Cairns

Today we've steadily climbed through beech forest. As much as I like beech forest it's the sub alpine, alpine and tops I really love.

I've studied weather maps and forecasts for the past week. Today the possible drizzle and showers never eventuate. It's pleasantly warm, and after 5 hours with a heavy pack (you get that with a week worth of food and a tent), we're glad to cross the swing bridge to the West Sabine Hut.

It's a busy hut, approximately 2/3s full with a mix of nations present. I'm pleased to see everyone has a hut pass or tickets. We disappear upstream in ones and twos, to find a private spot beside the river for a wash.

Unfortunately the sandflies find us. It's worth it for the sense of well being a wash brings. Back at the hut I calculate by the time we leave in the morning, my pack will be approximately 1kg lighter than when caught the water taxi across the lake.

I wonder if I'll notice? Probably not ;-)