TA Day 17: Saturday 4 January 2025

Roses Hut - Fern Burn Hut

This morning it wasn't just condensation on our tent in the morning. It was frost. So Lukas removed it and used it to make a snowball with it. It's interesting how the temperatures change quickly here. Sunny and hot in the days and almost freezing during the nights.

After a nice ramen breakfast we were the first NOBOs leaving the hut. And soon, Ryuya, Barry and Caleb left the hut as well.

The trail started off nice and easy. For about 1-2 km... Then it went straight up.

After a little bit of walking, up the ascent and then down gain, we met an Kiwi lady with a big backpack. She was not out hiking the TA, just out hiking, but she was very happy and nice to talk to. Here, Ryuya and Barry passed us, and we didn't see them again until we reached the hut. Caleb caught up to us at the next saddle and walked with us for a short little while.

At the hut, all of us had dinner and rested. After two long and steep climbs it was well needed.

This hut was also the hut that has had the most breathtaking views on the TA so far!

Here at the hut we also met a local, a Kiwi man who knew the area well and was fun talking to.

After the rest it was time for the last climb of the day. This time we attacked it together. Kim walked first, setting the pace for the rest of the team, walking unusually fast to be her, but she really wanted to get it over with, and pushed hard. It felt long, but soon, we all finally reached the saddle. Hell yeah!

We breathed, celebrated with candy and took some photos up at the top.

Then it was time to go down. At least it was easier and now we could actually talk to each other as well.

After lots of chatting, we were finally at the hut and done for today. Almost 1800 m of elevation today, crazy!

At the hut there were a lot of other hikers already, so we pitched our tent, as did Ryuya and Barry as well. Then Lukas went for a swim, while Kim boiled some water and "showered" with a Wettex rag before crawling into the tent and fell asleep. Lukas spent some time in the hut hanging out with the others, before also going to bed.

Today's:

Distance: 17.71 km

Ascent: 1776 m

Descent: 1740 m

Tent nights: 10/17

Weather: Cold morning, then hot and sunny