The Kea that Led to a Glacier

NOTE: I have to extend a very sincere and heartfelt token of my appreciation to everyone taking the time to read my musings. I try to put effort into every post, and it's really great to have heard some positive feedback. As some of you may know, I've had some computer issues for the past two weeks, hence my infrequent updates. But those problems have been resolved, and I am dedicated to catching up on my New Zealand adventures. Again, thank you for the support! Now to the tale...

On Saturday, March 6, six students awoke before the sun had broken over the horizon. One may suspect that only an obligation such as school could pry so many individuals out of bed after an eventful Friday night, but, unbelievably, each acted willingly.

Piling into a van with little more than a mattress for a backseat, the group headed west towards Arthur's Passe, a well-known location with remarkable mountain ranges, challenging and scenic backpacking, and snow-covered glaciers. Perhaps it's not so difficult to understand why sleep would be sacrificed after all. Then again, the two hour drive did manage to fly by when sitting on that mattress...

Following a refreshing man-on-man snuggle session, Arthur's Passe burst into full view. Mountains shooting out of the earth on every side, there seemed to be only a narrow valley to allow for civilization, and only a little at that.

Running along a river, there was only one road leading in and out of Arthur's Passe. Several cafes and bars were the only establishments readily accessible, contributing to the feeling of isolation that the group was experiencing.

They were not daunted.

Several shots in the heart of Arthur's Passe:


Then, suddenly, as the group was preparing to make their way to the beginning of the trail, something seemingly innocent happened. A bird, a kea to be exact, landed on a car directly next to them.

Remaining long enough to be photographed by several onlookers, the kea was certainly quite curious. Relatively large in size, the bird's color was its most striking feature, with the exception of its rather large, leathery talons, which it loudly clicked against the roof of the car as it walked.

Finally, letting out an alarming cry, it vanished into the air, disappearing almost as fast as it had first appeared.

The group then headed for the start of the Avalanche Peak Track. Little thought was given to the kea as the hike began, but as the group would soon discover, it would not be the last appearance of the bird on this day.

Immediately the forest surrounded, and little could be seen through the thick brush. Moving rather slowly, as the ascent to Avalanche Peak began suddenly, the trampers stopped only when compelled by the scenery.

If one theme quickly emerged during the hike, it was that of the group photograph. Generally accepted by everyone as the best method of documentation as the battled large rocks and steep scrambles, they were snapped at nearly every opportunity.

There will be more.

As the group of six fought their way up the mountain, their environment began to change. No longer were they surrounded by the green and leafy forest; instead a very different scene began to unfold.

It is hard to describe the eeriness of being enclosed by such a bizarre and dense cluster of trees. Barely being able to see beyond 10 feet, the climb understandably slowed through here, as the group weaved their way through this strange forest.

Eventually, two things happened. First, the travelers finally pushed above the treeline, leaving the forest and its darkness for good. This also allowed them the opportunity to marvel at their progress.

And second, they now had a perfect excuse to take yet another group photo. Except this time, they managed to find a way to include the entire group.


NOTE: Technical issues - see next post for continuation