Day 15 - Tarn hut to Top Wairora hut

Another day on the trail. Sure enough, foxy and Tina left before Justine and I even woke up, but by the time we made it to our halfway point at Mid Wairora hut we had caught up to them.

Mid Wairora was a small hut known for being a popular spot for hikers to get caught in during heavy rain storms. From Mid Wairora to Top Wairora there are around 9 or so pretty significant river crossings and if the levels are high, you are stuck. DOC office in Nelson told me they had 17 hikers caught in the hut for around 4 or 5 days this season. It's a 6 bunk hut so that would be very cozy!

We stopped at Mid Wairora for lunch, and when I saw the water - with its perfect emerald pools - I knew I was going for a swim. The sandflies were awful so I couldn't waste much time jumping in the water. The Wairora River was icy cold to the bone, and before I could even think I was screaming at the top of my lungs from the shock! It was a short but revitalizing swim that gave me the energy I needed for the next section.

From Mid Wairora hut to Top Wairora hut it was not easy. It was a steady climb that felt like it would never end. I was exhausted for the whole section. Justin wasn't helping either, talking about greasy burgers, fish and chips and pizza. My hiker stomach was growing and getting more needy each day. The river crossings were pretty standard, but there were a few really scetchy sections across rock walls with far drop-offs. One river crossing had a waterfall that - if not careful - could easily put you over the other end.

When we reached Top Wairora hut the landscape drastically changed. From deep green mossy forests to red rock valleys that resembled Arizona or Mexico. Even the vegetation was completely different.

Top Wairora hut was filled with bees and wasps when we arrived since the windows were left open to give air flow. We did out best to evacuate them all, but I was too tired to be bothered.

By the time I cooked dinner the hut was full! The group behind me had all caught up in fear of getting caught by the upcoming cyclone. The new group meant new people, with stories from all walks of life.