It was clear, but quite cold on the Saturday. The temp was only 5 degrees at the carpark, with fresh snow on the tops. The travel up valley was pleasant and easy, until we reached the impressive North Temple Cirque.
We shared lunch with a Karearea (NZ Falcon) in the feeble sun, before beginning the climb to the pass. The rock was very loose and unstable, almost like a morraine jumble, making for unpleasant climbing. We were pretty tired during the climb, having plenty of rest stops in more stable sections, however, rock fall usually had us hurrying on.
At the pass we paused for views out to Mt Cook and admired the large herd of Tahr, including one large Bull.
The South Side of the pass sprinkled with some fresh snow, but the frozen scree was what made it sketchy.
Gladly down in main South Temple valley, we had a wonderful evening camping. The sunday was a pleasant stroll down valley, as the clouds came in and the rain fell gently.
Lower (colder) North Temple Valley
Approaching the climb to Gunsight pass (obscured on the left)
Catching some breath on the steep loose climb
Views over the Ben Ohau Range and onwards to Aoraki/Mt Cook NP.
Descending steep scary frozen screes on the south side of Gunsight Pass
Steeple Peak (L) in South Temple Valley
Pip leaving camp on sunday morning
Easy travel in the South Temple
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