We did not start this trip under Saturday. A lazy start for us. Without a night walk on Friday night, the head lamp got a bit of rest.
Saturday
We drove into Catchpool over the recently re-opened road (Thursday). It was a stroll up the Five Mile track followed by a few river crossings of the Orongorongo River to reach Paua Hut. Just before reaching the hut, we stopped at the end of a rainbow but could not find that illusive pot of gold. We stopped for a brew and left our packs at the hut. We picked up Paua Ridge and found our way to the top of Tapokopoko. This was some of the best forest we have seen in this park, and some excellent views back to Wellington. As we descended and attempted to pick up the spur to head towards Peak Stream, Huey conspired against us by sending a thick fog. No sign of those great views now! We knew we were within a few hundred metres but after a few attempts we could not quite spot it. Unfortunately on this occasion Huey and the hills got the better of us and we back-tracked, retracing our footsteps back up to Tapokopoko and then down to Paua Hut.
At Paua Hut we were joined by another WTMC Party and had a social time. Another great bush tucker was served - Steak, mash and brocolli with custard and stewed apple for dessert. We followed this up with a competitive game "Stonewall".
Sunday
Sunday was about the easiest day of tramping we have ever done. Wet feet in the Orongorongo as we left the hut but we were soon back on the Five Mile track for an easy cruise back to the car.