Motatapu Alpine - Roses hut

12km in 5.5hrs sunny again!

The day started with the "memorable" hill, which wasn't too bad really, maybe they meant the view? The whole 5 and a half hours was on either am uphill or downhill with very little sidling along the tops of ridges. And almost all of it was in the brilliant sunshine.

I had a hare brained scheme as we climbed to the top of the final hill that we could just keep going after the hut and camp somewhere on the Arrow River, given that we were going to be at the hut very early. Unfortunately though as we reached the top a nice man doing the northbound route pointed out that there is another whacking great hill behind the hut and we were really not prepared to do another one in the heat and sun.

As we came down the last hill I spotted a deep bit in a river that we had to cross and suggested that we have lunch by the river. Before I ate I submerged myself completely, fully dressed, only then was I cool enough to contemplate eating.

By the time I got to the hut I was already dry, and it was only an 800m walk. Later on, Karen was wracked with guilt at not having a swim and suggested we head back to the pool from lunch and I obviously jumped at the chance. I spent a lovely 10 or so minutes fully submerged in the cool water.Baca lagi