Back in Action: Mueller Hut

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Jan. 7, 2011 - Aoraki
The 5th was a rest day (a beautiful, well deserved and very much needed rest day). On the 6th we headed out of Christchurch. Jim and Helen have given us one of their cars for the next two months! Their generosity cannot be overstated. We took an inland scenic route, and headed towards Mt. Cook. The native name for this mountain is Aoraki.
While the drive offered many beautiful sights, we arrived at the end of the day to overcast skies and rain. Many of the surrounding mountains lie cloaked in clouds. They would be waiting to reveal themselves until morning. In the Village we met up with Chad's friend Kristina. He met her last time out. We went to a paid hut and spent the night.
Today began early, at 7:00. After a quick breakfast, we packed up and made our reservations for Mueller Hut. This hut sits atop a ridge, and overlooks many surrounding peaks and glaciers. Getting there was a journey. We began our 1000m climb by 10:00. This vertical gain is the equivalent of climbing a fourteener back home in Colorado. It was windy and just before the half way point the weather turned a bit nasty. The rest of the hike would be conducted in cold and blowing rain. At 2:00, Andrew and I reached the hut. The rain had stopped and the sky was clearing.
The views here are unreal. In all directions there are amazing postcard views of the surrounding peaks. I've never been this close to a glacier. They are quite breathtaking. Especially awesome is when you witness a massive chunk of ice as it calves off and crashes down the slope below, showering the lower areas with an avalanche of ice and snow. Unable to capture adequately in words, I must hope that my photos can do justice. As I sit here relaxing, and gazing at the majesty of Aoraki in the distance, I can say confidently that this place is my favorite of what I've seen so far. I'm thankful for the chance to be here. The walking is hard work, but already I'm feeling stronger and faster.

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Comments

[vas]

fabulous pictures. Keep them coming. Happy to hear you are enjoying your hikes!

[Linda]

Woah
Woah, those crashes look intense. Was it loud?

[WalkingMan]

Yep
It was very loud. We were a good 2 and a half kilometers away and heard the crashing sound through the hut windows. Pretty impressive stuff.