Mt Cook - jan 16-17

Driving north in the rain, planning on 3500' of climbing to mueller hut. Big day, little nervous. Started climbing 10.45 towards the glacier, when we heard first the first of many rumbles. Thunder or avalanche? Into the clouds, 20+ steps at a time (2200 in all) got us halfway up, then serious rock scrambling up another 500m, across 4 snow fields to the hut at 1819m. Little rain, little non-liquid precip, temps around 40 and fun despite not being able to see much past the next trail marker at any time. Dehydrated dinner not terrible, slept not the worst. Next day's "fine" weather didnt materialize so hiked down without seeing the glaciers. Will have to come back, but will not bring dehydrated vaquero scramble for breakfast. Long beautiful drive to te Anua, with stops for lunch,  and dropoff rented gear. Tomorrow begins last stage of new Zealand. 








Comments

  1. LisaJanuary 17, 2026 at 3:58 AM

    extreme conditions - glad you're safe and sound. You had me at non-liquid precip.

    ReplyDelete

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