Day Two of the Milford Track
Trip Start
Jun 11, 2008
1
156
349
Trip End
May 14, 2009
Milford Sound,
South Island,
New Zealand
Monday, November 3, 2008
She's had so many birthdays now that I don't remember how old she is, but it must be nearly bus pass time - even in Malta. From what I've heard from her on Skype, it sounds like she's retired already anyway!
Only kidding Sis, love you really. Both Lorna & I send our best wishes from the Milford Track!
Unbelievably we had a sun clear blue day again today - unheard of in Milford at this time of year. We do hope to get some rain overnight & tomorrow though so that we can get the waterfalls overflowing.
Once again we spent the day in awe of the amazing scenery - it's just fantastic to see the clear waters, snow capped mountains and cascading waterfalls. We had a great picnic lunch sat next to a small creek with all the mountains and woodlands surrounding us, all under clear blue sunny skies - brill.
The bags seem a little heavier today, but this is all the more awkward by the fact I am having to use Lorna's big rucksack on my back, which isn't made for men to wear. One thing we have found funny today are the 'racing walkers'. You know the ones I mean, the ones that always have to be at the front. When we stopped for lunch it was funny seeing them scamper by with no intention to have lunch as they had to finish first. They're the ones who set off at 6am when everyone else leaves at 9am - but still only get there 10 minutes ahead of everyone!! Comedy walkers.
The beauty of the Milford Track is that you don't actually see anyone on the track. Because it's all one way and you set off at different times, you tend not to pass by anyone. So it was just Lorna's moaning I had to contend with!! Only kidding, she was pretty well behaved actually and really has enjoyed the trek.
Anyway, here is the DOC description of today's walk :
Day Two, Clinton Hut - Mintaro Hut
16.5 km, 6 hours
It is a gradual climb from Clinton Hut as the track follows
the Clinton River to its source, Lake Mintaro, at the base
of Mackinnon Pass. It passes through sections of forest
and crosses many streams, which may need to be forded
during or after heavy rain.
The track passes through many avalanche paths. There
are 56 such paths along the track which can cause delays
or make the track impassable at any time, especially
during the September to early November period. These
are sign posted during the danger season. Use caution at
other times as dictated by the weather.
An hour from Clinton Hut, near the 5-mile marker, is Clinton
Forks. The toilet is all that remains of what was once the
first night's stop for independent walkers. The changing
course of the river eroded the site.
About 40 minutes further on is a large slip, which occurred
in 1982, forming a lake behind it. From here to Hirere Falls
(about 20 minutes), near the 7-mile marker, the track is
prone to flooding during heavy rain. There is a toilet at the
Hirere Falls Guided-Walk Shelter. Not far from this point
you will get your first view of the Mackinnon Pass and the
Pompolona ice field.
It is about a one hour walk from Hirere Falls to Marlenes
Creek, just past the 10-mile, which can cause problems
during heavy rain. The Bus Stop Shelter is located just
before the creek and a toilet is located just past the creek.
After passing the turnoff to the guided walks Pompolona
Hut, there is a short climb before descending to cross a
swingbridge. It is approximately 1½ hours from here to the
Mintaro Hut. The vegetation starts to change, reflecting
the higher altitude and rainfall. There is approximately a 40
minute climb to Mintaro Hut, which is just past the 13-mile
marker. This is the second night's stay during the Great
Walks Peak Season.
DOC Time : 6 Hours
Total Time : 5 Hours 45 minutes
Actual Walking Time : 4 Hour 30 minutes
In the evening it was the usual chill out at the hut (Mintaro Hut). We had chicken noodles tonight. We played cards and chatted to some of the other walkers before lumbering off to bed.
In the night we were awoken by the noise of a dying cow!! Or so we thought. It was this blummin' Czech woman in one of the dorm beds, snoring all night. I mean all night, constantly, non-stop. Thing was, it was horrendously loud, they could even hear it in the other dorm. Apparently she was the same last night. But it seriously sounded like a dying cow - although if I'm honest I haven't actually been in close proximity of a dying cow - but if I was, this is what I think it would sound like!! There wasn't much sleep had tonight. We will avoid her dorm tomorrow night.
