The last couple of weeks have been most enjoyable for a number of good outings. Iris was checking out the latest flowers, berries and other fauna & flora subjects: with Christy from the US a quick trip around Diamond lake loop track, also called Rocky Mountain, 775 m with incredible views:
Christy taking in the views at 775 m altitude
one of the best half day excursions near Wanaka
Snow berries, sweet and delicious, gaultheria crassa var.
then off to visit Fern Burn hut in Stacks conservation area in the Motatapu valley, Remarkables next and another visit to Rob Roy glacier cirque with Jean & Bart from the US. Keas in the air, avalanche activity and bird watching plus more edible berries on the treks were all part of great little missions.
Safety is important out there. Here is a site about being SMART on adventures which is advertised by the Department of Conservation. My thought: if you go out there and stay in mountain huts for your alpinism missions, be it alpine climbing, hiking or bird watching, you might as well give the local DoC office your intentions. At least that way there is an indication of how many people stay in the huts … a long subject, so be smart and stay safe.
Diamond lake Rocky Mountain 775 m altitude, views over lake Wanaka on a guided walk, 3-4 hrs return
Checking out how cold the glacier stream water is
Taking a few photos of native green hooded orchids
What a great lunch spot with the Rob Roy glacier in the back ground
Today is another glorious day in Wanaka, and what better for Iris to do than to go trekking with a lady from Hongkong into Mt Aspiring National Park. Destination – walk up the Matukituki Valley, turn right and up the Rob Roy valley to visit the Rob Roy Glacier Cirque.
With the beautiful weather we have been having, the native orchids are in excellent shape. With the Keas cruising around, lunch was had in front of the mighty Glacier – with a few ice avalanches to be heard and watched from a safe distance.
Iris, having dropped off a very satisfied customer is now getting ready to head to Mt Cook National Park this evening where she is meeting up with friends to do the Ball Pass trek. Wow , the weather this season is very summery!
The swing bridge at the entrance to the Rob Roy valley
Oystercatcher eggs
Oystercatcher family on the East coast of New Zealand
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