Swimming in the gorge.
Hike through gorge (there was no other path).
This tree was actually growing in the rock.
2nd and 3rd Deans in the background.
Scenery from 1st Dean mountain.
Brad hiking up to 1st Dean mountain.
Today we hiked the three Dean Mountains and descended into Whites gorge (with the Christchurch Tramping Club). The scenery was fantastic! We could see the mountains to the west and the ocean to the east, and the gorge was amazing. It was rated an "easy" hike by our trip leader- but it didn't really seem like one. They don't really have a rating system, but this hike had no trail (except a sheep trail in a few spots), and it was almost all quite steep and sketchy. It was worth it for the scenery though. Brad got sun burned pretty bad, especially on his face and one hand. The UV index is always extremely high here because there is a hole in the ozone layer above New Zealand and Australia. (Constant sunscreen application and a hat is obviously crucial- the shirt on the head didn't quite do the trick.) Anyways, we were really impressed with this first hike- just a half an hour away from Christchurch, and I'm pretty excited to see what else awaits.
looks beautiful! I can't wait to come visit, the hiking is going to be epic.
ReplyDeleteYeah- it'll definitely be different! (And good I think!)
ReplyDeleteIt looks pretty desert-like/arid around that area too, that's interesting also.
ReplyDeleteYes- the east coast of the south island is in a rain shadow and is pretty dry. The west coast is pretty much a rain forest though.
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