Howletts Hut, Ruahine Forest Park, Saturday/Sunday 27/28 July 2013
Map: BL36
At our last club meeting, the guest speaker commented on trampers who were only interested in the times they had achieved in getting from A to B with no time spent looking around. I think that a lot of club members were thinking of me.
Start time from car park 8:40am
Daphne Hut arrival time 11:20am
Time taken 2:40min
Howletts track start 12:00pm
Howletts Hut 2:10pm
Time taken 2:10min
Total time taken 4hr 50min
Return times
Start: 8:12am Finish at the Daphne car park: 12:30pm
Total time taken 4hr 18min
Well, the above times prove the point. But… did I take time out to look around? Gosh yes, I took lots of photos (54 in all), and just keeping up a steady walking pace.
The trip was on my own, and I relished the challenge that I had set myself. I wanted to see the views from Howletts in snowy conditions. I got the views and the snow and it was wonderful. My legs did feel a bit sore for two days, though.
The Tukituki was benign, and not too cold. The river section is only 20 mins and never above my knees. Daphne Hut was looking good, but inside a cupboard, vermin have been having a go at food left. I resolved that we would have a club trip here to sort this out. A good burn-up would solve a lot of this mess, and then there are bottles to be carried out.
The climb up to Howletts Hut is one my brain tackles in three chunks. The first 30 minutes are steep, the next 60 minutes are gradual, and the last 30 are above the bushline. There was snow above the bushline which slowed my pace as I navigated through it.
On arrival at Howletts, snow was on the deck almost to the door. Yeah, time to settle in and take some photos and enjoy the views of ranges in snow.
At 5.00pm, I lit the fire and had it going nicely when three other trampers arrived – young men from the Hawke’s Bay. I think they appreciated the fire; they claimed to be frozen from the river section, as they had also come from the Daphne Hut track.
Sunday’s weather also provided a glorious sunrise, and more photos before I left. Arriving back at the car, I felt a great deal of satisfaction at my solo tramp. All the hopes had been fulfilled.
Tramper and reporter: Julia Mackie
See more photos on our Facebook page.
John GRAY says
From Bangkok,Thailand: it’s great to read of the continuing exploits of NTC groups.
Familiar territory to me and the reports bring back fond memories!
Keep up the good work!
Cheers
John Gray [“Street Walker”]
admin says
Hi John, Our next trip report will be of our trip in the Northern Ruahines. We had a ballot permit through Big Hill Station. Good to see that you are keeping up with our walks.