Bushcamp to Bushcamp
28.9 miles
Mile 1463.3
From camp I followed Bush Stream into the mountains for about an hour before beginning a steep ascent towards Crooked Spur Hut.
After passing the hut it was another hour of climbing before reaching the saddle where the views were a plenty.
From the saddle I headed back down into the valley, where I cruised along rolling hills past Stone and Royal Hut.
As I began my ascent towards Stag Saddle, the highest point on the TA at 6316 ft., it began to rain…just my luck.
Fortunately, the rain let up before I reached the top, leaving only the wind to hinder my progress.
From the saddle the vista was exhilarating. I could see Lake Tekapo sprawling below in its bright blue splendor, with jagged cloud capped mountains standing guard in its rear.
The ridge walk down was one of my favorite sections of trail yet.
When I reached the bottom I continued through rolling grassy hills.
Finally, I stopped for the night on a hill overlooking the lake.
Cheers!