Christmas on the Routeburn Trail

[skyywardd]

We hiked into the first campsite in about an hour and a half. The trails of the routeburn are wonderfully maintained and we adjusted to be being 11 kilos heavier with our packs. The weather report in the flats, the first campsite, were quite wet for the next few days, and a passing hiker told us to be sure to make it up to the saddle because the views were stunning and it isn't rare for the clouds to stubbornly close in on the peaks. We had our lunch and found a guide from the Department of conservation to see if we could keep on until the next campsite. The inclement and changable weather make it so there are only 2 places along the trail that you can tent camp. The guide encouraged our gung-ho attitudes of what's 6-7 more hours!? So off we went knowing that there were limited campsites at the next spot and we didn't have one reserved; so it was a risk...but one we were very ready to take. The trek was picturesk. We climbed up stream beds that wound up through the valleys sunken between tremendous snow covered peaks, drinking the purest mountain water from the streams. We hiked up waterfalls and wound around the gorgeous peaks with each corner revealing a new spectacular backdrop. When we reached the highest point, Harris Saddle, at 1277 the rain started to pour down, but the visibility remained clear and the misty but thick clouds only added another demension to our fortunate eyes. We could see the ominous clouds in the distance moving in quickly from the Tasman Sea, so we began our descent along the windy route to lake mackenzie. The trail switchbacked and hugged the the mountain sides as we trekked through the beautiful, untouched, fiordland of New Zealand. The wind and rain picked up as we looked over the hut at Lake Mackenzie over 1000 meters below. The last stretch was the hardest. Caroling and carefully choosing our footing for running shoes as not to slip on tired ankles and knees. We made it to the campsite after 28 kilometers of hiking, tired wet and hungry! We set up our tent and burrowed into our sleeping bags as the rain became terenchal! We sang and laughed ant ate, a little loopy from all our walking - perhaps all the blood went to our legs! - - - Then the warrden came by. The site was booked full for the night, not everyone had arrived, but if/when they did, we would have to forfit our spot. That almost put a little damper on our jolly time, but it turned into something else to laugh about. Might as well laugh then cry! We fell asleep to wild winds and fat fierce raindrops coming down in cords. What an amazing day!
We didn't sleep much. The rain found the tiny tear in our tent and was dripping rapidly as the ground aroound us soaked in the pools of mountain rain and drenched us from the bottem up. Our tent and everything in it, us very much included, was soggy and wet to the core! We had cold oatmeal for breakfast and curled back in our sleeping bags listening to the troubling sounds of drops on our waterproof(?) cover. We talked of our Christmas eve at home. Our warm comfy beds, crepes for brekkie with a fire in the fireplace! Making Christmas cookies all day while listening to christmas carols. The Polar Express and hot chocolate with the tree all aglow. Or maybe a day skiing in the crisp cool winter air in fresh powder, complete with a trip to the hot tub and sauna! mmm Christmas time!
We are so grateful to have done this hike in the dryer weather with visibility! I am so glad to be in New Zealand, and i know this rain is the perfect Christmas present to the local farmers and the land to maintain is undenyable beauty. If we were in Australia or a motohome, we would be trying to recreate our Christmas at home which just isn't possible. It is nice to do something completely unique. We are sure to celebrate this season and to count our endless blessings, as well as enjoy our untraditional Christmas. Wet and Wild instead of white, but merry all the same!