Crossing the Otehake River

We've had plenty of river crossings today, some close to waist deep for the shorter people. Just as well it was hot.

River crossings need respect, common sense and knowledge. Many we could happily cross on our own, others we needed to link up for. One person did get swept away. We watched helplessly from 200m away unable to do anything as she bobbed up and under again. Fortunately 20 years of working for DOC (Department of Conservation) meant she had plenty of skill to emerge safely.

There are 10 of us on this trip. Other than sharpening up river crossing skills it's been a straight forward 6 hours from drop off point to the hut.

There is a lot of history on this trip. While Maori knew about Arthur's Pass they used Harper Pass as their route from the West Coast through to Kaiapoi.

Tonight's hut at Locke Stream is a work of art. It was built in 1940 after a couple of blokes spent 2 months in winter, sunless and in an open sided tent clearing a site and cutting logs. The hut has been restored and much of it is the original hand hewn native cedar and rimu wood. The floor boards are smooth and carefully shaped by adze.

Plenty of laughs, good food, spectacular views of the Main Divide beside us and few pesky sand flies. What more could I want.