Chamberlain Creek 14-16 December
A circuit, overnighting at Herepai Hut then getting very wet in Chamberlain Creek.
The wind was still gale force at 4am, but had settled by 5am so we headed off from the hut at 6:30
Raymond got the first carry of the rope
The tops were misty and cold but much needed blue sky was coming
We started to drop into Chamberlain off East Peak through the leatherwood
Phil in the headwaters
Ninja Matt
We had a few minor drops
Our first abseil beside a waterfall
Retrieving the rope after the first abseil
Raymond in action on the second abseil
What class, what grace!
Phil followed
With as much class and grace
We had to get into the drink sooner or later
Some of us didn't seem too bothered.
A two drop abseil...
...The first was simple enough
Even for me (though no class or grace!)
...The second was more tricky...Phil drew the short straw!
Ray the next shortest
Retrieving the rope while trying to balance on a slippery ledge
The into the deep pool...it was cold!
Lunch was a welcome stop as was the hot drink
The first jump of the day...we pushed Phil off first
Ninja Matt
and again...in true ninja style
In goes the pack...
Followed closely by the pack wearer
I had to go back in for this photo
Another big jump. Phil is in the water, Matt is lining up
Chamberlain was hard but fun
Our biggest jump of the day was 7-8 metres...looked like 20 from the top
But nothing could faze trip leader Phil
Raymond about to take the plunge (left above waterfall)
and there he goes
A tricky slide...
Executed perfectly
We made it to the bottom of Chamberlain Creek...alive - woo hoo!
and now for the Ruamahunga river
Lots of gorges and pack floating as demonstrated by young Raymond
The river final opened out
It was a welcome relief seeing the other Parawai party (we were tired after 13 long hours!)
