tramping new zealand

I wasn’t sure where I’d end up when I left the hut, only that I should be away early. I had no idea how long it would take to get to the Mt Bee Bunkrooms.

It didn’t help my departure that my two head torches had finally run out of puff after a few minutes, just after I had breakfast sorted, and I had to use the setting Full Moon light, pouring through a small window, and the light of my gas burner to pack up as breakfast was made and eaten.

This had to be the earliest I’d been away, 7 30 am, with just light enough to walk okay in the forest.

It also happened to be the best day weather-wise since I went to Islands Hut.

The first hour was retracing my footsteps back up to the saddle from the day before. Some climbing was involved, plus a long stretch of windfall to get around.

After the saddle, there was more climbing up to the tree line, but that seemed to be over quickly. From the river to the tree line was about 300 m overall.

Then the undulations along the ridge became a thing. The track was well poled and reasonably easy to follow, but after an hour or so, it became a four-wheel-drive track that allowed progressively easier travel.

The view of the places I’d been was extraordinary. I could make out where Branch Hut and the ridges I’d climbed and descended were. The tiny saddle east of Point 1651 was clearly on show, plus all the views to the east.

No surprise, with the lack of obstructions, there was good Internet coverage, which stopped progress as I caught up with my friends and the world.

I had a late lunch in a deserted Mt Bee bunk room, but that was over just after 1 pm. A very quiet Easter Monday.

No real point in sticking around for the sake of it, and I worked out I could probably get to Albert Town easily enough in the remaining light. That would be just another day to get home.

After walking for days, I ended up without that rest day. I started down the slope at some pace, but by the time the cows and my car were in sight, the old quads were not so happy, and I was down to a shuffle.

Eight days in the hills, more or less as planned, although I still hadn’t seen anyone for a week.

Some fresh food, a shower, and clean clothes would be appreciated.

So, 30 days after leaving Nelson, it was time to head for home once again.