Ohau track work weekend

Mike's life is organised on a Trello board and the board is saying that it is time for a track maintenance trip, to tidy up South Ohau Hut and the track to Girdlestone.  The former was in a dire and mouldy state last time Mike was through (but not so bad when I visited subsequently) and we have both experienced the hell scramble through old tree fall required on the track to Girdlestone Saddle.

What:    Track work weekend
Where:  Ohau and track to Girdlestone Saddle
Who:     Mike and Janine
When:   11-13 March 2022 

Mike and Janine set off from Wellington on Friday morning while I slip in three quarters of a day at work.  They are hoping to get in a few hours work on the track before I cruise in late for dinner.  

The start of the Shannon Road is closed and I waste time cruising Levin before giving up and cracking out google, consequently it is almost 4.30 before I leave the carpark. 

There are reports of a slip on the track in the gorge - I figure it will be crossable or by-passable so head on up the track.  On the way a winged shape catches my eye and I'm delighted to see a ruru a short way off in the supplejack keeping a keen eye on me.  A good start for the weekend.

There is a bypass over the slip but it is an easy few steps across and about an hour from the car I'm at the clearing below Gable.  On your own you can potter up the river at a reasonable pace and it's pretty familiar now.  By 6.10 I'm at the junction between North and South Ohau branches (foot off Deception Spur) and reach South Ohau Hut at 7.30 - three hours all up.

The news from Mike and Janine is mixed - they had a bit of a slow trip up river so didn't get up to Girdlestone Track, but on the positive side of the ledger, TARHC had just been in on a working bee and the hut is looking pristine.  They have also apparently done work on the treefall so we will see what needs doing in the morning.

It's a comfortable and convivial evening with a few craft beers to share.  

The hut boots - cut down the back so they fit anyone
No soles but

The morning is threatening drizzle - we are up and off by 8am with the intention of checking out the treefall and, if time allows, heading up to the ridge to drop down to North Ohau hut.  I'm a little surprised that Janine is keen to tackle this as she hasn't always been enthusiastic about some of my route choices!  I do my best to give an accurate description of what to expect. 

Some people have to duck a little more than others ...

We wander up stream to where orange triangles mark where to leave the creek and climb the spur just before the Dowling Falls Stream.  I made the mistake of heading up to the falls once and clambering up to the spur - not to be repeated.

When we get to the tree fall it is apparent that a lot of work has already been done - it is way better than it was.  We set about building on this and clearing more timber and material further along the spur.  Before long we declare victory and agree that we have time to take the scenic route to North Ohau.  

It's a bit of a mucky descent to the creek which we follow up stream.  It's pretty sketchy in places and Janine takes a bit of a tumble at one point.  The track is no longer marked on the topo map and I suspect that DOC is just letting it quietly fade away.  

I'm checking the map and scanning for markers which are somewhat sparse but do pick up the marker that indicates where the track leaves the creek and climbs for the ridge.  It's a bit of a scramble but at last we reach the flat top and thrash through the undergrowth until we stumble on the track between Te Matawai and Mangahao. 

Mike cracks out the jet boil and whips up some miso soup while we pause for lunch - an inspired move.  I've never been one for day time brews but this was perfectly timed.

We step past the track sign and head north and up the ridge.  There's some foot trail but a lot of tree fall so we zigzag our way along and over pt 735 in to the saddle beyond before the climb to pt 865.  Once the ridge narrows the track becomes more apparent.  I tick off the cairn at the top of Deception Spur (pt 865) and keep my eyes peeled for the top of the spur to North Ohau Hut.  We over shoot slightly but quickly find our way on to the spur.  I warn the others what to expect - 600m of knee trembling descent with a bit of scrub, kie kie and casting around for the trail. 

Since I was here last someone has applied a bit more pink ribbon to mark the way which makes things a bit easier - as we drop the weather clears and there is even some sun and blue sky.  Around 4.30 it's a tired but happy group that pops out into the hut clearing.  

Made it!

Time for afternoon tea

... and to get things drying

The hut is looking a bit neglected so we do a bit of tidying, cleaning, cut firewood and package rubbish to carry out.   Mike has discovered his pack has let a bit of water in during the day and has a bit of kit to set to dry in the afternoon air.  

I can't remember what was for dinner but it was something that Jennine brought and it was very good.  

There's no hurry in the morning so we do the final tidy up and get away near 9.30, getting to Deception Spur by 10.40.   

It's a beautiful day.  We bump into some meet-up mates of Mike - a large group heading up to North Ohau for a day trip.  We also take the opportunity to visit Rabbit Flat "Hut".  This has been referred to as a hidden hut but it turns out is now little more than a rubbish heap in the bush.  Thanks hunters.  

  

Draining the boots before leaving the river. 

We potter back along the track to reach the cars before 2pm.  A good weekend topped off by a late lunch at the Deer Museum and Cafe/Bar in Manakau.  A unique experience.