Autumnal Day in Arthur's Pass

Saturday 26 April

An epic autumn day in Arthur’s Pass - started with a quick stroll out to watch the sun creep over the mountains at Cass. Then after our usual pottering about (plus I had a chat with our new mates Mandy & Glen and their dogs Archie & Bella, while Louis communed with the chooks) Louis set off on a bike ride to Lake Pearson and I took a stroll out alongside the railway track & the Grasmere Stream.

If you look closely in the wide photo above you can just spot Louis cycling back to Cass.

Next outing was up to Arthur’s Pass village to check out its offerings - it was about 15km from Cass to the village and the scenery along the way was next level. Looking down onto the wide braided river bed of the Waimakariri one moment, then dropping down to cross it on the bridge and stop to dibble our toes - reader, I can confirm that it was very chilly!

At the village, we passed on the Store which was sadly lacklustre, and had lunch at the Alpine Parrot instead, which looked a little more exciting.

On advice from our neighbours at Lake Coleridge, we decided to tackle the many many steps up through the beech forest to the Devils Punchbowl - a stunning waterfall. As we crossed the Bealey River to start the walk, the contrast between the cloudy grey skies to the west and the sunny blue skies to the east was quite marked. The shade temperature was cold, but standing in the sun and climbing all the steps up to the fall certainly warmed us right up. I was quite glad we had chosen not to attempt the Mt Aicken track as this appeared to be an almost vertical rock climb! The 400 or so steps to the basin of the Devil's Punchbowl was challenge enough for me.

Reaching the viewing platform, we marvelled at the 131m drop of the Devil's Punchbowl Falls and at the beauty of the surrounding woodland. I spent a while taking photos for couples on their phone cameras and introducing them to the wonders of the 16:9 wide angle option on their phones. I also had fun playing with my shutter speed and stopping the water droplets of the fall then letting the water flow to create a constant hazy image.

Coming back down was tougher on my knees than the climb up, but the views through the beech trees made it all worth while.

Less awesome was the Bridal Veils Fall a little further along the valley - but the birdsong on this track was wonderful as was the variety of funky fungi!

Back at Cass there was just time for a quick siesta before Happy Hour with some old friends and new - watching the beautiful colours of sunset.

Late dinner in Banjo, more Traitors via the VPN then around 11ish Louis got the chairs out do we could star gaze on a crystal clear night with just the hint of a tiny greenish aurora. This is what Banjo’s Odyssey is all about!