I got a late start on the hike for today going up Ben Lomond peak just north of Queenstown and trail accessible from 3 streets from my lodging. The day was just magnificent with a round trip time of 7-8 hours to hit the peak summit of 1200 meters I believe. However, I completed the trip in 2/3 the time and according to an Irish couple who gave me free drink tokens at the World Bar, "I shot up there."
The first part of the track passes through a very dark and dense pine? forest and then opens up to tussock grass and short alpine vegetation, all in the glorious sun. By the first couple of minutes in the sun I reverted to shirtless and converted to shorts. Ben Lomond was towering off to the left and looking to prove a challenging quick ascent. I even saw wild sheep on the way up...HOW COOL!
Reaching the summit afforded spectacular views into Queenstown and Lake Wakitipu with mountains as far as the eye could see to the north, even Mt Aspiring in the distance. Even the saddle before the summit was spectacular with a perfect spot for a bench if I ever did see one.
I met a Boston guy @ the summit and asked if my hat was the Green Wave. Met the Irish couple who gave me two free drink coupons with a clever pic on the front:
and then chatted on the way down with an Irish guy who was just finishing up a 13 month world tour (jealous).
That evening I made it to the World Bar, alone, and got my two free drinks, and to my delightful surprise I found that they had AFTERSHOCK. I ordered a shot and exclaimed to the people around me that "First it's hot, then its cold, and how bout them crystals!" They looked at me weirdly and then I wandered back to my abode, learning it is very difficult to go out alone.
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