So this turned out to be a pretty epic overnight trip for us.
We took a leisurely cruise down to Mount Cook National Park, stopping along the way to show off Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki to Andrew and arrived just after lunch at the information center. Weather was looking a little bit iffie but after the DoC ranger said it wouldn’t be too bad, we headed on up the light drizzle.
The trail is fairly new and wide with endless steps. Our pace was too fast and as usual I threw up but felt much better for it. Slowed down after that.
The drizzle was relentless and the further up we got, the colder and sleetier it was. By the time we put on our waterproof pants, we were pretty damp.
Two foreign tourists passed us in their jeans, completely soaked, but carrying on up to the tarns.
Above the tarns, the trail ended and and we had to pick our way along a rough, scrambly route between the markers. Without trees, we were now exposed to the icy wind. We carried on and hit the snow line. By now we were starting to think we were a bit mad for not turning back, but we could see the ridge and figured we did not have too much further to go. The rain had also stopped.
Once past the ridge, we were protected from the wind but we were also in knee to thigh deep snow. We followed the recent tracks but it was hard going. Andrew (from now on refered to as Ninja Man) was out front doing the most work. Sinking up to his knees with every step. Simon and I were following in his footsteps, so had an easier time, but it was still exhausting.
We reached Mueller hut about 15 minutes before losing the light. We would not have found the hut in the dark.
We had the entire hut to ourselves. A quick radio call to DoC to let them know we were all OK, then dinner and off to bed. A sleepless night. Cold and hella windy. I had nighgmares about the roof being ripped off. Simon filled his platypus with hot water and had a hot water bottle for his sleeping bag which was a very clever idea – can’t do that with the Camelbacks.
The next morning had much better weather conditions, but it looked like some nasty clouds were headed our way, so instead of hanging around to climb Mount Ollivier, we headed back down. A much nice walk this time, and the snow was far more fun when we wen’t racing against time. Snow and mountains were stunning in the morning light. Such a difference from the previous day.
We managed to do a bit of glissading ( fancy name for sliding on your bum) in the snowy bit, but then gave our legs a workout coming down the stairs. Andrew had some wobbly leg moments and we were all glad to get down to car and rest. An overall rewarding experience.
