It was quite cold last night. I'll dig out a few more blankets for tonight. It was difficult to gather enthusiasm for that trek to the ablution blocks, but once I was dressed in warm clothes, life looked good - we were heading for another beautiful, sunny day.
I had my first encounter with a washing machine after breakfast; we put up a line behind the tent. No technical difficulties to report.
Doug had a trip planned for today, up the Ahuriri Valley. The first part was two-wheel-drive, and further on, four-wheel-drive on a track maintained by DOC. The track followed the Ahuriri River north, deep into ruggedly beautiful country between Lake Ohau to the east and Lake Hawera to the west. The source of the Ahuriri River is the 2499m Mt Huxley that rears up at the head of the valley just as you get past Shamrock Hut.
We enjoyed the lovely scenery as we travelled over numerous shingle fords. The track was pretty good. There was one hairy moment (for me anyway) when we got behind a grader and he didn't show any inclination to pull over.We eventually found a verge wide enough to go around him.
We stopped at Shamrock Hut briefy and chatted to a young man who had spent the night there. He said that the mice were so bad that he hadn't been able to sleep!
The Ahiriri River wound its way through the valley near the road. so on our return jouney we stopped so Doug could have another go at finding his fish.
The clouds began to move in and the wind got up. Time to head home. On the way we met the tramper we had spoken to earlier and gave him a ride to his car.
On our return to our tent we were met with happy neighbours. They caught two salmon today! We questioned them closely. Tomorrow is going to be the day!!
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