Day 44 – Double Hut to Comyns Hut

It looked like today would be tough going, so I had all the makings of tea laid out the night before. In the morning all I had to do was flick my Bic and I had that happy caffeine hit that I’m often surprised to find gives me as much of a physical boost as a mental one.

The target for the morning was a saddle at the head of the Swin River, but similar to Bush Stream, I’d be sidling high above it. It was a steep grunt all morning and a bit into afternoon, but not bad. It was a hot day and the cicadas were everywhere, often landing on my hat or face.

Across the saddle, I had to descend Round Hill Stream, also fairly easy since there was little scrub and the tussock was all short.

As I approached the hut, the valley closed in and I had to start crossing the river frequently. I knew I’d have to get my boots wet eventually, but I made a game of seeing how long I could keep them dry by rockhopping.  Eventually I had no choice but to plunge my feet in, and from there I was in the water near-constantly for the next half hour. I was glad when I came to the confluence with Turton Stream and found Comyns Hut. The hut was upgraded in 2007 and has new bunks, mattresses, benches and a table.