A 3 hut day

March 23, 2022

March 20

Starveall Hut to Rocks Hut

KM 1855.8

Distance: 19.7km

Elevation: ascent 980m, descent 1359m

Steps: 38,000

Time: 7:40am - 5:15pm

We woke ourselves up a bit early today, knowing that we needed to get ahead of the incoming weather. There may be rain today, definitely rain tomorrow and the few days after that. And part of today's route takes us through multiple river crossings. After today, it matters less if there's been rain in the catchment, as pretty much all rivers from here out have bridges we can use.

So we set off for our long day. It began with a very steep descent from the near-tops at Starveall down to the river valley floor. Aong the way we did get to see some cool geologic formations (sorry, no idea what created these)

We made it in good time though to Hackett Hut, having completed all 9 river crossings with ease (although not with dry feet).

It was here that we were reminded of the conversation we had had with the couple that shared the Red Hills Hut with us. They were local to the area, and when we mentioned the concept of Trail Angels (anyone who helps out TA walkers along the way), they got an idea in their heads. And carried it out!

They left a box of fresh produce - fresh from their own lifestyle block and home garden - with a note saying "For TA trail walkers Vaughan & Eliza and Nigel. Enjoy."

And we did.

Thank you so, so, SO much, Maria and Rob! Those were just the most delicious peaches, and the cucumber absolutely made our lunch, and dinner that night, so much better!

After leaving Hackett Hut (and yes we managed to leave some of the produce for Nigel and other TA walkers that might come by), we started into the next section of the day, toward Browning Hut. This is actually where we had lunch, but even this very short (1.5 hour recommended walk) had its challenges. There had been a pretty massive wash-out along this section of river, leading to the option of a bit of stream-bashing, or what looked like a very difficult and steep diversion above the washout. Yes, we chose the river. Yes this was 100% the correction decision!

Somehow we still had the energy to appreciate the nature, though.

As we made our way, climbing labouriously at times, to the tops of these hills. The tops are above the treeline, and have their own interesting vegetation, which we both found quite beautiful. Oh and the views were ok, too.

Lest you think this was a nice easy day, if we could bypass two huts... the ground underfoot today was rough. If it wasn't stony, it was bare roots that were threatening to catch you up. Or it was bracken overgrown across the trail so we had to push our way through chest-high vegetation, sometimes only guessing the path. Or it was bypassing massive tree-falls or (as above), washouts.

So yes, by the time we saw Rocks Hut, our third and final hut of the day, we were both exhausted, but elated. This had been our goal, knowing that if we made it here we would be safely ahead of any weather-related danger. It is not uncommon in the Richmonds that people have to wait an extra day - or three! - for weather or rivers to calm back down so they can complete the walk. So this was a bit of a victory for us, and we had... about zero energy left to celebrate.