Friday 4th March 2011: With morning came the bad weather, but we were now down in the bush so it didn't spoil any views! For the first time I tried a poncho to protect both pack and camera (in the front harness). It served reasonably well in heavy rain but didn't tolerate wind and was no good in light rain as it collects condensation inside. It provided light relief for the other trampers and eventually Nick decided to try his as well. Once we reached the swollen Hacket Creek we realised that we would have to wait for the water level to drop before it could be safely forded.

So after lunch and a bit of a "dry-out" we began planning our crossing. After the requisit number of cm dropped on various D.Y.S. level meters, we opted to cross together, all holding a branch long and strong enough for supporting anyone who slipped. Subsequently multiple crossings were needed but the river was fast becoming a stream again so they were easier crossings. We eventually reached Hacket Hut where we didn't stop for long as we wished to push on to Browning and the place smelt a dead deer.

The walk from Hacket to Browning started level (and beside a number of Blackberry bushes) but started climbing steadily after crossing the Browning Stream, following another branch right up to the hut.

Dinner was soup, Spicy Spaghetti fusion with reconstituted beef, chili beans etc followed by dried fruit.