Leith Saddle walk

The sign heralds the start of the track. Timing our walk on a misty, rainy day was probably not the wisest choice, but at least there was no-one else around. It was a great chance to test the waterproofness of the jackets. They passed the test, and even 'breathed' as promised.  A coolish day is probably the best time for tackling the first part of this track - there is a pretty steep climb for the first 20 minutes of the walk. If you have been doing any other form of exercise beforehand you will feel every muscle and sinew screaming out to stop.

If you have too many thermal layers on under the raincoat you will soon be steaming. Years ago we walked this track with our children when they were small, and still have memories of mud, up to the knees.  I swear there was a gremlin in there trying to suck us in.  Now the track has a gravel-filled boardwalk pretty much to the Lookout Point - tame in comparison.

Fungus flower in the bush

There were lots of fushia in this part of the bush, and ferns lining the boardwalk. Someone had been along with a machete 'trimming' the vegetation - it looked pretty rough.  I spotted a strange fungus flower - not sure what it is.
Once we reached the Lookout, we decided to go past the warning sign - in the first video - and kept climbing on the track for "experienced trampers" for 15 minutes until the wind and extreme mist drove us back.  Visibility did get worse.  Leith Saddle is 1.30 hours up and back, and on a fine day you can keep going to Swampy Spur amongst the tussock to catch the views to the North and Mt Cargill to the East- apparently. Even if you think the weather is fine, this is a track where conditions can deteriorate quickly. Next stop Swampy Summit...

Part one - reaching Lookout Point and looking beyond.

Part two - venturing along the track for 'experienced trampers'.