Introduction to today's journey
Today's hike continues up the Clinton Valley leaving the hut soon after sunrise following the southern branch of the river upstream through the spectacular valley. The track gradually ascends until eventually reaching Mintaro Hut, just above Lake Mintaro, the source of the Clinton River.
Today's Journey
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Mist hangs over the swamp behind Clinton Hut as I look back towards the start of the track and over Dore's Pass. |
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Departing the hut, the track follows the Clinton River upstream in the deep narrow valley. The steep walls of mountain on either side ensures the track can only follow the river in either direction. |
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A little off the track I see some remnants of the old telegraph which once followed the track to give Milford Sound's only source of communication. |
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The track follows almost untouched forest very lush from recent rainfall. |
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Reaching a large lagoon in the Clinton River from where I look upstream. |
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Passing the kilometre high Hirere Falls, the sun peers over the towering mountains into the deep glacial valley where the sunlight seldom reaches. |
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Now out of the forest, the track continues heading up the valley. Mackinnon Pass is now visible in the distance. I will be going over the tomorrow, but today I focus on getting to Mintaro Hut. |
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Heading further upstream under passing under Castle Mountain, the track becomes rougher and the rise moderates. Mount Balloon now towers in the centre background, and Mintaro Hut where I'm aiming for is at the end of the dark ridge up ahead so there is not far to go. |
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Having reached and settled into the Hut, I explore the nearby Lake Mintaro sitting under kilometre high walls of rock. This is the permanent source of the Clinton River and as far as I go today. |
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Watching the last rays of sunlight set over Mount Balloon at the top of a 1300 metre high sheet cliff. |
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