Heaphy Track Day 4 - 14 Feb Sunday

Another clear night, I was up at 3:30am trying to take photos of the star's and constellations. Unfortunately my iPhone was not up to the job, or I don't have the skills, of both. So no photos. Although I do have memories of the numerous stars in the Southern hemisphere, A lot more than we have in the Northern hemisphere, and I did see the Southern Cross and Orion, that is the limit of my astronomical prowess.

It's a longer tramp today, so no detours. We just need to keep the sand flies away, as they are becoming more of a pest, as Tom will testify to, as they seem to like him more than anyone else.

The previous night we had arranged to leave at 8:00. But when I got up just before 7:00, everyone was ready to leave. As Wendy and Tom said they would wait for me, I had a brew and some breakfast, we then left at 8:00. 

Note. I would have got up earlier and left at 7:00 with everyone else, if I had known that 8:00 ment 7:00. I will be ready for our start tomorrow, no matter what time we leave. 

All ready to go

Some great scenery through the gaps in the rainforest. 

As we move through the rain forest, palm trees start to appear.

More great views, but the photo does not do justice to the grandeur of it all.

Wendy, Tom and I caught up with the rest of the group. I am just asking them to explain how 8:00 became 7:00 this morning?

Our first glimps of the Lewis River.

Crossing the River Lewis

Lunch break at LEWIS HUT.

Crossing the Heaphy River.

Down at the side of the Heaphy River.

BRIDGE across Gunner River.

Then across Murray Creek

Palm trees are becoming more commonplace.

Almost at the mouth of the Heaphy River with the Tasman Sea

Now we can see the Heaphy River running into the Tasman Sea.

And arrive at HEAPHY HUT (at sea level - obviously)

Quite a few of us had a swim in the Heaphy estuary, the Tasman Sea was to rough and has lots of rip tides. The water in the estuary was warm from the River and cold from the sea, as the tide was coming in, so it was like passing through stripes of warm water, then cold water as you swam along.

As there are no showers at the huts, swimming in the creek or a river,  is a great way to freshen up. Most people had also had a swim in the creek at SAXON HUT, which was not to cold. Although the creek at MACKAY was very cold, So I just soaked my feet in it.

The only problem at Heaphy was the sand flys. If you keep moving they are not to bad, but if you stop to rest, or walk to slow, they attack you. Their bites then itch, but you can't scratch them, as this makes them worse. So you have to suffer until they clear up, which takes a week or so. 

For my last evening meal, I had my last dried meal (hurray). I'm not a real fan of these meals, another lesson learned. Although my meal was supplemented by a helping from Wendy's dinner - thanks Wendy.