It had been just over a week since my Blenheim trip and I found myself in some cold July weather. Winter was upon us and with that brings a few new elements to consider.
An early start saw me driving up the Porters Ski Field road at 7am in darkness. This early start did allow me the chance to watch the sunrise and it was a stunning one at that!
I parked up opposite the lodge entrance and perhaps I had started my day a bit too early as it was still very dark. I was also rather tired so I proceeded to set an alarm and have a snooze!
After resting my eyes for 20 odd minutes I got up and geared up.
Today’s goal was Red Hill (1,641m) which had brilliant views over the Benmore and Black Hill Ranges.
The plan from the car was to follow the Porter River up to Coleridge Pass then peel up a spur to the summit. Things started off well with some bush bashing through tall tussocks. With the country being rather open, I was able to find the thinner area and meander up the valley that way.
About 2/3 of the way up I stumbled across a trail! That made travel a lot faster and I was at the base of the spur just over an hour after leaving the car.
Now it was time to start gaining some elevation!
The weather so far was good in that it was what was forecasted. That did however mean I knew what to expect at higher elevations…..wind and cold temperatures.
And that was exactly what I got!
The higher I climbed the windier it got and the temp was significantly colder as a result. To the point actually, where my water bladder hose froze! Not the first time that’s happened and I feel like it won’t be the last!
I tried to be strategic in my ascent to stay on the leeward side of the ridge for as long as possible. This worked but the final stretch was exposed to the full force of the wind.
Time spent at the top was limited but I did find a small shelf to hide out of the wind in. Wind aside, I was a stunning back drop with snow covered mountains to the west and flat green pastures to the east.
The descent was quick and at the base I de-layered and had a bite to eat.
I found the trail I located earlier and to my amusement, the path took me right back out to the bridge near the car. I had completely missed it and spent a fair amount of time bush bashing up the valley coming to within a few meters of the trail! Ah well, you can’t win all the time.
I was back at the car and changed before midday. It was a great morning out in the mountains.
#48 Red Hill – 1,641m, 10.05km, 3 hours 30 minutes
The final count down has begun!
Till next time,
Cam.