On Labour Weekend we explored the recently formed Dart Lake.
On Saturday we walked the Dart Track from Chinamans Bluff to Sandy Bluff, then pack-rafted most of the way up the lake before walking to Daleys Flat Hut. The Dart Track was washed away downstream of Sandy Bluff; the river now flows hard against a bluff, making the track impassable. DoC have cut and marked a new track that climbs over the bluff, but this is not trivial. A rock step near the northern end would be better descended with the assistance of a rope. The track over Sandy Bluff is also obliterated by a large amount of windfall - paddling the lake is definitely faster! But the northern end of the lake is too shallow, making travel on foot easier again.
On Sunday we explored the lake, paddling in an enchanted submerged forest. The mouth of the McBride Burn is especially beautiful.
On Monday we paddled back across the lake to the mouth of Slip Stream, then walked down valley on the true right of the Dart River as far as Surveyor Flat. Here we used the pack-rafts to cross the river then walked the Dart Track back to our vehicles.
We had Daleys Flat Hut to ourselves all weekend, and really got to appreciate the Dart Valley's current feeling of wilderness and remoteness - just wonderful!
Party: Hannah Joynt, Juliet Meldrum, Crystal Brindle, Danilo Hegg.