23 February 2007

A Step Up

The Greenstone Track

Day 2, Page 3

This is where we start to make up time

An hour and a half later we are still striding along. The bush is open and airy.

There's a few of these along the way too - avalanche fields where DoC rangers have sorted a way across. For all my occasional criticisms of DoC policies and activities, the work these rangers do, on minimal wages, to keep tracks clear I have nothing but praise for.

The valley is starting to narrow somewhat about here.

Another avalanche field and there's the river down below.

The Greenstone is, so far, free from the didymo that is currently spreading throughout the South Island river systems. Nevertheless, notices warning of it's spread are everywhere, with instructions on cleaning gear that might be contaminated. One invisible cell on a piece of wet gear is enough to start a new infection.

We meet this invader in more substantial form on the Mavora Walkway.

I am still in sufficiently good nick to get genuine pleasure from my surroundings. Later with 15km behind me and a burning sun at my back in open country, I am less disposed. It's a pity. It's a beautiful valley and I suspect those hurtling along at 4-5 kph (DoC time) do miss much that it has to offer.

Out in the valley, the track is not always obvious, and we depend on these orange poles to find our way..... It's a bit like a treasure hunt sometimes.

But for me, these experiences are the real treasures along here.

We're starting to traverse slightly different territory now, with a bit more up and down across rocky and scrubby ridges.

But the treasures are still there. This is a New Zealand bluebell. They range from white through pale blue to lilac in different areas but they're a constant along here and along the St James last year.

This gives you a slightly better overview of the terrain. It's starting to get hot.

This is another constant through the scrub territory. It's so common that I am surprised when I actually take the time to stop and look at these flowers. They are exquisite.

I am an Obelix fan from way back. But it wasn't a giant Gaul who dropped this here. It arrived by itself and I wonder what it might have been like to be in the valley about the time it arrived.