A short walk over a tall mountain,
After what was a windy night, followed by lots of rain up until noon, I broke up camp at 1pm. Only had a welcome 9km to cover today, but over one big mountain. Climbing almost 500 vertical meters with the campsite down there in the distance.
I wish it could have been in fine weather, I suppose the view will be great from here on a clear day. I made the most of it when the clouds lifted for brief periods.
The top of the mountain is close to 1000masl, with the vegetation changing rapidly.
Once over the top, back into forest with lots of swollen streams to cross. Amazing how some species of plants only flourish in one spot like these below.
All in all it was a good day and I took up the last bunk in a toasty warm Lower Wairaki Hut. Three other gents were still there from the day before, unable to cross the flooded Wairaki river, making fire all day.
__________
45.7795 – 167.9406
15 February 2024
FP-35