So after a scramble to get the porridge cooked and consumed and a quick clean-up of the hut as requested by DOC, we packed up our belongings (including any garbage generated) and headed out for our big day's walk. This section of the track was our most ambitious - 26 km - downhill this time - but nonetheless daunting to those who wished to dwell on it. Our first landmark was Gouland Downs Hut 7 km away.
As we were some 860 m up the mist had rolled in from the previous evening and it was slightly precipitating as we set off. We donned our rain jackets and pack covers and off we went.
The track started off very rocky and tedious - not encouraging. However, as we were learning this track is renown for it's variation and abruptly morphed into a pleasant meander. The drizzle didn't last long either.
The children were especially keen to find a clear stream to fill their water bottles when we happened upon Quintina Creek. Although only 30 minutes or so from out starting point we had packs off stop to savour this amazing spot.
Spirits revived we headed on. The track now gave way to wide expanse of the Gouland Downs with tussock grass clearings and patches of beech trees along with displays of green moss. We made a quick stop to observe the famous gumboot pole where trampers have left their mementos for many years. John was a bit doubtful about the person who left his roller skate! Not far beyond here was the Gouland Downs hut - 7km under our belt.
The Gouland Downs is worth a mention as some very ambitious sheep farmers ventured into this area in the deep wilderness and actually raised sheep here in the early 1900's. How they managed to get sheep here without helicopters is beyond my imagination. Sadly the stock all died in a particularly hard winter and the area was recognised for it's unique flora and fauna in 1917 and designated as a scenic reserve.
After a quick stop to inspect Gouland Downs hut (built in 1935 - the oldest hut on the track) some of us explored the limestone caves. The track then led us onto our first of many swing bridges - albeit tentatively - as we were warned that only one person may cross at a time. Every step felt like your last and you were best not to look down but focus on the other side! By the end of the track they were even enjoyable. Our next landmark was Saxon Hut5.5 km away.
After the crossing the bridges we happened upon two people we had met in the hut the previous evening. We barged in on their lunch stop and managed a photo with them - Jacoba and Antoine.
We finally found the perfect spot for our own lunch just past the Saxon Hut with a total distance travelled that day nearly reaching the half-way mark of 12.5 km. Did I mention we were treated to a hot lunch every day courtesy of David's skill with our portable stove and billy? And Luke did enjoy his chicken soup even if he doesn't look it.
The remainder of the day was marked by the appearance of several large boulders, soft walking tracks through grasslands, an extensive boardwalk and a final sprint by our youngest trampers to get to the Mackay hut before the adults. Once again having a dip in the river after a sweaty day's walk was great even if the swimming hole was nicknamed "the coffin". Amazingly, Mackay hut boasted flush toilets -35 km 's walk from the nearest road!
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