Sunrise Hut, and not much Beyond

Sunrise Hut, Ruahine FP, Wednesday July 16. Map: BK36

The weather forecast was for gale-force southerlies and snow down to 700 metres. So it was with a sense of excitement and trepidation that we set off from Napier for the Triplex car park. What a waste of emotional energy. The wind never came; the snow did – but only soft, fluffy stuff that did not settle. All my imagined dramatic photos evaporated and the trip reverted to just a tramp up to Sunrise Hut in very good winter conditions.

Boots were unnecessary. Slippers probably would have been enough. Ten of us set off up the hill, well-dressed for the cold, but not in rain gear. The track was in perfect condition with DoC men still primping it on the day. There was one small tree trunk across the track, so we could only give them nine out of ten.

We soon split into self-appointed, speed-based groups. Some ventured a little past the hut but only briefly so there was very little “Beyond“ involved. An early lunch was partaken and as it was cold in the hut, an early start was made back down the track.

The forest was alive with bird call, which is not always the case. Maybe it was the abundant ripe orange coprosma berries.We even had some very close encounters with wood pigeon, tuis and two robins on the track.
The weather eventually broke, with solid rain in the afternoon – but not until we were through the last gate on our way home. We’d had our tramp in the right part of the day.

Trampers: Dorothy Sole, Robyn Smyth, Paul Exeter, Vic Bullock, Tony Pluymers, John Marshall, Murray White, Peter Slagter, John Burrell and reporter Ken Ross