Spring ski touring at the Snow Farm
A few photos below of one of the classic ski tours at the Snow Farm we did on Wed. If the snow is good quality it's one of those trips where you hardly notice the mileage, but in spring it's more of a mission - in fact the snow was icy and trippy initially then slushy, then started freezing again. All quite technical on skis akin to match sticks.
Meadow Hut - it used to be called Meadow Warming Hut, but these days we're either faster, warmer, or the climate really is warmer..
Same hut, and photographed from a different perspective, but in summer...
Well into the tour...
Late lunch with Vicky and Robyn at Bob Lee Hut...
This view is one I really like. The distinctive cloud base started forming at about noon and by 5 pm was pretty much gone. The middle foreground is the Criffel Range - the scene of the highest altitude old gold workings in NZ [lack of water except in spring would have hampered work on this old peneplain]. On the extreme left is Lake Wanaka, and Lake Hawea is just right of mid center...
Looking in the opposite direction toward Mt Pisa...
The trip back alongside the Roaring Meg - an area I so love especially at this time of year...
On closing what amazing stories are coming out of Christchurch. The community spirit makes me proud to be a New Zealander!
Meadow Hut - it used to be called Meadow Warming Hut, but these days we're either faster, warmer, or the climate really is warmer..
Same hut, and photographed from a different perspective, but in summer...
Well into the tour...
Late lunch with Vicky and Robyn at Bob Lee Hut...
This view is one I really like. The distinctive cloud base started forming at about noon and by 5 pm was pretty much gone. The middle foreground is the Criffel Range - the scene of the highest altitude old gold workings in NZ [lack of water except in spring would have hampered work on this old peneplain]. On the extreme left is Lake Wanaka, and Lake Hawea is just right of mid center...
Looking in the opposite direction toward Mt Pisa...
The trip back alongside the Roaring Meg - an area I so love especially at this time of year...
On closing what amazing stories are coming out of Christchurch. The community spirit makes me proud to be a New Zealander!
Labels: Ben Lee Hut, Criffel Range, Meadow Hut, Roaring Meg, Snow Farm
posted by Donald at
10:54 PM
4 Comments:
Lovely photos as usual, Donald. I think the lack of fatalities can be partly explained by our building codes which have incorporated earthquake requirements for many years now. Unfortunately, the early British settlers built houses like they had back in the UK, with lots of brick and stone, and with big chimneys. Driving around the edge of the city centre today, it's these buildings that have suffered the most damage. Fortunately, the aftershocks are easing now which is making life more pleasant.
Kia ora Donald,
Love the looks of that country for skiing, and that hut looks so full of character and history. Would love to spend a day or three in the area skiing during the day and heading back to the hut for the evening. Though I see a chimney vent on top I imagine fuel does not come easy looking at the country, and it looks mighty cold during July and August, and beyond. But a cool spot.
Hope you are well my friend. Even if my words are not left here I am always checking in. Kia kaha!
Aroha,
Robb
Hi Shirley
Yes, what you're saying makes sense re. buildings. And I assume you're awareness is quite detailed given your recent travels. I really enjoyed your blog and photos too by the way.
The aftershocks must surely wear down people!
Cheers
Donald
Dear Robb
Yes, you'll have to come and ply your x/c skiing skills on our NZ area - the one and only almost [a friend groomed 1-2 Km at Tekapo this year while he was employed to look after the downhill area].
The hut has had an illustrious life: it used to be further up the Pisa range, but got shifted due to tenure review. DOC built a replacement and while it's very efficient, it lacks the charm and warmth of this one.
Yes the fuel for the stove gets taken there in summer, but the hut gets used heaps by groups in the ski season and gear is often delivered via skiddo, and some wood can be fitted on the sled if needed. Water too is usually transported in.
While it enjoys a great view, it's in a pretty windy spot, so is not recommended in the spring time!
Cheers
Donald
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