Day 2 of my Blenheim peak mission, this one turned out to be longer than expected. What didn’t help was I had lined up 2 peaks for today.
And early start had me driving through the back blocks of a forestry plantation. I parked up at the start of the Wakamarina Track with Mt Baldy (1,315m) the first peak to bag.
If there is every a track worth walking and even more so, bike ride, the Wakamarina is that track. It was stunning in how well it was built, the bush life and native scenery. It was a dream to walk and the fact it was such a nice gradient it made walking a breeze!
To summit Mt Baldy, I had to climb the Wakamarina to Foster’s Clearing on the ridge then go off track to the top. I made it to the clearing in just over an hour, had a bite to eat then went bush.
The walk along the ridge was pleasant but you still needed to be paying attention to where you were going as there was no marking and very little indications of a track.
After another hour, I had made it to the top! I was greeted with blustery conditions and low overcast clouds making life rather cold.
After photos and a bit to eat I headed back down. Starting my descent, I got distracted by a really cool tree (simple mind, simple pleasure). However in doing doing I started heading down the wrong ridge! Fortunately, my internal compass was telling me I was going in the wrong direction. A short sidle had me back on the right ridge.
A nice quick descent back to the car allowed me plenty of time to relax, get changed and refuel for the next peak.
I had hoped to finish Mt Baldy faster but I still had a good amount of daylight on my side.
#44 Mt Baldy – 17.7km, 926m, 4 hours 2 minutes
A short drive around the hills then gear up for peak number 2 for the day.