Mosquitoes, rivercrossings, wet weather no accommodation - these were
a few of the obstacles that lay ahead of us on the Milford Track.
Thursday morning dawned fine and clear as we boarded the bus to
Milford Sound and the start of our Fiordland adventure. A short boat
ride to Sandfly Point and the end for most people but beginning for
us. (Milford in reverse). First day highlights included discovering a
date of construction carved by a prisoner in the rock face during the
track's construction, Bell Rock - clamber under and stand up inside a
large rock, the McKay Falls and the meeting of an interesting party
from Auckland with accommodation on their mind.
We reached our first night's accommodation, Dumpling Hut, very well
appointed including lighting in the kitchen. After tea it was down the
track to visit the glow worms. So lying in my bed mat night after a
very appetising meal I counted my good fortune. Few mosquitoes, bridge
crossings, no rain, and a comfortable bed for the night.
Day two, and again a beautiful day. It wasn't long before we reached
the Sutherland Falls. It was most entertaining watching fellow club
members venturing behind the falls our only disappointment being the
person in the red underpants who failed to complete the task.
Climbing up towards Mackinnon Pass a steady flow of traffic passed us
from
the opposite direction dressed in a myriad of clothing. This high tech
equipment included boat shoes, jeans, cotton tee shirts, sandals etc.
"If only I had packed some application forms for the next Bushcraft
course"
Lunch was taken following a near death situation when one of my party
was knocked over by a gust of wind (or was it physical fatigue} in the
sunshine within sight of the pass and surrounded by beautiful mountain
scenery.
Once on top of the pass we enjoyed the near perfect conditions
exploring both the shelter and inspecting the Mackinnon Memorial. The
zig zag descent down to Mintaro Hut was enjoyable after the steady
morning climb however the accommodation provided an unwelcome
surprise. It was as if Gold had been discovered in the area - "every
man and his dog was there, so to speak". The brave OTMC members spent
the night on the deck and in and around other out buildings while the
three in our party found a small corner upstairs.
Needless to say the Auckland party commandeered a section of the
downstairs area for their overnight accommodation. No bunks for them
that night.
After an unsettled night for me it was day three and on to Clinton
Hut. Off to a frosty start the track following a stream for most of
the way. From the track fish could be easily observed lazily swimming
in the sunshine. Two hopeful club anglers try their luck,
unfortunately it was one nil to the fish. Clinton Hut was reached
around 2.30pm for my party, earlier for other club members. This gave
everyone a chance to relax and enjoy the sunshine and explore the
surrounding area. A meeting was held regarding transport arrangements
for Dore Pass. Clinton Hut was my pick - architecturally designed,
excellent layout/ surroundings/ facilities including a flush toilet.
Most folk retired early for those who chose the Dore Pass option had
an early start - however several musical snores ensured that sleep
didn't come easily.
Day Four and it was a short walk to Glade Wharf and our transport back
to Te Anau and the completion of the trip.
Once again thanks to Antony Pettinger for the preparation in planning
this adventure.
Graeme Donaldson for Cathy Mckersey and Tim Jowett
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