We set out on day 2 with more beautiful sunshine, hiking up along the river through a lot of forrest with amazing views along the way. As we rose up out of the valley moving toward Mintaro Hut, there were great views looking back from where we came.
We ran into this guy purely by luck, and he actually stayed still to have his picture taken. This is a Kea, an alpine parrot that lives in and around Fiordland. They are very curious, and "cheeky," (as the New Zealanders would say) -- Every Kiwi has a story of seeing the results of something that a Kea destroyed while trying to check it out -- Hiking boots, backpacks, ski poles, windshield wipers. They will destroy anything and everything they can get a hold of, and they apparently love plastic!
Here we have arrived at Mintaro Hut...more great views! It's just below McKinnon Pass, and the ranger warned us that the next day would probably be pretty rainy so if you wanted to see the views from the pass, you should go ahead and hike up and back to the hut that day. The one who runs 100K races in a single day made his way up...the one who does 10K races sat in a little sunroom at the side of the hut and read. And stretched. (Tried to sit outside but the sandflies were merciless.)
Patrick brought be some pictures to see from McKinnon Pass -- Looks pretty gorgeous, although you can already see the clouds moving in. From up here you can get views over what's called the "12 Second Drop." Enough said - It's a long way down. Patrick said some people got pretty close to the edge for pictures and it reminded him of some of the Grand Canyon stories you hear..."A little more...a little more...a little...Aaaaahhhhhh!"
More views from McKinnon Pass. 
Anna got two postcards from ya'll last week, we got out the globe, had long talks about many things, and ended with a discussion about money and why we can't just go to see the caves ourselves. She was thrilled (we all were!) Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAnd this hike looks lovely. I may have to have that money talk with myself.
this is Patrick- That is so great that you have "real" conversations with your kids about money. You must be one of the few. The rest are telling their kids that they should spend themselves into oblivion.
ReplyDeleteWe are happy to send the postcards and share a bit of our trips with our friends. Have a great day and summer break is not far around the corner!