Thursday 15th.

Although the trip leader was most reluctant to leave Makarora and his old school friend, the party in its entirety safely crossed the Makarora River and made its way downstream to the confluence of the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers. Just above this the Wilkin was crossed with ease and the party made its way up the left (i.e. true right -Ed.) bank of the Wilkin, jet-boat convenience having been sacrifiece in favour of the McNaught- Pearce bank accounts. "Top Hut," the lowest hut in the Wilkin proved to be well past its prime, in fact it was a ruin. However Kerin Forks was reached after 6 hours tramping and the night spent in the hut there.