Thursday 7 Jan On the evening of 7 Jan, 24 trampers were gathered at Annie’s Nirvana Lodge in Moteueka preparing to walk the Heaphy Track 8-12 January.   Friday 8 Jan With steady rain in the morning, our transport on the 8 Jan was delayed for 2 hours, departing 10.30am for Collingwood and Brown’s Hut.  A short walk to the hut enabled us to take shelter and enjoy lunch before beginning the 17.5 km ascent to Perry Saddle Hut at 12.20pm. The winding, well defined track rose gradually for the 5 hour ascent.  Most of us reached the Aorere shelter after 4 hours, well drenched!  A short distance later we reached the highest point on the track, at Flanagan’s corner (915m), followed by a level 1-2km to the new 28 bunk Perry Saddle Hut.  The rain cleared and we could see the view of distant ranges, and viewed the mountain daisies close to the hut.  Gas cookers are provided and a spacious kitchen and dining area we enjoyed.  The division of three cooking groups, (White, Blue and Yellow defined by colour of food bags) provided a challenge – for everyone to find their group and put the food/equipment in the correct place.  Each group cooked and served food separately.  An efficient fire warmed the hut very effectively! Saturday 9 Jan Sunrise was worth a photo for those who were up to see it!  We took time to enjoy the hut and finish drying wet clothes.  David Walker shared a very interesting devotions about the history of the Heaphy Track, and the explorers of the area, concluding with Psalm 121. With a plan for the ‘Yellow group’ to stay at Gouland Downs Hut with a shorter walk on Day 2 (and a longer walk on Day 3), they stayed at Perry Saddle till lunch time.  ‘White and Blue Groups’ set off along the tussock lined path which soon opened up to view the expansive Gouland Downs and the famous ‘Boot Pole’ along the way.  With fine sunny weather, we tramped comfortably down the slope, finally crossing a stream before we ascended to the Gouland Downs Hut for lunch.  A well-formed level track continued with three swing bridge options preferred to crossing the substantially full streams. Just another 1.5 hours and we were at Saxon Hut (16 bunks), with a sunny afternoon and company of foraging wekas to enjoy.  As it was so warm, a number decided to wash their hair under the cold tap! We occupied 15 beds and an unwell tramper was resting in the other one.  Kim introduced a Dice game that provided evening entertainment. Sunday 10 Jan There was a plan to wait at the Saxon Hut and serve tea to the Yellow Group on arrival, but as the day dawned wet, group energy levels were at a high to hit the track and get through to the Mackay Hut. Just a short distance from the hut, the first of the Yellow Group – Jeff caught up to us and others also soon joined White and Blue groups on the track.  There was such a beauty in the damp mist swirling around the shrub lined track, but the views at the open spaces were not to be seen.   A number of us were delighted to see a live Kauri Snail moving across the path and his body visible.  After a moderate 3 hour walk we reached the Mackay Hut- another new hut of 28 Bunks, gas cookers and even flush toilets enclosed at the back of the hut.  Andrew and Kim explored the ‘Mountain Spa’ nearby.  We all were excited to look west and see a glimpse of the coast from the hut window. An evening sunset was duly photographed. Monique and Colin shared devotions about light. Monday 11 Jan We looked forward to a day of descending to the Lewis Hut (for lunch) and onto the Heaphy Hut for the night.  We tramped through taller Beech Forest on an almost smooth track.  The sound of the rushing waters were heard as we approached the junction of the Lewis and Heaphy Rivers.  Arriving at the Lewis Hut, insect repellent was ‘a must’ as the sandflies soon found us.  A weka also found Joy’s lunch!  A pot of water was boiled for tea.  Andre had another cold swim in the river! We appreciated the change of terrain once more, as for more than 2 hours we tramped along the side of the Heaphy River, after crossing the 148.4m suspension bridge (Longest ever built by DOC) over the Heaphy.  Flood warning signs were a reminder that this part of the track can be dangerous, and one point was clearly close to the actual river level as we passed. Arrival at the Heaphy Hut revealed a third close-to-brand new hut! (32bunks and more enclosed toilets as part of the hut). A fantastic view to the river mouth, beyond an estuary covered in driftwood, enticed us to walk closer to the shore.  Hunter and Kim had a close encounter with a surprise wave that almost took Kim’s jandals and dampened them above their knees.  No wonder our Ranger that evening said ‘no swimming’ as we walk along the beach coast on the final day. Tuesday 12 Jan Because the Ranger had warned us about the tidal beach at Crayfish point and advised that we should wait if it was high tide, when we reached it. We decided to delay departure, and Christine shared a meaningful devotion based on the saying on a card, Bounce back. We enjoyed the level firm track surrounded by Rata trees and Nikau Palms, adjacent to the beach with thundering rolling breakers! Numerous bridges and streams and we passed Twin Beaches, Heaphy Beach and others. Rock falls had made parts very narrow and warnings were posted saying not to stop in these areas. (Cyclists were to dismount but they do not use the track in the peak tramping season.) At Scott’s beach Christine was to contact our transport to say we were nearing the end and would be one hour from Pick-up.  From there the track follows a climb over the Kohaihai Saddle and then a descent to the Kohaihai Car Park. We were all out by 2.30pm and Karamea Transport took us to The Last Resort for our 2 night stay. So we completed a very successful tramp, with no injuries apart from the treatment of a few blisters. We were able to donate our toilet paper as all the huts were well stocked and the new toilets very pleasant to use. Wednesday 13 Jan A group of 11 used a hired van to visit the Honeycomb Hill Cave with a guide, and walked to the Aparara Arches in the afternoon.  Others hired a car and explored the same area. Thursday 14 Jan Transport took us from Karamea, via Westport, to Murchison for lunch and onto Nelson Airport, where most of the group departed for Auckland. COSTS: Huts $128 for 4 nights ($32 per night). Food $12/day. Transport Takaka to Heaphy $20 Transport Karamea to Nelson $85