It had been blowing a gale overnight not that that disturbed our baby like slumbers. In fact my nudges followed by aggressive blows and karate chops to the head couldn't wake my companions' slumbers come the morning. I 'sandal & socked' off to make breakfast - porridge and fresh fruit for me and whatever was left over for them.
Steve had to re-pack his skyscraper monstrosity of a rucksack. I thought I was a slow starter but Steve really took the biscuit (or cookie as he might call it).
We were heading for the Howden Hut. Most people break their journey half way there at the MacKenzie Hut. Hmmm.
10:30am; other hut dwellers' comments: 'Where are you guys heading?'
Me: 'Howden Hut.'
They: 'Oooh you should probably get started, eh?'
Me: 'Yeah, probably.'
Steve fettling about ad infinitum with his pack. (German bloke in background whom I later met in Auckland.)
Harris Saddle, towards the crux of the Routeburn hike.
Harris Saddle shelter looking like some crazy space station.
Hello there!
Harris Saddle and the dirty remnants of snow. Dirty dirty! If you're sharp, you might spot a snowball being thrown. Boyos!!
The trio taking a welcome break (not to be confused with a Welcome Break, altogether different).
Approach to the MacKenzie Hut. Alas not our destination that day. We had further miles to hike...or tramp...or whatever.
Everyone at MacKenzie was prepping for an evening meal and relaxing. No such luck for us. After nary enough time for a brew, it was off again...
...and back above the cloud line (which was about 16m) aiming for the Howden Hut.
Made it eventually. Hello, who brought the Apple Vodka complete with powdered fruit mix? I have to say as 'thin air' cocktails go this was pretty good - Orange & Mango powdered drink mix and apple vodka...tastes like peach schnapps. Nicely. Eee, Steve, great look:...tights and a spacca hand. Socks & sandals all round is what I say!There were strange goings on that night at the Howden Hut. We were (not unsurprisingly) some of the last to bed but there was a guy loitering around the kitchen about 12:30; the sound of giggling and demonstrative instructions on how to wash pots coming from one of the toilet cubicles as if two people were washing up in there...but there was no sink; the overpoweringly pungent smell of Tiger Balm in the dorm and the sound of someone doing a comedy impression of 'bashing one out' later on. Maybe we had hit the 'swingers' hut. Maybe so. Steve & Dom didn't pick up on any of this, they were too busy sleeping like the innocent. Maybe I dreamt it. Dunno.
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