tramping new zealand

Yesterday was an unexpected adventure with a lot of thrashing around in the shrubbery, but today, going over Point 1651, a 750 m climb and descent, was entirely forewarned.

I basically climbed straight up, then straight down. Not much dilly-dallying about.

My issue was last night’s cramp, not unexpected from a long day’s effort with little water and ending up quite cold.

I could have stayed a second night, but with big rain predicted, that might turn into two or three nights. The cramp was treated, but it came and went enough to keep sleep at bay.

Islands Hut is a decent four-bunk S 81 hut that’s been partly renovated with a stainless steel benchtop and recently painted Rescue Orange. It’s very tidy and only gets rare visitors. Only one other party has stayed here this year, and it’s now April, and they were hunters who were flown in.

The climb up to the ridge below Point 1348 was just a plod through tussock and occasionally sparse grass. The actual ridge climb, although easy enough, was blasted by full-on wind gusts, as strong as I’ve ever been now.

Once to the top of Point 1348 and had scoffed lunch, I had a late start, it was surprisingly calm, ie, just straight wind.

The 350 m to the saddle east of Point 1651 was the easiest section of the day, offering views of the Longwoods, Takitimus, and the Murchison Mountains, along with what I imagined was a glimpse of Lake Te Anau. It was raining to the west, and the clouds were ominous, but they didn’t end up turning into rain.

Good Internet coverage delayed progress as I sat in a location protected from the brunt of the wind, with the weak autumn sunlight providing slight extra warmth.

The short sidle on scree around the north side of Point 1651 was surprisingly easy, then I just had to negotiate the 600 m descent on a distinct ridge. Well, the ridge split into two, and I chose the west option, possibly the wrong decision, which led to some serious bush bashing getting down and along the valley floor trying to find the hut.

Still, the hut was delightful, well appointed other than I couldn’t find any toilet, just the shovel, and best of all, it was vacant. It’s a tiny two-bunk bivvy that was quite okay for me.

Early to bed to catch up on some sleep, and my most comfortable night in the Eyre Mountains so far.