August 1 - 2, 2026 overnight trip to Mitre Flats Hut
Well the forecast was for minimal drizzle on the Saturday, so 10 brave MTC members headed to the Pines road end for the start of our overnighter. We hadn't even left the cars and allocated all the kindling, when it was slightly too much drizzle to not have raincoats on. Those with colourful pack covers also produced these and we were off across the farmland track with views of a misty valley ahead.
We tramped at a good pace through the scrub and bush, keeping warm by brisk walking, stopping briefly for muesli bars and to discuss different types of gloves. The further north we headed, the weather slowly got less drizzly and drippy and we could sneak views of snow covered bush slopes on the opposite side of the river. The patches of blue sky increased and it had even stopped drizzling by the time we reached the hut for a late lunch.
Following hot drinks, food and changes into drier clothes we spent a good amount of time searching for firewood to replenish the low stocks in the shed. Some members sawed logs while others searched through the bush and fallen trees for pieces to dry out.
An afternoon of word games and quizzes filled in the rest of the afternoon before it was time to discuss what everyone was having for dinner. A few more quizzes, a particularly tricky cryptic crossword and a shared dessert was enjoyed with the hut feeling warm enough to remove layers.
Sunday - The three Army guys in the hut left at 530am so we had the hut to ourself for breakfast and pack-up. All the benches, tables were cleaned, floor swept, rat bait stations topped up, toilet cleaned and firewood brought in to dry. There was a great frost on the grass so we wrapped up warm for the walk out. Blue sky and sunshine kept us company and the temperature felt more pleasant, especially once we got back to the farmland .
A great overnight trip in winter, those on the trip: David B, Gail, Jacqueline, Josh, Katrina, Liz, Michelle, Monty, Nigel and Sandra.
