Jeffrey Donenfeld

Tramping at Arthurs Pass, New Zealand

Tramping at Arthurs Pass, New Zealand

Jeffrey Donenfeld

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After returning from work in Antarctica, I immediately started the off-ice adventuring. Despite needing a bit of a break back in civilization, I decided to go with astrophysiscists Eric Leitch and Kyle Story on a quick 3 day backpacking trip up at Arthurs Pass, a short distance away from Christchurch.

Figuring out our driving route from in front of the United States Antarctic Program Clothing Distrubution Center up to Arthurs Pass

Getting outta town, on our way up to the mountains.

Strangely, we found a giant donut on the side of the road.

Driving up…

Photocopies of the tramping guide from lonely planet. We also has proper topo maps.

Day one

The late summer growth was amazing, lots of hues of green and brown set against the crumbling piles of rock.

Our first night, arriving at Hamilton Hut.

Dinner at Hamilton Hut – pasta, peperoni, veggies, cheese, “drinking chocolate”.

Dinner.. so good.

Making a double boiler for the drinking chocolate, and the chocolate covered cherries.

“drinking chocolate”, me,

Morning, tooth brushing and reading interesting magazines about the big bang.

Hamilton Hut, our home for one night.

Wire Brige

Descending back down to the valley.

Our final night’s hut, which we shared with two through-hikers and a biker.

Bouldering at Castle Hill

Kyle Story bouldering at Castle Hill.

Dinner at Burgers and Beers in Christchurch with friends

A few pics of our tramping…

Outside the United States Antarctic Program CDC building, Kyle and Erik figure out where we’re going..

Finally, in the mountains

Finding a giant Donut. Strangely, I know where another one of these is, on top of a donut shop right outside of the Burbank Airport.

Setting off

For our night out in the field, we slept at Hamilton Hut, which is very well maintained and comfy. Map Link.

The second day, we hiked back out of the park, and stayed at another hut just near the road.

Day three, Bouldering at Castle Hill

And of course, burgers and fries in the evening.

Categorized: Travel, Trips

Tagged: arthurs pass backpacking camping erik leitch hamilton hut kyle story new zealand Southeast Asia Travels 2013 tramping