December 29 15km 9 hours
Early start because of heavy rain forecast later in the day, with a scheduled river crossing of the Sabine River where a recent flood had destroyed the swingbridge. Up 460m through the cloud to Travers Saddle in good time, but not much in the way of views today, and then a long descent, including an exposed shingly ridgeline before reaching the bushline again. A dramatic bridge across a very narrow but deep chasm of the E Sabine river, then on down and down through the bush to the junction of the E&W Sabine rivers.
Lunch at the point where a few large trees that had been washed down the flooded W Sabine had destroyed the swingbridge. The rain had only just started so the river was still fordable in groups, fortunately not having to use the fallen tree that spanned the main river. A great walk up alongside the rushing river with the occasional open patch for broader views .. in and out of avalanche prone areas, although not normally an issue by this time of year. Gentle rain continuing, so no reason to stop for more than a few minutes at a time. A final push up to the Blue Lake Hut where a party already in residence had the fire going and the hut warm - just what was needed for a damp day.
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