Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey quickly rises above Gouland Downs and heads into a valley ending at the Perry Saddle. The Perry Saddle Hut sits on top of the saddle. From there I climb to the summit of Mount Perry before returning and visiting the Mountain Spa in the gorge below the hut.
Today's Journey
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Early morning at the Gouland Downs Hut. The temperature dropped well below freezing overnight and the water supply is frozen. |
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From the hut, the track follows Cave Creek upstream before rising along the subalpine heathland. |
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Reaching Boot Pole Corner, where numerous boots have been retired here in this strangely remote location. |
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The subalpine terrain at Picnic Table Corner, just before heading into the valley leading up to Perry Saddle. |
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View down the the forested valley with a glimpse back to Gouland Downs. |
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Upon reaching the hut at Perry Saddle, I start climbing nearby Mount Perry. |
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View of Golden Bay at the northernmost point of the South Island from the summit of Mount Perry. Mount Taranaki on the North Island is just visible in the distance. |
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Returning from the summit, I head back down into the valley to Perry Saddle Hut. |
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From the hut I descend a short distance to the Mountain Spa in Gorge Creek. |
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Late afternoon view of Devil's Teeth from the hut. The valley crossing in front of the mountain is the Aorere Valley, where the track will descend to tomorrow. |
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