Tramping is a winter hobby?

Howletts Hut, Ruahine Forest Park

I often get surprised by the number of people who ask me if I tramp in winter, as if the short days and freezing temperatures should be a hinderance to getting into the hills. Who am I to complain, the myth that tramping is a summer thing keeps the tracks quiet, just when the mountains are at their most beautiful. With memories of alpine adventure in the Ruahine Range fresh in my mind from 2022, I thought it about time for a sequel. Sadly the only crewmate I could muster was Regan, but I guess he would do. Our plan was to drive to the Kashmir Road trailhead on Friday after work and then climb to Longview Hut for the night. Saturday we would make the most of the good forecast to cross the tops to Howletts Hut, before returning via Daphne Hut on Sunday. Easy.

1. The Starry Highway

Kashmir Roadend to Longview Hut

My four-wheel-drive (affectionately known as Suzi) bounced happily along the winding turns of Kashmir Road. It was well and truly dark by the time we reached the carpark, in no small part due to Regan accidentally directing me to travel into Palmerston…