As Told by Tim Foggarty
After months of planning and several failed attempts due to bad weather the weekend was finally upon us. With a 48 hour window of sun and light winds we set off for the much vaunted summit of Mt Adams some 20 minutes South of Hari Hari.
Setting off around mid morning we made a steady pace up the poorly marked Dry Creek riverbed. After numerous river crossings, some bush-bashing and a bit of lost time route finding we made our way out of the river and into the dense forest which has come to characterise all great West Coast tramps. 
3 hours of the steepest terrain followed as we used every root and tree branch available to help us clamber up through the forest. Eventually breaking free into the subalpine zone we were greeted by a cold wind and a few spots of rain; not what the weather man had in mind. With all the appropriate gear and banking on the weather clearing we surged forward bashing our way through Spaniards and other alpine scrubs. The going was slow and steady with limited visibility but after some 8 hours on our feet the clouds began to disperse allowing us the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular vista that fell across the West Coast farmlands and Tasman Sea. 
Finding a flat(ish) campsite out of the wind we had dinner before making the most of the break in the weather and climbing a little further to take in the sunset over the OKArito lagoon and the foothills below; a trip made even more worthwhile by the presence of a lone Kea
The next morning we woke early to a cloudless sky and the thought of summiting in the morning sun. Leaving camp, it wasn't long until the infamous coastal cloud started filling the valley and blinding our path. After an hour or two of steady ascent we broke through the cloud and where promptly greeted with spectacular views South to Mt Cook and Mt Sefton. As we climbed further we hit the Western boarder of the Siege grassier, our one final hurdle before reaching the summit. Kitting up with crampons and ice axes we traversed the glacier stopping only to soak up the experience and enjoy the views of Cook, the shrouded coast line and the now visible Garden of Eden glacier. With minimal bother we made the last sluggish climb up the glacier and onto the summit. After 10 hours hard slog the effort was well and truly worth it as we sat silent taking in some of best views of our lives.
The descent back to camp was fast but as we sat for lunch the weather once again closed in. Packing up quickly it was back into the wet weather gears as we looked to make good time back down the same trail. After several hours of knee jarring, root grasping down climbing we made it back to the river. From here it was a simple trudge back down the river to the car.
20 hours tramping in some seriously steep terrain but with strong knees, good weather and a bit sweat this adventure is sure to wow even the most well traveled tramper.
Post A Comment