Monkey Flower Creek to Peel Forest Farmstay 12 k on trail 18 k on road? 100+ k in cars The scenic granite lumps are awash in beautiful sunrise colors this morning. We take to the trail at 7:30, and across the flats a stunning, jagged range of peaks rise in the distance, a dramatic wall …
Month: March 2018
2/14 On Trail with my Valentine
Swin River to Monkey Flower Creek 26 K This morning was a refreshingly mellow awakening. Thinking to guess Prana’s desire rather than announce my own last night when he asked me what time I wanted to wake up, I said 6:00; this morning I simply turn the alarm off, and, when I receive no complaint, …
2/13 The Many Moods of Tussock-Land
Methven to Swin River 31 k Regrettably, the alarm insists we get up at 5:00. We double check all the places overlooked gear might be hiding, then drink our green and black breakfast. Luckily, George is used to hikers catching this bus, and is at the desk to check us out, along with his dainty …
2/12 Layover In Methven
Layover in Methven 0 k What is the best part of a layover day? Well, probably some of the parts I won’t write about are the best. But leftover pizza for breakfast is pretty darn good too. I make coffee and work on some writing while the morning lazes away. Having a break from the …
2/11 The Trail Provides…Broccoli
Harper Campsite to Methven 38 k Surprisingly, hell was not unleashed last night. A gentle steady rain began, but the wind never did. We ate breakfast, had coffee, filled our pockets with snacks that could be eaten while walking, and did the dance that is required when two people stuff two backpacks in a tiny …
2/10 Harper River Valley
Harper River Headwaters to Trust Power Campsite 27 k The night was at least as cold as anticipated- frost covered the tent this morning. The longer the grass, the more condensation there always is, and the damp cold river air sank like stones to wall us in. But it worked, it was quiet, and now …
2/9 Attack of the Keas
Arthur’s Pass to Harper River Headwaters 17 k It was a very chilly night, and misty clouds form a low, cold ceiling this morning. Prana gets up to put laundry in early, and when he does there is a loud thud against the top of tent. What the? There is also a raucous squawking, and …
2/8 The Case of the Missing Mouse
Upper Deception Hut to The Sanctuary at Arthurs Pass 12 k + 5 road k It was a frosty morning, a glittering spangled onto the shoes and socks where they were poking out below the tent fly. I was plenty warm all night, which was an unexpected treat, (although in retrospect likely due to the …
muddy shoe memoirs 