Routeburn Tramp - Mount Aspiring
Back safely from the track which was terrific in spite of some variable weather. We were driven to the start on a clear sunny day past fields with more sheep in than I have ever seen in my life, most with lambs which feels odd in November! Stopped for tea and - wait for it - warm scones with jam and cream - on the way to the start, impressive or what?
<http://www.doc.govt.nz/explore/002~tracks-and-walks/Great-Walks/Routeburn-Track/index.asp>
Most of the first day was steady climbing through beech woods - theirs are non-deciduous though (no fall colours here) - in worsening weather.
The views when they appeared were great, snowy mountans and deep river valleys, but the climb was on tricky rocky paths so not my best surface. By the time we hit the night-time hut it was raining heavily but clearly they are used to this so had excellent drying rooms and hot water bottles for the bunks.
We were a party of only 6 which was great - the maximum of 24 would have been really crouwded - and as they were training two new guides we got 4 which was even better. It bucketed it down all night and we set off in drizzle and poor visibility which was a pity. We climbed steadily - first in woodland on wet rocks, no fun - then on the hillside on graded paths which was better. As we hit the saddle the weather cleared and we descended in sunshine to our second hut which was great. Again the scenery was terrific - I have taken lots of shots to bore you with....
Day three dawned bright and sunny and we descended steeply at first then on a good path through woodland - following the Route Burn - whose source at Harris lake we had passed the day before. Highlight had to be seeing keas, the playful parrots that live in the mountains here and eat anything in sight including boot laces and windscreen wipers so can be a mixed blessing. But we enjoyed them on the trail and I even had some pictures which I hope will be OK.
Bussed back to our original hotel - off tomorrow to our farmstay from which we will take the cruise on Doubtful Sound on Friday. I have heard great things of this so hope it works out alright.
<http://www.doc.govt.nz/explore/002~tracks-and-walks/Great-Walks/Routeburn-Track/index.asp>
Most of the first day was steady climbing through beech woods - theirs are non-deciduous though (no fall colours here) - in worsening weather.
The views when they appeared were great, snowy mountans and deep river valleys, but the climb was on tricky rocky paths so not my best surface. By the time we hit the night-time hut it was raining heavily but clearly they are used to this so had excellent drying rooms and hot water bottles for the bunks.
We were a party of only 6 which was great - the maximum of 24 would have been really crouwded - and as they were training two new guides we got 4 which was even better. It bucketed it down all night and we set off in drizzle and poor visibility which was a pity. We climbed steadily - first in woodland on wet rocks, no fun - then on the hillside on graded paths which was better. As we hit the saddle the weather cleared and we descended in sunshine to our second hut which was great. Again the scenery was terrific - I have taken lots of shots to bore you with....
Day three dawned bright and sunny and we descended steeply at first then on a good path through woodland - following the Route Burn - whose source at Harris lake we had passed the day before. Highlight had to be seeing keas, the playful parrots that live in the mountains here and eat anything in sight including boot laces and windscreen wipers so can be a mixed blessing. But we enjoyed them on the trail and I even had some pictures which I hope will be OK.
Bussed back to our original hotel - off tomorrow to our farmstay from which we will take the cruise on Doubtful Sound on Friday. I have heard great things of this so hope it works out alright.
posted by Adrian Smith at 10:56 PM
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