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More open meadows and more bush.
and more stony streams
and there are times when it's not easy to tell which is track and which is stream
We climb again and as we emerge onto another avalanche field we notice that the mists seem to be clearing and the cloud cover lifting.
Just up ahead
the Billy Goat Gruff Bridge
No trolls today
There's something about the moving water that invites us to stay for a while and listen to it.
However, just along the way, through a small patch of bush and a small meadow, is the Ada Hut.
We take the opportunity to wash our gear and chill out.
Mike is looking thoughtfully upwards. He and Carol head out for a compass walk to the falls we can see above the bushline.
We take the relaxing option. Later we scout around for driftwood to replace the wood we intend to use in the fireplace later on. It's worth slowing down to take in some of the detail around, like the lichen patterns on this tree:
It's starting to get on a bit in the afternoon, and the clouds are beginning to settle around the tops. We are a touch anxious about Mike and Carol, but they are not yet due back, so we decide to wait a little.
Sure enough, they arrive back shortly. They made their way up the Maruia stream bed,
wander round up top for a bit
then came down on a compass course through the beech forest.
We get the fire going, put the dinner on to soak and bring in the washing that hasn't completely dried outside.
We are joined by Frank and Ray from Auckland, and Manfred from Germany.
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