tramping new zealand

Glorious sunrise over the waves of the Takapau Plains so far below. Not a cloud in the sky, although the breeze was still serious.

I guessed it might eventually turn into the best day of the summer to date, although that was a low bar.

And this was the high ridge day, where the weather would make the most difference.

When you are not on a track, being in the fog can be confusing, as was seen when trying to find the bivvy.

It seemed my pack was not getting lighter as I climbed my way back up the 250 m rise to the ridgeline.

It always seems easier these days to climb up rather than go down, mostly because you can see where to put your feet. And man, it seemed quicker to get up, mainly because I had a view rather than the murk on the way down. Also, I was distracted by views.

At the ridge, it was not only calm, but the views to both west and east were spectacular. Ruapehu and Ngarahoe were clearly visible to the north-west; the top of Taranaki popped over the horizon to the west, past all the richly green pastureland below. What was also clear was that Tunupō, at 1568 m, with a steep face, was originally on the morning agenda. I could scoot around along the ridges to Longview Hut, although I was also thinking of heading down to Top Gorge Hut.

Except, my interest evaporated. I didn’t like the look of the final 100 m+ scramble to the top of Tunupō, encumbered by a still-heavy pack.

Nope. I would return from whence I came.

Instead, it was an instantly lovely day on the ridge with scarcely a breath of wind, taking in the 360° views rather than concerning myself about the route to come.

Much procrastination with movement. A phone call or two. A chance Sunday lunchtime meeting with an enthusiastic day tripper, and just the best day of summer to date.

Even the 550 m drop back down to Leon Kinvig Hut seemed easy due to the recent track cutting.

A group had occupied the hut for the two previous nights when I was absent, but had left that morning for civilisation.

I was in no such hurry. No hurry at all.