The trip to the Caples Upper Hut was definitely a new experience for these two new Bushcrafters. Putting up a tent at 1 am under torch fight and getting up at 6.30 am so we could be ready for an 8 am start and finding the tent HAD been on rather a slope and there WERE rocks underneath!!
We had the experience of Chris as our leader and enjoyed the 6 hours up to the hut (couldn't even con him into having lunch on the way!), then a wonderful restful afternoon, which included some very cold river water. The evening meal was fun with us novices learning the ways the trampers look at each other's food and compare, and also look at each other's gadgets to see what else needs to be bought. There was a definite winner in the food competition ? Bess' group won hands down.
Luckily our group leader wanted some extra walking so he was up early on Sunday and we had a leisurely walk down the track. Had a wonderful lunch break at the side of the river, where we had watched these women cross the river using a method we hadn't been taught on our Bushcraft course.
Later this man came towards us "up" the track taking a leisurely Sunday afternoon stroll, to try and find yet another pack to carry, and informs us them is a steep uphill still to come. What a delight ? just when I was sure the rest was downhill! We were able to hand this information on to other happy trampers, who looked very pleased to receive it. But on we trudged and managed to puff our way up the hill with our "tour" leader in front, then behind, and then running to get back to the van by 3 pm as he instructed us all. We were so looking forward to the water for a wash and flushing toilets for whatever necessary ? so the disappointment was enormous (as well as smelly!). Some brave souls went off for a dip in the river, others of us couldn't be bothered walking all that way.
We managed to leave the carpark by 4 pm and had a beautiful trip back with amazing views of lakes and mountains. The van trips are stories of their own and I am sure the official scribe will let you know about them. But thanks to the two drivers in our van, Ron and Su, who drove us very safely there and back.
Thanks also to OTMC for an enjoyable weekend. You are all very caring of each other and have taught us both heaps over this Bushcraft experience. Maybe we will see you again in some hut you have taken over or on some track as we pan each other by.
Leslie and Su.
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