Day 44. River Day 4. December 16, 2015.

47.5 km
Ngaporo Campsite at km 1278 to Downes Hut km 1325.5

We packed up, started paddling and then it started raining. It didn’t rain all day and eventually got nice.

The goats were back and I saw at least another 100. There were lots of rapids and plenty of lazy, calm sections.

Eventually we got to Downes Hut, a DOC Backcountry hut. Luckily for us, no one was here. It sleeps 5 but we fit in 7.  The hut register started in 2001. I saw names of people I know. Canadoug, Joe and Sheryl Valesko of ZPacks, and Buck 30. There are so many more TA hikers every year so the book will start filling up much faster.

Brett was in charge of making the fire. We all brought marshmallows to roast but NZ ones don’t roast well. Who knew? Nathan also brought the makings for s’mores….. chocolate and some biscuits that were as close to graham crackers as he could find.