There was a summer when I was maybe ten years old when Ashley, Karen and I spent many an afternoon walking in the knee-to-thigh deep mud of the former creek behind our house. Yesterday's trek was reminiscent of those lazy summer days.

The Tuteko Valley hike is 2 km from milford lodge, and about 6 hours round trip from start to finish. It was a gorgoues sunny day, and being my first day off I was energized at 7 am to enjoy it. I have learned a new definition of lush while being here. The forest is literally dripping with water, growth and decay. The hike itself is fairly easy in that it is not very steep but it is very wet. Very muddy. Quite an experience to squish through a rainforest on a sunny afternoon with only the sounds of birds and swishing trees to keep you company. My new boots now look like seasoned travllers after sinking nearly knee deep in what appeared to be solid mud a few times. Laughing in the forest by myself, at myself, this is cool.

The trail is mostly mixture of forest, moss gardens, small streams and swampy areas, but opens at the end to the Tuteko River; with zillions of smooth stones drawing a line through the mountain valley. I stayed for about an hour, eating my lunch and lounging in the sun like a happy baby seal.