16-17 June 2012
A swarthy team of six intrepid trampers headed off into the snow fields of the Lewis Pass after winter’s biggest snow dump so far. Spurred on by an improving weather forecast and the news that DOC had been “working on the track” we donned winter gear and headed up the freshly cleared track. The damage caused by the heavy snow dump was soon evident with the sawdust from recent chainsaw activity on the many tree falls. We grew to appreciate the extent of DOC’s track maintenance when we reached the end of their activity.
We were now confronted by lots of tree dodging, branch scrambling and side diversions to work our way through the snow damaged bush. As soon as the open spaces of the river flats appeared we gratefully left the bush to walk across the snowy flats on top of the frozen swamp. Much faster and easier progress quickly took us within sight of the hut across the river. So wet feet won out over a 40 minute diversion to the bridge (for most) and we were welcomed by the homely Magdalen Hut glistening in the sun. A happy afternoon was spent sun soaking, building a miniature snowman (definitely male) and a luxurious snow settee before a spontaneous snow fight broke out and the child within each participant was released.
We spent a jolly evening soaking in hut cosiness, the ambiance of good company and joie de vivre of enhanced merriment. Nobody minded the long night to catch up on sleep. Any brave soul who ventured outside that night was treated to crystal clear starry skies with reflected sparkles and twinkling in the snow fields surrounding the hut.
Sunday morning dawned with clear skies, crystalline frosts and a red sunrise. Frosty and clear… delicious! We made fast progress across the frozen snow (opting this time to cross via the bridge and keep our feet dry) and bush travel was made easier by some judicious track clearing on the way in (thank you Bill). Alas the sun didn’t last long and temperatures barely rose above 2 degrees. Eventually, six happy trampers were rewarded by a cuppa and mousetraps generously hosted by our residential Boyle Village club member. Thank you Bill.
Winter tramping at its best. (Glenda, Bill, Dennis, Claire, Dianna and Carol)
