New Zealand 2007 
 
                                    Day Thirteen Milford Track - Dumpling Hut March 26
                                               
                                            Weather changed to drizzle in the morning - "lovely" compared to rain mentioned by another
                                            hiker.  Waiting until a 10:00 am start allowed us to miss any rain; however, it did create
                                            a time challenge to ascend the mountain.
 
                                            McKinnon pass is about 3,400 ft elevation and is grueling for those accustomed to sea level.
                                            However, each level of ascend encountered different birds and flora backgrounds.  About
                                            2 miles from the pass, the weather cleared for outstanding vistas.  Seems the "weather rock"
                                            was correct.
 
                                            At the pass to the next valley, the Pass Hut was a needed shelter from the cold and strong 
                                            winds.  The hut included a propane burner, so, instant chicken soup was lunch.  Interestingly,
                                            the remote toilet has a clear window on the door - allowing for constant viewing of the valley
                                            below.  
 
                                            Living on on the perimeter of the Pass Hut were large Kea alpine parrots.  The birds are named
                                            for their call - "Kee' ah".  Also, they have a reputation for acquiring items - especially hiking boots.
                                            So, at any hut, boots are tied to each other and secured to wall racks.
 
                                            The descending of the mountain pass was obviously much easier - except for other hikers with 
                                            not so great knees.  Large scale waterfalls and multiple staircases followed the trail.  Many
                                            hikers hobbled in to Dumpling Hut.
 
 

                                                                            Milford Track - McKinnon Pass    Milford Track - McKinnon Pass Memorial   Milford Track - McKinnon Pass    

                                                            Milford Track - McKinnon Pass    Milford Track - McKinnon Pass    Milford Track - McKinnon Pass - Pass Hut

                                                              Milford Track - McKinnon Pass Descending   Milford Track - McKinnon Pass Descending     Milford Track - McKinnon Pass Descending

                                                                                Milford Track - Arthur Valley Waterfalls   Milford Track - Arthur Valley Waterfalls Milford Track - Dumpling Hut

                                                             Milford Track - Flora     Milford Track - Flora     Milford Track - Kea Birds

        

                                                                                            Last Updated 2007 March email@ellerberoad.com