Parks Peak Hut, Saturday July 16 2011. Map: BK37 Tikokino
Twelve of us set off in the van to Mangleton Road and the start of our route. We went up past Sentry Box Hut, with its recent bright orange coat of paint. Someone had managed to paint NTC in orange on the chimney.
It was a steep climb with the cold wind apparent on open parts of the spur at Rocky Knoll. As we climbed, we got into the fresh snow which was dry and powdery, making it easy to slip on concealed tree roots.
At the track junction, some decided to go directly to Parks Peak Hut; the rest went on to Pohatuhaha, perhaps 20 minutes away to the north. We went up to the trig for a quick look, as you get 360 degree views. Someone suggested a group photo. No thanks. It was too cold to hang around and we were off there very quickly. Along the track to Parks Peak Hut, it was relatively sheltered. However, it was certainly cold in the wind. A few snowballs were thrown around.
At the hut, the others had finished lunch. We had our on the small porch with good views of clouds, due to the north-western pattern coming across. Soon, we were off again. Just below the track junction, we met a young hunter heading up in the snow. It seemed a bit high for deer. We gradually got out of the snow as we descended.
A good trip for a short winter day, and nice to be in the fresh snow.
Trampers: Murray White, Matt Green, Murray Goss, John Dobbs, James Farrell, Sue Titter, Sue Marshall, Mark Marchal, Simon Hill, Jude Paton, Rosemary Jeffery and Geoff Donkin
Leave a Reply