TA Day 32: Sunday 19 January 2025

Swin River North Branch - A Frame Hut

In the morning when we were about to het ready, we saw Barry talking to someone. We walked over, and found out that this was Sam, that Barry had talked to us about! We hadn't met her before. She is from New Zealand and section hiking some parts of The Araroa that she hasn't done before. From the moment we met her we got very good vibes, she seemed so nice!

Soon Rose arrived as well, and Kim started walking with Rose and Sam. It was very nice hiking with them, and there was time to talk about a lot of things! Up at the next little hill, there was some connection, so Kim booked another night in Methven and also emailed them to ask some questions.

Rose went a bit ahead, and Kim and Sam hiked on together. Soon, the guys caught up.

Up at the saddle we had breakfast, reception and a little saddle party as we met some other hikers too. Kim checked the email and saw that Methven Resort had answered - we did have free breakfast and free washing included! Nice! We also learned that the rooms had bath tubs!

From Rose we also got updates about the guys behind us, which felt reassuring.

After the saddle we went down through the high tussock, and then it was time for river walking again. To be honest we feel pretty done with river walking for a while...

At one point Kim slipped on a patch of tussock in the path, and POFF! Down into a concealed hole. It looked like this had happened to a lot of people previously too...

Once the sun came out, Barry, Lukas and Sam went for a swim in a pool in the river. Barry and Lukas has decided now that they will go for the swim if the sun is out and there is a nice swim hole.

When we finally arrived at Cormyns Hut it was time for lunch/dinner. We were out of gas, but Barry was nice and boiled some water for us so we didn't have to eat cold mashed potatoes.

We met some other hikers here too, now we seem to meet quite a few hikers all the time, especially by the huts.

After lunch we all continued to A Frame Hut. It was a nice evening walk in the evening sun and we spent the evening inside together, sharing food and snacks, talking and inspired by Rose we all did some push ups 😄

Today's:

Distance: 23.05 km

Ascent: 1067 m

Descent: 870 m

Tent nights: 23/32

Weather: Cloudy morning, sunny afternoon