Downie Hut. Organiser: Grahame Harris
After we failed to meet a prospective new tramper due to a communication failure, twelve people eventually set forth in three vehicles to the car park in the colossal dairying empire at the foot of the Tutaki valley. Pollution appeared to have been diminished a little since our last visit there. On a day when temperatures reached 27 o in Nelson, we plodded up the valley - first across the farm, then through trees, then across open grassy areas with occasional stretches of forest - in bright sunshine and temperatures that must have exceeded Nelson's. Frequent views of the Matakitaki River, surrounding hills, and Faerie Queen way at the head of the valley gave a scenic excursion. The track is an old farm road for the most part, although disused and rather muddy in places, fairly flat, and provided easy access to the Hut by mid-afternoon. One person chose to sleep in the hut, which has been partially renovated some time since 1990, while the rest camped near it in the long grass, or under the trees. The early arrival and long fine evening allowed plenty of time for social chat. The next day was the same in reverse, and an early start got us most of the way out before the heat of another fine day really hit. We then returned home via the scenic Braemar Road leading back to Rotoroa. The trip seemed to be enjoyed by all, despite a couple of problems with blisters.
Party: Grahame Harris, Bob Janssen, Ross Price, Uta Purcell, Silja Bar, Christine Hoy, Dion Pont, Barry Pont, Noel File, Roger Bruce, Norm Lovelock, Lindsay Twiname.