Milford Track: The Big Climb

The view back from MacKinnon Pass

There is no doubt that the true 'Wow Factor' on the Milford Track comes about half way through day 2, as you cross the MacKinnon Pass. The day starts out quite leisurely, but there is always the pass looming ahead, and getting bigger the nearer you get to it. The path starts working it's way up, but it is the final climb up to the pass, on switchbacks or zigzags which is the real leg burner. It is a gradient of 1 in 8 over stony ground which can be awkward to cover at times. However, the views back along the Clinton Valley and around at the surrounding mountains are truly spectacular. So the climb can be readily halted for breathtaking views, while you're trying to catch your breath. I think Caroline suffered a bit more up the hill than I did that day, but once at the top she got a second wind, and was scooting around the pass snapping photo's in every direction.

With camera in hand, Caroline looks fresh on the MacKinnon Pass

For me, and I think for many in our group, the way down was worse than the way up. Lunch on the MacKinnon Pass was followed by a steep descent to the rainy side of the mountains. This was difficult as it was very rocky and often jarring on knees and ankles. About a kilometre down (it was a 4.5km hike to our next stop) my legs were aching, and we stopped many times on the way down. Luckily there was much to see, including the reverse side of MacKinnon Pass, glacial waterfalls on the surrounding mountains, and the beautiful Margaret Falls, where we were fortunate to be shown a beautiful wild orchid by one of our guides (thankyou Mio). But the way down became a drag, and both Caroline and myself were ready at times to just stop and give in. Our rallying call, and something that quite a few in the group also used was, "it should only be another 10 minutes". I think I said this to Caroline about 5 times and possibly believed in it 3 times....ok, so I'm a born optimist!

 Great Mountain Views

 Native fauna - Yellow Marguerite

Spectacular Waterfalls - Margaret Falls

The Lodge at the bottom of the valley was a most welcome site. Caroline and I had been slow all day, partly due to stops, but partly due to not coping well going up and down the mountain. Lots of the group received first aid from the guides that evening, mainly for sore muscles and joints. The camaraderie was great that evening though, as everyone knew they had achieved something fantastic. And the following day was to be easier, even though it was longer in kilometres, a full half marathon of walking to look forward to!