It was hard to differentiate between my dreams and current reality - oh what a “great walk” it was!
Left the Cascade campground on Christmas Eve with clearing skies after several wet days. Departed the Divide trailhead at 6:20 am. Had the misty trail to myself for about the first hour then proceeded to intertwine with backpackers and day hikers from Lake Mackenzie Hut onwards. The skies parted at bushline and the trails dried up and made for a more tacky grip for the descent…and the clear views across the Hollyford became that much more breathtaking. Had I not stopped for so many photos throughout the Harris Saddle, I could easily have shaved off some time but…I have no regrets! After the Routeburn Falls Hut the trail morphed into a flowy descent to the carpark! Obligatory sign kiss at 11:30am then into the river I went!
I don’t know if I’ll ever have the opportunity to return here in the flesh but I’m so grateful for the experience and hope that others who expertly speed demon their way across this route add their times to the FKT site!