Shadow just read where there are over 1,000 huts in New Zealand. And those are ones in current operation. There are numerous more that have been left for the Earth to take them back. They are still on the topographic maps for you to find. They were built for many different reasons. Mostly for gathering sheep throughout the year, others were for hunting and trapping. They each have their own history. What a great way to encourage people to hike. The remote huts have old cans of honey and powdered milk, fenced in lots for horses, cast iron stoves, glass jars and tin jars for odds and ends. It's fun to take a step back in history by imagining what it was like to muster sheep on horse back through the harsh yet beautiful landscape. This particular hut has a log written in pencil of each muster team with names and years. The earliest we found was 1945, but last night's hut was built in 1898.
The morning was perfect. Not a cloud in the sky for our ridge walk up to Stag's Saddle, the Te Araroa's highest spot just above 6,000ft. Back home that altitude doesn't sound very high, but here you are above tree line and possibly walking in snow...in the middle of Summer. No Kea sightings today. I even flashed the shiny side of a snickers wrapper to get some attention. The walk down to Royal Hut was difficult. I just can't get use to walking in the darn tussock grass. I'm shocked neither one of us has twisted an ankle. Royal Hut's claim to fame is that Prince Charles and Princess Anne visited here as children. More tussock bashing tomorrow.
The Southern Alps
Where have been.
From Stag Saddle
Old wind sock
Royal Hut
Country Mouse and Shadow
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