This article was first published in Tararua Tramper in February 2025
Field Hut
SF – Wednesday 27 November
Better late than never. Eleven trampers had a great day going up to Field Hut and back, at last getting the opportunity to admire the renovations in person.
We were well rewarded for the sweat dripping on this humid day as we trudged upwards on that familiar track. The hut looked terrific, resplendent in its new red coat, and the sun shone for our long lunch on the deck.
Young Ant expended some of his excess energy by dashing up to Table Top while we 'maturer' members relished our sandwiches and our surroundings at a more seemly pace.
What a contrast we gazed upon as we inspected inside the hut. No longer the dingy dosshouse of recent years, but a light and welcoming multi-star hotel! We counted the new mattresses to ensure that nobody had nicked any, despite the temptation of their bouncy comfort. Congratulations to Franz Hubmann and all his helpers for the enormous amount of work they have put in over many months. We are lucky to benefit from your efforts. As we descended, the afternoon became hotter and hotter. At the end of the track, the cool water flowing briskly under the bridge was irresistible: many of us frolicked in a refreshing swim to bring our happy day to its close.
21 km, 7h 30m, 800m elevation gain. (J B)
Joan Basher (leader and scribe), Paul Bruce, Jim Gibbons, Ant Hill, Belynda Jack, Carolyn Jenkins, Jane-Pyar Mautner, Ann McIlroy, Cathy Milne, Jo Poole, Sue Scott.