Remotologging #358

After all the research, planning and prep was done it was time to head off. I was really looking forward to this trip, the main focus was to ride and GPS log three valley tracks plus check out the surrounding rivers for the upcoming fishing season. Aside from logging some other interesting sections of tarmac the above three tracks turned out to be fantastic and each of the valleys were absolutely stunning. I'll soon follow with full access articles, in the meantime here are a few pics from the trip...

A clear running tributary meeting the brown swollen water of the Buller River

I had initially planned to camp up at Lake Rotoroa and fish the lake edges. Heavy rain and snow melt meant high lake levels and cold water, with only wet wading gear on-board hitting the Porika Track seemed far more inviting than wading waist deep in ice cold water

Arriving at St Arnaud I decided to park up for the night in one of these log cabin motels

The next day's misty low cloud made for an eerie morning on Lake Rotoiti

Heading up the first 4X4 Valley track, the Leatham River

With recent rain and snow the lower river crossing was high and very swift, the slippery boulders made it even more interesting

The crossings further up the valley had slightly less flow, still very swift however

The first track was an absolute cracker, a great track with numerous access points to a fantastic river; this one is solidly scheduled into the upcoming fishing season for a riding/fishing trips. It was then on to a slightly less challenging track (Boulder Stream) but one with equally as impressive valley views

At the Boulder Forks Hut an hour quickly slipped by yarning with a very friendly couple, Miriam and Peter

It was then off to the next track, the Branch. This was by far the most challenging crossing, it was high, swift and bouldery putting my river crossing skills and strength to the test. Once across, it was a fairly straightforward track with lots of small stream crossings

With the day coming to an end I decided to park up for the night in this hut

The loo phone. Brilliant!

With the next morning bringing blue skies it was time to head out and GPS log some tarmac

I swung by Argile Pond

After logging SH63 and looping around Blenheim to log the top end of SH6 I shot up to have a look at Opouri River and out to Tennyson Inlet. I was impressed to see the tree in the middle of Tennyson Inlet Road

After a successful and enjoyable trip gathering content for the website it was time to head home, you could have called it a seamless trip until a nail decided to rudely puncture my tube. Tyre off, a new tube in and I was on my way again...