Before we start that latest blog, I received e-mails from some of you that you couldn’t post comments. Thank you for that feedback. I reported it to the website manager and she was able to fix the problems. I am now receiving your comments. Thanks for your patience.

This post is about our hike on March 19 up the Routeburn Track to Key Summit. It was about 5 miles round trip but with 1300’ of elevation gain. The weather was perfect for hiking and the views were spectacular.

It took us a little over an hour to drive to the trailhead and the sun was just peaking over the mountains along the way. We passed through this awe-inspiring mountain valley with the sun pushing away the morning’s fog.

 

Next, we came to the amazing Mirror Lakes. Hmm, I wonder why they are called that? In the second picture below you can even see the moon just about to set in the upper left-center of the frame. Wow, what a gorgeous place.

 

The first 2/3 of the hike was through dense Beech forest with tree ferns, moss, lichen and huge, thick trees. We found these trees with the peeling red bark especially striking. They look a little like our Madrona trees. Even a couple little waterfalls along the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we reached the tree line, the trail to Key Summit took off up a series of switchbacks. The hike up was breathtaking (literally) and the views from the top were breathtaking (figuratively). This picture is looking down the valley and the road that we drove in on.

And this is a beautiful little tarn at the top of the summit. Our travel companions thought about taking a swim but changed their minds.

 

 

There were impressive looking trees at the top that looked like they had survived some pretty harsh weather. They were all twisted and gnarled.

 

And finally at the very top we can see across the valley to another glacial gorge with Lake Marian at its opening. And a couple more pictures of the surrounding mountains.

 

Now for some bird updates. We heard and were able to identify by their song (using the Merlin app) two native New Zealand birds. The first is the Tui. Look at some pictures of the Tui and listen to its song by clicking this website. https://youtu.be/b0K1q9JriDE?si=eiWVwlvoXI1jVukQ. The Tui bird was sometimes known as the Parson Bird. Can you guess why? Of course, the white feathers at its neck look like a white clergy collar. And yes, I admit, some of its song resembles some of my sermons, just a honking in the woods.

The other bird we heard was the New Zealand Bell Bird. You can see it and listen to its song at this link. https://youtu.be/UA7JlTJtJ2U?si=kOeYEt56pIG5Bx7i

Aren’t they cool! Well, that’s it for today. Our hike was another of our New Zealand must do’s, so we can cross it off our list. We have been so lucky with the weather.

Kia ora,

Coe & Janet.