Wednesday 10th May
Well today we headed off to Arthur’s Pass for a hike. The suggestion was to Avalanche Peak. 1831m high. The weather forecast was to be quite average with heavier rain in the afternoon. The aim was to take the small window of opportunity earlier in the day when it might not be so ugly and hike as far as the tree line. We headed off at about 1.45pm. I hiked with no pack today which felt like freedom. Lucky as it was a very tough uphill scramble. The motivation to climb hard is a struggle when  you know you aren’t taking up the  challenge of the whole track. It was a very difficult climb. Rock scaling, creek crossing, wet tree roots and mud. All of the above makes for a very difficult climb, then take into account that it was an 1100m ascent over only about 2km. The view as we scaled the side of the mountain was fantastic. We kept going for about 30 mins (1.5hrs total) above the tree line. We only passed 2 people going down whilst we ascended and one going up whilst we were coming down. It is amazing the number of lone girls doing hikes over here. As always a little disappointed we didn’t do the whole track but unfortunately time and weather were against us.

We then drove to Christchurch (about 2 hrs). A little disappointing it was so late and we didn’t get to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Arthur’s Pass.  We have booked 2 nights in Christchurch as tomorrow’s weather is supposed to be very ugly and we are in need of a little rest. We headed out for Thai for dinner. One of the few meals out we have had in the last 5 weeks. It was really quite nice. The other thing is it was quick and easy. Home to our house for the next two nights. A relief to not have to be up early and pack and moving again. Sounds like we are almost ready to come home for a rest.