This text was read by OCR from a scanned newsletter and has not been proofread yet, so expect odd characters and mistakes.
A s we left behind all the conveniences of modern life, such as our cell phones, one person still found the need to use one—to call Ralph on the big white phone! (He was reporting back on the bumpy winding road.) After a windy night at the roadend of the Mangahao Valley we were enthralled by the Baber Forks as we rock-hopped to the top of Baber Creek. We spent the _ next while climbing up a water- _ fall and across the ridge where we then stopped for lunch. Our prime
lunchtime activity was comparing our bush-bashing scars. After lunch we made a quick descent of Dick Creek into the Mangahao River where we discovered a primo camp spot. That night we had a yummy Christmas dinner, fireside chats, weird card games, and experimental explosive fireworks!
The next morning we hiked through the rain and high rivers to Avalanche Flats Hut then back out to the Mangahao River, stopping at Harris Creek. This is where we encountered the Easy group. They reported that they had had a visit from leprechauns who barred the door and inverted all their sleeping bags! The final part of the hike was not very strenuous but an adventurous ‘end to a brilliant weekend which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The crew: Andrew Devlin (leader), Ruth, Dave, Greg, Struan, John, Roger, Becky and Greg.