Mueller Hut, 13-14th April 2013

It was all go for 14 excited trampers 8.00am Sat 13th Apr, as they sorted transport, parked cars out of the way of parking wardens, and met new companions. The weather was perfect, and it appeared that it would stay that way. We headed off eagerly anticipating what Mt Cook region had in store for us, and especially a night in the alpine surrounds at Mueller Hut.

After a good trip enjoying the autumn colours and crisp mountain views, we descended upon the DOC centre, wanting to acquire the necessary hut ticket and then head for it. I would liked to have seen our faces when we glanced at the ‘hut accommodation board’ to see that all the beads [beds] bar 3 were swooped across! Even those of us who are not too hot on maths could quickly visualise that 5 on 1 bunk simply would not be fun, even if allowed.

Team meeting time. The decision was made to make a day trip instead of 2 days, and 1 car would try out Unwin Hut even though we had been aware of a party being held there over the w/e. No luck…so back to join the others and start our ascent about 11.15. Steeply up she goes.. with the Sealy Tarns appearing 1 ¼ hours or so after stomping up 1814 relatively newly constructed steps, sometimes almost as steep as a ladder. The tarns provided a nice setting for a lunch break, plus being about ½ way.

That was to be the end of ‘the nice neat track’. Now we just scrambled and clambered up a reasonably well worn route following the poles. At least we didn’t need to concern ourselves about mud, snow, or cool biting temperatures. Personally I was somewhat pleased to reach the saddle, and then negotiate the rock on the other side of the ridge to reach the rather majestic looking Mueller Hut that was certainly much newer and larger, plus a bit further on, than when I was last there 23 years ago. All our sweaty backs appeared as we dumped our packs, found food and liquid, plus our cameras once again.

Mt Ollivier was calling those who had not conquered it in the past, and still had sufficient ‘up energy’. 5 of us negotiated up the rocky ridge, to occasionally peer down on the Hermitage that seemed to be immediately below us. Apart from the imagined ‘falling forever’ if I slipped in that direction –this scramble and the resulting views were the highlight for me, and made the tedious steps constant climb [and then down] all worthwhile.

Conscious that even in this supreme setting that ‘time does not standstill’, we had to face the reality that we were not here for the night, and had to make base before dark. Down we trotted, some faster than others. It was surprising to see quite low down, some still heading up for the night. Likewise how poorly dressed and equipped many of the day trippers were. I don’t think at any stage did we feel that we were off a popular tourist route, not that that detracted from the spectacular scenery or company.

On reaching the car/camping area, I lost the bod ahead of me, and to my embarrassment  –couldn’t find the cars in the fancy landscaped car parks. So made myself useful by going knocking the Deerstalkers and Canterbury Mountaineering Clubs doors.[Some of our party were reasonably keen to travel home after cooking up a meal, as no one brought tents along. Others were keen to make it a 2 day trip still.] What a surprise to find the CMC club had a clean and comfortable empty hut, that had 16 beds, shower, carpet, lounge chairs, gas cooking, dishes as well as pots and pans etc. solar lighting, and a diesel heater had we required it. Any disappointment and tiredness seemed to be dispelled as we claimed beds, showered, and fed ourselves. The evening entertainment/games left us with sore laughing muscles to accompany the leg ones! Just as well we had the hut to ourselves!

Those who snored had a good night’s sleep. It was a pleasant change to have a relaxing wake-up, photo session of the sun rising on Cook and Sefton, breakfast and pack-up. I suspect the warden- who we hardly saw, also appreciated the nights takings .

A short trip and hike had us at the Tasman Lake. Another perfect day for absorbing and photographing the grand surrounds, as well as debating the causes of the glacier retreat, the large lake and the numerous icebergs floating in it.

A couple of hours were spent stooging around the village, with some going to the Sir Ed Centre and DOC centre, while others found the coffee and food somewhat attractive especially sitting in sun on a windless day with Mt Cook reigning supremely.

Midday saw us hitting the roads again; replenishing our tired bodies with icecreams at Kurow; arriving home in time to shower, unpack and load the washing machine before our evening meal.

Thanks Noel for organising a great adventure, and for everyone’s company.

Noel, Ross, Ross, Bronwyn, Phyllis, Maurice, Sam, Colin, Bill, Matt, Teresa, Judith, Els, Jane.