New Zealand 2010 - Day 7 Milford Track Day 3 Pompolona Lodge to Quintin Lodge

Today was the pinnacle of the Milford Track and the trip overall both literally and figuratively. On day 3 of the track our group hiked over McKinnon Pass (depicted in video preview). This was the only day of the hike that was cloudy, with some light rain as we climbed up and over the pass. After walking through a lush forest I took a brief detour to check out Mintaro Hut, which is where the independent hikers stay. The forest continued more than halfway up the pass with a series of switchbacks and then abruptly changed in an alpine environment. Stopped briefly at the McKinnon memorial, the highest point of 3786 ft (1154 meters), then had lunch at the Pass Hut. The hardest part of the hike for me was descending. By this time the clouds started clearing and the open views of the valley were spectacular. Also unexpected were the numerous waterfalls seen from the mountain tops and along the trail. Including Anderson Cascades, Dudleigh Falls, and Lindsay Falls. It was late when I arrived at Quinton Lodge, but I quickly dropped off my backpack and then kept walking up the side track to Sutherland Falls. This was probably the best hiking day of my life, but was not without its troubles. I already had blisters from the previous day's hike and today my blisters got blisters. I walked about 13 miles (21 km) total, with elevation gain of over 3000 ft (900 meters) and larger descent. I was glad I did it, the pain is a distant memory now.