“On a Mish” #183 A Unique Opportunity (Part Two). The Percy Saddle(1075m). Fiordland National Park. 12.11.2017. Getting to a place where there is no one is usually a big part of my outdoor adventures. These places are sometimes accessed by using famous trails like the Routeburn Track. The track my workplace for five years so some might find it strange to return to work on your days off, but in a place as beautiful a Fiordland or Mt Aspiring National Parks there is no such thing as too much. A couple of years and jobs later I was still in Fiordland, and I was now I with Real Journeys and I was all over the unique opportunity to get a lift across Lake Manapouri to access the mountains above the Percy Saddle area…
I was now miles away from my trip across the lake in the comfort of an air-conditioned boat. Rain had become sleet, and my back was getting a battering as I erected my tent as quickly as possible. As soon as the opportunity presented itself, I was inside and out of the storm that was only getting more intense. It is so awesome to have a shelter that I can carry with ease, construct with speed, and then find relief from what ever Mother Nature decides to throw at me.
Wet layers were replaced and after a meal I began to think about the next days adventure. I had several peaks to choose from so I took my time studying the topography of Percy Saddle. I decided to tackle Peak 1405m which lays west of the saddle and looked close enough for me to climb and then be back down to catch the last boat back across Lake Manapouri. No all that remained was getting a good night’s rest, so my batteries were topped up.
As the night drifted on, I could hear the tapping of snow against my tent long with the odd blast of wind. I really hoped the forecast for clearing skies was correct. Early-ish the next morning I was up taking care of morning business and I realised that not only had the weather cleared, but there was also a lot more snow around than expected. Some might see this as an issue, but I see it as an opportunity to get some unique snowy photos of the Fiordland tops.
After smashing some breakfast, I gathered my gear and took my first steps toward my goal. I had an easy start by following the Percy Saddle Road to the base of a ridge that led up to Peak 1405m. I left the road and began to climb up the snowy ridge weaving my way through bluffs on snow covered tussock. The going was pleasant, and I was gaining altitude at a good speed and with each step the views got better.
I topped out on a smaller peak on the ridge (Peak 1293m) and paused to take in my surroundings. My tent was now a tiny dot on the saddle, and I had incredible views of Lake Manapouri which was over a thousand metres below where I was standing. I had a quick snack before continuing, and at the time I didn’t realise that I wouldn’t be moving for very long before I would run into a snow-covered problem…
