OJtff2wMx_cbJldsyw4QXNoSQRfJ8Hon5_otyUMhCuCrayiFPgNyyyewS2r4D3FRIzHQXqIIHrbdQdSjGOk5UQvkggbtsrAYWrqb7PNqbNHmooA/s6000/IMG_0154.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIRxxvsRokqLBncr8GqitJ4mO3vI7WsoaWZUQe7w61USPWrZOrypQ560woRyASHDyrKPkelIhr55OJtff2wMx_cbJldsyw4QXNoSQRfJ8Hon5_otyUMhCuCrayiFPgNyyyewS2r4D3FRIzHQXqIIHrbdQdSjGOk5UQvkggbtsrAYWrqb7PNqbNHmooA/w640-h426/IMG_0154.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good view of the Quail Island day shelter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a useful map at the end of the dock and the ferry operators also have maps available on the ferry. You cannot really go wrong as the main track does a big loop right around the island. </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/AVvXsEhzN-wgBIidc7vEAklaG5rhDXBEOZrwQ5ExlKT0cBThG9j4vZko68Ubs8Zdc8H2qB66Bkn2pHw_264P96-WyV2S020TJw4zE4nwtUA2hCWIqXVnqAesVtsbo9_utciz2DTkDmaFAtHkzL9Ttd2YJ6csV1hf3MEPAKwPlSoebV4_zDxKkEpb5Jac2EpGlA/s6000/IMG_0157.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzN-wgBIidc7vEAklaG5rhDXBEOZrwQ5ExlKT0cBThG9j4vZko68Ubs8Zdc8H2qB66Bkn2pHw_264P96-WyV2S020TJw4zE4nwtUA2hCWIqXVnqAesVtsbo9_utciz2DTkDmaFAtHkzL9Ttd2YJ6csV1hf3MEPAKwPlSoebV4_zDxKkEpb5Jac2EpGlA/w640-h426/IMG_0157.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of the facilities on Otamahua/Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I headed around the island in an anti clockwise direction as I was only going the 800 odd meters to the hut and it is right at the track junction. There are signs, markers and arrows pointing the way along the Loop Track but the track network on the island is basic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> No need to carry a Topo map or GPS on this tramp...!!!</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/AVvXsEj6TCmbpseupaMKn50dA1Hqltm-kejKaxj27YtRc7NnIsDMOhsi16kAjHJci6ZgaKtXXnqfUg99aT7ZOFIIO69aYoyfhee1xHkHZvR2mwJ9Z4qHfv8zYPG2hrySFRUXJgpYf7-IuHv4HNycAWzsZ6kU6w9JM-9tf1h_STR1cI5lXz93_NhkPMzOjTU8fA/s6000/IMG_0158.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TCmbpseupaMKn50dA1Hqltm-kejKaxj27YtRc7NnIsDMOhsi16kAjHJci6ZgaKtXXnqfUg99aT7ZOFIIO69aYoyfhee1xHkHZvR2mwJ9Z4qHfv8zYPG2hrySFRUXJgpYf7-IuHv4HNycAWzsZ6kU6w9JM-9tf1h_STR1cI5lXz93_NhkPMzOjTU8fA/w640-h426/IMG_0158.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Otamahua Hut is off to the right</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You climb up to the spine of the island before sidling around to the hut which is about 800-900 meters from the dock. The track is easy walking with a series of switchbacks to help you gain height. </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/AVvXsEgLXJOAeAWV59LxXhmiDCrbFraU79LXWhIMBIQ1uauDXQfYCrnXYdurrgwcOFmOz1htsQEu4ITA-l7svtzLQTv1-nr_D7eDz_veFzeN1e5O9pjj5KPVPUjmITslFWLLpFHxieFGMElh83tgZlFrP-8rTcfeUUmZ0ciHAFuN9WanaiWU7CfuQ-XUKs_y4Q/s6000/IMG_0159.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXJOAeAWV59LxXhmiDCrbFraU79LXWhIMBIQ1uauDXQfYCrnXYdurrgwcOFmOz1htsQEu4ITA-l7svtzLQTv1-nr_D7eDz_veFzeN1e5O9pjj5KPVPUjmITslFWLLpFHxieFGMElh83tgZlFrP-8rTcfeUUmZ0ciHAFuN9WanaiWU7CfuQ-XUKs_y4Q/w640-h426/IMG_0159.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up to the historic stables on Quail Island</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/AVvXsEgmxCE9ULSP33IL3WBuymVHLHBNmF-QF1XyEdqBaC5hJ7TcyEa7mc0bgLDYrdEiD1PBOxHxEAzMekSnCE6Wd3S5FYK_eAp8nrHy3PyD2GkXne-nySLHbdJUP2W8oXxWPRB7GAiEKrVdG172jPGjS1vxXw_C68CmCLsD0R10EAFoMuoOpHLWVbYMfQJprA/s6000/IMG_0161.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxCE9ULSP33IL3WBuymVHLHBNmF-QF1XyEdqBaC5hJ7TcyEa7mc0bgLDYrdEiD1PBOxHxEAzMekSnCE6Wd3S5FYK_eAp8nrHy3PyD2GkXne-nySLHbdJUP2W8oXxWPRB7GAiEKrVdG172jPGjS1vxXw_C68CmCLsD0R10EAFoMuoOpHLWVbYMfQJprA/w640-h426/IMG_0161.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the few shady parts of the Otamahua Loop Track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first historic building is an old horse quarantine stables used by Wolseley, Shackleton and Scott when they went down to Antarctica. All the early British expeditions to Antarctica used ponies or manpower to haul supplies which is one of the reasons they were so unsuccessful. Roald Amundsen used trained sled dogs better suited to the task.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEhyMMgL1VOsH7dkh0tE0RjgwQoyTGn0YqvM1hoGIPPyXmv8F6FZh58ceaVVMoy-xhI3XI5sH_JVceyd_FDNr44fqC5kCXMQBNn4uIE5sjgSruN9G43Ys3_7_3z3V7utHvKuLG9nF1LtwMgUVXMWNqWW1JWncjCJ076hfIVbSu9wD4NZuAcCuMomUzd-Kw/s6000/IMG_0163.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMMgL1VOsH7dkh0tE0RjgwQoyTGn0YqvM1hoGIPPyXmv8F6FZh58ceaVVMoy-xhI3XI5sH_JVceyd_FDNr44fqC5kCXMQBNn4uIE5sjgSruN9G43Ys3_7_3z3V7utHvKuLG9nF1LtwMgUVXMWNqWW1JWncjCJ076hfIVbSu9wD4NZuAcCuMomUzd-Kw/w640-h426/IMG_0163.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic stables on Otamahua/Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgn91Sp4c00saL5Me3Os_a-IwX1-NTSFq6EzMFU-Z4EPvtYSTGcAOM-03qd-FsOAvq0a_Z6mKkWwm-aePiaPsiBv91yeBhbePaKOOX0Vrml7nhIt6c1fqXatt_fJZ_tdD3mcIkYswkiu407gHyf00c5opAnUqyNSwxXy6xgDEXZTM1jCkErhWh8pPRG7Q/s6000/IMG_0165.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn91Sp4c00saL5Me3Os_a-IwX1-NTSFq6EzMFU-Z4EPvtYSTGcAOM-03qd-FsOAvq0a_Z6mKkWwm-aePiaPsiBv91yeBhbePaKOOX0Vrml7nhIt6c1fqXatt_fJZ_tdD3mcIkYswkiu407gHyf00c5opAnUqyNSwxXy6xgDEXZTM1jCkErhWh8pPRG7Q/w640-h426/IMG_0165.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The track heads to the high point on Otamahua/Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The animals had to be quarantined before heading south...you didn't want to get there and find the ponies had some type of disease that killed them all. The stable has been restored and there are some interpretive panels to explain what it was used for. There is also an impressive array of old farming equipment next to the stable. </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/AVvXsEhMAUZlyxIA4fhqxJTIIaKMFh2g6zRsxSBbZKxkAb497Cizrcl_eYyOM2yD6mn_ZESG-av0uLzIKL9h3JVMjfAzeRkiiNWP_Y-rmkEuf1aJZEm_94FW869FzEAtyMKKlwszekNhU_6z8C9IxS_IL13ZMQxl6HCNXgjRhzKUtO16Nh3CfXWghQSCaO2pqg/s6000/IMG_0170.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAUZlyxIA4fhqxJTIIaKMFh2g6zRsxSBbZKxkAb497Cizrcl_eYyOM2yD6mn_ZESG-av0uLzIKL9h3JVMjfAzeRkiiNWP_Y-rmkEuf1aJZEm_94FW869FzEAtyMKKlwszekNhU_6z8C9IxS_IL13ZMQxl6HCNXgjRhzKUtO16Nh3CfXWghQSCaO2pqg/w640-h426/IMG_0170.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Otamahua/Quail Island...the old quarantine stables</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a wealth of native birds on the island now that the native bush is getting taller. I saw many species while there including this fat and satisfied looking Kereru or Wood Pidgeon. Other species include Seagulls, Quail, Bellbirds, Tui, Fantails and the occasional Mahua. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaUOg23XSLYhVD7gkZtwPWMjNP9gn7T3KAvkmLyRNInwcM0uM3UGK3UocplK28Um0iTysTDsvEdLW_ccPbCgQ2iXkp57A_QMy47fmJ6glpkBlET_eTbjDphaM9MTeJr1V8nNGgJ3ZDeknqI4ivGPBnWxKF5x1MafMd1Ym52MMhURZdKUhaI-aHmJpGg/s6000/IMG_0168.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaUOg23XSLYhVD7gkZtwPWMjNP9gn7T3KAvkmLyRNInwcM0uM3UGK3UocplK28Um0iTysTDsvEdLW_ccPbCgQ2iXkp57A_QMy47fmJ6glpkBlET_eTbjDphaM9MTeJr1V8nNGgJ3ZDeknqI4ivGPBnWxKF5x1MafMd1Ym52MMhURZdKUhaI-aHmJpGg/w640-h426/IMG_0168.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keruru or Wood Pidgeon in a tree, Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the shed you head along the northern edge of the island to Otamahua/Quail Island Hut. You continue along the loop track to the hut...it is well maintained grass with markers and interpretive panels as you go. The hut is about 300 meters from the stables you have just passed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEiGLLkSVZEllOhkHCZFtO6kFmt0KOMDxSwF2TQyUVjMgYU53-UqJ14-G1YztCxaz083vTxTBkgmjo7zoVi2cRrQt7VuEU9IbN7OIrPnNVE8Ftl9JJOA7UpbaomKeTNHE3PifudQpaqJioWwKgTY4ONJuYrJgdIXmBWNHsfNwbjpKPr9zlE-7FdVY0nBkg/s6000/IMG_0171.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLLkSVZEllOhkHCZFtO6kFmt0KOMDxSwF2TQyUVjMgYU53-UqJ14-G1YztCxaz083vTxTBkgmjo7zoVi2cRrQt7VuEU9IbN7OIrPnNVE8Ftl9JJOA7UpbaomKeTNHE3PifudQpaqJioWwKgTY4ONJuYrJgdIXmBWNHsfNwbjpKPr9zlE-7FdVY0nBkg/w640-h426/IMG_0171.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Track leading from the stables to hut, Otamahua/Quail Island</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/AVvXsEhK11VHjG-5uI7jfb6QyTb1YF7iWvKHB-AkgGHkd0FBZdaYs4aj3_QOmvbkHC5I7a8ZrwtNbtxyUYK7xC-g8Yap0C6MEDJE0KqqJzB9BKRZhtIty50foI1S-MyBlBB8PJUFlczc3utOijuFL2oGJLzqYp6ZPfqJjyjqVk0iyFoeFsQ33tzh2n-EtWRnBw/s6000/IMG_0173.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK11VHjG-5uI7jfb6QyTb1YF7iWvKHB-AkgGHkd0FBZdaYs4aj3_QOmvbkHC5I7a8ZrwtNbtxyUYK7xC-g8Yap0C6MEDJE0KqqJzB9BKRZhtIty50foI1S-MyBlBB8PJUFlczc3utOijuFL2oGJLzqYp6ZPfqJjyjqVk0iyFoeFsQ33tzh2n-EtWRnBw/w640-h426/IMG_0173.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">50 meters from this sign to Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was heading to the hut first as I wanted to have a bit of a look at the place I would be staying. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At Otamahua Hut:</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Quail Island Hut was an old farm cottage that was converted over 2020 into a awesome 12 bunk DOC hut. They have done a magnificent job and is is well utilised by families, youth groups, schools and newbie trampers. The conversion was beautifully sympathetic to the original building and the fit out of the interior is really interesting</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/AVvXsEjxGVPFU2ewG_ElUm_AUiwNoAQoYYNuQyG1l99mJDoP6sALfmeEaT2d1BFekTTyZ8i7xCWDjhFeuydk2TJETmVGH-9jDR_d5VgLrf_Wtc_EA-0lVSSh9uHLV2UjzFgEhuoN34iRXC1FWj__Fz919_42kPkgMH2m0H4h4fETNPh-YeWbjMorZl1jXWHvQw/s6000/IMG_0176.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGVPFU2ewG_ElUm_AUiwNoAQoYYNuQyG1l99mJDoP6sALfmeEaT2d1BFekTTyZ8i7xCWDjhFeuydk2TJETmVGH-9jDR_d5VgLrf_Wtc_EA-0lVSSh9uHLV2UjzFgEhuoN34iRXC1FWj__Fz919_42kPkgMH2m0H4h4fETNPh-YeWbjMorZl1jXWHvQw/w640-h426/IMG_0176.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of Otamahua Hut from 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/AVvXsEjttam0Q5GXaRfgNGfjofrzz7i5Yg_PJ_gtUES02OpgE_65HK80IN615t3injlAARyL4Ftq8j3fCYdN-t-jBrz7ZO6hvZtusSM5S4ylmtkSEAngCF9ZCYNGBT40sAamFQnLTfTct6xnwOyu8CFajBHemln-0TzK1m_xWGmA10gk-OIBdbhSssYNH1BQOg/s6000/IMG_0178.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttam0Q5GXaRfgNGfjofrzz7i5Yg_PJ_gtUES02OpgE_65HK80IN615t3injlAARyL4Ftq8j3fCYdN-t-jBrz7ZO6hvZtusSM5S4ylmtkSEAngCF9ZCYNGBT40sAamFQnLTfTct6xnwOyu8CFajBHemln-0TzK1m_xWGmA10gk-OIBdbhSssYNH1BQOg/w640-h426/IMG_0178.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to Lyttleton and Port Hills from the hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Otamahua Hut is on the DOC hut booking system and must be booked before you visit. It is super popular and is often booked out months in advance especially over weekends, holidays and long weekends. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Surprisingly I had the hut to myself that night even though there were other people booked to stay. I guess they decided to head elsewhere or didn't like the look of the bad weather due to arrive the next day. </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/AVvXsEidO4QdzzHBSzBcDDiG0G4uIcxjAlhaZoOZbXoeIX8XZRoSG0TcIf8WCQNjYTlzl40ZlMA_rMFUS2HkETt227_6ZlHboYd54y4R5-iamrgQ85TagyL5Fm0AOByHklrrsa8TtgXm97NNiNvG6urPvWoyEc-0MImRi3QRF437jmunMmOFZlXrL_JeZzVGkg/s6000/IMG_0295.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidO4QdzzHBSzBcDDiG0G4uIcxjAlhaZoOZbXoeIX8XZRoSG0TcIf8WCQNjYTlzl40ZlMA_rMFUS2HkETt227_6ZlHboYd54y4R5-iamrgQ85TagyL5Fm0AOByHklrrsa8TtgXm97NNiNvG6urPvWoyEc-0MImRi3QRF437jmunMmOFZlXrL_JeZzVGkg/w640-h426/IMG_0295.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Otamahua Hut: Living space and burner</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhwAJRCHDHxIpnMBPKuJtqOYn_Qv3hzgkeIYz7jgqPZnR6FKYrJ632UlhI5lZozFuZXcwlvt9M-Oru1wG-4ZB4QsrSN_saJ7ErA1RkaFn28t4zs859WyHljlgvzOkEhetc2oT9jFwMhkO68OwfJ6WXUeZYwdp18o8Iwamju3KegLaMvsb_FEgFEX5AOuQ/s6000/IMG_0343.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAJRCHDHxIpnMBPKuJtqOYn_Qv3hzgkeIYz7jgqPZnR6FKYrJ632UlhI5lZozFuZXcwlvt9M-Oru1wG-4ZB4QsrSN_saJ7ErA1RkaFn28t4zs859WyHljlgvzOkEhetc2oT9jFwMhkO68OwfJ6WXUeZYwdp18o8Iwamju3KegLaMvsb_FEgFEX5AOuQ/w640-h426/IMG_0343.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Otamahua Hut: one of two bunkrooms</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjPUwc-Nh3VZkIPX3-prhZjE2GGxYryFELinGzs54FOI_ESTCxRbOHRax2RCtB80rdmBu9eBUidcirJQ7uH-wJTd93OLfosjKGAYVHt-gf2d6X4UNTUwiuM7hQ1B-mwCaQ7l72ZZdktD7RgUtq6IuIhw3_zPQJRhpeakh6V2CNwiA3AgC4SuwYTmgeQpg/s6000/IMG_0297.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUwc-Nh3VZkIPX3-prhZjE2GGxYryFELinGzs54FOI_ESTCxRbOHRax2RCtB80rdmBu9eBUidcirJQ7uH-wJTd93OLfosjKGAYVHt-gf2d6X4UNTUwiuM7hQ1B-mwCaQ7l72ZZdktD7RgUtq6IuIhw3_zPQJRhpeakh6V2CNwiA3AgC4SuwYTmgeQpg/w640-h426/IMG_0297.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Otamahua Hut: my pit setup in the second bunkroom</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/AVvXsEg9p8SV20OSI0hjEYrd665eu9jFDTA3qbp3XnBrDTGgA_WcIT0u2oluPrIUg4UdPO83bolRbVyRqd2v6jLuRbe5gxExsD7QCebgvIjtmnTV6PeAqyyT9-knco66uh1d23TKrEbNPh8JKD_ZIK2XItdXgG_Pz4Kg_zSK9pvz6MaN1C0aUSp-7Z7Dvh1PqQ/s6000/IMG_0296.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p8SV20OSI0hjEYrd665eu9jFDTA3qbp3XnBrDTGgA_WcIT0u2oluPrIUg4UdPO83bolRbVyRqd2v6jLuRbe5gxExsD7QCebgvIjtmnTV6PeAqyyT9-knco66uh1d23TKrEbNPh8JKD_ZIK2XItdXgG_Pz4Kg_zSK9pvz6MaN1C0aUSp-7Z7Dvh1PqQ/w640-h426/IMG_0296.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Otamahua Hut: view of the kitchen space</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hut was already empty so instead of going for a walk I just took up residence in the hut. First up was some lunch and after brewing up I sat outside in the lovely sun and ate my crackers, cheese and salami. </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/AVvXsEiwrmrgLX6SZUbT7F7JaV_osK_UAlkW4zmJ7AHs_ce5fihB60EGQTuN8aDyf0WPP3D9V6p4w_0lsSuF6EvrSjWzzOVAIxukMBtE_U0afNto0-YGlZaEEEDYcBauQEjE8D2dg8phRFjwC9gSBf0Sdj084-AvVr3hBTsJK7OqX-hlFGRIh6mguXGHT7nqgQ/s6000/IMG_0180.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrmrgLX6SZUbT7F7JaV_osK_UAlkW4zmJ7AHs_ce5fihB60EGQTuN8aDyf0WPP3D9V6p4w_0lsSuF6EvrSjWzzOVAIxukMBtE_U0afNto0-YGlZaEEEDYcBauQEjE8D2dg8phRFjwC9gSBf0Sdj084-AvVr3hBTsJK7OqX-hlFGRIh6mguXGHT7nqgQ/w640-h426/IMG_0180.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch and a brew at Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is an awesome view to Lyttleton from the hut veranda and you can see the goings on down on the water with various water craft buzzing about. The top terminus of the Gondola is directly opposite the hut and later in the day I could see the lights shining from across the harbor. </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/AVvXsEikUkUUuoVK7pWeG50pfQgNuQtyCGIWRB79bIp5Xh3AL-RTJdiXaZxjO2-HV0gD7vYykL2GPcMWdi0Y6HOnNI86EiBvRS-pVhbWTDsBasalmJpxyzroC7mAQkgKFWLt3tj8NrLb2euQZumWYzclpcm2aFBTZGcEhflDiBCL-b6CPJKr3HMn4bnYdQyXoA/s6000/IMG_0184.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUkUUuoVK7pWeG50pfQgNuQtyCGIWRB79bIp5Xh3AL-RTJdiXaZxjO2-HV0gD7vYykL2GPcMWdi0Y6HOnNI86EiBvRS-pVhbWTDsBasalmJpxyzroC7mAQkgKFWLt3tj8NrLb2euQZumWYzclpcm2aFBTZGcEhflDiBCL-b6CPJKr3HMn4bnYdQyXoA/w640-h426/IMG_0184.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyttleton Harbor from Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">DOC built a big veranda outside the hut in 2020 and there are a couple of picnic tables located here for the guests to use. They were donated by Ara Construction students and have our branding on them. It is one of the projects they work on early in their studies. I have seen these in many spots around Canterbury including at Woolshed Creek Hut, Packhorse Hut, Lake Daniell, Akaroa and out in Bottle Lake Plantation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEj7Xkm5plqE7Uiwa30P0nQGXRxjT-A_7SlPGJHfPWY-2Sg-XzOZgc3rMgu1RvrQRBEzFlUWZeJJpap-T2cWMN3u2liToNx_m3YdIrbysH4zJI54i0K8BNHatKlesAEKfff6tEJZRgl8n6jmt68GFax9AFY0tTX6DKMXvYuNMs7pk4Q6kYzFVo3fWS0GeQ/s6000/IMG_0186.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Xkm5plqE7Uiwa30P0nQGXRxjT-A_7SlPGJHfPWY-2Sg-XzOZgc3rMgu1RvrQRBEzFlUWZeJJpap-T2cWMN3u2liToNx_m3YdIrbysH4zJI54i0K8BNHatKlesAEKfff6tEJZRgl8n6jmt68GFax9AFY0tTX6DKMXvYuNMs7pk4Q6kYzFVo3fWS0GeQ/w640-h426/IMG_0186.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...you can just see the picnic table on the left...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Groups of people passed through right over the afternoon and I had conversation with many of them. Most seemed surprised to know you could stay on the island so I might have drummed up some future custom for the hut. </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/AVvXsEhBkkl_SwLHB2NJTRx-1kO1OUZy1GxpcOUmgaru2XPav5VKeYOATIKRkXMrLln36PCYK1732VGMHoyPICDJt81yOeBVZnzkki4vM4OFM-6JQw1_-ZiKMbUR0Qt8yIzR3Fah4-rjZ-JRL1n0eIJpHDcRqn363qLJzcLxq5foDpANmjwkvhk237yVKDpnIQ/s6000/IMG_0192.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkkl_SwLHB2NJTRx-1kO1OUZy1GxpcOUmgaru2XPav5VKeYOATIKRkXMrLln36PCYK1732VGMHoyPICDJt81yOeBVZnzkki4vM4OFM-6JQw1_-ZiKMbUR0Qt8yIzR3Fah4-rjZ-JRL1n0eIJpHDcRqn363qLJzcLxq5foDpANmjwkvhk237yVKDpnIQ/w640-h426/IMG_0192.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other walkers eat lunch at Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hut has a set of flush toilets at the rear, a woodshed and a set of quarters for DOC hut wardens or workers. I have yet to see any DOC workers on Quail Island but they must come over to do maintenance and cleaning from time to time. </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/AVvXsEj0u2d0n0Zr5KF1ogeXe_jQYGzApb7uvr9XQYh1a1fieBkP6DJPNq9nUQoZ9VbY_GNyYR9QUbo-1RtPkNONdse-wb_9xYac56gNDokj7aj-KLwnWLtwwBgkcHIQHYSQHBHbY4F1b40sDIT4mYYqp2_d7cYiaqUYZbYt8WEPRtD_hV_8gQtgyteD0VCGiQ/s6000/IMG_0194.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0u2d0n0Zr5KF1ogeXe_jQYGzApb7uvr9XQYh1a1fieBkP6DJPNq9nUQoZ9VbY_GNyYR9QUbo-1RtPkNONdse-wb_9xYac56gNDokj7aj-KLwnWLtwwBgkcHIQHYSQHBHbY4F1b40sDIT4mYYqp2_d7cYiaqUYZbYt8WEPRtD_hV_8gQtgyteD0VCGiQ/w640-h426/IMG_0194.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toilet and DOC Quarters at Otamahua 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/AVvXsEh3b2nu8L0C4yYsLoGahl6a2nVFkfHSR1fI_Cey_vQ6_2VwI5e76-rBjmSRjer7GVz_O1y_cvNppZLZ6PcLLzr4p3RaaZ_VnXfXYA8s3scZ7ruxz26awScyiBrRjGMmhJDiuXamJ-8U1NCk_sCvqFrqKOvwZABa2KMoj6OS9RSWqqY8Mss8LMfBEqnBNg/s6000/IMG_0195.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3b2nu8L0C4yYsLoGahl6a2nVFkfHSR1fI_Cey_vQ6_2VwI5e76-rBjmSRjer7GVz_O1y_cvNppZLZ6PcLLzr4p3RaaZ_VnXfXYA8s3scZ7ruxz26awScyiBrRjGMmhJDiuXamJ-8U1NCk_sCvqFrqKOvwZABa2KMoj6OS9RSWqqY8Mss8LMfBEqnBNg/w640-h426/IMG_0195.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plant information panel at Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was a full shed of wood at the hut BUT no damn axe!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All they had was a small hatchet attached to a chopping block so it is impossible to cut any firewood. I am of a mind to buy an axe and take it over to the hut but some scumbag would just steal it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEj2Z4FWuPgJd44k9AqcuK3CmL_FFsHc3E5LU4-7nuMhImjC7eHDskytCT_Jea56KVjDf98-XoXsG3JoCmV7i8QrZ-hWkmQy0jiRbO0vXQ0wI6B0Enw8Mo649SvsDbgsCLc-rifXBifCbMr79EZlvYroPhji57RYZnqDn_2colS8vG9Ekld8KRgoNxxakQ/s6000/IMG_0197.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Z4FWuPgJd44k9AqcuK3CmL_FFsHc3E5LU4-7nuMhImjC7eHDskytCT_Jea56KVjDf98-XoXsG3JoCmV7i8QrZ-hWkmQy0jiRbO0vXQ0wI6B0Enw8Mo649SvsDbgsCLc-rifXBifCbMr79EZlvYroPhji57RYZnqDn_2colS8vG9Ekld8KRgoNxxakQ/w640-h426/IMG_0197.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...fully loaded wood shed at Otamahua Hut...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was a family of California Quail living near the hut and they kept coming out and checking out the grassy lawn in front of the hut. There were about 10 of the cute little buggers and i could hear their calls for most of the afternoon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These Quail are not native to New Zealand but were introduced about 10 years ago to replace the native Quail which once lived on the island. They are super cute and I liked to se them a lot. </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/AVvXsEiMj0O8e8u-yI6wqIaZnLnUk2d1Aea57luPday5ZrJ9HMvMMYsCLC4kwZVbQ4Vs6qhqiXT5_xoulpNv7KiAh9gupPyQD8mmayRsGmEAENHrEeAPjLyK66yruUxx0TDRWgLGoWVcUNdHdItRhI02JPVjHwf_D44Z-ueuI-prr-bXjfUiE1oP0LegcwoQug/s6000/IMG_0200.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj0O8e8u-yI6wqIaZnLnUk2d1Aea57luPday5ZrJ9HMvMMYsCLC4kwZVbQ4Vs6qhqiXT5_xoulpNv7KiAh9gupPyQD8mmayRsGmEAENHrEeAPjLyK66yruUxx0TDRWgLGoWVcUNdHdItRhI02JPVjHwf_D44Z-ueuI-prr-bXjfUiE1oP0LegcwoQug/w640-h426/IMG_0200.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Quail check out their patch at Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEiHkvI5KXyg877Y6ORsR8-OXLdTVhIenkP_nYWdh2YihBn56ZvKNTE0ObUX3CaAm8RiSirffSVdjcFDAM3CYS-JVL8vOViaCXeJuyKapJF8XNFtqDkjkJho80-Qaax_P6r7Svnf9zEbJcCuJeUPPKGz6ADOxjbSTZ1ZHpklsmN0ZQS4xsakhPy1h3nE0w/s6000/IMG_0203.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkvI5KXyg877Y6ORsR8-OXLdTVhIenkP_nYWdh2YihBn56ZvKNTE0ObUX3CaAm8RiSirffSVdjcFDAM3CYS-JVL8vOViaCXeJuyKapJF8XNFtqDkjkJho80-Qaax_P6r7Svnf9zEbJcCuJeUPPKGz6ADOxjbSTZ1ZHpklsmN0ZQS4xsakhPy1h3nE0w/w640-h426/IMG_0203.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Boss Quail tries to decide if Jon is a threat...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was still and warm at the hut with temperatures up around 25 Celsius. Autumn has arrived once again and it is slowly growing colder as each week passes. It is just about time to start the 2023 winter series of tramps...I have some ideas for some good ones this year. </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/AVvXsEjK3823P5i8yfRICAI0MiEZ3A9-pJcZLe96cw25qjok_T7A8HrwkP0pcwmigI7tnLMKDV5z9R7FWyPkU4qOUs9edHFF5fAU4IqzmKbLxDgB3FJizaPGqJnKQBI3_DqW0Ed5Gk2OWJ6BJLO-cvVluo-7lNKNHa-Yoqb9RWxXMLKEVntQU2e10Zors32rmg/s6000/IMG_0205.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3823P5i8yfRICAI0MiEZ3A9-pJcZLe96cw25qjok_T7A8HrwkP0pcwmigI7tnLMKDV5z9R7FWyPkU4qOUs9edHFF5fAU4IqzmKbLxDgB3FJizaPGqJnKQBI3_DqW0Ed5Gk2OWJ6BJLO-cvVluo-7lNKNHa-Yoqb9RWxXMLKEVntQU2e10Zors32rmg/w640-h426/IMG_0205.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late afternoon view out over Lyttleton Harbor</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did some firewood preparation in the afternoon. There is a massive pile of Macrocarpa off cuts near the hut which were as dry as a bone and aching to go up in smoke. It broke up quite a lot and stashed some in the hut and in the woodshed for future use. I didn't need them that night but I did light the fire the next morning as it was wet and cold.</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/AVvXsEgz4enzwBig42NPwByAZwBI_33ViruKA6rVbBFuf_TZUC--PmntyI6SG_wSfCEh90suqIPFHLglVh49o0JthvVfQWf7gfqZdeZe4ixiGHe0Ztbwc7K9NyCGGIWNbxEVda6WKJrpalNkFIQKI9x-rRzq5j2tJTMGaRZUbiR7lAZrQfaCFKDILtRSxZaDaw/s6000/IMG_0207.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4enzwBig42NPwByAZwBI_33ViruKA6rVbBFuf_TZUC--PmntyI6SG_wSfCEh90suqIPFHLglVh49o0JthvVfQWf7gfqZdeZe4ixiGHe0Ztbwc7K9NyCGGIWNbxEVda6WKJrpalNkFIQKI9x-rRzq5j2tJTMGaRZUbiR7lAZrQfaCFKDILtRSxZaDaw/w640-h426/IMG_0207.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry Macrocarpa off cuts for the woodburner</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/AVvXsEjuQ7Gp5xsRSAK6TEHf9w9NDgx_AKaOJeeE9bgr7_0rn5Lpkc2bYunjEFor7vMq14Z3i4odEXXRoHYOPjr-5Yqfn7Q7zQIfufc8QSEa0FuXEeVqwO_s2MgDzTZ6VOQqanIPXYFbqnNQVENB4hkraUJwwDmR4FdWlnI5RhyWCEK-wE8qIyXJ0WBe1oxu3g/s6000/IMG_0210.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQ7Gp5xsRSAK6TEHf9w9NDgx_AKaOJeeE9bgr7_0rn5Lpkc2bYunjEFor7vMq14Z3i4odEXXRoHYOPjr-5Yqfn7Q7zQIfufc8QSEa0FuXEeVqwO_s2MgDzTZ6VOQqanIPXYFbqnNQVENB4hkraUJwwDmR4FdWlnI5RhyWCEK-wE8qIyXJ0WBe1oxu3g/w640-h426/IMG_0210.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kindling preparation at Otamahua hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By the time I finished preparing the kindling and stocking up wood for the night it was time for a brew. I made myself a coffee and sat outside. The last visitors came by just before 3 pm and then I largely had the island to myself for the rest of the day. Once the last ferry leaves it is only those staying the night left on the island. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEhLj1cfrsy7kkZUSvdMtks9Y3Oq37S6ZBWUNLffPqSPA6qyNHfN1zXPDeHxHGuYdPjCq72ET_J7mRThtTanoQLaE0gJ9hD_kzLoWWauY1rX02oyqiViS-20ukMNLIfXwPAr5Xrfy9JGAcSn39xQlrTHNWDAc0Zv1DhyLlEaWMkKTt2pRLvGqJZF3xYwkQ/s6000/IMG_0213.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLj1cfrsy7kkZUSvdMtks9Y3Oq37S6ZBWUNLffPqSPA6qyNHfN1zXPDeHxHGuYdPjCq72ET_J7mRThtTanoQLaE0gJ9hD_kzLoWWauY1rX02oyqiViS-20ukMNLIfXwPAr5Xrfy9JGAcSn39xQlrTHNWDAc0Zv1DhyLlEaWMkKTt2pRLvGqJZF3xYwkQ/w640-h426/IMG_0213.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon with brew in hand at Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was quite happy sitting out in front of the hut looking at the view and drinking my brew...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Strolling around the island...</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>About 4.30 in the afternoon I set off for a stroll along the track. The Quail Island Loop Track continues past the hut and gradually makes its way around to the south-western side of the island. The track is a wide, well mown strip of grass with some benched track sections where it climbs up and over headlands and ridges. </div><div><br /></div></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/AVvXsEg6elp73WqlAgLFDoHWMhpjhuiAH3T_ZKqLeH-daMCfDeK1BJP8-CrkYuzcllBGgJJWunft6XgpiN1Q0PP-oUUtbMo2NQ2Ry-mCFzevlpLV2F-2nBCDwPop-rkpD5bpq5inrwYHkPZ3QHlt62XhzV0FGY5TghlhiRZFAg7AfD5UqakiVOPw2LbvXJTvSw/s6000/IMG_0216.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6elp73WqlAgLFDoHWMhpjhuiAH3T_ZKqLeH-daMCfDeK1BJP8-CrkYuzcllBGgJJWunft6XgpiN1Q0PP-oUUtbMo2NQ2Ry-mCFzevlpLV2F-2nBCDwPop-rkpD5bpq5inrwYHkPZ3QHlt62XhzV0FGY5TghlhiRZFAg7AfD5UqakiVOPw2LbvXJTvSw/w640-h426/IMG_0216.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loop track continues past Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is hideously exposed to all weather conditions so be prepared for hot, cold, wet, dry conditions at all times. At a minimum bring a jacket, warm clothes, lots of water and some food. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEgfG3rXCQjCioaa3cX6PU9dNpRiPgoDuKLcZBDeoWY5PH2HXJlv1pBKp0h3WB3_B448rtPEn9v78DGIDBZg2FamoRdRLIMm5P8NJKch9rJ2jdE3plwk4B4w49RywknrNkVyr5OXB4lOWL6ewzRy0t5nu9WOSXbk--VE4tzxzOobwHVdlMImrzvHtv_4bA/s6000/IMG_0221.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfG3rXCQjCioaa3cX6PU9dNpRiPgoDuKLcZBDeoWY5PH2HXJlv1pBKp0h3WB3_B448rtPEn9v78DGIDBZg2FamoRdRLIMm5P8NJKch9rJ2jdE3plwk4B4w49RywknrNkVyr5OXB4lOWL6ewzRy0t5nu9WOSXbk--VE4tzxzOobwHVdlMImrzvHtv_4bA/w640-h426/IMG_0221.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are excellent views of the Port Hills</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The whole northern side of Quail Island is a series of big cliffs up to 80 meters high so it is important that you follow the safety signs and stay on the track. If you are bringing children with you keep them on a super tight leash as the cliffs are abrupt and you wont know you're in trouble until it is too late...</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/AVvXsEjdgKVmCXjY2VoFH3z1KaoThh3hFNo9Dmgp6wKX-SXvggXe03n4B43DsTsJR7P0ZlWUS8HXbki_7dqzSiIsrEf7iu87cALGCl-A76Z5DcrXfoSKY-ZBuRXxRo2HZbpOvoXqURi_6_7bwsJMI_utt39LwaaceNBM_1fGvlRJJADn7sLsFXSxvpLtH6hebw/s6000/IMG_0222.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgKVmCXjY2VoFH3z1KaoThh3hFNo9Dmgp6wKX-SXvggXe03n4B43DsTsJR7P0ZlWUS8HXbki_7dqzSiIsrEf7iu87cALGCl-A76Z5DcrXfoSKY-ZBuRXxRo2HZbpOvoXqURi_6_7bwsJMI_utt39LwaaceNBM_1fGvlRJJADn7sLsFXSxvpLtH6hebw/w640-h426/IMG_0222.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards Lyttleton Heads from Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The track meanders around the edge of the island passing a number of historic places and natural sites of interest on the way. There are interesting views right the way along the track and it would be worthwhile doing a bit of research before you visit so you understand what you are looking at. </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/AVvXsEg4L3oCLpqsjts3ptbZ-MMClezZKnaqW84n87xvBVt5G3QX_2dfTdqtIzVhX__VQaYVA4Bn9uiRLgQoYL4UzbYqdr9ChmHBmxILEKdAm9g1LwOfB3FMQzUqfrPFb7rY0YQ21G8Jffbrwz-rCD6enYLLElPqUPZqT5qfa6ritRuemPSBzfMPZrnqZ7SMHg/s6000/IMG_0224.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L3oCLpqsjts3ptbZ-MMClezZKnaqW84n87xvBVt5G3QX_2dfTdqtIzVhX__VQaYVA4Bn9uiRLgQoYL4UzbYqdr9ChmHBmxILEKdAm9g1LwOfB3FMQzUqfrPFb7rY0YQ21G8Jffbrwz-rCD6enYLLElPqUPZqT5qfa6ritRuemPSBzfMPZrnqZ7SMHg/w640-h426/IMG_0224.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area of native planting on Otamahua/Quail Island</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/AVvXsEhP7Rf9EsBPUuBUW75Lrc2RUVfUuXQ2ECPjpcYOUmlWX6f75wgn5MEjYJS_VdgbHGoTklANyY8_R8zavARke-fWQAVNF-qbiCZ4ozspOKThC2beFY4UmmweFa_Yoohip_zOFzvL_thv0-d58oAXGtL5tMBIyxuN25w36CFcmkbStnrKPB9-iGAzAxxY9w/s6000/IMG_0225.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7Rf9EsBPUuBUW75Lrc2RUVfUuXQ2ECPjpcYOUmlWX6f75wgn5MEjYJS_VdgbHGoTklANyY8_R8zavARke-fWQAVNF-qbiCZ4ozspOKThC2beFY4UmmweFa_Yoohip_zOFzvL_thv0-d58oAXGtL5tMBIyxuN25w36CFcmkbStnrKPB9-iGAzAxxY9w/w640-h426/IMG_0225.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea cliffs on the north side of Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is an excellent view right up Lyttleton Harbor from a point on the track a kilometer away from the hut. It is perhaps the nicest view on the island and warrants a trip along the track just to have a look. </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/AVvXsEjX5zcYqkC6VPAJJgpJ9C9GgVrX-4eNLg5Els-RpyzNaWndOwJmkq2KZUtzD9vQwygP9_1111fhya0NS7kBulIwyZbugmlNPRC9lQ7HcURw_TahVdn7H0JLNBv5TAGK1ZIikjCiado_xWwBX5xMCiIES7LXQQSiZnJCBnTbVzvkmpfInlu6ETC2tIB_bA/s6000/IMG_0227.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5zcYqkC6VPAJJgpJ9C9GgVrX-4eNLg5Els-RpyzNaWndOwJmkq2KZUtzD9vQwygP9_1111fhya0NS7kBulIwyZbugmlNPRC9lQ7HcURw_TahVdn7H0JLNBv5TAGK1ZIikjCiado_xWwBX5xMCiIES7LXQQSiZnJCBnTbVzvkmpfInlu6ETC2tIB_bA/w640-h426/IMG_0227.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyttleton Harbor from the Quail Island 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/AVvXsEgC9vjGMbOJRhXjm6z0qrXeAy3_ypdj0m88ftiQ9eZm72HoX53aJifANVMd72vH7e1nkiYu7pAbxRx4fZ6QiBX-dgZIkUPY5w-HE7Kr4G2_ZKVQcfszY65Z5HD6uL8vpA6k0GmaAWWPNFSzej9d-87pSRvr792Wwc5wzLZI3qq6V20hR-QrJw7_fJXT9Q/s6000/IMG_0228.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9vjGMbOJRhXjm6z0qrXeAy3_ypdj0m88ftiQ9eZm72HoX53aJifANVMd72vH7e1nkiYu7pAbxRx4fZ6QiBX-dgZIkUPY5w-HE7Kr4G2_ZKVQcfszY65Z5HD6uL8vpA6k0GmaAWWPNFSzej9d-87pSRvr792Wwc5wzLZI3qq6V20hR-QrJw7_fJXT9Q/w640-h426/IMG_0228.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port of Lyttleton from Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>When Europeans first arrived Quail Island was covered in thick bush and forest, the first landowner milled the largest of the trees and then set fire to the rest to clear the land. The fires burnt for three days and were visible 50 miles out to sea. The land was then over planted with grasses to provide fodder for a small herd of sheep.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Quail Island Restoration Trust have been replanting the island since the early 1980's and it is starting to bear fruit...some of the trees are now 4+ meters tall and more and more of the island is returned to bush each year.<br /><br />I would absolutely love to come back in 100 years because it will be spectacular...</div></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/AVvXsEhzeKb00pwWDtJqLKCCDX1dRXGUln0PG7m2Nv4mYdgsEdWpnSY9KcGS8La9wgqpAGMveNywF16Q8jXdT1gaU7R8AU5Uy57x5PxsHst2lMKGDlzFsphrOdmDvJHEVYkKy5n0pIHjal_gssIsew6j961gT-TDerq85LuEHACVlAm3tsVleaLunac7ZmhcnA/s6000/IMG_0231.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeKb00pwWDtJqLKCCDX1dRXGUln0PG7m2Nv4mYdgsEdWpnSY9KcGS8La9wgqpAGMveNywF16Q8jXdT1gaU7R8AU5Uy57x5PxsHst2lMKGDlzFsphrOdmDvJHEVYkKy5n0pIHjal_gssIsew6j961gT-TDerq85LuEHACVlAm3tsVleaLunac7ZmhcnA/w640-h426/IMG_0231.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Track junction a kilometer from Otamahua 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/AVvXsEjc8FWyss5l7diWBUCrzUDJOD7z-YDco59Lfpkl3bLho300fKt4yGn4FiOB9POp7jwFNISh8QOsiIUtPu2QUpvmFlu5k7sYl-dB_HTfybvQ5oXwwpgd_ZSHHR210aG14RZfgcijXg4enjUrWIZ2UzucQr8q_TBnWIsw1GbSZ0g10qAcLBSKnAg9Qn-jtA/s6000/IMG_0233.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8FWyss5l7diWBUCrzUDJOD7z-YDco59Lfpkl3bLho300fKt4yGn4FiOB9POp7jwFNISh8QOsiIUtPu2QUpvmFlu5k7sYl-dB_HTfybvQ5oXwwpgd_ZSHHR210aG14RZfgcijXg4enjUrWIZ2UzucQr8q_TBnWIsw1GbSZ0g10qAcLBSKnAg9Qn-jtA/w640-h426/IMG_0233.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quail Island Track continues around the island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The highest place on Quail Island is Pt. 86 in the center of the island, I took one of the tracks off the coastal track and climbed up to see the sights. 86 meters is not that high but when you are on a island it gives excellent 360 degree views in all directions. It is worth visiting Otamahua/Quail Island just for the view from the high point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEgkW81QJ2x1INf7FMLg_eUBlgLr70WiUjlA-h8WjYpYWmlp8QnKF7abmNml9VEWiefdZMEOyN0cZj-oE5F0Ocn9KtP-Fjxvs2WtbybLnVexMwfsNB7DrHA6U5juz1yOYR4ghcJzXvwGejVQ7go2NRZZMESP2Le_V00jzDo0wtmj1ytE79IQ6SNz-y3OrA/s6000/IMG_0234.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkW81QJ2x1INf7FMLg_eUBlgLr70WiUjlA-h8WjYpYWmlp8QnKF7abmNml9VEWiefdZMEOyN0cZj-oE5F0Ocn9KtP-Fjxvs2WtbybLnVexMwfsNB7DrHA6U5juz1yOYR4ghcJzXvwGejVQ7go2NRZZMESP2Le_V00jzDo0wtmj1ytE79IQ6SNz-y3OrA/w640-h426/IMG_0234.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up to the high point on Quail Island</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/AVvXsEiiG9AbF0XV7qEjvIZ4UaByXy74fuyi1X7TBPFBqTIfQREbLNJePaKhzY1R-lMYvej83Xgx72hQzj6TNQIbyC82yDPJg_JO5U--pLGghEClHBViZKh4HAEtvjfiuqeWgbBdrBkqbRIHkxQ9zilqN8QCZMVhtwGDM5CO_7UvZGcLTcf9QRc98m3GTNL_3A/s6000/IMG_0236.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG9AbF0XV7qEjvIZ4UaByXy74fuyi1X7TBPFBqTIfQREbLNJePaKhzY1R-lMYvej83Xgx72hQzj6TNQIbyC82yDPJg_JO5U--pLGghEClHBViZKh4HAEtvjfiuqeWgbBdrBkqbRIHkxQ9zilqN8QCZMVhtwGDM5CO_7UvZGcLTcf9QRc98m3GTNL_3A/w640-h426/IMG_0236.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...the tracks are mostly short mown grass...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a track junction where you can go up to Pt. 86, down to Swimmers Beach or along the crest of the island to Otamahua Hut. I saw some Quail near here and this is the third time I have seen them here so they must live in the nearby bush. </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/AVvXsEg7iK0hoolbM6fdM4KOeFJs_2AJfyaxnGL7eL4BPnwIcv4rt5C2LzncG63XUlremJUKqwvcZMe-j_DMJDNddN7SLwpn0N1fTv57BGvmz3iajUZkUxrSubhtb_0cK74PPeKZftguRgy9aqXDjXIL-uwPRSB-u7as0YluDWWjHoN-A7aTHkQtxCdTAhgu3Q/s6000/IMG_0239.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iK0hoolbM6fdM4KOeFJs_2AJfyaxnGL7eL4BPnwIcv4rt5C2LzncG63XUlremJUKqwvcZMe-j_DMJDNddN7SLwpn0N1fTv57BGvmz3iajUZkUxrSubhtb_0cK74PPeKZftguRgy9aqXDjXIL-uwPRSB-u7as0YluDWWjHoN-A7aTHkQtxCdTAhgu3Q/w640-h426/IMG_0239.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quail Island is covered with native bush and grassland</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/AVvXsEjFsdQCQG1UW1OXYANprTALVHtKmydwYa3FLFd1thE0lSXwfTNEUqNiY1L0rGaERhK2DVKu0Nv9Y07BuPt_gtQFoH0MG8cPSFBMZumacS8yRe75cblhoflqnC-6DggaVj12Dl-6HRmtLmdNlDVZM6WVjOSDzNF0kap65SgCQ2g8Qqok-Na0Wq2LJkaYwA/s6000/IMG_0240.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsdQCQG1UW1OXYANprTALVHtKmydwYa3FLFd1thE0lSXwfTNEUqNiY1L0rGaERhK2DVKu0Nv9Y07BuPt_gtQFoH0MG8cPSFBMZumacS8yRe75cblhoflqnC-6DggaVj12Dl-6HRmtLmdNlDVZM6WVjOSDzNF0kap65SgCQ2g8Qqok-Na0Wq2LJkaYwA/w640-h426/IMG_0240.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Track junction in center of Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once on top you have great views in all directions...all the Port Hills are visible as is Lyttelton, Diamond Harbor and toward the head of Lyttelton Harbor & Gebbies Pass. You can see just how much effort has gone into replanting on the island...a good 30% of the land is now covered with native trees and scrub.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><br /></div><div>Otamahua/Quail Island is a lot larger than it seems...this is especially apparent from Pt. 86 as you can see all four corners of the island.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEi_4UC7LG1zrZCwqBgsjDAnM81vJEu-pdUUAwp0CQ9_kLuNhM4NJqONnQ8Qr47B22ixJvStC1GUwzHX2Oa2sbKKQlJk1UoTu-cohdp9ZM_mnhm0gj1UUOQOwwcZwBlNAebgsxy4iYIJKBr_XEOQ4rozYHSaCpPA2ABa4ZEl9seaicRKcUXT7V_OtFoj7A/s6000/IMG_0241.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4UC7LG1zrZCwqBgsjDAnM81vJEu-pdUUAwp0CQ9_kLuNhM4NJqONnQ8Qr47B22ixJvStC1GUwzHX2Oa2sbKKQlJk1UoTu-cohdp9ZM_mnhm0gj1UUOQOwwcZwBlNAebgsxy4iYIJKBr_XEOQ4rozYHSaCpPA2ABa4ZEl9seaicRKcUXT7V_OtFoj7A/w640-h426/IMG_0241.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pt. 68 is the high point on Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The views of Lyttleton Harbor, the Port Hills and Banks Peninsula are superb with unobstructed views from the Heads of Lyttleton right back to Head of the Bay's, Governors Bay and Gebbies Pass. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlzVEDWKO1WnGwmacOTgRG8A2atuMemRIPu47XsaFuce_GI5FHDNZuW7X16UVd7v_Z7fw2Li4kwEPAG4gt24-1qX0nN6swjm6i4Ie47rlOrLUbGDPNu5FvOFCcCf8iaIs5J77IiQF3Fo2-8g1nt-LXhTIW_pNCVGf39HmCK2WUmzorhYwi0lKpAIYXg/s6000/IMG_0243.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlzVEDWKO1WnGwmacOTgRG8A2atuMemRIPu47XsaFuce_GI5FHDNZuW7X16UVd7v_Z7fw2Li4kwEPAG4gt24-1qX0nN6swjm6i4Ie47rlOrLUbGDPNu5FvOFCcCf8iaIs5J77IiQF3Fo2-8g1nt-LXhTIW_pNCVGf39HmCK2WUmzorhYwi0lKpAIYXg/w640-h426/IMG_0243.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diamond Harbor from center of Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are a series of photos showing the awesome views from the summit which at 86 meters a.s.l is not massive but high enough to see right around the island...</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/AVvXsEgBBH1TfJ1a7i_GPAnLKD15yodeNG1zmjmbLbmcKRa7q-MHJKxa7GpLL0Cu4UYIgnA80CjZB3lw-mn3FUylDfrUiy0Vw_2oOlz02fCoE6pDhhSVsVbr2wc2McQH4bfn4dXSOpMoC7L_jg0cSRTMPZb3RpHx5KCO9Ocz-H5PUHa6pRQy_rBtrWjXuEcdyw/s6000/IMG_0244.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBH1TfJ1a7i_GPAnLKD15yodeNG1zmjmbLbmcKRa7q-MHJKxa7GpLL0Cu4UYIgnA80CjZB3lw-mn3FUylDfrUiy0Vw_2oOlz02fCoE6pDhhSVsVbr2wc2McQH4bfn4dXSOpMoC7L_jg0cSRTMPZb3RpHx5KCO9Ocz-H5PUHa6pRQy_rBtrWjXuEcdyw/w640-h426/IMG_0244.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narrow channel between Quail Island and mainland</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The center of the island has been replanted in natives trees and understory plants similar to those that once clothed the island. When Europeans arrived in Canterbury they burnt all of the ancient trees off the island so it could be used for grazing land. It is very arid here so the bush has not been able to recover without some significant human intervention. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEjTteHQIpkiC7Qb_wf0m4nKV8Bp866SudXKXdh9pOqeXenkhkzShC0JLXjLFMY_wqogEUavEY8N-TwKQAxt1JM6FE2q6NPXqSVjRO5H-8IKW1A2K_HsOSWFFmZufqvhifhMibXqImqrwNe_GIDZphgwzzOYLZqsO4iAlj-sWaZse2mIDzWlSM-KNBr_ww/s6000/IMG_0246.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTteHQIpkiC7Qb_wf0m4nKV8Bp866SudXKXdh9pOqeXenkhkzShC0JLXjLFMY_wqogEUavEY8N-TwKQAxt1JM6FE2q6NPXqSVjRO5H-8IKW1A2K_HsOSWFFmZufqvhifhMibXqImqrwNe_GIDZphgwzzOYLZqsO4iAlj-sWaZse2mIDzWlSM-KNBr_ww/w640-h426/IMG_0246.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugarloaf transmitter to the north of Quail Island</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/AVvXsEjX0HToUptA8vN39LSBG5csfTLloOxjiUvAewJUf8AAzWZNMITIPCn8mDks35bicScFSS46iZXDZlgiW4gSiddZj9DbBRDHYfTbSfIJV1emp6L3eRYW4MZB5qoEhqUewRkN9nOOnsNEs2Yqi0cr_jJ3vwe7e_Q8I_8ePgX6rK-dq4HLqBUD0d-b5Zi11Q/s6000/IMG_0247.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0HToUptA8vN39LSBG5csfTLloOxjiUvAewJUf8AAzWZNMITIPCn8mDks35bicScFSS46iZXDZlgiW4gSiddZj9DbBRDHYfTbSfIJV1emp6L3eRYW4MZB5qoEhqUewRkN9nOOnsNEs2Yqi0cr_jJ3vwe7e_Q8I_8ePgX6rK-dq4HLqBUD0d-b5Zi11Q/w640-h426/IMG_0247.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cass and Corsair Bay from Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">There is a reliéf map next to the totem pole which gives the names and heights of all of the peaks along the Port Hills. The names are in English but I note that the new 2022 Topo map for Banks Peninsula now has all the Maori names as well...</div><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/AVvXsEjBhaPFpssrbzn-nhIQGzsEKPk4pcLiB1-g7P7dqVD9t6O4kpFKPaa4lQuCqlonJgtfXcpZhnJBa7QMVgs34b7il4l_jtXyOB6fIeUN8NBdAQvWKq9S3Cb9Ma9VMmNWMINwD52w9fLK6uMtryxW-AI03y0oEKsEFc3sYIxgPvaqRcIu95cTNoSpXpHYFw/s6000/IMG_0249.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhaPFpssrbzn-nhIQGzsEKPk4pcLiB1-g7P7dqVD9t6O4kpFKPaa4lQuCqlonJgtfXcpZhnJBa7QMVgs34b7il4l_jtXyOB6fIeUN8NBdAQvWKq9S3Cb9Ma9VMmNWMINwD52w9fLK6uMtryxW-AI03y0oEKsEFc3sYIxgPvaqRcIu95cTNoSpXpHYFw/w640-h426/IMG_0249.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diagram of peaks along the Port Hills</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pole at the top of the island was carved by a local Maori artist and is meant to symbolize the role Otamahua played as a food source to the local Iwi. Maori did not live on the island permanently but it was a seasonal source of birds, shellfish, fish and medicinal plants. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEj7wPmjFBslneA2CbDTunxMs6P3tC_IbWKxOGwc8AzmOd4PT2lDdqwH9UCpxPhXfudvlsf5U9nZCI2LXz0-rmunwRPcPHMbc5fgZlxcGS2j4cw3v1IqmP3J3euZ9Fahb5Gg9FWkeBgcD1uNL6yJlsxCeUuDu-8r_c_w4Jrodu3HzWPZ4TVUaO7OFfHaAg/s6000/IMG_0250.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wPmjFBslneA2CbDTunxMs6P3tC_IbWKxOGwc8AzmOd4PT2lDdqwH9UCpxPhXfudvlsf5U9nZCI2LXz0-rmunwRPcPHMbc5fgZlxcGS2j4cw3v1IqmP3J3euZ9Fahb5Gg9FWkeBgcD1uNL6yJlsxCeUuDu-8r_c_w4Jrodu3HzWPZ4TVUaO7OFfHaAg/w426-h640/IMG_0250.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maori pole in center of Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can look east and west along the crest of the island from Pt. 86 and it gives you a good impression of the true size of the island. </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/AVvXsEiQ8JSJF79BniFbMxDK3rIW9_mj2gBoos87Q4qo1TyQcj53a0YcOlbzoTocJmSOXinCZzdQxZQC2GHCx6PMqDSSigeU3l34-IIqV9RrfOKOhpb3fqCdcU4etoY_IrWkjTapRprEZ_mSHSJfq_ir0oiE_2PeEtdx-sQRV-V0uuoTYDijMIZd4Xhnfjz7Mw/s6000/IMG_0253.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8JSJF79BniFbMxDK3rIW9_mj2gBoos87Q4qo1TyQcj53a0YcOlbzoTocJmSOXinCZzdQxZQC2GHCx6PMqDSSigeU3l34-IIqV9RrfOKOhpb3fqCdcU4etoY_IrWkjTapRprEZ_mSHSJfq_ir0oiE_2PeEtdx-sQRV-V0uuoTYDijMIZd4Xhnfjz7Mw/w640-h426/IMG_0253.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View east along crest of Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">After 10 minutes atop the high point I headed back along the route I had followed. I was heading along the 4 W/D track in the center of the island to a point at the rear of Otamahua Hut. </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/AVvXsEhBvfpS7hHv6sg4xOYfEz2DlwnH0FpdWiR2lvAfAqkCKdzH_ZRZywPvfcNZkJuFYj_cmagaXdOYnAtWpPHhiVYrA8qgVuWmNJ5qWSLb2e4e1azT-QL4jc_jNA1CVUPDfzo7uVNpz8U8PRShqD2BJTN1KYqTlCNnFlGszr15AMRr0FZNTBbw_02G-XXKgA/s6000/IMG_0256.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvfpS7hHv6sg4xOYfEz2DlwnH0FpdWiR2lvAfAqkCKdzH_ZRZywPvfcNZkJuFYj_cmagaXdOYnAtWpPHhiVYrA8qgVuWmNJ5qWSLb2e4e1azT-QL4jc_jNA1CVUPDfzo7uVNpz8U8PRShqD2BJTN1KYqTlCNnFlGszr15AMRr0FZNTBbw_02G-XXKgA/w640-h426/IMG_0256.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back towards Otamahua 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/AVvXsEhqdnF4DK2wi2fDgOFiM-Yrd-NzX7UGpVHwsu_AXIvhF0zAP9rhmkB0nktzQxuHrd5qx8mdwWo2ecjTHORO6yPYHgNrHDBSX8hDEWjgMHN0D5uQ4UWalOAXJW2FGJhvhIEK-jBPgonq-ouMuAKayQNJr_ObtLvK_05jnhF2p3r9hOVRfOxQOaoRonlzGA/s6000/IMG_0259.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdnF4DK2wi2fDgOFiM-Yrd-NzX7UGpVHwsu_AXIvhF0zAP9rhmkB0nktzQxuHrd5qx8mdwWo2ecjTHORO6yPYHgNrHDBSX8hDEWjgMHN0D5uQ4UWalOAXJW2FGJhvhIEK-jBPgonq-ouMuAKayQNJr_ObtLvK_05jnhF2p3r9hOVRfOxQOaoRonlzGA/w640-h426/IMG_0259.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mature native plants near the middle of Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are a number of side tracks branching off this central road and you can use them to access various points of interest across the island. </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/AVvXsEiHHlE-Bt_RJYY6rkyDWSA4oRWTZfQXat6O2_Axkg5To1CU6faaP_dG9VTlwl6C9xRUSDLItG9H_1IBR9VzrggramrIv_NtpKmxvRC7C23bYVNjkz8McnL731_lkLQLJrFIgcPMVFtrMO9Ucgk278khEt_LC7WOgpVU2mitWle41ZkBdjwKn_yhv9YYNQ/s6000/IMG_0261.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHlE-Bt_RJYY6rkyDWSA4oRWTZfQXat6O2_Axkg5To1CU6faaP_dG9VTlwl6C9xRUSDLItG9H_1IBR9VzrggramrIv_NtpKmxvRC7C23bYVNjkz8McnL731_lkLQLJrFIgcPMVFtrMO9Ucgk278khEt_LC7WOgpVU2mitWle41ZkBdjwKn_yhv9YYNQ/w640-h426/IMG_0261.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old 4 W/D track along crest of Quail Island</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/AVvXsEjTFnta07ISvwvj3OVkaX75aMw7-z3GkPqbBO2rIU-BTh1Q_Qz9eCb_pBTq0F5YdIogzBCkxkOdSdKEYjbA1eAQrAofJ5tXwfzE8Y3PR_uXerrCJX-pv-qT-SGV5Tgh9V8B0MMXHAbrVm7H8kAbWSd919oCfIfV3Ls-WcCM1nomiLCZvJUs4C0cbyb8jA/s6000/IMG_0263.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFnta07ISvwvj3OVkaX75aMw7-z3GkPqbBO2rIU-BTh1Q_Qz9eCb_pBTq0F5YdIogzBCkxkOdSdKEYjbA1eAQrAofJ5tXwfzE8Y3PR_uXerrCJX-pv-qT-SGV5Tgh9V8B0MMXHAbrVm7H8kAbWSd919oCfIfV3Ls-WcCM1nomiLCZvJUs4C0cbyb8jA/w640-h426/IMG_0263.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Junction with track to Swimmers Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At one point there is a side track to a lookout with views down to Swimmers Beach and the southern side of the island. I walked out to have a look before heading back to the road and continuing back to the hut. </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/AVvXsEg2Jm2gS72UcT6Evw9jeeW7T7Z8CUruBiGYcee4Mtcr7hmX0n-DDCwmeaaTrs4Ytg_vmmIi6oduLETXH9NygSCdDlahxO5wYdZoPI63TBo8xgVffvqWUOaaYVvcgCeA8jFufsuItEdChfb9jPtGH3k3amu-DRLuy4A26MdvNPHyyjo6Nt2TZrv0gNozwA/s6000/IMG_0265.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Jm2gS72UcT6Evw9jeeW7T7Z8CUruBiGYcee4Mtcr7hmX0n-DDCwmeaaTrs4Ytg_vmmIi6oduLETXH9NygSCdDlahxO5wYdZoPI63TBo8xgVffvqWUOaaYVvcgCeA8jFufsuItEdChfb9jPtGH3k3amu-DRLuy4A26MdvNPHyyjo6Nt2TZrv0gNozwA/w640-h426/IMG_0265.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Short path to lookout on Quail Island</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/AVvXsEg5c9IVesivt3EQ83kwUmE82X3MultfL-ZF47rJK63qjvLicby2wS2YtJb7LxCGjNZxhzXHeGpnp-sVwISZ4COa1-zRaWRDELhgI6vsYKSGx__umu1csNgRhZBGs0uEuAC7_jTjK_NMpc5jWe11tYjboMPqgAKT5lpV8zQlvzkP0FyAjdYDZ4hLUpoRCw/s6000/IMG_0267.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5c9IVesivt3EQ83kwUmE82X3MultfL-ZF47rJK63qjvLicby2wS2YtJb7LxCGjNZxhzXHeGpnp-sVwISZ4COa1-zRaWRDELhgI6vsYKSGx__umu1csNgRhZBGs0uEuAC7_jTjK_NMpc5jWe11tYjboMPqgAKT5lpV8zQlvzkP0FyAjdYDZ4hLUpoRCw/w640-h426/IMG_0267.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View south towards Gebbies Pass...Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The road takes you right to the rear of the hut near the firewood shed with pathways around both sides of Otamahua Hut.</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/AVvXsEgCDhc5Yerbxcq-8Wefef4MvlVW_LTMyRiuWZCgZ-W74YM2dN0LiQivq6dTsR8mlR9fU09qz6GCm36OYNE8uR8-FAyw29B-v_sMCTm8TrkzvFAxvzR3SUPv6UHgBvgtKBFNSwA_DFDijfYqpaCa1MomXRoW-2HnRMBI9cHUQYhvdCHsUHgnBpqKL8E5kQ/s6000/IMG_0269.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDhc5Yerbxcq-8Wefef4MvlVW_LTMyRiuWZCgZ-W74YM2dN0LiQivq6dTsR8mlR9fU09qz6GCm36OYNE8uR8-FAyw29B-v_sMCTm8TrkzvFAxvzR3SUPv6UHgBvgtKBFNSwA_DFDijfYqpaCa1MomXRoW-2HnRMBI9cHUQYhvdCHsUHgnBpqKL8E5kQ/w640-h426/IMG_0269.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Track near the rear of Otamahua 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/AVvXsEiTLlSdklWc2hQmVMqWPDIH4DnXOpPYp_KuUwBWH_lnoYln5IMAmEhTTt-1GW0ZNByuwoEyKU7LxHjOpVpXjbt29w9yLFZQC5TeaIPl7lxR2YkraV7bkvGxctf2DAS23WKBmkUiow7KiljOlVCm5oiheEtouCfsVPD6IvNXUqrsUGEfeSUCXI0-SnzuRw/s6000/IMG_0333.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLlSdklWc2hQmVMqWPDIH4DnXOpPYp_KuUwBWH_lnoYln5IMAmEhTTt-1GW0ZNByuwoEyKU7LxHjOpVpXjbt29w9yLFZQC5TeaIPl7lxR2YkraV7bkvGxctf2DAS23WKBmkUiow7KiljOlVCm5oiheEtouCfsVPD6IvNXUqrsUGEfeSUCXI0-SnzuRw/w640-h426/IMG_0333.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving back at Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Once back at the hut I sat outside o the veranda and looked across at Lyttleton while I thought about cooking my dinner for the night. How nice would it be to sit there with some red wine and just enjoy having the hut to yourself. </div><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/AVvXsEiTCbAuvTpH3_VrxZFEkJ11K1vlJYO7EJFdXrFPUQkWqVK7dyLdQnofpmkVhzKTPADa7HcP4YOnezK4LRgdbkNPeyFGy-Hb1LLt5WBlUTzVJcJBJmYZOSojx1BZmt4_LkRwbAf_5bm4zLqlKh4v9JucQka3bQns6x5SH5DhynZVIOOPsupY7_jp1tGL3w/s6000/IMG_0273.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCbAuvTpH3_VrxZFEkJ11K1vlJYO7EJFdXrFPUQkWqVK7dyLdQnofpmkVhzKTPADa7HcP4YOnezK4LRgdbkNPeyFGy-Hb1LLt5WBlUTzVJcJBJmYZOSojx1BZmt4_LkRwbAf_5bm4zLqlKh4v9JucQka3bQns6x5SH5DhynZVIOOPsupY7_jp1tGL3w/w640-h426/IMG_0273.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the veranda of Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you go stay on the island I recommend you go for a walk once the people have left. It is interesting having the island to yourself safe in the knowledge that your gear will be safe sitting in the hut for awhile. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Burgers for dinner at Otamahua...</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because it is so short of a walk from the wharf to the hut you can go heavy and take something nice with you for dinner on the island. Normally I am a dried pasta or freeze dry person but for this trip I took a frying pan with me to cook some pre made Angus Beef Burgers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEigehRomBAJ_8-5dMCBVAKXfyW3uROX8Ux1HHjxC1RjUIxLQ9NHm-3Zl69iNRDmhndBAut580n054HkbIwoI-lq_2yILOZ7FWgUnhF4tuHEMx_NpOyMBwTmnHwzYpI_E1hcdsQISIsNwA4-CiBNBmfQ__Fpip2QVjgVXC_hTIzjoI6AXb059FuKCsvLDQ/s6000/IMG_0275.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigehRomBAJ_8-5dMCBVAKXfyW3uROX8Ux1HHjxC1RjUIxLQ9NHm-3Zl69iNRDmhndBAut580n054HkbIwoI-lq_2yILOZ7FWgUnhF4tuHEMx_NpOyMBwTmnHwzYpI_E1hcdsQISIsNwA4-CiBNBmfQ__Fpip2QVjgVXC_hTIzjoI6AXb059FuKCsvLDQ/w640-h426/IMG_0275.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frying my beef burgers, Otamahua 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/AVvXsEh0xRq5TXDaLewR9BxgQxuk6-xCPlRiOUd6ly7xSwP0enI4Bv3jTCeECVBSfSuv9nOkrQLEHBPFySFdVIWuAvl96uyVeMZLKB-HMMfkX5Datj8uoQGvx7Fw7qNCxILiFnX7OnBw1Rkhmw_ElHtREtWvcYPnEqQY28wbJaVD32d7DzdDOQAuGX2AAdTGng/s6000/IMG_0277.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xRq5TXDaLewR9BxgQxuk6-xCPlRiOUd6ly7xSwP0enI4Bv3jTCeECVBSfSuv9nOkrQLEHBPFySFdVIWuAvl96uyVeMZLKB-HMMfkX5Datj8uoQGvx7Fw7qNCxILiFnX7OnBw1Rkhmw_ElHtREtWvcYPnEqQY28wbJaVD32d7DzdDOQAuGX2AAdTGng/w640-h426/IMG_0277.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..not too bad of a job...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided not to take bread with me to eat with my burgers and instead had a bag of the O-Meals Hashbrown Potatoes with me. These are a retort pouch of food with a thermo-chemical heating pad much like an American MRE meal. They are delicious and make an excellent accompaniment for any fried meat like bacon, steak, burgers or sausages. </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/AVvXsEiD4Quq5NuYD2dK9AU6tkqz1tANzBfkJcBbQhCStYQegDU0rvv-MKy5Qg_DA5Atkoens4EqHdqZGKZNmyCxjs2asIGoVbqyNbGbN6yfUxRCzrD_Hh_JLSCEc9JA9PUEEeIlfBJiHuiHdA3_BLb1-ZSy0-4bno4OVBVvut7S4JTgeMval1uwpxiV_yVcOg/s6000/IMG_0279.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4Quq5NuYD2dK9AU6tkqz1tANzBfkJcBbQhCStYQegDU0rvv-MKy5Qg_DA5Atkoens4EqHdqZGKZNmyCxjs2asIGoVbqyNbGbN6yfUxRCzrD_Hh_JLSCEc9JA9PUEEeIlfBJiHuiHdA3_BLb1-ZSy0-4bno4OVBVvut7S4JTgeMval1uwpxiV_yVcOg/w640-h426/IMG_0279.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diner time at Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course I took some tomato sauce with me and boy was it a satisfying meal. The burgers were good quality and the Hashbrown went with them well. </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/AVvXsEh4_nXexLtfGvfjVBqlFK8HvZT8GWrTLRRXatQ7W5qoVuBW4QpPuMTvew2xOb6Nse3Rto9eoLFQqUFLA2d-RvM7rxWS4E2NupJdFdXcYgXIeNmhBh_aCivCHEHzWBUtBupa7HLv8VyPkgrTIpcvx25lF7WyXIM661Gl_BGCsgn42me5PSgy3wjRt1Lm5Q/s6000/IMG_0283.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_nXexLtfGvfjVBqlFK8HvZT8GWrTLRRXatQ7W5qoVuBW4QpPuMTvew2xOb6Nse3Rto9eoLFQqUFLA2d-RvM7rxWS4E2NupJdFdXcYgXIeNmhBh_aCivCHEHzWBUtBupa7HLv8VyPkgrTIpcvx25lF7WyXIM661Gl_BGCsgn42me5PSgy3wjRt1Lm5Q/w640-h426/IMG_0283.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bon Appetite!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also took a couple of cans of cider with me which I had chilling in a big pot of water so they stayed relatively cold. It was a brand I have not had before (I cannot remember the name) and it went well with my meal. I sat outside and listened to the late afternoon birdsong as I supped my drinks. </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/AVvXsEjCQaYZgFUnq8KBW7g5y4LAWTTDWuuLp58ZbqnYtiqD96DOFraYpFr8iLWsJF9X1cAFdyImeeBHNrYo0bc8uIu55lo8t8_regNOE3cUI7A-FB0Uo2626DZuNN7TTGKLQPh9YKAq06jVCIWj2UM1d-SaG0PPRYbnOM81yL7OB8sooMC5SlLBvSjCQLvp-g/s6000/IMG_0284.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQaYZgFUnq8KBW7g5y4LAWTTDWuuLp58ZbqnYtiqD96DOFraYpFr8iLWsJF9X1cAFdyImeeBHNrYo0bc8uIu55lo8t8_regNOE3cUI7A-FB0Uo2626DZuNN7TTGKLQPh9YKAq06jVCIWj2UM1d-SaG0PPRYbnOM81yL7OB8sooMC5SlLBvSjCQLvp-g/w640-h426/IMG_0284.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had a can of fruit cider as well...Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My new Macpac frying pan Karen brought me worked a real treat...I will be taking it on some more trips like this going into the future. </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/AVvXsEjIUJY6Cf1oV95JLfUSdmxZUkXYdjg5RRwattziKSJhKv265gd9Y_y4_kCO5zvs5ETdTw_1d0DXS5RBJb0HiR_WB6FSkBfyQV0K7zyM06DJ_VCAINCWkBsF5dfECYU1qcLIiQNWtoLrXD3RhDTDBJMG-H-LEiNijHvWUgLHw_1kkO6SsyAlpkRZQXLJTg/s6000/IMG_0288.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUJY6Cf1oV95JLfUSdmxZUkXYdjg5RRwattziKSJhKv265gd9Y_y4_kCO5zvs5ETdTw_1d0DXS5RBJb0HiR_WB6FSkBfyQV0K7zyM06DJ_VCAINCWkBsF5dfECYU1qcLIiQNWtoLrXD3RhDTDBJMG-H-LEiNijHvWUgLHw_1kkO6SsyAlpkRZQXLJTg/w640-h426/IMG_0288.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some residue on my new Macpac frying pan</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjNmUc3SZxvvJaVp70fHY0-4h7mepU0zbNX_-sT-F4VA9F_oAjEMqnaqp2YJg6WqeOno1lRLXdqTV4WKYxmjr8JyY0sY6WCEKSW5VAjdkicY3i_ONvA3--ZyCNAz8zbVwV-3hVXaMPODBqgy6-Pk-r1m3355928-ZBQ-CjEyxNhZu8QQQt_WrNjeBnawA/s6000/IMG_0291.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmUc3SZxvvJaVp70fHY0-4h7mepU0zbNX_-sT-F4VA9F_oAjEMqnaqp2YJg6WqeOno1lRLXdqTV4WKYxmjr8JyY0sY6WCEKSW5VAjdkicY3i_ONvA3--ZyCNAz8zbVwV-3hVXaMPODBqgy6-Pk-r1m3355928-ZBQ-CjEyxNhZu8QQQt_WrNjeBnawA/w640-h426/IMG_0291.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Otamahua Hut: interior of kitchen</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/AVvXsEidO4QdzzHBSzBcDDiG0G4uIcxjAlhaZoOZbXoeIX8XZRoSG0TcIf8WCQNjYTlzl40ZlMA_rMFUS2HkETt227_6ZlHboYd54y4R5-iamrgQ85TagyL5Fm0AOByHklrrsa8TtgXm97NNiNvG6urPvWoyEc-0MImRi3QRF437jmunMmOFZlXrL_JeZzVGkg/s6000/IMG_0295.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidO4QdzzHBSzBcDDiG0G4uIcxjAlhaZoOZbXoeIX8XZRoSG0TcIf8WCQNjYTlzl40ZlMA_rMFUS2HkETt227_6ZlHboYd54y4R5-iamrgQ85TagyL5Fm0AOByHklrrsa8TtgXm97NNiNvG6urPvWoyEc-0MImRi3QRF437jmunMmOFZlXrL_JeZzVGkg/w640-h426/IMG_0295.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Otamahua Hut: living area</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">After dinner I cleaned all of my cooking gear and then went and sat on a fallen tree near the hut and watched the goings on over at the Port of Lyttleton.</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-D5AtBFguaHc9bxC4pJRvSNPFYFTEypTvRJg53QiMaur8MfVKwUBK6LeDr9s0gKfLeiE2Q9W8yNtEPk-TCGhm7qWaGEwPLKwOSimBvs6NmLbMRlGt0QsGqvtimqQsLRHacY_hnbBd5-eGgOiJnu-HEodqgIM7CyCZid44tXUKTGiAgKpsU6pY_-qiFw/s6000/IMG_0292.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-D5AtBFguaHc9bxC4pJRvSNPFYFTEypTvRJg53QiMaur8MfVKwUBK6LeDr9s0gKfLeiE2Q9W8yNtEPk-TCGhm7qWaGEwPLKwOSimBvs6NmLbMRlGt0QsGqvtimqQsLRHacY_hnbBd5-eGgOiJnu-HEodqgIM7CyCZid44tXUKTGiAgKpsU6pY_-qiFw/w640-h426/IMG_0292.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late afternoon view across to Lyttleton</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Later in the evening I made a coffee and sat outside reading my Kindle as the sun set behind the Port Hills. </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/AVvXsEhmX7zCStXu2CzjDZw5pAlXL_vFrfB6vaRnlIZctbTs1VNitMCX8vFVibVzjfzbAsYWkD43B7ZCJITeR7QNrDKzDZ7ONHlJSMe3in79GgM7gD0Zqq4IEUyP6JRfwy9dAbNhef9sB4fXjLWYraX6yMwHuf_QLI9WUNt0iDpyMRMnukD7fn4DHS55xCw4dQ/s6000/IMG_0302.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmX7zCStXu2CzjDZw5pAlXL_vFrfB6vaRnlIZctbTs1VNitMCX8vFVibVzjfzbAsYWkD43B7ZCJITeR7QNrDKzDZ7ONHlJSMe3in79GgM7gD0Zqq4IEUyP6JRfwy9dAbNhef9sB4fXjLWYraX6yMwHuf_QLI9WUNt0iDpyMRMnukD7fn4DHS55xCw4dQ/w640-h426/IMG_0302.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading my Kindle at Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhmsH1-EmaoSpO-C837WZ9c-6O98emv-hNwOB1Qxju1XFzDTmdDrCUOpKpZxe-cZJxGRgiUNdrNAR22rhY4IAMjjtcnPi6eJcTuzO27JeXa6J87dvy-fJQUTGiAGMI3DYfCfcvLY0oI1hupezsvKt9jHJp-HilennzdLiD3Q4JDEjOQRQJxKXo0qzHXwA/s6000/IMG_0305.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsH1-EmaoSpO-C837WZ9c-6O98emv-hNwOB1Qxju1XFzDTmdDrCUOpKpZxe-cZJxGRgiUNdrNAR22rhY4IAMjjtcnPi6eJcTuzO27JeXa6J87dvy-fJQUTGiAGMI3DYfCfcvLY0oI1hupezsvKt9jHJp-HilennzdLiD3Q4JDEjOQRQJxKXo0qzHXwA/w640-h426/IMG_0305.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyttleton is a busy port and work continued through the night</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEiMAFiamPfCsg6itFXTpoJSn65W7DbuXI5fB6hapf2-57z3HcQuFxCvpSmFbagZfJSDkybY1uOJcU0PyIM5oahrXo1azoxVal0tainLb26xMJHant4ZBDkN0vIY2J9J-Eh9OSIhXXmJxP7L8W5kqntM_WPFidIYs9gb7wKkBqKIeyjPg2uP4JvCtIE19Q/s6000/IMG_0308.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAFiamPfCsg6itFXTpoJSn65W7DbuXI5fB6hapf2-57z3HcQuFxCvpSmFbagZfJSDkybY1uOJcU0PyIM5oahrXo1azoxVal0tainLb26xMJHant4ZBDkN0vIY2J9J-Eh9OSIhXXmJxP7L8W5kqntM_WPFidIYs9gb7wKkBqKIeyjPg2uP4JvCtIE19Q/w640-h426/IMG_0308.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light comes from inside Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was inside the hut and asleep by 9.30 pm so I had a good eleven hours of sleep that night. It was still relatively warm so I didn't light the fire as it was not necessary. I passed an uneventful night alone in the hut. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Day two: Rain and heading down to the ferry...</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was booked on the 12 noon ferry the next day so there was no reason for me to get up early. When I finally did rise it was to find a very different day...it was cold, wet and windy outside and Lyttleton was barely visible through the rain. </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/AVvXsEiV6w7zB356_gjJqo5z8o-jOOCmWsNTuX0Rfzqmrnj6prZ_bEirM9CiyD80oDwKk1T3Tx5HPOH5O33na4soSWgTP-J2tcMWsCM41fDpnCsyPgSct1U41eztPCId8ovrCtaBPGsJUuHKdWKd-_t1DP9r-KFMHc57LH4TpIqUGoHhADAqvNET_JQ-ShvaQA/s6000/IMG_0311.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6w7zB356_gjJqo5z8o-jOOCmWsNTuX0Rfzqmrnj6prZ_bEirM9CiyD80oDwKk1T3Tx5HPOH5O33na4soSWgTP-J2tcMWsCM41fDpnCsyPgSct1U41eztPCId8ovrCtaBPGsJUuHKdWKd-_t1DP9r-KFMHc57LH4TpIqUGoHhADAqvNET_JQ-ShvaQA/w640-h426/IMG_0311.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain obscures the view to Lyttleton</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made myself a brew and lit the fire as it was cold enough to warrant it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEjnnWM5-oIpyI36I3k66xDJOZOTxcYddhUyUdNXXkPB9ClTmgBGJzJ5ozXtNsBgLm3g68IlAkLsJECKx4Mma_tMZVqrTaBO6UCHwcTeWtQ-ymgkJhi_W8IJ9cMGYxgn196Lz54uOJZTA3idr8UVgkoSSpv3eA0tyQh9WI4uVYiMrHlMxm-yD5oXVUzoDQ/s6000/IMG_0314.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnWM5-oIpyI36I3k66xDJOZOTxcYddhUyUdNXXkPB9ClTmgBGJzJ5ozXtNsBgLm3g68IlAkLsJECKx4Mma_tMZVqrTaBO6UCHwcTeWtQ-ymgkJhi_W8IJ9cMGYxgn196Lz54uOJZTA3idr8UVgkoSSpv3eA0tyQh9WI4uVYiMrHlMxm-yD5oXVUzoDQ/w640-h426/IMG_0314.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boiling water for a brew on day 2 at Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I soon had a blazing fire going and it quickly heated the hut up to a comfortable temperature. The hut had insulation added when it was converted into a hut and it works well trapping the heat within the hut. </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/AVvXsEjZnAgYc5Wxkt3sHC0JCem1LXWT2NINv3cCba0z5C3-pVHZtrUutQk3cfspBClvjKckRP8TfGPpp4TB9sPrr4-nzyRD4B9hxlZDQFS5yqSzN_FwzTgtZ8gin7OfROEvpvmaFZ2REbeqIQ5DOOz36kOnD5lWqZLWgQAYNVpW1vuP03jwAu9zc8HELB8IGQ/s6000/IMG_0318.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnAgYc5Wxkt3sHC0JCem1LXWT2NINv3cCba0z5C3-pVHZtrUutQk3cfspBClvjKckRP8TfGPpp4TB9sPrr4-nzyRD4B9hxlZDQFS5yqSzN_FwzTgtZ8gin7OfROEvpvmaFZ2REbeqIQ5DOOz36kOnD5lWqZLWgQAYNVpW1vuP03jwAu9zc8HELB8IGQ/w640-h426/IMG_0318.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire burning in the woodburner to warm Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgav6q0V2wr-L-x9vOEFEQZ-njGFg7OMMNIspcMV73LEaMj-Zd6diVcsjB6IInWy_BAs382lQR51oeosL7mCkt2t4YmpC9AZYdTDGEsCS8Ot9Y3yYdCFD1OSfJgCFdHQZh569GlbSi_c25fQnST8OiKH1Xc-0lF5OzOtTy6-gFkiEjmGr_H2lClJTA9g/s6000/IMG_0316.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgav6q0V2wr-L-x9vOEFEQZ-njGFg7OMMNIspcMV73LEaMj-Zd6diVcsjB6IInWy_BAs382lQR51oeosL7mCkt2t4YmpC9AZYdTDGEsCS8Ot9Y3yYdCFD1OSfJgCFdHQZh569GlbSi_c25fQnST8OiKH1Xc-0lF5OzOtTy6-gFkiEjmGr_H2lClJTA9g/w640-h426/IMG_0316.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The firewood at Otamahua Hut was bone dry</td></tr></tbody></table></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/AVvXsEhV0t9FPUbhaaSW-uk-sSwvubLHYWzfQtDbCmOAO_wIPYU3Pn-STI_ikiqU5yHgtT6PjE7OP4nlPQ1DX0mhy6ht_pTDAu5_91sE7Uh5lpvYgqhacZaDOSxMTOSEYr5cmyOetua47nJnQTL7QmM5pBe3G1SepOjrsgak-3hjoX0ttSCe1Jr-2BG2Zi4mQQ/s6000/IMG_0319.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0t9FPUbhaaSW-uk-sSwvubLHYWzfQtDbCmOAO_wIPYU3Pn-STI_ikiqU5yHgtT6PjE7OP4nlPQ1DX0mhy6ht_pTDAu5_91sE7Uh5lpvYgqhacZaDOSxMTOSEYr5cmyOetua47nJnQTL7QmM5pBe3G1SepOjrsgak-3hjoX0ttSCe1Jr-2BG2Zi4mQQ/w640-h426/IMG_0319.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning at Otamahua Hut with the fire going</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Breakfast was a freeze dried meal of Yogurt and Muesli but I should have taken some bacon and buns for a Bacon butty. It would have been fine over night and if I ever stay in the hut again I will take some with me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I finished off my cheese slices and had another 3 in 1 coffee with my meal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEg6i0EoY8utAuEdayqSg1LPuL34I4rz072od64w-R-tEdB3Pwhd5driUHmWDdCc--EGDdxN93MbDEj9io-M2ekv2cv3ROW1_bkW4aioW1tQ8sOF6v8p8Ifxu2z3vxkgNv-PUbMbOwKN6OdAfPvCF-xRx2lrtAeutX8U4IePMwTZHDEjzdiUxyd3RX7KYQ/s6000/IMG_0321.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6i0EoY8utAuEdayqSg1LPuL34I4rz072od64w-R-tEdB3Pwhd5driUHmWDdCc--EGDdxN93MbDEj9io-M2ekv2cv3ROW1_bkW4aioW1tQ8sOF6v8p8Ifxu2z3vxkgNv-PUbMbOwKN6OdAfPvCF-xRx2lrtAeutX8U4IePMwTZHDEjzdiUxyd3RX7KYQ/w640-h426/IMG_0321.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sit down to breakfast at Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS5p9WSmAhBoAM_sSPAGo0Fq_ZE5Ga8hawam2qlzp9mhnD4XT715RGa9Zg1gMkwJAFj48Z6dttM2BtdayZc78K4Sh343PqHkWr4NxGlhXUgvBstzZEBSiG5bRs3zfWTjTzN0CsA4Oz61oCthYHfcTAjix5PZcIYEJ_Ej90_FzMch-bNvRSCIMiFys2Q/s6000/IMG_0329.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS5p9WSmAhBoAM_sSPAGo0Fq_ZE5Ga8hawam2qlzp9mhnD4XT715RGa9Zg1gMkwJAFj48Z6dttM2BtdayZc78K4Sh343PqHkWr4NxGlhXUgvBstzZEBSiG5bRs3zfWTjTzN0CsA4Oz61oCthYHfcTAjix5PZcIYEJ_Ej90_FzMch-bNvRSCIMiFys2Q/w640-h426/IMG_0329.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Backcountry Yogurt and Muesli was on the menu as well...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After breakfast I cleaned my cooking gear and basically sat inside the hut near the fire as I waited for the noon ferry. It was raining outside so my planned trip down to Swimmers Beach was off the cards. I was happy enough drinking tea and reading.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">FYI: you also have cellphone cover from the hut so you can surf the net using your own data if that is your thing. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEjpbrMgHldaPze3LBAgObLU1cZ_9nEXOuZpc528fvSNwsmn5971wh1bDgSl4YbOzLIOY8s6StTNZ3TzT9mGztVoU4h6WJ9Xh82lb3gu4iiELM7PCwSJckXaKWEMTtIwYg7V0kOS5sbpZ_wzhqnkEIb5H0aOJXeovh17K6BXoa4BPdy2btuYSdl4BFOdBQ/s6000/IMG_0324.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbrMgHldaPze3LBAgObLU1cZ_9nEXOuZpc528fvSNwsmn5971wh1bDgSl4YbOzLIOY8s6StTNZ3TzT9mGztVoU4h6WJ9Xh82lb3gu4iiELM7PCwSJckXaKWEMTtIwYg7V0kOS5sbpZ_wzhqnkEIb5H0aOJXeovh17K6BXoa4BPdy2btuYSdl4BFOdBQ/w640-h426/IMG_0324.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearing conditions looking towards Lyttleton</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/AVvXsEivOvFKrUZbawSQzfWg56jsanwMk2abDrC-FWdgIi5Gh3tpGQNj2yjhV9wSE9u65MwtWNCMt_yXHbL-Yzn8ygOVxIp_IhdPBmGl2r8H5mNhuHzETlRcqN6kdKdGSj61kQHG2LlSdc5KOZhYCZJi1qu-XbfIl-CccxeteGyt3V4tUFdY_Mwc-UcpYBGM7g/s6000/IMG_0326.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOvFKrUZbawSQzfWg56jsanwMk2abDrC-FWdgIi5Gh3tpGQNj2yjhV9wSE9u65MwtWNCMt_yXHbL-Yzn8ygOVxIp_IhdPBmGl2r8H5mNhuHzETlRcqN6kdKdGSj61kQHG2LlSdc5KOZhYCZJi1qu-XbfIl-CccxeteGyt3V4tUFdY_Mwc-UcpYBGM7g/w640-h426/IMG_0326.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are a couple of picnic tables at Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">About 10 am I started getting ready to head down to the day shelter near the wharf. I packed my pack and filled my water bottles as there is no water source at the day shelter. I stayed in the hut till 11 am but I wanted to be ready to move as soon as it made sense. </div></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/AVvXsEhp5tXXTAquDP9j4WpsmK-vJXVf1MhGY7iniuoIcSj9x8aknK7N_YWpDv-1SOqsglgOmwT8HGfrggAmT7ABK0J5pe-s_B8wpEr4cYg4Nf4fdbAbtXgzWFzvYbNHO4B_Hm94GKXQckKWEP-19VWOjtk8V2IWgolgYE-QclzEWZa6u-8mWqDfOO1ghf20Sw/s6000/IMG_0332.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5tXXTAquDP9j4WpsmK-vJXVf1MhGY7iniuoIcSj9x8aknK7N_YWpDv-1SOqsglgOmwT8HGfrggAmT7ABK0J5pe-s_B8wpEr4cYg4Nf4fdbAbtXgzWFzvYbNHO4B_Hm94GKXQckKWEP-19VWOjtk8V2IWgolgYE-QclzEWZa6u-8mWqDfOO1ghf20Sw/w640-h426/IMG_0332.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packing my gear in preparation for leaving Quail Island</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/AVvXsEhbVaaTP7a5L2aIu6Ebf4KK7-osyQ0EgHAgNdVSN5ohdeRaPbe9epW-80Us3ZYCuCDGpPIuzt6r1FK5QAaIGHtXfWOQvj-sF-7KgQXRqDM6ngy6HSBBCMjsdE10yk8UbYvhrdUmculx72Bpkm7notR4SB1m_x44WtXlo2uS3NUTZn3X36yKBgRSCl6jVg/s6000/IMG_0335.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVaaTP7a5L2aIu6Ebf4KK7-osyQ0EgHAgNdVSN5ohdeRaPbe9epW-80Us3ZYCuCDGpPIuzt6r1FK5QAaIGHtXfWOQvj-sF-7KgQXRqDM6ngy6HSBBCMjsdE10yk8UbYvhrdUmculx72Bpkm7notR4SB1m_x44WtXlo2uS3NUTZn3X36yKBgRSCl6jVg/w640-h426/IMG_0335.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I left my brew kit to allow me to make drinks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The family of Quail came out to visit once again and I sat outside under the veranda and watched them picking through the lawn in front of the hut. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEhULTYGQwIFJsxXmY7v5gK6qXfohBRUPOXRgHY59QUxqeNyMP3iwQYT6ahzkSD7QRIXSrUFDknN69QTBl_SRoQvsLvJ2pmUuaEugMtXrpR-fdWsZrjW2zAAcepQlpK7d9BlGD76pIP6E_d5F_zt7criHn2sfB2q392SKwyP8Hx1hEnmq-4S6M5qpPIvQA/s6000/IMG_0345.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULTYGQwIFJsxXmY7v5gK6qXfohBRUPOXRgHY59QUxqeNyMP3iwQYT6ahzkSD7QRIXSrUFDknN69QTBl_SRoQvsLvJ2pmUuaEugMtXrpR-fdWsZrjW2zAAcepQlpK7d9BlGD76pIP6E_d5F_zt7criHn2sfB2q392SKwyP8Hx1hEnmq-4S6M5qpPIvQA/w640-h426/IMG_0345.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quail on the lawn at Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I left Otamahua Hut just past 11 am and set out on the short 15 minute walk back down to the wharf and day shelter. I walked down the 4 W/D track behind the hut as this is the most direct route to the shelter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimca2eI_e--lwzOe-MfLQSTrqCrUbI9-XowFKthXOIk1LUL9XS7XBckPz8xgU0sLQeTUOB2XjLQ_Yz5EqCIrq502kWADZF47kGpYXk-RGmqpKoBp_jJ1quSa8VtLtBB80VC3bQhc3iR0XuoPukMKCchyqAraL-zf4FVioSC-Een3PJI2MIBYE_Ww3Rtw/s6000/IMG_0347.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimca2eI_e--lwzOe-MfLQSTrqCrUbI9-XowFKthXOIk1LUL9XS7XBckPz8xgU0sLQeTUOB2XjLQ_Yz5EqCIrq502kWADZF47kGpYXk-RGmqpKoBp_jJ1quSa8VtLtBB80VC3bQhc3iR0XuoPukMKCchyqAraL-zf4FVioSC-Een3PJI2MIBYE_Ww3Rtw/w640-h426/IMG_0347.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting off back to the day shelter on Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEh3hHZXBhiJ3tLVbZbu9rBPP1htCsc0oqYXu2noGtMhnH0jDzaBUeCU_inJJDCaiNE6cMqrVzLobGe763YcYamJAaUi6sj5WipIwsluLZ-mksfnMEIaMrbiYNVuHXXCSe51Ru5uryEpunD2UcvdUYVSw1JmkK-sWrTd18pvEp-0rueK62JVU796VjHzGA/s6000/IMG_0349.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hHZXBhiJ3tLVbZbu9rBPP1htCsc0oqYXu2noGtMhnH0jDzaBUeCU_inJJDCaiNE6cMqrVzLobGe763YcYamJAaUi6sj5WipIwsluLZ-mksfnMEIaMrbiYNVuHXXCSe51Ru5uryEpunD2UcvdUYVSw1JmkK-sWrTd18pvEp-0rueK62JVU796VjHzGA/w640-h426/IMG_0349.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain obscures Lyttleton as I leave Otamahua 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/AVvXsEjBgVKRjlx6jYoGgeMwqEpReQuSRmuISuHbUQ4SUcPbGlQgQkX2u9N4XZJACLQ1rhye5Qz4UGVsVo75FxeE3Zwp-orW3e-isxXXzrVM6GAjGvvQ9hGhV0pSQlNlzVaydJXwJDgbeeFnnqly8bK0r8dfiztfKe7QxrLCRnY7wrzDZzqfXRLJhLBY8z1z5A/s6000/IMG_0352.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgVKRjlx6jYoGgeMwqEpReQuSRmuISuHbUQ4SUcPbGlQgQkX2u9N4XZJACLQ1rhye5Qz4UGVsVo75FxeE3Zwp-orW3e-isxXXzrVM6GAjGvvQ9hGhV0pSQlNlzVaydJXwJDgbeeFnnqly8bK0r8dfiztfKe7QxrLCRnY7wrzDZzqfXRLJhLBY8z1z5A/w640-h426/IMG_0352.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DOC vehicle garage near Otamahua Hut</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the way down to the day shelter you pass a clearing with the old Akaroa Heads Lighthouse Keepers Cottage in it. It has long been used by DOC for work gangs visiting the island but is due to be converted into a single use stand along hut sometime in the near future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This will give a group of up to six people there own small hut to occupy and will provide yet another place to stay on the island. Work was due to begin in 2020 what Covid has disrupted the plan so who knows when it will be finished. I look forward to having a look inside once the conversion is done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEgltcvX_77a1ps96II0s68LbEfeAg6X3YXGnHblZRXPTltP0Q-_BRaSUGUU8-0nvDlqDtl25wAgTzG9MH5sc27F8wre4-_B4_-ObQ5lQrr1Ha0lt6AZuJgbaARiHoAjf49imBj4Jxxm0u2wUO9DlGEhgqUjzwlYlZxr2n2aoUhlicbgMdyyah0Ps7VWtw/s6000/IMG_0354.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltcvX_77a1ps96II0s68LbEfeAg6X3YXGnHblZRXPTltP0Q-_BRaSUGUU8-0nvDlqDtl25wAgTzG9MH5sc27F8wre4-_B4_-ObQ5lQrr1Ha0lt6AZuJgbaARiHoAjf49imBj4Jxxm0u2wUO9DlGEhgqUjzwlYlZxr2n2aoUhlicbgMdyyah0Ps7VWtw/w640-h426/IMG_0354.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing the old Akaroa Heads Cottage, Quail Island</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/AVvXsEjODmviqxN8Oyu2TRKWXYT5Woq1BUJhyxB_EwXsyv_7QIp0Wj9ASyhVoZnheH1oijQio3W8nX8duD6FzWapL9raFg6aYPtX0-R41I2qV8JM4iKRZAL3sjAcwHKhZVL3VdA2sEAXl3uC9sbOEDBanwq9JN-pY0p9YYg9JwxHFPjQ4xuFgjVdIKyKKF9tOw/s6000/IMG_0355.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODmviqxN8Oyu2TRKWXYT5Woq1BUJhyxB_EwXsyv_7QIp0Wj9ASyhVoZnheH1oijQio3W8nX8duD6FzWapL9raFg6aYPtX0-R41I2qV8JM4iKRZAL3sjAcwHKhZVL3VdA2sEAXl3uC9sbOEDBanwq9JN-pY0p9YYg9JwxHFPjQ4xuFgjVdIKyKKF9tOw/w640-h426/IMG_0355.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Akaroa Heads Lighthouse Keepers Cottage, Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the old cottage you continue down the track to the wharf and the nearby day shelter. It was raining heavily as I walked down to the shelter and I did wonder about if the ferry would be able to get to the island. I rang the Black Cat office from the shelter and they told me the ferry was on schedule to be at Quail Island at 12.15. </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/AVvXsEhIsJMO8Pdpm1_fs3HgiryaeAAYSZAWHFFGuA_zbf5J_KrcIbFSaz_u1vx0S6zWgZbYAZvhx3U0K6dF4Rnhgd8rMxG2RxUfRl_kcTXXYFh9g7aB86luelxhHRsIlCl93JHYbXlFRWHqw4jXhQaGEMx7b46qpTqO7YfTOj__2yyhwc22nUkJQ277EV3kjQ/s6000/IMG_0360.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsJMO8Pdpm1_fs3HgiryaeAAYSZAWHFFGuA_zbf5J_KrcIbFSaz_u1vx0S6zWgZbYAZvhx3U0K6dF4Rnhgd8rMxG2RxUfRl_kcTXXYFh9g7aB86luelxhHRsIlCl93JHYbXlFRWHqw4jXhQaGEMx7b46qpTqO7YfTOj__2yyhwc22nUkJQ277EV3kjQ/w640-h426/IMG_0360.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the track heading down to the Quail Island wharf</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the track you can see Hays Bay and Charteris Bay over on the eastern side of Lyttleton Harbor. When I was younger there were less than a dozen houses around those bays but as land prices have risen more and more homes have been built there. There is now an almost continuous strip of housing from Purau to Charteris Bay...</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/AVvXsEjxUGmQk1SwMzkooaJXxrfF5hNrrk7SB_Onoa85BhlaCdcC27veka5ai1BVVPlmVr39WtjEmLoBJdqMUX61eop9wO5CWfIeC2Ikjd3v5CLzvZFl0037-mU46spLkD16q_u8eBOJGuNKe6R3fBf5Maahq3sWXLCOUXb6IK0tJW4L_JOm3dNJTLRAik9YMA/s6000/IMG_0364.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUGmQk1SwMzkooaJXxrfF5hNrrk7SB_Onoa85BhlaCdcC27veka5ai1BVVPlmVr39WtjEmLoBJdqMUX61eop9wO5CWfIeC2Ikjd3v5CLzvZFl0037-mU46spLkD16q_u8eBOJGuNKe6R3fBf5Maahq3sWXLCOUXb6IK0tJW4L_JOm3dNJTLRAik9YMA/w640-h426/IMG_0364.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain falls between Quail Island and Diamond Harbor</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/AVvXsEiuQPJnVdzRqrlZWZ22AJJM8nqyjXpfSqET60KKXGu9bIC6uBEGMRQxsWdGjL1TLQcdygfXqYpLp3_pcSYmhs-LmcVNDP3u_XoO7WSPOdbJOmkgCK8ceHfyGH-d9WxrXW2kj7pZUj7GTn9ht2q9gS0Kb8ZI7USW6iz-fbpcXtc7gY8OcW5pM3tJb6F5Cw/s6000/IMG_0366.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQPJnVdzRqrlZWZ22AJJM8nqyjXpfSqET60KKXGu9bIC6uBEGMRQxsWdGjL1TLQcdygfXqYpLp3_pcSYmhs-LmcVNDP3u_XoO7WSPOdbJOmkgCK8ceHfyGH-d9WxrXW2kj7pZUj7GTn9ht2q9gS0Kb8ZI7USW6iz-fbpcXtc7gY8OcW5pM3tJb6F5Cw/w640-h426/IMG_0366.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of Quail Island Wharf from the track</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a day shelter off a side track near the jetty and it provides cover while you wait for the ferry to arrive. There is space inside for about 30 people but no water or toilets so use the facilities at the Otamahua Hut or at Swimmers Beach before heading here. </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/AVvXsEieQvu-CjEXMJxpXUfClQrHdudKd8ZF3m9w1SNadPdWMGvHvt6AiSF9p1et3gOiH_isQRvxpFn3lzAdcOPVWZ5F5gC2FD87wNLO4nnPCR6Z6XQjIQHKIkKG5kjG5tdXvIZz6zFptlhcmo9Cva6KncjKFpmuZRfgFlR_NuxzfdHcx9GoQoNvWCvzRjg2hw/s6000/IMG_0368.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQvu-CjEXMJxpXUfClQrHdudKd8ZF3m9w1SNadPdWMGvHvt6AiSF9p1et3gOiH_isQRvxpFn3lzAdcOPVWZ5F5gC2FD87wNLO4nnPCR6Z6XQjIQHKIkKG5kjG5tdXvIZz6zFptlhcmo9Cva6KncjKFpmuZRfgFlR_NuxzfdHcx9GoQoNvWCvzRjg2hw/w640-h426/IMG_0368.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side track to Quail Island Day Shelter</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> You have a clear line of sight to the jetty so you can sit inside and only head down as the ferry maneuvers into place. Across the Harbor you can see Diamond Harbor and out to Mt Evans in the far distance. Mt Evans is about the fifth highest peak on Banks Peninsula...</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/AVvXsEiYA4KiXBrBooM7jb4I5ctG13TKll1ZqWikLFyLPw7heuFYzUQEXb9KIrhi9E1VEtuJWJ94dyYvmaulpDHyP-1FXfCir1KXVE66iJ_Fm47p4UPvyi1pWKKknEeE2oyTz2EddLAiJ8I6H-d-LQHo8ewG_zrN_ci4JSrTLi3DuyRliFfA4KGj8aVipK0Gfg/s6000/IMG_0370.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYA4KiXBrBooM7jb4I5ctG13TKll1ZqWikLFyLPw7heuFYzUQEXb9KIrhi9E1VEtuJWJ94dyYvmaulpDHyP-1FXfCir1KXVE66iJ_Fm47p4UPvyi1pWKKknEeE2oyTz2EddLAiJ8I6H-d-LQHo8ewG_zrN_ci4JSrTLi3DuyRliFfA4KGj8aVipK0Gfg/w640-h426/IMG_0370.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quail Island Wharf from the 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/AVvXsEj71ykeuaiPDz2Lkw_zMdJqACHADi5Uqh9ub1HGk6LOStQduQSuJ3x6y93tCiVnf60LtufRd140NPoXclUkqJUvwG_WrOKz-ExfvqKFYQijp1Pyu2SH1l2LpVKA7iC_CV6PBf3nWwtvQzP3zIoDqRd-5ueDzKYkupSiH-HN0g7azFKjIYRZjkuQSnXabQ/s6000/IMG_0372.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71ykeuaiPDz2Lkw_zMdJqACHADi5Uqh9ub1HGk6LOStQduQSuJ3x6y93tCiVnf60LtufRd140NPoXclUkqJUvwG_WrOKz-ExfvqKFYQijp1Pyu2SH1l2LpVKA7iC_CV6PBf3nWwtvQzP3zIoDqRd-5ueDzKYkupSiH-HN0g7azFKjIYRZjkuQSnXabQ/w640-h426/IMG_0372.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the seat in Otamahua Day Shelter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOPOJEzlmnIuBycidCkuhn1bs91lZzH7dCKqiRrU5zYdFnhXwedXk6F8OnVxcdlKAig3ZB_70trfiWveD-We3MD2IGVd3RsD0luKGpktUD6yHe27YJdYvKkqeqtKsIm2tzvL_3P78vYevE_yqZYbySabyVViamLhSgOjk0w4qebcZQYLslBnA0u6NMA/s6000/IMG_0378.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOPOJEzlmnIuBycidCkuhn1bs91lZzH7dCKqiRrU5zYdFnhXwedXk6F8OnVxcdlKAig3ZB_70trfiWveD-We3MD2IGVd3RsD0luKGpktUD6yHe27YJdYvKkqeqtKsIm2tzvL_3P78vYevE_yqZYbySabyVViamLhSgOjk0w4qebcZQYLslBnA0u6NMA/w640-h426/IMG_0378.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon ensconced at the Quail Island Shelter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was raining on and off but I was fine inside the shelter...I had a bit of food left over from the previous day and I stayed put until I heard the ferry engines approaching just after 12 noon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCX1U19Clx__al6pDh05jsmZ20n9Ho3eUxlPDMX7eypxpVAYl2SXD4j5-Ybq1CdSUpNMayrRKIMYMGfQ_QefIm_CWeglBW8RtoZywn7HBrQ8gZ4uUgpK6ioeP7x09O4t6LoepnVgvRj_ue5w8uq6UMgvBc6aS4xMm8VC_9xAsEYd4ulFv95DNv2HEN5Q/s6000/IMG_0375.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCX1U19Clx__al6pDh05jsmZ20n9Ho3eUxlPDMX7eypxpVAYl2SXD4j5-Ybq1CdSUpNMayrRKIMYMGfQ_QefIm_CWeglBW8RtoZywn7HBrQ8gZ4uUgpK6ioeP7x09O4t6LoepnVgvRj_ue5w8uq6UMgvBc6aS4xMm8VC_9xAsEYd4ulFv95DNv2HEN5Q/w640-h426/IMG_0375.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diamond Harbor is clearly visible from Quail Island</td></tr></tbody></table></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/AVvXsEitRumegQG4pFGQ3mr44qWxPkWkYE1ohzkHkkCRrAJLAvhvcV0DA4JVJD99noqMz46JcxmrPECOKfOsZBNuv2qOhGN61vEZREViwAQFF9Z9CR9ilSIRR0fpawTvd1GQ3Hwthh7f4pltB3Sswt7Myx1K_mXgQCfKvusjVnEkFkVAi9S-bysfpizgLysJvw/s6000/IMG_0380.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRumegQG4pFGQ3mr44qWxPkWkYE1ohzkHkkCRrAJLAvhvcV0DA4JVJD99noqMz46JcxmrPECOKfOsZBNuv2qOhGN61vEZREViwAQFF9Z9CR9ilSIRR0fpawTvd1GQ3Hwthh7f4pltB3Sswt7Myx1K_mXgQCfKvusjVnEkFkVAi9S-bysfpizgLysJvw/w640-h426/IMG_0380.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon eats some Pringles at the Quail Island Shelter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It takes all of 2 minutes to walk down to the wharf but as I did not expect a lot of people to arrive I set off to the jetty just as the boat rounded the head. I didn't want to make the pilot wait any longer than necessary. </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/AVvXsEgPJEu6zCK9T4-SVrZyA2Z8VzKCch2OfKVH9jZcVaJ_zUBUiL57Jel23UB96jfchWbcsnuOMvnYqAM5m7T3z1oaRl2avK94b7w3vtglTQClDOU2BgcJS_PWjgwkrQ41U6qullCjQMLh-lNLRcZPWwzeFN7aaOl6O9CZHekKUPUGpFKlX8RA3cDrLPzL2A/s6000/IMG_0382.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJEu6zCK9T4-SVrZyA2Z8VzKCch2OfKVH9jZcVaJ_zUBUiL57Jel23UB96jfchWbcsnuOMvnYqAM5m7T3z1oaRl2avK94b7w3vtglTQClDOU2BgcJS_PWjgwkrQ41U6qullCjQMLh-lNLRcZPWwzeFN7aaOl6O9CZHekKUPUGpFKlX8RA3cDrLPzL2A/w640-h426/IMG_0382.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer view of the Quail Island Wharf</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div>The last ferry for the day arrives at 3.30 pm and if you miss it your will be on the island for the rest of the night as there is no other way to get back to the mainland. If you are coming over to stay at Otamahua/Quail Island Hut then this is probably the service you want to use to give you time to settle into the hut before dark. </div><div><br /></div></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/AVvXsEhxOEw5tRMc9yFAxn7SLj6EWbhpHQOWjcx4vxmrOi_057F5wbjCsXJKo8dYg99DaD7C5ZpH9qJMKRqnaFXeRvSqNN9850RHnPqm2_-dMo-p-XQAJl1HCBbCWsIz9wrZqI55GYoRRMDoSMSRwkPAQymCdrwDl3xn_i3byzyPatZ-DqlDI6MOFXvMuWn9Ew/s6000/IMG_0385.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOEw5tRMc9yFAxn7SLj6EWbhpHQOWjcx4vxmrOi_057F5wbjCsXJKo8dYg99DaD7C5ZpH9qJMKRqnaFXeRvSqNN9850RHnPqm2_-dMo-p-XQAJl1HCBbCWsIz9wrZqI55GYoRRMDoSMSRwkPAQymCdrwDl3xn_i3byzyPatZ-DqlDI6MOFXvMuWn9Ew/w640-h426/IMG_0385.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the Quail Island Loop Track at the wharf</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/AVvXsEj5-a8gMZioAvo9apWp13K9SAerFBUeuBU1Wj1R3tZyQeEl04bZAkeiKK385QrkFPZp4j1AGnQmCe24Ga6f0SrcVGPzevdf5GSrGLPEm47k2kwAkgF0Wa3nhqzeViIyUZZoVstnPYWHom671iK8AfPsvtk1JjYWaQP_21PThvSarzZWETYDpHp1yErioA/s6000/IMG_0387.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-a8gMZioAvo9apWp13K9SAerFBUeuBU1Wj1R3tZyQeEl04bZAkeiKK385QrkFPZp4j1AGnQmCe24Ga6f0SrcVGPzevdf5GSrGLPEm47k2kwAkgF0Wa3nhqzeViIyUZZoVstnPYWHom671iK8AfPsvtk1JjYWaQP_21PThvSarzZWETYDpHp1yErioA/w640-h426/IMG_0387.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Herbert is obscured by rain clouds</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/AVvXsEgRf-2ER3c10NhB2W6V2zxdey4PZ1kJ0Gtjjpj7lU7HmIRHA8M-JM-WbdLZptoirz79013XFDctuXIJdJabiaXu-fXuRQMS4P8iTyiVerA63vFVkoz0c7q7vIPJi0pUY0FChOVeNtJV-AIHnDtZxMv8ADyXukOq5PTjjpvIiydzICdoL7WBXXr65LsSgQ/s6000/IMG_0388.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf-2ER3c10NhB2W6V2zxdey4PZ1kJ0Gtjjpj7lU7HmIRHA8M-JM-WbdLZptoirz79013XFDctuXIJdJabiaXu-fXuRQMS4P8iTyiVerA63vFVkoz0c7q7vIPJi0pUY0FChOVeNtJV-AIHnDtZxMv8ADyXukOq5PTjjpvIiydzICdoL7WBXXr65LsSgQ/w640-h426/IMG_0388.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quail Island Ferry on its approach</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If it is fine there is a picnic table and some flat ground down by the wharf. It is quite nice to walk along the edge of the wharf and look at the fish swimming under the jetty. There is also a picturesque section of sea wall here you can explore. </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/AVvXsEgpa1ZIdq_CfCTpe4KQYJSZJWA2PY6e_DcfRSOqpp_uNlc3ePPpZaV4rpLYSO-jQqvEaVmXKURRK0nm2SeCQrBV1YNAu1i1PcwUf8EfunfAHGopitnBJJUDyaOczithI8Q_zYPdB91CWsAvdLIALC-K6JIEGxZOgiM6c8GjSuiH5DkZ07dUe6G5wGZiCg/s6000/IMG_0389.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpa1ZIdq_CfCTpe4KQYJSZJWA2PY6e_DcfRSOqpp_uNlc3ePPpZaV4rpLYSO-jQqvEaVmXKURRK0nm2SeCQrBV1YNAu1i1PcwUf8EfunfAHGopitnBJJUDyaOczithI8Q_zYPdB91CWsAvdLIALC-K6JIEGxZOgiM6c8GjSuiH5DkZ07dUe6G5wGZiCg/w640-h426/IMG_0389.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic table near the Quail Island Wharf</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was the only person on the island so the 12 pm ferry was largely for my benefit. The island is often quiet over the week even in summer and when the weather changes later in the year it will only have visitors over the weekends. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two very ill equipped people did get off the boat and start walking around the island but they were going to have a miserable day. It was wet, cold and windy and they didn't even have a bag between them. I think they were going to spend most of the day in the hut because the sure weren't set up to walk in the rain. </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/AVvXsEh2s0mGUicOhfquJTv0-51j0UII-42mcvkdWmyKMH2XxKEjhIj4Ce8jtyOmXM6gWML5IkQi2lJg-hyoxvBTRDrjLXEWS7Ld9eqAGyzt3d0Jdz8HI6Po6FrWTi0nwWrG-X9ywsPiYwduhEzTvI9GA2bUXfQTlod39NaYOAKOjLgRMA28mwTVe4dahMh3LQ/s6000/IMG_0391.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2s0mGUicOhfquJTv0-51j0UII-42mcvkdWmyKMH2XxKEjhIj4Ce8jtyOmXM6gWML5IkQi2lJg-hyoxvBTRDrjLXEWS7Ld9eqAGyzt3d0Jdz8HI6Po6FrWTi0nwWrG-X9ywsPiYwduhEzTvI9GA2bUXfQTlod39NaYOAKOjLgRMA28mwTVe4dahMh3LQ/w640-h426/IMG_0391.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Cat ferry approaches Quail Island</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/AVvXsEgbBxY3_dkf5OVIjD7TWcpc8Fc0cQouUMCfzqq-oXlYGu68rhD39oixrGHCtK3ynovLSKcLKoNCq2xzw8xVv90YUdDYD-uksvnF0M6GD6EYRpkeQQMoN0SN8itLkBUbUnx9oMh85fWrbtrrVQ6bLsaA_ji1WgcLFGayUrQ9ENrf4MTZok7xEKsocBwyBg/s6000/IMG_0393.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBxY3_dkf5OVIjD7TWcpc8Fc0cQouUMCfzqq-oXlYGu68rhD39oixrGHCtK3ynovLSKcLKoNCq2xzw8xVv90YUdDYD-uksvnF0M6GD6EYRpkeQQMoN0SN8itLkBUbUnx9oMh85fWrbtrrVQ6bLsaA_ji1WgcLFGayUrQ9ENrf4MTZok7xEKsocBwyBg/w640-h426/IMG_0393.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferry docks at the wharf on Quail Island</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/AVvXsEiMrILxtCw-FNIqloLm8qxGU1pVsd1vKY0ZQTsq_ESASqE9CT1Whd5B80lER_FQFFIK0921Xp-kASSyCEB0PUJ-_kVOoWIrWiQh3WaKn-tSWsDsTz2B9wExo92LtmrjsuZMNcuw0FxqZffvYY0UJW3w-8h_as9O4XO-GXLLcwTZxBtiq4bOvKgAxJ4mOA/s6000/IMG_0394.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrILxtCw-FNIqloLm8qxGU1pVsd1vKY0ZQTsq_ESASqE9CT1Whd5B80lER_FQFFIK0921Xp-kASSyCEB0PUJ-_kVOoWIrWiQh3WaKn-tSWsDsTz2B9wExo92LtmrjsuZMNcuw0FxqZffvYY0UJW3w-8h_as9O4XO-GXLLcwTZxBtiq4bOvKgAxJ4mOA/w640-h426/IMG_0394.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...we are heading for distant Lyttleton...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was an uneventful trip back across Lyttleton Harbor and I was pleased to see Karen waiting for me on the dock with a big smile on her face. I like that she misses me when I am gone as this was not always the case with other people. </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/AVvXsEi4d09zd8iqjzm2fGpeydBIw2h_nPgpK6sflw163-J-tSiLDdbu3s5CQjF3yfabeAOwmnSnuPxyEASs7cJMFyWsN_MFWBS7_dqhcFJEpmKjNf4fI1Id0yvMZHygipeZBwwKG3yhpdyYL7ehy0TN_hYv8DTwWgJtaOSD07xG3yIkCn-GUT9K8IeeMycgvQ/s6000/IMG_0397.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d09zd8iqjzm2fGpeydBIw2h_nPgpK6sflw163-J-tSiLDdbu3s5CQjF3yfabeAOwmnSnuPxyEASs7cJMFyWsN_MFWBS7_dqhcFJEpmKjNf4fI1Id0yvMZHygipeZBwwKG3yhpdyYL7ehy0TN_hYv8DTwWgJtaOSD07xG3yIkCn-GUT9K8IeeMycgvQ/w640-h426/IMG_0397.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Quail Island ferry enroute to Lyttleton</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/AVvXsEiGHQLWhKfL6gvH5af2kwKU9a_0Kxzmchi-PxvsDPwvRHx0e8loEWRZ8x0A9YzRwatjFm-vBCv6JjM3v6UnYzmg-HRnPkRAoSKbbGJy7I2NA7pTjWV6CMsFyFWrcftX7ZgsvX2aq2vcJoBysZ36ytdUZCMPhnr-Kafq24qim0swgsJWLvTYp83YZjE60g/s6000/IMG_0398.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHQLWhKfL6gvH5af2kwKU9a_0Kxzmchi-PxvsDPwvRHx0e8loEWRZ8x0A9YzRwatjFm-vBCv6JjM3v6UnYzmg-HRnPkRAoSKbbGJy7I2NA7pTjWV6CMsFyFWrcftX7ZgsvX2aq2vcJoBysZ36ytdUZCMPhnr-Kafq24qim0swgsJWLvTYp83YZjE60g/w640-h426/IMG_0398.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at Lyttleton and ready to head home</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/AVvXsEhUT6LcSL9szeoW6yHSssYnlSGI9-n_FeaNakoSkmE2k3PY1Zpm9bLbPmsXpV-3Sso-JM7iC6yhu6XTbkqqLmqfAcvkIzQLaQBvsENK9j-vWFU0XdI0xZwpmHAhh0KebICMlWOfMTYjjk_U4vG3-KThOB5kdBstGXSa2Qf4n2etrpFeK3tXXVoMjNhfqw/s6000/IMG_0403.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUT6LcSL9szeoW6yHSssYnlSGI9-n_FeaNakoSkmE2k3PY1Zpm9bLbPmsXpV-3Sso-JM7iC6yhu6XTbkqqLmqfAcvkIzQLaQBvsENK9j-vWFU0XdI0xZwpmHAhh0KebICMlWOfMTYjjk_U4vG3-KThOB5kdBstGXSa2Qf4n2etrpFeK3tXXVoMjNhfqw/w640-h426/IMG_0403.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading for the Lyttleton Road Tunnel and home<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">A visit to Otamahua/Quail Island is a great day tramp and I can thoroughly recommend it as a worthwhile destination. It is excellent as a family trip or dare I say it date with your significant other. Make sure you book the ferry and take enough clothing, food and water to sustain you for your visit.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>Access:</b> Ferry service from <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Lyttleton</span>, the trip takes <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">15 minutes ($15 child, $30 adult), Black Cat Cruises are the operator, tickets are available online and bookings are recommended. </span></span></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>Track Times:</b> Quail Island Loop Track is 5.5 km's or <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">2-3</span> hours from jetty to jetty</span></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>Hut Details:</b> <i>Otamahua/<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Quail Island</span> Hut</i>: Serviced: <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">12</span> bunks, wood burner, water tank, wood shed, flush toilet</span></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>Miscellaneous:</b> The hut is <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">o</span>n the DOC booking system, must be booked for overnight visit. Drinking water is available from the hut, take only what you need as it is in short supply. The old Akaroa Lighthouse Keepers Cottage is due to become a new single user hut. </span></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><b>You Tube Link:</b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PiZlEUgqok">An evening stroll on Otamahua/Quail Island</a></span></div><div> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx9D1mwSUn0">Dinner preparation on Quail Island</a><br /></div>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0Otamahua / Quail Island, Canterbury, New Zealand-43.627795 172.6901934-71.938028836178844 137.5339434 -15.317561163821154 -152.1535566tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810698116811856128.post-81366056196193895492023-03-21T13:13:00.005-07:002023-04-02T13:17:34.187-07:00Tramping Equipment: Soto Windmaster stove<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Review of the <b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">Soto Windmaster Stove</span></b></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 17.6pt; margin: 17.6pt 0cm 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial;"><span>So...I </span><span>bought</span><span> a new outdoor stove last week...it is the Soto Windmaster. </span></span><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial;">I have read some good things about this stove and felt the need for some retail therapy so...! </span><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial;">I am a big fan of canister stoves and I’m not alone – the overwhelming majority of trampers I come across use them. For price point, ease of use and efficiency they are hard to bet.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 17.6pt; margin: 17.6pt 0cm 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial;">BTW: this is my tenth outdoor stove...I think I might have a problem! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 17.6pt; margin: 17.6pt 0cm 0cm; text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEh6zKdiNICxohkWxHONhtG6Hq46HF941XIHBZumHXgFEdRx6-Z4ijsnG7BjrkKwp7uWW9miIxsLOoddFVlMv5ALgJU3vRSjM1XPh_2G_xQpETexT0TIQBR9tdWyqkq-8e-26lf1OzLY30nKinhgZo8VlLSEnQCOiQ7pvmg2jHyPbxwiZdwAYgk1qYcdGQ/s1200/soto_4flex-for-windmaster-od-1rx4_004.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zKdiNICxohkWxHONhtG6Hq46HF941XIHBZumHXgFEdRx6-Z4ijsnG7BjrkKwp7uWW9miIxsLOoddFVlMv5ALgJU3vRSjM1XPh_2G_xQpETexT0TIQBR9tdWyqkq-8e-26lf1OzLY30nKinhgZo8VlLSEnQCOiQ7pvmg2jHyPbxwiZdwAYgk1qYcdGQ/w640-h640/soto_4flex-for-windmaster-od-1rx4_004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soto Windmaster fixed to a medium sized gas cannister</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 17.6pt; margin: 17.6pt 0cm 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial;">There are a large number of models available on the
New Zealand market and a huge number more available from overseas. There are a
handful of well known brands and models that dominate – the Soto Windmaster is
one of those.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 17.6pt 0cm 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></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/AVvXsEgCiDkTaP9r4Qlhl5dUIKoKsCVj2pg10boRW0JvWrGoxb1Eyj4HxTheiCvk0aQCUKV109qQQXYH9oUmgib7TZM3CK2qyHUTFDJTbqmryNGYrBLh3VUQt9ta1n7RcdpiqvQOF2LSfXXJDr_vn-Aaj8DWLM_Pi65wL-ZxXKnWZunpbyRmMYcE01gKIPlHMw/s1357/SotoRange.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1357" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiDkTaP9r4Qlhl5dUIKoKsCVj2pg10boRW0JvWrGoxb1Eyj4HxTheiCvk0aQCUKV109qQQXYH9oUmgib7TZM3CK2qyHUTFDJTbqmryNGYrBLh3VUQt9ta1n7RcdpiqvQOF2LSfXXJDr_vn-Aaj8DWLM_Pi65wL-ZxXKnWZunpbyRmMYcE01gKIPlHMw/w640-h446/SotoRange.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Soto Range of outdoor stoves</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e;"> At NZD $135 this model sits at the upper end of the price range for canister stoves.</span><span style="color: #2b2f2e;"> Having said that
there are good reasons for this. Firstly all stoves sold on the New Zealand market have to meet the requisite gas standards and this does add to the price
but also increases the safety</span></span><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">. </span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 17.6pt; margin: 17.6pt 0cm 0cm;"></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/AVvXsEg9eqHKumIuewem9-L47dSCiLisim5sdGU8C8oIct_p4l7Re5mYtYj8FRu5cXXEI2cAF3Teg6-r4kERM9y_SZZSWjjcC1aa2_9Tg7OuLcPXnBfvpfi1Pxaxs2_Bi-cvJBQ2tva6_P4gxpv1kB9D2LLUB1c_QUkwXFqdWr0XKevna6t5v1VYvvGKH0fz9w/s1024/Soto-Windmaster-in-the-box-1024x683.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eqHKumIuewem9-L47dSCiLisim5sdGU8C8oIct_p4l7Re5mYtYj8FRu5cXXEI2cAF3Teg6-r4kERM9y_SZZSWjjcC1aa2_9Tg7OuLcPXnBfvpfi1Pxaxs2_Bi-cvJBQ2tva6_P4gxpv1kB9D2LLUB1c_QUkwXFqdWr0XKevna6t5v1VYvvGKH0fz9w/w640-h426/Soto-Windmaster-in-the-box-1024x683.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...the box your new Windmaster comes in...</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 17.6pt; margin: 17.6pt 0cm 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Soto is a well known and highly regarded outdoor equipment manufacturer with a wide following around the world. The Soto Windmaster has a large range of
features and a high level of performance that many of the cheaper stoves lack.
All this amounts to a more expensive stove but given the features it is very
good value for money. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 17.6pt; margin: 17.6pt 0cm 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So let’s look at the features on this great little stove
unit.<o:p style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></o:p></span></span></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/AVvXsEgiwayud811JsuR3uWruMtK60eiG79qKrNVuP2m_EdkOjiiWXeB-cS9voN9-aoqqz-ZczBuIzy4VTs7gdEEEVAX2jENmCMQemP0cfrZwvkRif7o9a-fzzDAS6MkB3GOJLA6cEZSQJOD35lTpmj-x59o20RTOwOtBSslg-BTEoPaVRIWiGGQUR_EXIx_jg/s800/soto-windmaster-stove-with-micro-regulator-and-4flex.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwayud811JsuR3uWruMtK60eiG79qKrNVuP2m_EdkOjiiWXeB-cS9voN9-aoqqz-ZczBuIzy4VTs7gdEEEVAX2jENmCMQemP0cfrZwvkRif7o9a-fzzDAS6MkB3GOJLA6cEZSQJOD35lTpmj-x59o20RTOwOtBSslg-BTEoPaVRIWiGGQUR_EXIx_jg/w640-h640/soto-windmaster-stove-with-micro-regulator-and-4flex.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the main features on the Soto Windmaster</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 17.6pt 0cm 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 17.6pt 0cm 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This stove is called the ‘Windmaster’ for a reason and that’s
because it copes very well in windy exposed conditions. The stove has a
piezo-electric starter so it is a self contained unit and is easily started even
when windy where matches or a lighter don’t work. This starter works a charm
and one press is all you need to spark a flame.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 17.6pt 0cm 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></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/AVvXsEjSx51xBGglpWTSoSFQigylUhpsMUSvdNyM69-TeIrRlstJ1wUZpOv6vSI0HsXK31l-YMVEj35QfKwj1-gea-3KOKG2kddmFGNYENaKUyh7gyunHKDq5ksa5kwI0tpeDtuiblaIdpfTBnI3ytBOvJ-knZqDHPZn8Imtj0R97vo15mmEIIDSJih9BxxA-g/s1024/Close-up-of-the-burner-head-1024x685.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSx51xBGglpWTSoSFQigylUhpsMUSvdNyM69-TeIrRlstJ1wUZpOv6vSI0HsXK31l-YMVEj35QfKwj1-gea-3KOKG2kddmFGNYENaKUyh7gyunHKDq5ksa5kwI0tpeDtuiblaIdpfTBnI3ytBOvJ-knZqDHPZn8Imtj0R97vo15mmEIIDSJih9BxxA-g/w640-h428/Close-up-of-the-burner-head-1024x685.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centrally located ignitor on the Soto Windmaster</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 17.6pt 0cm 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; text-align: left;">At 89 grams for the stove unit itself and 100 grams including the small carry bag, this stove isn’t the lightest in the stove market but doesn’t weigh that much. It compares favourably with its contemporaries like the Kovea TI stove, MSR Pocket Rocket and my Fire Maple TI stove which all weigh around 70-80 gms.</span><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></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/AVvXsEiZIvPPjqxWUi3vEfHYjn2CtOTZT4diAldEt8uqFZHf9x7t-ReKBjuPZYVhWVWfTiMWwpBBw5HNhFTBWOhBYsjv8u8f8g7QixHxs3DI5QWwQ1HMm1kmBpMG4sZXWP1tNfF-qSHMrGZQ21R2C8CYtK5Vj78D6RYFSAG8nRHUZ_Ts020WEC85YLIGWdxFWA/s999/Close-up-of-the-stove-unit.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="999" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIvPPjqxWUi3vEfHYjn2CtOTZT4diAldEt8uqFZHf9x7t-ReKBjuPZYVhWVWfTiMWwpBBw5HNhFTBWOhBYsjv8u8f8g7QixHxs3DI5QWwQ1HMm1kmBpMG4sZXWP1tNfF-qSHMrGZQ21R2C8CYtK5Vj78D6RYFSAG8nRHUZ_Ts020WEC85YLIGWdxFWA/w640-h576/Close-up-of-the-stove-unit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windmaster comes with a nylon carry bag</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; text-align: left;">To be fair when you compare this to all in one integrated stove types you do need to include other items such as a pot, gas canister and canister stabiliser which will increase the weight. </span><span style="color: #2b2f2e; text-align: left;">I will be using my standard Toaks 1.3 liter Titanium pot on this stove but it will also work with my other cookware. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Co-IjpCFN1UD2DavbGlsQBHwyJpLn_FCHvEC9l3Ou4EVtGPvH9PGaYiMI0ITY8oxfWWYbV8_lF9EgtWiGDoCZigVr_g0quCFvPkMHoT_3gAmz-qp1t4Iet_ia0npPAR4g3xsS7pVH_l-DOp1szES-Bnn9qkFCuazc2fzx9I10HdsQU-Y_Kp6YiJUoQ/s800/ToaksPot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Co-IjpCFN1UD2DavbGlsQBHwyJpLn_FCHvEC9l3Ou4EVtGPvH9PGaYiMI0ITY8oxfWWYbV8_lF9EgtWiGDoCZigVr_g0quCFvPkMHoT_3gAmz-qp1t4Iet_ia0npPAR4g3xsS7pVH_l-DOp1szES-Bnn9qkFCuazc2fzx9I10HdsQU-Y_Kp6YiJUoQ/w640-h640/ToaksPot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Toaks 1.3 liter pot i usually carry</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Being able to buy a cannister stove as a standalone unit allows trampers to mix and match to get the system they want and the opportunity to change the pot choice depending on your needs. Sometimes you will be fine with a small cup/pot or you might need a big 2 liter pot or a frying pan. Flexibility in gear choice is ideal when buying outdoor equipment. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></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/AVvXsEiFB6x28ZDvtoY-8Xqcgk89X-DYlOiLCsDrRYc1Q1a39uhnzt5TDLgjfrNjVaiCnv-AXVdC9HG0sm2EGgiMpC9L8jaruSaLNtwFhYpvnRgm3mP5q-vH4CwI5p0Ve8LCsf_Dn4kZKw8yL_ty6I5H5fbR7ZtG5ERNj-bxZYSF3-xh9dd_UlCI8Tq9IKVslQ/s1200/soto_4flex-for-windmaster.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFB6x28ZDvtoY-8Xqcgk89X-DYlOiLCsDrRYc1Q1a39uhnzt5TDLgjfrNjVaiCnv-AXVdC9HG0sm2EGgiMpC9L8jaruSaLNtwFhYpvnRgm3mP5q-vH4CwI5p0Ve8LCsf_Dn4kZKw8yL_ty6I5H5fbR7ZtG5ERNj-bxZYSF3-xh9dd_UlCI8Tq9IKVslQ/w640-h640/soto_4flex-for-windmaster.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soto Windmaster with pot stand attached</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; text-align: left;">The head on this stove is large as far as canister stoves go and and sits very, very close to the pot allowing just enough airflow to provide oxygen to the head but not so much to impact the flame. In fact the burner head is slightly recessed providing additional wind protection. Most canister stoves need a windshield </span><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; text-align: left;"> to operate well in windy conditions and while this will benefit any canister stove it is not essential for the Windmaster. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></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/AVvXsEhE8dU9ZSLZO3R39ClTlKxzkDjYU-2FfHOujsozZf-d3k3gjY7lSy4MCG1OUOcnik6A7MZtRFfE1bMB2mHJw5mTula4TVeblQYURhZ-FsA0K9X1y0jtkTaiXJh4NWLvlRhOB7C1vInkqzazl2cxQS4eaTzOsAAlJlzzob7311QIrdCFal6o2kYnawjfdA/s1200/soto_windmaster2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8dU9ZSLZO3R39ClTlKxzkDjYU-2FfHOujsozZf-d3k3gjY7lSy4MCG1OUOcnik6A7MZtRFfE1bMB2mHJw5mTula4TVeblQYURhZ-FsA0K9X1y0jtkTaiXJh4NWLvlRhOB7C1vInkqzazl2cxQS4eaTzOsAAlJlzzob7311QIrdCFal6o2kYnawjfdA/w640-h640/soto_windmaster2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burner head designed to resist wind...Windmaster</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; text-align: left;">This stove has been tested and it will boil 500 ml of water in less than 2 minutes and 45 seconds with a light breeze. This is slower than an integrated stove but not by a great deal. FYI: Integrated stoves are all in one packages and include ones like the JetBoil and MSR Windburner range. If you are using the Windmaster (or for that matter) any other stove during windy weather the boil time is going to be slower.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8UnyGHHFAd9VJ0ZIRf3WNHHEQxCay7y5yegEY0BHu4wc7kJUy-pPwOWiucLoJpZO0usoMH11tjk48Ozhz7YVIdfUG2bT2NRJdUJy1M_BERWxVBL2i8ZoanZFqEpz4BV27lLZlEwB2Zrtu7NBJHk8vB5jBcHCFVdlcpPC4-KkYAK0HwaRhhnNR1srZg/s2500/Windburner1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="2405" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8UnyGHHFAd9VJ0ZIRf3WNHHEQxCay7y5yegEY0BHu4wc7kJUy-pPwOWiucLoJpZO0usoMH11tjk48Ozhz7YVIdfUG2bT2NRJdUJy1M_BERWxVBL2i8ZoanZFqEpz4BV27lLZlEwB2Zrtu7NBJHk8vB5jBcHCFVdlcpPC4-KkYAK0HwaRhhnNR1srZg/w616-h640/Windburner1.jpg" width="616" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The MSR Windburner is one type of integrated stove system</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial;"><span>This unit is unique compared to most other canister stoves in that the pot stand is not attached but comes as a separate unit. This does make it more fiddly to use because you have to attach it to the stem of the stove itself. This can be overcome as the pot support can be permanently attached to the stove and will still fit inside the provided storage bag. </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></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/AVvXsEidRYwtH_Q-ggDsSlPkg96Nlxm1yHwajLlohtYDokGgZ0Hp69RruhYZKILrYVx2jC5GBswiu6Wj6R72YPWM12iKigU4jKT6pxGPtyOOlGaTDN2xgT2LGC7HY9uTd14B5KtHGkhSUmd1zsa7OJrvBu6DHIOTwX_4T_Xx5vC_YywFnhGi4-BOgXQjZulBUQ/s1200/soto_4flex-for-windmaster-od-1rx4_003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRYwtH_Q-ggDsSlPkg96Nlxm1yHwajLlohtYDokGgZ0Hp69RruhYZKILrYVx2jC5GBswiu6Wj6R72YPWM12iKigU4jKT6pxGPtyOOlGaTDN2xgT2LGC7HY9uTd14B5KtHGkhSUmd1zsa7OJrvBu6DHIOTwX_4T_Xx5vC_YywFnhGi4-BOgXQjZulBUQ/w640-h640/soto_4flex-for-windmaster-od-1rx4_003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pot stand comes separate from the stove itself</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; text-align: left;"> It’s a reasonably wide pot support, larger than most, so will cope with larger pots and saucepans provided you have a canister stabiliser attached. One of the big benefits of canister stoves in general is that they simmer food really well so if you are going to be cooking rather just boiling water then they are a great option.</span></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/AVvXsEiIennoSafjx9XQt94XPrFdxPLhPKVlNfm1tOxXuShCvOPTt8Ke4Rr-WCbWg9l84AXNlAjmU_xcAEv4ATNyCFnv-gQlhtc1gxjtFF3YGy--z-w8fiwOPDpCSguowHMTUDSyfYo-ChhQUmfro4bs9RsGZ00ttPKZqANzQRaqlDxtmamoyuulk44RR3112Q/s1200/soto_4flex-for-windmaster1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIennoSafjx9XQt94XPrFdxPLhPKVlNfm1tOxXuShCvOPTt8Ke4Rr-WCbWg9l84AXNlAjmU_xcAEv4ATNyCFnv-gQlhtc1gxjtFF3YGy--z-w8fiwOPDpCSguowHMTUDSyfYo-ChhQUmfro4bs9RsGZ00ttPKZqANzQRaqlDxtmamoyuulk44RR3112Q/w640-h640/soto_4flex-for-windmaster1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wide stand arms will accommodate larger pots/pans</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A feature I like is the ignitor...it makes the stove much easier to light. Even my $300 dollar MSR Windburner does not have an ignitor on it so I appreciate its inclusion. I would still carry a lighter or matches as ignitors can wear out after heavy use. A stove is useless if you cannot light it so an alternate means of ignition is a good idea. </span></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/AVvXsEi68tsZEf3f3ffTMlAuNndrvPDjGNDYjB4IOLcJydmike3hovBpUzqMEh4jY1CS3AJqwqEBj_BiMDs1UnIKi3p17Ev2HmrjfyUEIaHrKUfmEwCe0ybFn6pAn9xfeWDnXOU5lB3hIIGtgReFgB7_M2gERMT3FhReWYp1V71lNnqgBZOJRIM6rTOmyCuBvA/s500/Soto.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68tsZEf3f3ffTMlAuNndrvPDjGNDYjB4IOLcJydmike3hovBpUzqMEh4jY1CS3AJqwqEBj_BiMDs1UnIKi3p17Ev2HmrjfyUEIaHrKUfmEwCe0ybFn6pAn9xfeWDnXOU5lB3hIIGtgReFgB7_M2gERMT3FhReWYp1V71lNnqgBZOJRIM6rTOmyCuBvA/w640-h640/Soto.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soto Windmaster in use</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; text-align: left;">Overall the Soto Windmaster is a great stove with plenty of wonderful features and while on the upper end of the price range, it is well worth considering if you after a canister stove.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2f2e; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Windmaster in Use:</span></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The windmaster will be coming on my tramp around the St James Walkway next week so look back for some photos of the stove in use...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEj0cknlFOX-aWhKEkrpIS3Jh9cjT7xKyxPRITzdu5lrTuU2tU5VFTK0eQtrUy7vakyA7qIxroltmu712CkX-QqCHQjGLT9I3_2kdABB-Bkvlt-Tv-Yzb53B_U6rz8lInVBgTRC_yxCB9kJx5DrHI7YWmdGio-dQJuADPbBIZo-CjMW4xnAXdDB5DvwX6A/s6000/IMG_0805.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cknlFOX-aWhKEkrpIS3Jh9cjT7xKyxPRITzdu5lrTuU2tU5VFTK0eQtrUy7vakyA7qIxroltmu712CkX-QqCHQjGLT9I3_2kdABB-Bkvlt-Tv-Yzb53B_U6rz8lInVBgTRC_yxCB9kJx5DrHI7YWmdGio-dQJuADPbBIZo-CjMW4xnAXdDB5DvwX6A/w640-h426/IMG_0805.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heating water for breakfast at Ada Pass 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/AVvXsEhDnG5EyIG7SBRT1UgCEsX4-0TcLMfY8CyRVefiUePkB-DOYlcleISiqbYTk-27_YyZ3y-gMeJoXDye_bzuNN88ZFpCRgWDBw7f1vp3GumKLiLPC_g9qDERLHVogAqtmXJ-e74OUsobdNhJyzDDlXAt3rlGwUViHe7CS8f3_6pGToOfohKB-Mo6b3apGg/s6000/IMG_0942.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnG5EyIG7SBRT1UgCEsX4-0TcLMfY8CyRVefiUePkB-DOYlcleISiqbYTk-27_YyZ3y-gMeJoXDye_bzuNN88ZFpCRgWDBw7f1vp3GumKLiLPC_g9qDERLHVogAqtmXJ-e74OUsobdNhJyzDDlXAt3rlGwUViHe7CS8f3_6pGToOfohKB-Mo6b3apGg/w640-h426/IMG_0942.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking bench at Anne Hut on the St James Walkway</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Man...this stove is a cracker. It worked really well on my recent St James Walkway trip and I think it might become my go to stove for most of my tramping trips. It is fast, efficient and easy to use all things you really want in a camping stove. Time will tell how it performs over the long term but I really like it. </span></p>Jon Moakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14620417636121034748noreply@blogger.com0