Herepai hut trip report 11 August
South of Mt Bruce it was a sunny day, to the north it was overcast with occasional drizzle, and even less frequent spells of sun.
Four of us met at the Putara carpark intent on starting our S-K journey, if only as far as Herepai hut. We soon lost Phil when his dog refused to cross the swing bridge. The three of us continued along the Mangatainoka river which is, in one section, is getting close to eroding the track.
After a brief stop at the second swing bridge, we had a steady climb up to the junction to Roaring Stag where we turned right towards Herepai, the track here lived up to its muddy reputation. The hut was clean and tidy, still looking good after the renovation job in 2022.
Following lunch, it was time to return home, with a brief stop at the Bottles Track junction to explain the history to Mike and David (this was all “red line” for them). Our return journey was a little quicker, being largely downhill. As we drove out the westerly was blowing more drizzle over the valley, it was time to head south and catch the last of the sunshine in Masterton.
Those on the trip: Mike, David, Nigel, and Phil (briefly, hopefully the golf was more
successful)
