Tuesday 12th February 2019 - to Aspiring Hut

An early start again today as there was lots to fit in. There had been a lot of rain overnight, but it was clearing up as we got up, leaving low cloud and mist over the mountains with glimpses of blue sky behind. Very atmospheric.

We were away from Makarora soon after 8, driving south along the eastern shore of Lake Wanaka. There were a number of stops to take photos of this very beautiful lake with the mountains behind.

From here we followed the eastern shore of the lake then the lower western shore of Lake Hawea to Wanaka itself. (Wanaka town is situated at the southern point of the Lake Wanaka which you eventually reach). In Wanaka the trailer was unhitched and stored and then we set off again following the course of the Matukituki along a road that eventually petered out to become a track and then after about 20km finally ending in a car park. Having taken that journey it was amazing to find a huge car park almost full of cars, campervans and a few mini-buses.

The mini bus was now locked and left overnight in the car park as we were now off on another, and our final, 2 day trek.

By this stage we were following the western branch of the river, and not long after starting we crossed the river via a swing bridge as we were detouring to see the Rob Roy Glacier. As we had our large rucksacks with us and this route was likely to take 3 hours there and back, we stopped for an early lunch and then hid up the rucksacks away from the path so we could walk without the weight.

Once again, the views when we reached the end of the track were amazing. A huge glacier with many, many waterfalls flowing from it, and nowhere near as difficult to reach as Franz Josef!

Not the best photo of the glacier, but hopefully Geoff can find a better one for the photo gallery. However it’s a good shot of Geoff and Frank, who turned out to be the trips intrepid mountaineers, but more of that later in the blog!!

We tracked back, picked up our rucksacks, back over the bridge and turned right to walk up the valley to our destination for the night - Aspiring Hut. It took about 2hours 30 minutes to get there, and although a lovely easy walk, after the exertions of yesterday it was a bit of a trudge.

This photo shows some of our group with a hut in the distance that had been thought to be where we might be heading - Adrienne was making sure the others nearer the back were doing ok so not available to advise otherwise. It became known as the hut of false hope as everyone had to get back up, put on the rucksacks and walk for another 30minutes 🙁 We were all relieved when the actual hut came into view!

So we have mixed rooms and bunk beds tonight. Very basic but clean. There is a large communal room for cooking, washing up and just sitting to be sociable. Other hikers are also staying here. There are gas stoves, a little electricity, cold water only, mixed toilet block, no shower! We don’t really care any more. Everyone is in the same boat. We rinse clothes when we can, but most things do at least 2 days. It’s amazing how quickly you adapt to a very basic lifestyle. The most important things - deodorant, toothbrush and paste, and a hairbrush - in that order!! You do appreciate all the things you take for granted at home, when you are finally in receipt of them again. It’s also amazing how little you actually need. Our suitcases have things in them that we thought may be useful for this 2 weeks, but so far they have stayed there. Some is for cooler weather, and as we still have a week to go, we may need some bits!

The day ended with a game of spoons played with plastic sporks - spoon at one end fork at the other. Frank broke mine in the melee. How will I eat porridge for breakfast?! You do see another side of people in these competitive games, including that of our guide!!!