On a clear day, this is called the 'million dollar shot' but the clouds appear to be hiding some of the peaks in the distance. This is the beginning of the Routeburn Track. It starts in the woods along the river with the beautiful turquoise blue glacial water.
I was lucky that this first day of the hike was nice and sunny. Although in some parts I did find deep sponge-like moss and with each step I wondered if it would take my boot from me.
I stayed at the hut in this valley called the Routeburn Flats. This is where I was introduced to the local pest - sandflies and my study of their habits began. It appears that they really enjoy anyone with Norwegian or Scottish blood - lucky me!
The next morning, I made an early start to get over the pass before clouds came in, but it was already misty in some parts. This is the view looking back from where I just came and a close up of the flora on top of the pass.
Once crossing over the pass, the track traverses along the ridge and eventually drops into the rainforest.
And then, through the mist I could see I had finally reached my destination - the Lake Mackenzie hut. Here I caught up with some others I had met on the trail and that night at the hut we played some rousing games of shithead and cheat.
The 3rd day was more traversing with views appearing through the clouds every so often. Along the way, I passed Lake Howden and then I was at the road where I was to meet a bus to take me to Milford Sound for the night...
