The Darrans, lying just north of Milford Sound, separate northern Fiordland from South Westland. Unlike most of the Southern Alps, the rock is generally hard and sound and provides magnificent climbing; more recently, New Zealand's top climbers have begun exploring the technically extreme and psychologically demanding (some might say nightmarish) winter routes. Just getting to the climbs can be a mission —
in February 2006 Jono and I slogged our way to Phil's Biv, a giant rock pile that provides excellent shelter, with the idea of climbing one of the famous and more straightforward routes on Sabre; by the time we reached our destination I felt utterly wrecked. Even the incomparably fit and strong Jono reckoned it was the hardest day he'd had in the hills for a long time.
Still, just being there was magnificent compensation. This is the view, late in the evening, from Phil's Biv, looking out over Lake Adelaide.
All content © 2009 Pete McGregor
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5 comments:
That is quite simply a gorgeous photo Pete. Incomparable.
Pining for the fjords...
Clare, thank you — that's a great compliment. I found this photo tricky, and suspect on many uncalibrated monitors the colours will look "off". I'm glad it's worked for you.
Zhoen — yes, I'm pining for them, too :^)
Great light in this one. God's gentle grace...
Michael, thanks. Technically, I suppose it's afterglow or alpenglow, but I guess the name is irrelevant. It's simply one of the world's wonderful places, at a magical moment. Such a privilege to have been there.
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