Franco, just arrived from Italy, has to challenge jet-lag and slippery paths on the Fyfe River valley.
On the dryer Italian Appennini Mountains fording is usually jumping from one rock to another... In New Zealand is something colder and wetter.
Conillo investigating local vegetation.
The track follows the Owen River.
We had lunch at the confluence with Bulmer Creek. Our friend Silvano told us to go on the left from here to follow the path of the cavers for Bulmer Lake.
We continued on the track looking for a path on the left. The track turned in a very steep uphill.
...a very very steep uphill!
In the end Conillo realized that we were on the wrong path... Actually Silvano, saying to go left, meant that we should have followed the Bulmer Creek... Ooops! :-)
Aware to be on the wrong path... We went ahead.
At the end of the forest we made a beautiful photo with a giant tree.
Out from the forest, to reach Bulmer Lake was still a long long way, beyond the mount on the centre. Click on "full size" to enjoy the panorama.
At 8 pm we were on the top of the mountain and started our way down to the Bulmer lake.
It was night when we reached our destination. Here it is Bulmer lake in the next morning.
The camp
"There are many threats hidden in the forest around our camp" Conillo saids.......
"But you are safe with me patrolling our camp" Conillo continued.
Protected by Conillo, Franco could drink his Mate-infusion
We started our second day of tramping crossing this beautiful forest.
The ridge above Bulmer lake seen from the forest.
Mount Owen is surrounded by an amazing sort of petrified glacier. Our plan is to cross it.
On the way to Mount Owen.
On the way to Mount Owen.
Taking a break. Conillo shared some of his supplies with Franco.
At the end of the "petrified glacier", Mount Owen.
On the way to Mount Owen.
On the way to Mount Owen. Click on "Full size" and try to find Sylvia.
On the way to Mount Owen.
On the way to Mount Owen.
Panorama of the "petrified glacier".
On the way to Mount Owen.
On the way to Mount Owen ...Yes, a lot of pictures, but it deserves so.
Close to the top.
This is what we crossed. It took five hours.
Funny tiny plants.
Franco and the crevasse.
Matteo and the Moon.
Arriving at Granity Pass Hut.
The four of us in the morning. Franco and Conillo finally were getting good friends.
Matteo and Sylvia.
Heading to Branch Creek Hut. It was expected to be a nice walk on the grass. Well....It wasn't.
We spent several hours struggling with stinging vegetation.
It took three hours to cross this evil vegetation.
After lunch we reached the forest.
Heading to Brunch Creek Hut in the Fyfe River Valley.