The view from Crooked Spur Hut shows the property Samuel Butler found in 1860 and settled as Mesopotamia Station. At its largest, 80,000 acres and 18,000 merino sheep made up the station. Beyond the station lies our first of 3 major river crossings, the braided Ranganita spanning 6 miles across.
After fording down Bush Stream, we walked a mile down a gravel road to the station. A helicopter landed and took off and a truck pulled up beside us. The owner and her father-in-law (the pilot) took us up to the main house for our food box we had mailed. For $50 they offered us accommodations in the old school house. From 1956-2000 the one room school taught the local area children. Beside the school is a pile of stones that were once Butler's original home.
We spent the afternoon washing clothes in the kitchen sink, organizing our food for the next 5 days, and reading up on the history of Mesopotamia.
Good spot for lunch.
Trail up to the saddle
Where we came.
Country Mouse and Shadow
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