Now, when I’m tramping I don’t like wet feet. So when today’s peak gave me a rude surprise, I took on the mantra of; when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
I had taken leave from work for a few days and drove up to Blenheim. I am fortunate to have family based here so it made a great base for me to head out and bag a few peaks.
First on the list was Mt Royal (1,365m).
Research into this told me there was one river crossing at the start then from there you walked up a 4wd track to the base of a prominent spur.
Parking up at the car park, the river was nothing to scoff at and one that would get my feet wet if I was not quick enough.
With such great ninja skills, I made it across without getting wet feet. Win!! This is where life threw lemons at me…. 200m down from the crossing, the 4wd track crossed the river again. This time I was not as successful.
To rub salt into the wound, the 4wd just stopped after this crossing and what little of track there was, zig zagged its way up the river. Safe to say, getting wet feet was inevitable.
Just under an hour of river crossings, I made it to the base of the spur. From here things were a lot easier. An honest climb had me gaining elevation fast and after reaching the leading ridge, I was time for a snack.
The ridge undulated a fair amount but with one final steep section I broke out from the stunning beech forest and out onto the tops.
Clearly, the weather had been cold lately with snow still on the ground in shaded areas. Bushes and shrubs frozen solid and a heavy ground frost were all tell-tale signs.
There was a slight breeze on top bring the temperature down a few degrees.
The views were great, seeing all along the Richmond Range and down into Blenheim.
The journey down was a little more eventful with me coming across a family of goats on the ridge! Adding to that there was a even bigger family down on the riverbed once I descended the spur.
The final stroll out the valley was good, albeit wet feet and all.
Day 1 of 3 a successful day.
#43 Mt Royal – 17.18km, 1,517m, 6 hours 20 minutes
Rest up as a bigger day tomorrow calls.
Till next time time,
Cam.