Adventure Magazine

down, pulled out my water bottle and
emptied what little was left. I gave
myself a little pep talk and stood up,
slid sideways, toppled forward onto
the rocks, rolled over on my pack,
back onto my chest and slid another
few feet down the slope. I lay there
for a few seconds. Bit of pain in my
forearm and shin, otherwise intact.
Phew! I dragged away the rocks that
had slid over my walking pole and
hoped some witness had at least
enjoyed a laugh.
An hour-and-a-half later, seven
sweaty, sunburnt, stiff and sore
trampers were sitting next to the
Crow River, having guzzled serious
quantities of icy-cold water from the
glacial stream. One broken walking
pole but otherwise all largely intact.
Amazing.
After making our way, jelly-legs and
all, over more but larger boulders
along the valley floor, we filed into the
hut. Pitching a tent was as likely as
finding a working espresso machine
and a barista waiting in the dunny. It
had taken us nearly 9 hours to cover
less than 13km. And the effort was
clear to see.
Then came the next challenge –
trying to stay awake long enough for
the light to fade. We lost that battle.
After finishing one of the tastiest
Backcountry Venison Risotto’s ever
made, I made short work of the Apple
Pie I keep in reserve, but even a
coffee couldn’t keep me awake. But
hey, this is the Southern Alps, the
summer solstice was a few weeks
past, and the sun does set a little later
in the day here…. doesn’t it?
Next day we made our way to
Klondyke corner, negotiating the
various braids of the Waimakariri
more times than we intended but
arrived back in Arthurs Pass feeling
like we had done good – challenged
ourselves, and enjoyed another
memorable experience in the
company of good people.
Previous Page: Heads down, poles out as we negotiated
the dreaded scree slope to the Crow Valley (Photo: Colin).
Top: We had the very comfortable Crow Hut to ourselves that
evening.
Inserts: Crossing the clear waters of the Crow river on day 2.
A tranquil lunch stop next to the Waimakariri on our way out
(Photo:Ilva)
Bealey is the ideal location to enjoy easy access to all the natural attractions of the Arthur’s Pass National Park, with its flora and fauna, mountain tramps and walks, and the
recreational pursuits of the high country including skiing, snow boarding, biking, fishing and boating. All these outdoor activities can be enjoyed without sacrificing the comforts
and luxuries of accommodation, food and hospitality by staying at the 4-star Bealey Hotel.
a: 12858 West Coast Road, (SH73) | e: stay@thebealeyhotel.com | p: +64 3 318 9277 | www.thebealeyhotel.com