The Friday drive to the road end in the Cobb was muddy up the recently regraded road from the power station. Damp and moody weather welcomed the trampers as they set off up the valley heading to a picnic lunch outside Chaffey Hut. We were lucky that rain didn’t dampen the sandwiches here. Those weka are getting more brazen!
Party members random tramper
Although we kept the waterproofs on, it was not that inclement as we gradually made altitude towards the head of this long valley. The best part scenically is the last 20 minutes up from Cobb Hut where the bush is stunted and lichen takes over, with the noise of the gulch alongside. Unsurprisingly the hut was busy but warm and homely. Three of our party had to sleep on the floor, such is the popularity of Fenella.
Cobb Lake MaaikeDay 2 we elected to try for Kākāpō Peak. There was a sharp overnight frost and snow above 1600m so we were a little slow. We pressed on in beautiful weather along the ridge to Kākāpō but time was against us and we stopped for lunch part way up the southern ridge leading to the summit. What views! The return trip was much quicker with the ice now melted. The hut was in deep shade but still spectacular under the rampart of Xenicus Peak.
The saddle above Fenella Era
Beth had heard kiwi sometime overnight and Sunday morning dawned in seemingly perfect conditions, but Jack Frost had visited. As soon as we left the hollow of Fenella the wind got up and the wind chill had us all reaching for our thickest hats and gloves. We followed the cairned route to Cobb Lake through simply stunning scenery – bonsai mountain beech among tiny tarns in this ice scoured landscape.
After a brief visit to the lake, it was down to Cobb Hut and the return down the valley. Never warm, in and out of frost pockets but more beautiful landscapes. Another lunch at Chaffey hut and we were back at the cars. The temperature was a modest 6 degrees.
Chaffey Hut Maaike
This was a great mid-winter trip. Good hut with the fire going, good company and good weather. Strava stats (totals): 37.6km, 1,369m climbing
Trampers: David (leader & scribe), Beth, Kath, Maaike, John, Andy, Era and Emma