By Anita Wieser, 22 August 2024
Once upon a time, four adventurers from the VUWTC set off on a Midwinter journey into the remote Ruahine Range. Although snow was unlikely, they packed heavy gear but left it behind when they saw the Range. The trip began in the hilly farmland, their path soon leading them into the untamed wilderness.
The rain persisted for the first two days. On the first night, they sheltered at Iron Bark Hut, the sound of rain their only company. The next day, soaked but determined, they reached Colenso Hut by the lake, where they spotted the rare Whio, also called Blue Duck, gliding on the water. At the shores of the lake, with rain still falling and the sky heavy with dark clouds, they realized their journey had grown too ambitious, as the relentless weather seemed to urge them to spend the night there. Despite the beauty, the solitude began to settle in, and they hadn’t seen another soul.
On the third day, the rain stopped, but melting snow dripped from the trees. As they neared the path to Otukota Hut, they found fresh footprints—human, but not theirs. Unease crept in. Who could they belong to? Without answers, they continued, the eerie stillness of the forest weighing on them.
That afternoon, Chris suddenly decided to explore on his own. The remaining three pressed on, navigating a sketchy climb to cross a river before reaching Otukota. Just before darkness fell, the long-lost adventurer returned, and the group was joyfully reunited.
The next morning, they left the Ruahines, troubled by the mysterious footprints and the feeling they hadn’t been alone in the forest.