It was cold and threatening to rain as we headed off in the morning. We spent sometime deliberating over the map trying to work out what would be the easiest route down into Lucretia Stream that runs out to the Nina Valley. We were happy as we descended to find that we weren’t the only ones who had chosen this route. We came across a marked route that descended down a spur with trees that looked like they had suffered from a large avalanche during the winter. We picked our way along the river stopping to have lunch at Lucretia Biv. After a few more hours we had left the Nina Valley and emerged at the roadside. The pretty ones hitch hiked back to get the truck while I waited.
Above: Frauke and Gina walking across a rocky slope on the way out towards Lucretia Stream. Gina is wearing typical kiwi thermals.
We had another dip in Sylvia Flats. This time we had the company of thousands of sand flies and we continually had to dissuade them from eating us. We drove to Olmec and Malisa’s house in the afternoon. They’re living on the road between Waiau and the east coast highway. Malisa fixed us up with a delicious feast in the evening and they showed us around their place. It looks like a good spot. The house is nice and they have enough land for a garden.