Milford Track Day 3

Wake up time is 6:15 am, with 45 minutes to get ready, make your lunch, and eat breakfast before setting off at 7:30 am.  This is hardest day, the day we climb over the MacKinnon Pass.  We felt very lucky that the forecast rain did not seem to have come, and we could see patches of clear sky.  It was a far cry from the heavy rain we had been expecting.

Lunch-making in full swing

Glimpses of peaks and blue sky

We were converted to using walking poles by this trip

Peaks 1,000 metres above

As we progressed and started to climb the sky cleared above us, and we could see the towering peaks around us.  The valley walls are so steep that the peaks seem to overhang the valley, giving a sense of vertigo when you look up.  The sheer rock rises 1,000 metres above you on each side.

Tree mosses

Part way up the zig-zag to the pass.  Sunshine!

Out of the trees

The memorial just before the pass.

We puffed on up the zig-zag path leading to the pass, with frequent stops to catch our breath and to admire the landscape.  Eventually came out on top, where (guide) Richie was waiting by the MacKinnon Memorial cairn with hot drinks or cordial to resuscitate us.  We were very pleased to have completed the hardest part of the track (...or had we?).

On the other (north) side there is a sheer drop for hundreds of metres - the guides said it is called the "12 second drop", and recommended walking down the track instead!  Looking over the edge we could see our next hut (Quintin Lodge) far below, 900 metres down.  Many had said that going down the track from here is harder than the climb up, but that seemed hard to believe....

The next hut in the distance (bottom centre), 900 metres below us.

The highest point on MacKinnon Pass is 1,154 metres.

Scenic shot - mountains reflected in a tarn

Looking back down the way we had come, back towards Pompolona.

The shelter on the pass.

The "loo with a view".

Everyone enjoyed lunch in the sunshine beside the shelter a short walk from the memorial.  The loo was also popular, with its spectacular views back the way we had come.  Then it was time to start down towards our next shelter for the night.

The first part of the descent.

Sue with Tom and Carol (Montana).  Lots of loose rock here.

Particularly steep parts have steps.

The walking poles really came into their own as we worked our way down, because the way is often over slippery rock or loose boulders, and the poles provide great support in those situations.  We were soon back into the bush, and carried on down beside "Roaring Burn" which plunges down a series of waterfalls and clefts.  I started expecting the Quintin Lodge to be around each turn, but instead the track kept on endlessly plunging steeply down hill.  My legs eventually reached a jelly-like state, and the poles became essential in avoiding a fall as I stumbled on.  Of course we did make it in the end, but it will be some time before my legs forgive me for that day.