Day 114, Comyns Hut to Manuka Hut (2337)
It was a beautiful starry night with the Milky Way clearly visible. The morning was just as good but the temperature had dropped considerably.
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| Comyns Hut in the morning |
The trail went up the Hakatere River and I mean exactly that, numerous crossings to short walks on either side and sometimes in the river itself.
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| The Hakatere river/path |
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| Around the rocks |
The water level was reasonable and I only got the bottom of my shorts wet occasionally. My feet did loose all feeing in the cold water but at least the sun warmed the top of my body.
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| At last away from the river bed |
Higher up the river divided and became smaller and easier to cross. The valley also opened up and the path was able to keep clear of the river as it climbed to the Clent Hills Saddle (1480 meters).
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| Lunch at the saddle |
A lunch stop on top in the sunshine with fantastic views in both directions, what could be better?
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| Big scree slope to cross |
The way down was across some big scree slopes before descending rough grass with spiky bushes and plants that covered the path tearing at my legs and disguising the holes and slippery bits, I only landed on my backside once though.
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| And another one |
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| Across the Valley |
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| On the valley floor |
It was a long descent to reach the Swin River flats then past Seagull and Manuka lakes before a short climb to Manuka Hut, Six beds and six of us: Me, Pete, Dean, Pauline, Etienne and Baz the last three are French.
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| Track on the level valley |
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| Up towards Manuka Hut |
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| Manuka Hut |
Hard work, especially up the river but it was a great days walk.

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