Day 6: (Thursday 5th March 2009) This day was again a less demanding day, once we got over Pinnacle Ridge, when we would follow the the true right of the Atiwhakatu River to Atiwhakatu Hut.

The climb wasn't bad, and we were treated to a group of curious kaka (less curious than their close relative the kea). I was annoyed that I had my settings on a long exposure when one flew infront of me and I had no time to even turn to "sports mode" so hence the shot below.

Then we dropped into a tributary of the Waingawa River, one tramper (Alan), literally dropping down the crumbly cliff/bank, injuring his wrist. "I'm OK" was his frequent comment but a week after I advised he got it X-Rayed, a crack was identified in the Scaphoid bone!

Sitting on wet moss then having a slash near a toilet fascinated Ian produced the IB389 photo. Is nothing sacred?

OK, enough study from Cathy. As we traversed the slopes of Baldy, little peaks of the Wairarapa - Masterton "civilization" were had, so it was possible to call out by cellphone and arrange our bus collection to be from Holdsworth and not Kaitoke.

After arriving at Atiwhakatu Hut (note the foundations for a new hut), Ian disappeared into the bush and came back with some cold beers and other refreshments he had stashed on an earlier day walk. Our hero! He then suggested a fire (heaps of wood around from the clearing) and so a great night was had by all.

Dinner? -Soup entrée (?pumpkin) with nibbles of special dried vegetables, a main of Chicken Curry pasta supplemented by ChopChop! chicken Chunks and dried veges. Dessert was a selection (by me) of dried NZ fruit.