And finally the Routeburn Track. Traversing the Harris Pass and joining The Divide, which lies on the Te Anau - Milford Sound road, and the Routeburn Valley that leads into the head of Lake Whakatipu and resides near the sleepy town of Glenorchy. Straying along the upper edge of the Hollyford Valleys north face, the views from the path look south towards the Darren Mountains and seaward to the Tasman down the throat of the Hollyford River. Day 2 from lake MacKenzie Hut saw snow. Such an unexpected guest, but a well and truly loved best friend. The scenary overnight changed dramatically from the warm hues reflected from the sun to the shear whiteness brought by the blanket of icy moisture. The whole day was walked in light flurries of flakes and bursts of light. Stunning! And I now know the true meaning of 'pass'. A mountain not quite as high as the rest!!! To compare the Milford to the Routeburn is time wasted. Both very unique and quite different. It's sad now to sit here back in the city, behind the screen and relive the journey through pictures as the memories and experience flow forth. Appreciation is something gathered from such contrasts.
