Lucretia Tarn
Below the treeline
This was a beautiful mountain tramp- my first one in the "real" mountains. There was a big difference in the vegetation and the ruggedness due to the height, and a very distinct treeline that you don't see closer to Christchurch. We camped pretty high up and it got pretty cold at night- but luckily I was fairly prepared!
Catherine----What an awesome view!!! Glad I could hear you still breathing!!!( I don't think I could do that kind of hike) But I am glad you have the opportunity to experience this beautiful country. I do miss you though. Can't wait to see you. Thanks for all the conversations on Skype!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah- the views were unreal. It's hard to believe it's less than 2 hours from Christchurch!
ReplyDeleteYeah that's pretty much awesome. You can tell it's either warmer there or not quite as high as the rockies cause there are still grasses growing above the treeline whereas here there would only be lichens. Although we are pretty far north here too. Looks wicked though I'm excited for it. Igor already applied for his VISA but they are going to hold onto his passport until we have actual tickets. SO if you see any seat sales let us know. I'm watching for them already.
ReplyDeleteAlso, you should take a picture of one of those huts you stayed in next time. I'm interested in seeing what they are like.
ReplyDeleteThis time we didn't stay in a hut. I had Brad's one person tent. I found out why they have so many huts though- it turns out there used to be an over infestation of deer (which are an introduced species). The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association put up huts all over the place during a massive eradication event in the 60's and 70's. Some huts were put up for trampers too- and those are generally the better ones. There are 4 ratings of huts: great walk huts, serviced huts, standard huts,and basic huts. The great walks huts are the nicest- and we'll be using those (or tenting) if we stick to our plans!
ReplyDeleteGeeze, I didn't realize I was breathing so heavily in that little video clip. Erica, thanks for pointing that out- That's pretty funny.
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