Bushcamp to Starveall Hut
23 miles
Mile 1147.2
I woke to a cloudy morning that turned into a steady drizzle as I heading off into the forest.
By the time I reached Captains Hut, the skies were beginning to clear.
From the hut I followed the Pelorus River, crossing a series of suspension bridges before arriving at Middy Creek Hut.
Pushing on, I endured a short but steep ascent to Rock Hut.
The trek to the next hut was the most scenic of the day. The forest thinned out, offering vistas as I bobbed above tree line.
When I reached Browning Hut I’d considered spending the night there, but figured I have time to reach the next hut before full dark, so pushed on.
I regretted this decision when I arrived at Starveall Hut to find all six of it’s bunks taken. Bummed, I pitched my tent on the grass next to it and threw on all of my layers. I was at around 4000 ft. and the wind had picked up, so it was actually quite cold.
For dinner I had something new, and was delightfully surprised! There were actual chunks of ginger in this tuna packet, it was terrific. So much better than the flavored mush back in the states. Well fine New Zealand, well done!
Cheers!