Eleven hardy trampers headed off around the enormous sand dune to Lake Wainamu. Two continued around the lake while the rest climbed up Houghton and Smythe Ridge Tracks to Smythe Corner.
A heavy downpour turned the tracks to streams, leaving slippery mud when the rain stopped, which tested our balance and coated our boots and backsides. We lunched at Smythe Corner when the rain stopped then descended via Long Road and Wainamu Bush tracks. Good company and beautiful bush.