Our adventure began somewhat early in the morning, leaving Richmond just after 7am to drive out to Owen Valley East Road. The tramp started with a trek across farmland, before we commenced a short uphill climb. The trail led us alongside the Fyfe River, which would accompany us for most of the day.
It was slow travel, with sections of the track being overgrown or boggy, and frequent river crossings. Additionally, there were unavoidable sections of ongaonga across the track. After about six and a half hours, we reached Branch Creek Hut.
Following a rest, we decided to push on and climb to the tops. It was a steep ascent, but we were rewarded with a nicer track and our first real views of the day.
We climbed about 650 vertical meters before looking for a campsite near Replica Hill. Finding a spot with a water source proved difficult, but eventually we found a spot that had a couple of small tarns. With a bit of plant stomping, there were even some flat(ish) spots for the tents.
By the next morning, mist had set in all around. After packing up, we climbed up 80 meters to regain the ridgeline. Navigation around Replica Hill was difficult due to the low visibility, but with the help of Pete’s GPX we made our way towards Poverty Basin. We heard and saw kea as we walked through.
Traversing around the head of Poverty Basin
Approaching the base of Mount Owen, the landscape transformed into a labyrinth of limestone.
The rock labyrinth
Careful attention was required to spot each cairn, and to avoid the tomos.
Once we made it to the top of Sunrise Peak, we took a break and had our lunch. The views were spectacular as the cloud had finally burnt off!
The 300 meter descent from Sunrise Peak was steep and slippery, with patches of speargrass to make things more difficult.
Once we reached the bush line the track eased, although there were still some steep sections to test our legs. Returning to the river, we enjoyed our final stretch of walking and wading. Brian copped a good dunking (or two) whilst fording the Owen River – luckily this had the benefit of washing the bloodstains out of his shirt from a previous fall and encounters with speargrass.
The very last stretch along the road to the car went quickly, and we could see right out to Mount Owen and Sunrise Peak. We reflected on the trip as we walked, and made it back to van before 5pm!
Participants; Brian (leader), Sarah (scribe) & Pete.