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Getting up
real early Friday - Noel, Eileen, Steve, Carl & Claire headed off
to the Ruahine Ranges - Sunrise Hut.
Driving through Hawkes Bay we were surprised how dry it was,
the hills were brown with not a blade of grass anyway -
reminded us of Australia.
We started the 2-3 hour walk up to Sunrise Hut at 2.30 p.m.
Steve (later joined by Carl), being a faster walker, was given the task of
putting the billy and gas-fire on to welcome the slower
members of our small party. It was a superb walk up
the hill, taking time to admire the surrounding bush and
take photos. Just
as we neared the top the full moon rose in all its glory.
WOW! And... what a hut!! It
has doubled in size since we last visited in 2004 and now
also has gas cooking facilities. L.U.X.U.R.Y!!
It had obviously been quite dry as well, as the tarn beside
the hut was dry and cracking.
Saturday morning we awoke to no sunrise and bleak weather..
B.U.G.G.E.R! The intended walk over Armstrong Saddle
to Top Maropea Hut postponed for another day. Steve & Carl
did braved the conditions, however returned to the hut after
hardly being able to keep upright in the howling gale.
Steve did venture out again once the wind subsided a little.
We thought that it would be another peaceful night as the
hunter, who was with us the first night, left for home and
the weather wasn't improving. However it wasn't long before
several bedraggled groups (including four children) hiked up
the hill and we ended with a full hut. Sunday, we got
a very brief beautiful sunrise as the sun rose above the
horizon and then quickly disappeared into the dark clouds
above. Steve & Carl again braved the weather (hardy
souls!) and went over to Top Maropea Hut (2 hr return trip)
to retrieve the gloves Steve had left the day before.
The sun returned again in the afternoon, as we headed back
down the hill. We spent our last night in Triplex Hut
(10 mins. from van) knowing it would be a quick get-away for
our long trip back to Auckland. Carl & Noel soon had a
roaring fire going. Steve & I went back to help a
fellow walker who had sprained his ankle the previous day
and Eileen wondered back to the van to retrieve my knitting
which kept me occupied for the evening. Thanks Eileen :)
A truly wonderful place to spend a weekend... we'll we back!
Scribe: Claire Marshall
Note the tarn in picture is no longer dry!!! and...
that's Eileen & Noel heading down the hill. |
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