NEW ZEALAND, ROUTEBURN TRACK, HARRIS SADDLE, SADDLING UP

MARCH 4, 2013

In 1953, a Kiwi beekeeper was the first person confirmed to summit the highest mountain in the world. Sir Edmond Hillary along with Tensing Norgay climbed to the top of mount Everest.

Today, I best guess, Kate and I will follow in Ed’s footprints by starting our day with an outstanding view of some mountains. Some excellent New Zealand honey slathered on some wonderful bread that we brought up on our sorry ass backs. ANYTHING & EVERYTHING tastes twice as good if you bring it up on your sorry ass back (maybe the perspiration salt.) And oh yes, coffee. I’m sure Ed had tea.

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 The Routeburn trail is a total of thirty four kilometers. Doesn't sound that long, but throw in a few steeps and deeps, you can scratch of any Stairmaster workouts you have planned for a couple of days after your return. 
Today Kate and I will traverse the middle portion, summit a little spur hike for the best views in town and return for the evening. Most people are in perpetual transit heading either east or west for the complete track. Here someone is dropping down to the hut.

 I have tried hard before our arrival and during our stay, but just having a lot of difficulty in showing interest in anything  “Hobbit” and “Lord of the Ring” .  The locals seem and should be extremely proud of local boy, Peter Jackson. There is no shortage of tours and books to view filming sites. 
Here I'm having my  “Middle Earth” moment??

 Even here we have experienced some warm moments. I've gotten a bit overheated at times slugging my sorry ass up some of these beautiful trails. Behind me is some refreshing Fiordland clouds just cresting Harris Saddle.

Harris Saddle and the day use hut are at the height of the track. Here we will start an extra hour UP Conical Peak for what John has insisted, on a day like this, is a must do.

We will now see if we do do?

COMING NEXT - CLIMBING the CONICAL