Back down the mountain to civilization

After a cold night in the hut, we made a hot oatmeal breakfast, squeezed all our belongings into our packs, and cleaned the Ces Clark hut for the next group. Fun fact: the Ces Clark hut was built in 1986 and was named after a NZ forest ranger who envisioned a hiking trail to connect Blackball and Barrytown. He died just meters away from the hut while working on the trail.

One last group picture in the hut

After finishing up camp chores at the hut, a few of us headed in the opposite direction of the way we came, to see the infamous saddlebacks (trail along the ridge of the mountains). We even encountered some snow. We made some snowmen and had a snowball fight! Feel free to comment which snowman you like the best! :)

My (angry?) snowman

Nico’s snowman

Dr. H’s snowman

Ava’s snowman

Charisse’s snowman

Veronica’s snowman

After enjoying the snow for awhile, we decided to climb up a mountain to look for Mt. Cook in the distance. Unfortunately it was too cloudy to see it, but we got some great views and pictures nonetheless.

Nico enjoying a view of the Southern Alps

We then hiked back to the hut, met the rest of the group, and began our descent back down to the car park. Making much faster time than the day before, we headed back to a side trail to look for the elusive and rare blue duck (Māori name, Whio) and to our surprise, we found one! Dr. H said that these birds are even rarer than kiwis!

Taking pictures of the blue duck

We continued our hike back through the rainforest, and stopped back at our lunch spot to look for Colin, the Weka. We saw him and strategized ways to take him with us, since he’s so cute, but unfortunately we had to leave him. He also did not want to come with us since Ryan scared him away. 

Colin, the weka, trying to get us to feed him

Ryan scaring Colin away :(

We then continued our hike, passing over the 3 swinging bridges. Ashley was particularly scared of the height of the bridges, but we were all proud of her when she conquered her fear. We met up with Colin, the human, and his friend and he shared more wisdom about the various lichen and mosses. 

Ashley trying not to look down

Finally, we made it back to the gatorwaka and were thrilled to have completed the hike. We drove back to the hotel, showered and rested for a bit and then headed to the Speight’s Ale House for a big meal. Today was another great day in New Zealand! 

We finished the hike!! 

Catch you tomorrow

-Haiden

July 10- From rain to snow on the Croesus Track

The crew woke up early to a drizzle and grey skies in Greymouth, a town on the west coast of New Zealand. Excited, nervous, and a little unsure of what was in store for the day, we all piled in the gatorwaka and headed to Maggie’s Kitchen, which the owners opened just for us. With the whole place to ourselves, we dined on some pancakes, Canadian bacon, hot chocolate, French fries (for the vegans) and omelets. 

A hot breakfast at Maggie’s

Maya’s joining the Saturday Brunch Bunch

We then began our journey to the Croesus Track trailhead. Once we arrived, we put on all our rain gear, covered our packs and prepared to see the rainforest and subalpine environments. Colin taught us about the Rimu, Rata, Kamahi forest, and mentioned how the top soil is dark and organic. This track was previously used as a historic mining route for coal! 

The beginning of the hike

We passed by 3 suspension bridges, several different types of ferns and other plants, waterfalls, and a very cute little Weka, that we named Colin!

Colin the Weka!

We also made plenty of stops to look at fungus, tree ferns, and birds. Something we learned about tree ferns is that the soft fronds belong to the genus Cyathea, and the hard fronds belong to the genus Dicksonia (can you tell I like tree ferns?)

Looking for robins

Hiking past tree ferns, lichens, and mosses. 

Finally, we made it to the hut, where there was a little bit of snow cover. We tried to start the fire, but realized there was no wood. Thankfully, Dr. H, Nico, and Ryan found an axe and chopped some construction wood which lasted us most of the night. 

Weka prints on the deck of the hut 

Wood chopping crew

After a long day, we settled in for a night of hot coco, freeze-dried food, and games. 

Playing games using candlelight

That’s all for today!

-Haiden