On Thursday I walked over the Ngamoko Range and met a couple of friends at Leon Kinvig hut in the headwaters of the Pohangina river. The following day we sheltered from ferocious winds; visited the river, where we enjoyed several visits from a pair of whio; and tried not to think too hard about the crossing of the range in the morning. Towards evening the wind eased a little. Then the rain started, bringing with it the possibility of not being able to cross the river.
But the rain stopped, and by morning the cloud had broken and the wind had abated to little more than a slight breeze. On the tops, light cloud came and went, and the crossing proved straightforward. Here, I think John's expression says more than enough.
[26 April 2014, Olympus OM-D EM-1, 12-40mm f/2.8 at 17mm, ISO 200, 1/500 at f/8]
All content © 2014 Pete McGregor
Good trip? Masterly understatement there...
ReplyDeleteKia ora Pete,
ReplyDeleteI love how the light lies on the ridge as it drops off to the valley below. Illuminating. Not sure if John is smiling as the weather held, or because that grunty climb is done..probably both. :)
I delivered John to the airport this morning and he is safely back in Auckland. We both say Kia Ora to you for a fine few days of Ruahine time.
Zhoen, that's my response too when I think back on it.
ReplyDeleteEC, yep, definitely an understatement.
Kia ora Robb and John. A wonderful trip — thank you both for the excellent company. :^)
Looks great.
ReplyDeleteNear Toka?
Hopefully I can get into the Ruahine next month, fingers crossed for a decent weather window
Jono — yes, just next to the tarns below the trig; looking down the route to Kinvig. A lot more pleasant than the day I walked in.
ReplyDeleteThe Pohangina was lower and clearer than I'd expected. Pretty cold though — if we'd decided to head down to Ngamoko my feet would have been numb within the first ten minutes. (We lazed around the hut instead!)