The day dawned absolutely superb, six would-be trampers met at Roseland car park, a bit of chit chat, and then we were off down the motorway toward Thames. With two cars, myself, Andrew, Gill and Wade in one, Tony in the other with Jenny, he was to pick Ron up somewhere on Highway 25, Karina and Chris were waiting for us at Kauaeranga Vally road end car park. By 9:30 we were on our way - from Moss creek Track we followed the Kauaeranga River upstream, passing through narrow gorges with beautiful clear water passing over rocks of all shapes and sizes, some places the river bed widened, the odd trickle in some of the water falls. A quick stop for morning tea then we were off again, we soon came to a gorge which was passable on the left side; Karina stops to take her pack and boots off, then plunged 5meters into clear green pool - this girl is something.  After a brief up stream bash we came to a bend were we had lunch. After lunch the stream bashing went to another level, one particular place, 6 of us had to bush bash to clear one of the waterfalls.

We soon exited the river at Dancing Creek, an hour later we reached the Pinnacle hut, then a short stop for afternoon tea. Chris and Wade decided to summit the pinnacle, so they were off like two mad men on a quest. Myself and the others soon returned via the Webb Creek track; Chris and Wade soon caught up somewhere along the way.  It was a long day, 8 hours plus, very enjoyable but not quite a challenge.

Stephen Pocock