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andrewg  > Vacation > 4. Kepler Track
NZ Part 4. In early December 2005 I hiked the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand's "Great Walks". During the 3-day trip I stayed in two different huts run by the Department of Conservation.
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andrewg > The Kepler Track starts off in pleasant forest along Lake Te Anau. The gentle walk is a bit of a tease, since you know there's a big climb in your near future!
andrewg > A helpful DoC sign. Luxmore Hut was where I'd spend my first night. Rather than distances, objectives are measured in the time it takes to get there. I've decided that these times are based on the time that would be required by a "standard Kiwi", a mythical humanoid creature of perfect fitness and muscle tone, equipped perfectly, well-fed and fully-hydrated, who tramps at a steady pace, caring not for such petty distinctions like those that separate between ascent from descent, mud from dirt, hot from cold, or rain from sun. Thus, for mortal humans, these travel times must be mulplied by some scaling factor greater than 1. I started out around 1.4 at the beginning of my time in New Zealand, but ended up around 1.3 after a month.
andrewg > The Kepler Cafe! A beautiful clearing perfect for lunch and meeting fellow hikers. I was happy to join the gathering group. From the left: Chris, Julia, Charles, and Tifin.
andrewg > Andrew on the track, feeling great. Notice the little blue tube visible over my left shoulder (right side of the image). That's the hose from the water bladder in my pack. Oh, wonderful hose!
andrewg > Andrew on the track, hands on poles, feeling happy as a man can be.
andrewg > Lake Te Anau. The track started right at lake level, so this was after some climbing.
andrewg > Chris and Julia emerge! After a seemingly endless and steep ascent through the rain forest, the track suddenly passes the bush line and in within a few steps you're rewarded with amazing views. It's like coming out of a tunnel - you have no idea it's coming and then BAM you're on top of the world. Most people holler with joy, everyone breaks into a big smile!
andrewg > Charles and Tifin emerge from the endless rain forest ascent and into the glorious sunshine and alpine views.
andrewg > Tifin and Charles hiking above the bush line.
The Kepler Track starts off in pleasant forest along Lake Te Anau. The gentle walk is a bit of a tease, since you know there's a big climb in your near future!
> The Kepler Track starts off in pleasant forest along Lake Te Anau. The gentle walk is a bit of a tease, since you know there's a big climb in your near future!
The Kepler Track starts off in pleasant forest along Lake Te Anau. The gentle walk is a bit of a tease, since you know there's a big climb in your near future!
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Keywords: track kepler new zealand fiordland kepler track
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