Field-Trip: Cass Mid- Winter
Date: 5th to 7th July 2019
Trip Leader: Jane
Trip Report by: Barry
Seventeen keen members braved the winter cold for our annual mid-winter Christmas Dinner with photo opportunities on offer in this iconic location. Actually there was little snow on the hills and mountains and apart from the -4 degree mornings and the breeze at Arthurs Pass, the weather was kind to us.
Unfortunately getting vehicle access to our preferred early morning spot at Lake Pearson is now more difficult and in spite of having a key (DoC provided wrong key) we couldn’t gain access so swung to Plan B – Arthurs Pass etc. The Arthurs Pass Store is always a welcome coffee stop- twice visited on Saturday.
Over the weekend we visited areas around Arthurs Pass- Kea country at the viaduct, Bealey Chasm, Otira Valley (briefly), Klondyke Corner as well as Lake Sarah for sunrise and sunsets, along the Craigieburn Road , spots along Mt White Road and at Cave Stream etc. Lake Sarah being close to the lodge is a good alternative to Lake Pearson for morning and late afternoon photo shoots but having gumboots is a distinct advantage.
Over indulgence on food are the norm and the Christmassy theme for Saturday nights pot luck dinner added to the occasion, followed by Greedy Santa. Kristin looked the part as Santa so Ho Ho Ho. A fun night for all.
Sunday was frosty and fine with minimal cloud so an average sunrise for us sunrise addicts. After clean up we went our separate ways.
Many thanks to Jane for planning and running the trip, par excellence. Another successful NPSNZ trip.
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