Daphne Hut, Saturday November 5 2011. Map: BL36 Norsewood
The weather forecast did not mention high winds and snowy sleet, but that is what we had to contend with on this tramp. It was evident on travelling up Kashmir Road that the planned trip up to Pohangina Saddle and then dropping down into the South Branch of the Tukituki was not going to happen. The van door could hardly stay open in the high winds. So Plan B, up to Daphne Hut track, was the next best option.
There were 15 out, and 13 set off over the Moorcock Stream, through the bush reserve and up the ridge on the old, now-defunct track over farmland. Please note that permission is strictly required to use this track. The main track continues the descent to the junction of the South Branch, with the Tukituki. There, five of us decided to go and visit Daphne Hut. The route is about 20 minutes up-river on the true left. The track sign to Howletts Hut can be seen just across from a small tributary stream before reaching the hut.
We lunched inside, and watched a rain squall pass through, glad that we were under cover. The others who had also dropped down to the Tukituki had not wanted to get their feet wet, and probably had a quick lunch before returning back up the main track.
Some returned via the old track, and Ted and Sue T continued up the main track. Paul and Colleen had elected to head up the main track, and not drop down to the river. They had their lunch on the run, as the weather near the tops was miserable.
For the five of us, the walk downstream seemed much shorter than the walk up. The rain had also stopped. We made short work of the climb back, without stopping, as we needed to make up time.
We reached the van and were all soon on our way back home with a coffee at the Chook and Filly, after several weather seasons in one day. Jackets on and off, all day…
Trampers: Colleen Perreau, Les O’Shea, Sue Titter, Rosemary Jeffery, Ted Angove, Matt Greene, Marc Marchal, John Marshall, John Dobbs, Sue Martin, Colin McNatty, Paul Exeter, Murray Goss, Ray Slavin and Julia Mackie
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