Training Log Archive: simmo

Day 2 of Routeburn, Lake MacKenzie to Routeburn Falls via Harris Saddle. Wonderful walk, all above the tree line after the first 500m, with incredible views everywhere.

At Harris Saddle PP and I decided to only do part of the Conical Hill side trip, just to the lookout over Lake Harris and the Routeburn Valley. Just as well, it's pretty steep and slippery in places. According to others in the group who made it to the top, the view towards the Tasman was worth it, but we were more than satisfied with the fantastic view from the lookout.

The walk down the Valley was special, even though I was really tired, and the falls at the end a bonus. Too cold to swim though.

Day 1 of Routeburn, Divide to Lake MacKenzie. Interesting walk, quite undulating and mostly in beech forest. Even though shorter, I was quite tired on arrival at the Lodge.

Earland Falls pretty specify.

Rest day - a boat trip around the Sound and out to the Tasman Sea included in the package, then a bus to Te Anau.

To loosen up we walked around 3km return to the Aviaries and saw real live Takahes, as well as a more poke owl and some other rare NZ birds (but no kiwi).

Found a great bar serving tapas for dinner (Black Dog Bar) after watching a short movie about Fiordland.

Day 3 of Milford, Quintin to Sandfly Point. A long day with a few harder bits including a climb up a ledge on a high cliff above the Arthur River. PP and I were at the back for most of the day, not wanting to have too long to wait at Sandfly Point. Even though we could wait inside a shelter, still managed to sustain a few bites.

Day 2 of Milford, over the Mackinnon Pass to Quintin Lodge. I was hoping to be able to walk up to the Sutherland Falls (another 5km return from Quintin), but even though I did the climb up to the Pass reasonably well, I hit the wall on the long (900m) descent. Did the last 4km very slowly and carefully as it felt like I could fall over multiple times on the steepest and rockiest bits. Was absolutely buggered when I turned a corner and there was the Lodge thank goodness!

Had a Nespresso and cake, then waited for PP to turn up.

Great views from the Pass, very tough day, but very, very rewarding.

Day 1 of Milford Track, fairly easy from Glade House, until the last 2kms or so up to Pompolona Lodge.

No gps, as I didn't bring the cable and can't charge the Garmin, so just using it in watch mode.

Time includes several stops along the way for PP to take photos, and to generally take in the views or watch NZ Bush Robins hop about catching worms around aour boots.

Distance doesn't include the 1km from the boat dock to Glade House yesterday, and a guided walk of 2kms around the local bush adter arrival.