July
9th July 2005
This weekend we didn't have a prearranged walk. Instead we had a cunning plan. We all met up at a friend's place for bacon, eggs and pancakes while we perused a tramper's guide.
Eventually we decided on a walk at Rakaia Gorge. After we had stuffed ourselves we headed off in two cars. Rakaia Gorge is on the way to Mt Hutt on the inland scenic route so we frequently pass through. The first view of the gorge happens suddenly. Leaving the town of Windwhistle you turn a corner and the gorge opens out in front of you. It is quite spectacular and unexpected.
We are planning a camping trip at Rakaia Gorge in the spring. There are skiing, fishing and jet boating all available at Rakaia and the camping ground is a short walk from the edge of the river.
This walk was a bit easier than last week's walk to Lyndon Saddle. The walk starts in the car park on the Christchurch side of the river, crosses the road and begins climbing. We walked along at an easy pace enjoying the views of the gorge.
While the weather in Christchurch had looked a bit doubtful at Rakaia is was magnificent, sunny with no wind.
As you can see there are two bridges crossing the river at its narrowest point. Flowing down from Rakaia the river widens into a braided river valley.
The path was fairly busy, we encountered other trampers (and runners, the sick bastards) every ten minutes or so.
The walk we were on actually takes about four hours but we had decided that we would only do an hour or so and turn around.
We came across a nice hilltop where we decided to finish our walk and have a picnic lunch. We actually had a light lunch after our huge breakfast. There were sandwiches, sausages left over from breakfast, muesli bars and hot coffee. After lunch we sat around and talked, sucked toffees and took in the view.
I could have gone another hour but it was getting late and some of us had commitments back in Christchurch in the evening.
We headed back down the hill. Marisa took some shots of fungi that she found along the way.
After we reached the car park again we wandered down to the edge of the river where we skipped a few stones talked of future walks.
As the shadows lengthened we headed back to the cars and got back on the road to Christchurch. It had been a wonderful day and we finished it off with more coffee and conversation. By the time we arrived at our own house I was pleasantly exhausted.
I'm hoping we can return to Mt Potts station for our next walk. This is the location for Edoras in the Lord of the Rings movies.
--Brook
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