Day 1
It was a still and overcast morning when we arrived at the Putangirua Pinnacles car park at 9.30am.
We had the option of walking up the river or heading up the track to a high view point. There were ominous red flood warning signs and significant signs of flooding where trees had been swept down. Opting for dry feet, we headed up the hill to the view point.
The track was muddy and slippery. After reaching the view point, we followed an overgrown trail that passed through regenerating farmland. We selected a picnic spot which we suspected had recently been shared by some beautiful bush bovines.
From here it was up and up, and the track became more overgrown and steep. It was a mental game with hundreds of false summits. There were a few viewing points along the way – looking back towards the ocean, with no horizon.
Finally, we reached the real summit – at 700m elevation. It started to spit and get pretty cold, even though there was only light wind. I sat on my Tyvek tent ground sheet on a mossy patch for lunch, only to get a wet bum (as I’ve had it for 5 years and it’s no longer waterproof!).
From here, there was a steep descent to Washpool Hut, with lots of slippery leaf decay and a bit of scree. The track was challenging to find in some places. The bush in this area is proper wild, with old world views across the valley.
Two of us arrived at the Hut at 4pm, had a wash in Washpool Creek and then began a big search for dry wood in the steep, wet and dark valley.
Washpool Hut is cosy, but damp. There is no water tank – but Washpool Creek is close by. The water in the creek was a little cloudy, so I was glad I had brought along some water purification tablets.
Armdeo got the fire going and Debbie whipped up a delicious fresh vegetable curry with couscous. Top marks for pre-chopped ingredients!
I slept on a mattress on the floor that night, as the bunk near the door had a wet internal wall.
Day 2
By 8.30am we were all geared-up for our adventure down Washpool Creek.
It was pretty slow going, but beautiful. The creek narrowed to what potentially looked like a chasm. Half the group was keen to wing it, but we made the sensible choice to follow a DOC sign (an arrow sign) on the true left of the creek, which led us up a goat track. This was even slower going – sidling along a steep cliff face.
Eventually the track dropped back down to the creek. It was so fun finding our way through each little section of the creek, trying to figure out where to cross.
The water was freezing cold – it was the middle of winter and the river is located in a steep, dark valley. I was wearing trail runners and my feet started to go numb -making it painful and difficult to walk. It was therefore decided that two of us would split off and walk the rest of the way.
Everyone else had sensible waterproof boots. I usually wear waterproof neoprene socks, but hadn’t yet replaced my old ones (which had gotten a bit too friendly with a fire last season).
We were concerned that we would never get out of there, as we were averaging 1km an hour. Thankfully the creek widened and a 4WD track appeared for the second half of the day.
At the first sign of a sunny spot, we parked up for lunch. We took our shoes and socks off and I was pleased to have my groundsheet so I could take a nap in the sun on the free-draining ground.
Perked up by warm feet, we then traversed farmland to the beach. The rest of the group arrived 40 mins later.
Thanks to Tony and Debbie for organising such an adventurous trip. It was an awesome opportunity for new members to have a go at some technical tramping.
Timings:
Putangirua Pinnacles car park to Washpool Hut
9.30 am start
x2 breaks (20 – 30 mins each)
2 people arrived at the Hut at 3.45 pm, the rest at 5.00 pm
Washpool Hut to main road (via Washpool Creek)
8.30 am start
30 mins lunch
2 people finished at 12.30 pm, the rest at 1.10 pm