Trip report by Judy McCarvill
Trip dated: Friday 21 - Tuesday 25 April 2000
The
party consisting of Liz Sampson, Mike Sampson, Bob Keston, Liz
Eden and Judy McCarvill were met on time by our shuttle to take us to
Kaitoki and the start of our journey.
Day 1 was a steady climb through bush with good views back to Wellington and
the valleys. Our camp was a small almost clearing in the bush but WHAT'S THIS,
no water except for puddles. The last running water was 10 hours back!! Bob
reckons he has never drunk water out of puddles before but we assured him there
was always a first time!! We strained the water through a nice white hanky (colour
now light brown) and then boiled it and everyone is still well!
Day 2 was through bush and then out into the open and we passed such points
as Hell's Gate, Bull Mound, Omega. A good track for our
journey and finally to Alpha hut for the night.
Day 3 the big test as we crossed over the Tops. After a fine sunny start with
good views of the Wairarapa the weather closed in and the wind got up. Pack
covers blown off down the gully and were retrieved and footing was lost by 2
of the party. Various peaks were climbed but the
Beehives 3 of them were something that still gets us going! and the problem
was that you got to the top of one only to find you were about to lose almost
the same altitude as the track
continued on. And they just appeared out of the mist! A feature of tracks in
the Tararuas is that the track goes over the top of the hill very seldom sidling.
We climbed up and down, up and down as we finally made the top of Mt Hector
with one more peak Field and then Kime Hut our resting place for the night.
Day 4 was a steady journey passed historic Field Hut for lunch and then out
to Otaki Forks where the bus was parked.
A good and interesting journey and Judy's thanks to the party for taking
her along.
Judy McCarvill