Middy Hut - Organiser: Grahame Harris
We left the Maitai Dam around 8.30 on Saturday in overcast weather, but the day proceeded with occasional patches of sun and no rain. We plugged up the stony track to the Dun Saddle with Arthur and Ilona leading and waiting occasionally for Grahame to catch up. It was windy on the Saddle, so after a brief stop for refreshments and identification of mountains we carried on to Rocks Hut for lunch. Then it was down the pleasant track on the Pelorus side. There was a fair bit of birdsong, with two bellbirds inspecting us at close range, and a few fantails following us from time to time. At one stage we thought we heard and saw kakariki. At 2.30 we reached the hut, which has had the old fireplace replaced with a woodburner stove, and a new modern toilet replacing the old one with the fallen-through floor. We did not have to use it - the stove, that is. Grahame took a swim in the nice fresh swimming hole, while the others cleaned up by slower methods. A weka was heard near the hut.
Next morning we left the hut shortly after 8 in a very light drizzle that dried off about halfway up the hill. At the Rocks Hut we revised plans. Ilona and Arthur who were tramping strongly went on over Dun Mountain to Dew Lakes through cloud that cleared when they were part way down, and arrived back at the car at 3.30. Meanwhile Grahame had taken the direct route down from the Saddle. A good trip.
Participants: Arthur Jonas, visitor Ilona Keenan, Grahame Harris.