Two Rintouls

March 18
Tarn Hut to Old Man Hut
KM 1888.5 (about 400m off trail)
Distance: 13.3km 
Elevation: ascent 1338m, descent 1055m
Steps: 27,400
Time: 7:55am - 4:45pm

This morning dawned misty and cold, with all three of us bundled up and wearing at least one more layer than normal. The plan was to attack the Purple Tops to get to Mt Rintoul Hut; and then hopefully press on for the hardest section when it comes to climbing, summiting both Mount Rintoul and Little Rintoul.

We made very good time in the morning, despite all of our legs protesting the return to climbing. The mist stuck around for quite some time, giving a nearly-eerie ambiance to the day.
The mist also stuck to all of the spider webs, so we got to see some natural art! It also helped Eliza, who was leading, spot head-high spiderwebs about a half second before she walked into them. Pffffft!
Finally, just before we broke out of the trees to the tops, the sun began to break through the mist.
The views from the Purple Tops were absolutely spectacular! As was the walking surface. We really felt like we were on an adventure today... and we still had no idea what was yet to come.
We were very glad to see Mt Rintoul Hut, just in time for lunch - and we even beat the posted track time! So even with a leisurely lunch, we were leaving the hut just after noon, to start on The Climb. Linsey, at this point having been able to refresh her weather forecasts (you can get juuuuust enough reception up on the tops of these mountains) decided that she could afford to stay at Mt Rintoul Hut for the night, since the rain is now projected a day later than the last time we were able to check. So our tramily split up again, with smiles and "I'm sure we'll see you down the track" all around. Linsey is very much looking forward to having the hut to herself tonight, too - a true luxury!

So Vaughan and Eliza started off, bright-eyed and well-fed. Straight into one of the tougher climbs we've experienced so far on the trail. Seriously. This went straight up through beech forest, then straight up some scree (two steps forward one step back type), then straight up some more rocks, and then straight up some sand. 
Until we reached the top of Mount Rintoul and could take a well-deserved look around, and snack break! 
While we were somewhat refreshed by our break, we knew that we still had to summit Little Rintoul (note that it is only little in comparison to Mount Rintoul, and the term "little" must be sarcastic...) which was... also Not Easy.
Soon after attaining the summit, and starting in on the difficult downhill, we saw our destination for the day, in the distance. Can you spot the hut? Hint: it's in a clearing in the woods.
Nearly an hour after we spotted the hut, we finally arrived, grateful to be able to drop our bags and take our shoes off for the night! Also, the hut was nice and warm on our arrival, soon made even warmer as we started a fire, changed into hut clothes, and cooked dinner. As at the time of writing, which is after 6pm, no one else has shown up, so we are hopeful for having the hut to ourselves tonight. 

We only passed one other person going southbound after we left Linsey, and that person seemed like they would want to go further than Mt Rintoul Hut for tonight, so here's hoping Linsey also has her hut to herself :)

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