On Sunday I started tramping the Kapakapanui Loop in warm sunshine at
11AM, after brisk warm-up bike ride from Waikane Station...
No wet feet after the river crossings!
Thanks to alpine tramping boots and gaiters. I feared wet and cold
feet on this tramp – that's what Kapakapanui is famous for!
From the bottom, I could see the white
trees at the top third of the mountain. Taking the steep route (anti-clockwise) to get to the Trig on top of Kapakapanui ASAP. Sweet:
12:45PM I reached the top … (ah, that's the advantage of solo
trips!)
And I was blown away – not by the
wind, there was none – but by 30cm fresh snow. The clouds were
hovering about 300m above me, but they were lowering slowly. It must
have been a stunning view to east where the southern main ridge (Mt
Hector, one-five-something) is. The trampers I met on the way down talked about it (next
time, Alpine start!).
There was still a lot to see - after I put on my sun glasses: Kapiti Island, Wellington, snow on trees and everywhere, Waikane, South Island... have a look! After 20 minutes amazement I decided
for lunch time in Kapakapnui Hut – I was never at that hut before
(yes, really!). The hut is well maintained and tidy, but pretty
boring (alone and compared to Alpha or Elder) - bugger. So I set off by 2PM and said the snow good
bye!
A quick tramp down brought me back to
my bicycle at 3:15PM. The river has risen a bit (right, that was the
thing with the noon snow melt!), but I did well again.
So, I'm early enough to visit the
Pottery Café close to Reikorangi. It was recommended by friends two
years ago – but I never stopped on my cycle trips via Akatarawa
pass. Today I treated myself with scones and a pot Latte while
viewing all the pottery items and appliances of the 'good old
days'.
Finally, caught the 4:30PM train well
before sunset!