Descending back down Dennistoun rejoined Beaglehole and they continued with the descent. To avoid climbing back over the Footstool, they decided to descend straight into Sinbad Gully, which meant they had to resort to using a rope to lower themselves down bluffs. They reached the valley floor in darkness, and it began to rain. With no camping equipment, they had no choice but to continue on until they reached the boat at 9.45pm. They then rowed back across to spend the night at the hotel operated by Elizabeth Sunderland.