Thread: crispy frost at the oamaru

The weather for the weekend was going to be good so I packed up dog, rifle and myself and headed for oamaru hut via poronui. Reached the carpark next to Helisika at 05.00am and started walking. Cold is not the word....it was bloody freezing!! Anyway a cold clear morning usually results in a champion day and that is what it turned out to be. picture perfect. took just over three hours to walk in and by the time I made the bush edge my face and hands where red and numb. it has been a good six months since I have visited the hut and the new track route around the side and over the Kaipo has to be an improvement on crossing the river three time across the flat. That's what I think anyway.
Reaching the hut I was not surprized to find a few people there. School holidays always brings the family groups in, and today was no exception. Two familys, and a couple of young guys that bolted up to jap creek. all seemed good sorts. After a brew and a bite to eat I headed up the Kaipo to see whats happening up there. Turns out not much. sniffed around the scrub most of the day and did not get much as a squeal. I did not mind to much, great weather, and just good to be out.
returning to the hut at aprox 17.00 I was happy to see one of the dads turn up with a sika spiker. Still with summer spots and a light brown coat which I thought was strange for this time of year. don't think I have seen that before. After a pleasant night spent chatting to the other groups,i hit the sack.
Up early and out for a quick walk before walking back out. Mean frost in the morning again and my boots were frozen stiff. took about 20 mins to get them on. No luck with the sika this morning, and the walk out was good as the day was perfect.
It was a good weekend, and there is no excuse for not doing it more