Chased by the weather

We knew the weather would change today. It was dark and cloudy soon after we departed for our last night's destination, the Hope-Kiwi Hut.

This is looking down the Hurunui Valley towards Lake Sumner. Best large

Just as well we came over the pass yesterday. Looking behind us it's raining up there and it would be miserable. The wind is behind us and while cooler than it's been, it isn't cold.

It's our long day today, 8+ hours over straightforward country (mostly). Some in the open like this. But several hours in the forest. Cattle graze this far up and it's too hard to fence the Beech forest off so they get into it, particularly in winter for shelter and food.

The forest isn't in great condition. Stock means little undergrowth and the trees are more likely to be damaged by wind and snow. DOC (Department of Conservation) had just cleared most of the snow damage before our trip. Today could easily have been 11 -12 hours if we'd had to clamber over, under and around fallen and broken trees.

Light drizzle didn't penetrate the forest and we were out of the wind. Surprisingly I'd forgotten (probably because I was coming the other way) about the long and relentless climb to the Hope-Kiwi saddle. Some wag suggested it was possibly what was meant by the end of the world ;-)

The last 1/2 - 3/4 hour was damp with persistent drizzle but it didn't rain until we were at the hut. My feet know I've been on them for over 8 hours but my body feels surprisingly good.

I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be :-)