Moody Hope Valley

Today we headed up into the upper Hope Valley.

It can be just as beautiful without the sun

The little bit of sun we started out in soon turned to misty rain interspersed with steady light rain. During the afternoon it turned muggy as the sun made an occasional appearance.

We stopped at St Jacobs hut for morning tea. I last stayed there about 25 years ago. I think the only thing that's changed is a coat of paint on the outside.

My plan was a little different to the others. After continuing on for another 1/2 hour, I returned down stream to fish pools I'd spotted just above the gorge. If you separate in the back country you need to do so wisely.

The others knew where I'd fish and what time I'd be back. I also left my pack beside the track with a large arrow made from branches, pointing to where I'd headed with my fishing gear.

I had a grand old time stalking a couple of brown trout. None were harmed but I did enjoy the hunt and chase. Being there counts just as much and it's good for the fish to win too.

With muggy humid conditions the sand flies were out in force. I think it was Moses who wandered around in a pillar of fire. I did something similar, only mine was a black pillar of sand flies. Repellant only slows them down for a short time.

Back at the hut it was the usual convivial company, laughs, fine dining and in my case a nip of single malt whiskey from the highlands.