It is that time of year again. School holidays have come and gone.. and it is time to catch up on all the jobs which have been pushed aside. It only makes sense that I prioritize updating latest news... noting that doing stock take and sorting paperwork will still be there when this has been done.
This year the weather forecast made sure that we started our first adventure early on day one of the holidays.
The Mole Tops has been on our list of places to explore.
We followed Watson Creek up from the Matakitaki Valley. The track boasting multiple rock hopping water crossings.. with some steep entries and exits. It became apparent that we were best to embrace having wet feet or risk having to pitch a tent in the dark.
When we reached the end of the marked walking trail at the bush edge.. we looked up at the tussock covered ridge and stony creek. There was the option of setting up camp and making a fresh start at the climb in the morning... or go for it and see how far we can get before loosing daylight.
The decision was made to carry on.
Little did we know that under nearly every tussock grass covering the incredibly steep ridge we set out to climb was a spear grass waiting to poke tiny holes through our skin. It turned in to 'every person for themselves'... loads of yelping and flapping as we went. Looking back, it was possibly a better option to scramble up the rocky creek bed... but had we done that we would have missed out on the added bond gained when we laugh and talk about how terribly miserable climbing the 'tussock' ridge really was.
No photos were taken that first day. Regardless it was a big day that we will likely never forget.
Reaching the leveled off elevation on the ridge, we finally found a flat-ish spot for the tent and set up camp. After dinner and a brief look around sleep came fast.
We had a fresh start the next morning making our way along the tops to the next huge beautiful basin.
When we reached a brilliant elevated point with endless views we decided to sit down and take it all in. I took an obligatory adventure sock photo... the binoculars came out and everyone had a turn looking for wildlife.
Conditions were so ideal we decided to find a spot to set up camp and spent the rest of the day hanging out in the basin by the tarns in the sunshine.
There was very little consideration to where the sun was passing through the sky when we pitched our tent. Being near the largest tarn near the tops was a goal, but our only focus was to squeeze it in between lumps of tussock grass and rocks on the flattest spot we could find. As the day started to turn, it was definitely a treat when I realized that it was possible to see the sun setting from our front door.
Temperatures dropped as the cool of the evening set in and a cold breeze began to blow. Even after having a much shorter day of walking it was nice that it was easy to call it a night and get some sleep.
I woke up around 6.30 the next morning to notice that our tent was glowing orange. Much later and I would have missed it.. the sunrise was definitely the highlight of that last day.
All of the smaller surrounding tarns were shining pink reflecting back the amazing colours in the sky.
The entire light show seemed to pass very quickly.
So many vibrant colours over the distant ranges.. but they were only there for a moment before they moved on.
This was definitely a sign it was time to start our journey back down the mountain. There was only a brief display of brilliant sunshine before a thick grey blanket of cloud swallowed the sky and a cold wind arrived to escort us down the ridge.
It is really amazing what a difference a day can make. So grateful for such a magical couple of days on the tops. Rugged up in all of our layers as we made our decent was definitely a quick and subtle reminder of how truly special the magical days really are.