We had a choice of a shorter day today or the next day but after arriving at Helena Hut we decided it was too nice to pass up. So tomorrow would be the longer day.
The day had been warm and we were enjoying the outdoors together. Granny’s plastic cheese, salami and a slice if crunchy carrot on crackers went down well for lunch #1



Helena Hut is a very new hut built from rammed earth to replace the previous hut that was burnt down in a severe bushfire in 2018.


Easily accessible the Helena Hut would sleep 40 inside with many camp spots surrounding it. The older wooden huts provide little protection from bushfire but this was designed to provide some shelter. It was made from rammed earth and the next day we saw the site where they must have got all the sandy material from.
I have been reading the bushfire notices in the huts and toilets and have decided that I am definitely not going to experience one of them.
We shared the site with a young Mum who was having 2 nights in the bush so she could have a good night’s sleep and a sleep in. That really put yhe pressure on me to not snore and to blow up my mattress as quietly as possible. She was at the next hut with us and said that she had had the best 2 night’s sleep in 3 years!
Another young Aussie woman arrived, and 2 men who were both trying out new tents then a young Frenchman. We got a fire going and had some good conversation around the pit.


It had been a warm 18° day and Rebecca was pleased to get good internet access up by the toilets and I was pleased to meet a friendly kangaroo behind the hut.


Loving the read. You are so inspiring. You make me want to lift my game and get fit enough to do at least some of it myself!!
Kia Ora Karen, great reading your story with photos and wonderful memories created for you and Rebecca. Looking forward to the next installment.
This seems like an easier start than your Te Araroa which I seem to recall was pretty miserable.
Loving all the info Karen, it feels like I’m there with you also. Great reading
That’s the poshest Aussie dunny I’ve ever seen 😄
Great start to the track Karen. Love the huts.
Love the flower photo 😉