Barker Sunrise

What a night ... small 10 bunk hut, perched on the most exposed ridge you could imagine, and what sounded like gale-force winds. The hut shook and shuddered, and if that didn't keep you awake, the thought of having to head back down in high wind, and maybe rain and rising rivers finished you off. What we do for fun!

Actually, it was fun, really really superb to be in places like this. Out the window from my bunk I could see the most awesome glacier. That doesn't happen every day!

On rising however at 7.30 it was apparent the weather wasn't' that bad. Windy yes, but probably no worse than yesterday, and no rain, yahoo!

So a quick breakfast and pack and we were off, on the track at 8.20, and down we went, destination, home!

First river crossing, the white river, and to be honest I found it a tad challenging. Fast flowing, steeping waterfalls and very slippery rocks. So rather than risk slipping down a chute, I choose a deeper (and colder) crossing. Bracing, as it's snow melt.

And then down the valley, 9km of scree slopes, big boulders and massive views all around you. Pretty inspiring.

Made it to Carrington Hutt in 3 hours, a quick break and then back into the river. Note there is no trail, just a route up the river, you have to figure the best way for yourself. Crossed the river back and forth a couple of times, taking the most direct route and made it to the Anti-Crow hut after a couple of hours. Stopped for lunch, tried to evade the sand-flies and then set off again, for the car and home.

A tad over an hour we made it to the car 7 hours after departing barker, rather tired I'd have to say; blistered feet and very tired legs form hours of boulder hopping.

Finally, home, and an early night. Overall, a really great tramp; I just love being in high alpine environments, and despite the wind it was fantastic staying up there. But this is a long walk, 25km one way, in pretty tough terrain; boulder, scree slops, river crossings. You wouldn't do this walk if there rivers were in any way up, it's a great late summer walk.

Would I do it again? Well, I'd love to go back to Barker in great weather, but I'll have to wait awhile until the pain of walking up the Waimak subsides ... ;-)