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Tramping the Emerald Valleys of Nelson Lakes NP, New Zealand — Part 4
First light produced a gloomy drizzle.
The other trampers decided to stay in the hut, hoping it would clear by lunch time before venturing out, but I had an eight hour tramp to Sabine hut at Lake Rotoroa and was keen to get going. The numerous side streams I would have to cross would be up a bit, but I didn’t realise, after only a few hours of light rain, by just how much.
The first hour or so was fairly steep and care was needed to prevent slipping. I managed to boulder hop the first few streams and kept my boots dry, then they got a lot deeper, wider and faster.
Several of the previously gently bubbling streams had become mini torrents. Fortunately, not deep or fast enough to prevent crossing but a couple did give me some concern. They were thigh-deep in places and I made sure to plant my feet securely and use my walking poles for balance as the water tugged insistently at my legs.
I arrived safely at the mid-way point of West Sabine hut around 11am as the rain eased to a drizzle. I called in to leave a note in the hut book letting the others, who would follow later, know that I had got that far safely. A party was in progress as I walked in the door — a Welsh girl was celebrating her 19th birthday with chocolate cake, candles, balloons and red…
