Rees/Dart Hut trip 23-28/11/09

Rees/Dart Track Report 23-28/11/09

Monday 23rd November Ian Fussell (Leader& scribe), Helen Wells, Neil Helson, Dave Collins, Mark Keown & Ken Hall departed for Glenorchy for a five day trip on the Rees/Dart track. Track conditions were on our minds as the bridge had just gone back in the week before over the upper Snowy stream & DOC were advising to take crampons & ice axes.

Tuesday 24th We were met at the Holiday Park at 9.30 by Buckley’s transport for the trip to Muddy creek with fine weather beckoning. The walk up beside the Rees river was enjoyable in warm sunny conditions and we were met by a school group returning from Shelter rock hut although we didn’t find any record of them staying there. They assured us that the side streams were OK for crossing which made it a relaxing trip except for the heavy packs. Another party of three had left ahead of us but we didn’t catch them as they walked on through to the Dart hut. That evening three of us did an hour recce up towards the saddle to get an idea on how bad the snow conditions were for Wednesday’s crossing.

Wednesday 25th  After an eventful night of wind gusts which we thought was going to take the hut out we departed in the morning in overcast but pleasant enough conditions for the climb up the Rees and over the saddle. On arrival at the bottom of the saddle the snow was conditions were not too bad as it had been softened up by previous rain and not refrozen. Ice axe’s were used to help us get up over the saddle and a timely rest was taken at the top where I discovered that I had lost my watch. I thought I knew where it would be at the bottom of the saddle as I had slipped on some snow grass so I hastily descended to the spot where I thought it would be and luckily found it on the grass. So it was twice up to the saddle for me!

 We had lunch further around the track overlooking Snowy creek and the snow bridges across the creek where we spotted two deer walking along the side of the valley. That evening the hut warden showed interest in these deer, as he wanted one for a meal. We met up with two guys from Auckland who were tramping for 75 days from further down south through to Arthur’s Pass with packs weighing a mere 40 kilos each. The lady bus driver told us they had given her a fudge cake when she took them in because of the weight they were carrying. One of their Mums had cooked it for them.

Thursday 26th The day dawned fine for our side trip to Cascade saddle where five of us took off with light packs. The side streams had been up and washouts were evident at some streams where the marker poles lead us into some difficult spots. The wind at the top had us putting on extra clothing but the views down the west Matukituki to Raspberry flat and Mt Aspiring made up for the cold. The return trip involved some fun bum sliding down the snow slopes and a walk down on the Dart river valley floor alongside side the moraine.
 
Friday 27th An early start for the trip to Daley’s Flat hut as the Hut warden advised us of a front coming through with rainfall due about midday. This put the plans we were thinking of the side trip up the Whitbourn River on the back burner. The Auckland guys had been up there the day before on the tops overlooking us in the Dart valley. We got within an hour of the hut before the rain started which got steadily heavier. Mark soon had a fire going and with the hut to ourselves we settled in for a lazy afternoon and card game with rain & thunder outside.

 Saturday 28th The day dawned fine but cloudy as we headed out to Chinamans bluff. The side streams had been up but receded by the time we crossed so it was an uneventful trip out with the sun coming out and pleasantly warm. We were out early and waited for about an hour for our scheduled transport, which arrived on time.
We can strongly recommend Buckley’s transport, Ph No 03 442 8215 when in this area for efficient & courtesy transport. Throughout the track, we did not encounter a lot of birdlife, but Mohua, Robin, Bellbird, and Parakeet was seen at the lower altitudes.

A clean up back at the Glenorchy camp and a bought sandwich that had to be seen to be believed saw us back in good form which lead to a card game at the local with a few drinks in hand. I’m sure the locals thought we were nut cases. Thanks to all the members who were with me for the laughs and who made this an enjoyable trip.
 I.F.