16 - 17th February

Monday 16th February – to Arthur's Pass

Drove northwards via the old gold mining town of Ross and the laid back town of Hokitika which was good fun. Then inland to Arthur's pass which Tony at Takaka claimed was discovered by his grandfather. Found our motel, the Arthur's Pass Alpine Motel very easily. Spacious cabin with good facilities.

Then walked to the Devil's Punchbowl falls, a short walk away.

Tuesday 17th February – the high spot of the holiday?

Awakened at 2am by shunting! The railway and road share the narrow valley and the noise reverberates when the wagons are being marshalled.

To the Dept of Conservation office after breakfast to check the weather forecast and register our intention to climb Avalanche Peak. If you haven't posted the intention's form counterfoil in their box by next morning, they call out the rescue service for you. Very good idea.

We bought Christine a walking pole before we started. So now it is official. Christine has a walking stick!

Starting at 09.30 we climbed up the steep trail up to the bushline, then upwards over grass then scree and rock towards the summit. All the route was beautifully waymarked. We started at 760m above sea level, and reached the summit at 1800m at 13.45. The weather was fine and the cloudbase fairly high so the views were tremendous.

Over the top section we were accompanied by Kea, large alpine parrots who although intelligent enough to scrounge ham sandwiches from climbers, apparently cannot read the signs saying it is bad for them. It is surreal to be high in the mountains, way above any vegetation, and be sitting within feet of a large parrot.

Back down the Scott track which was supposed to be gentler, but in fact because the track doubled as a watercourse in wet weather, was very difficult with boulders and frequent very steep sections. It took us until 18:00 to get back to the road, and Christine swearing she was never going up another mountain, ever.

As we walked back, a train drew in from Greymouth headed by no less than five diesel engines. Three then went back to Greymouth, the train continuing towards Christchurch down the downhill grade with only two engines, It shows the gradient up from Greymouth must be vicious.