Heading up the ridge shortly before we decided to turn around, we would have had to cross much bigger more unstable slopes than this to reach the summit.
It started off a pretty overcast day, but as the weather began to clear, there were some pretty amazing photography opportunities, so forgive all the variations on a theme below, I couldn't decide which I liked best.
Like the light on the snowslope just over there
A perspective on the park that I haven't seen previously
Because there must always be a panorama...
... or two!
Tasman Lake
Loving the light just breaking through in random places!
I did say variations on a theme
Helen and Dave, just before he moved to Invercargill!
Mark looks less tall when I stand on a rock
Actually one of my better group photos I think, Me, Helen, Dave and Mark
Heading back down, the light just kept getting better and better
Hooker Lake nestled in the mountains
Lake Pukaki
That person who constantly needs attention when you are trying to take serious photos!
There we go that's the photo I wanted. We all know I'm a sucker for texture in the snow
and also for black and white footprints in the snow
Heading back down, looking at the bump we subsequently climbed on the ridge
The lighting!! The delicate hoar frost on those rocks is pretty cool too.
The clouds are getting nice! This must have only been seconds before Helen managed to drop and loose her helmet down the mountainside!
Can nearly see the summits now!
Helen also thought it was worth taking a photo!
It really was a spectacular day out!
It's easier to get sensible photos of Mark when he doesn't know you are taking them.
Loving the hoar frost/ice in the foreground here!
Mark and the spectacular view
Didn't realise he'd stuck his tongue out in this one, but now I've realised I'm definitely going to put it one the internet!
The view East for a change!
Credit to Mark; this is actually a pretty good photo of me
Looking across at the bump we are about to go climb. Photo credit Mark.
This is of course what happens if you don't take the camera back off him quickly though! The reflection in the glasses is pretty good though. Photo credit Mark.
Aoraki is soo cool!
Hoar frost on scrub!
And there she is! Aoraki!
Adventure buddies =D - I have to say I'm slowly getting the hang of the selfie...
Couldn't resist - also I need to clean my lens!
He looks a bit spooked!
Mark and Mt Edgar Thomson
Mark and Aoraki
In fairness getting on and off that bump wasn't entirely straight forward!
The next day was super windy in the mountains! This photo of Aoraki was taken through binoculars - Mark's idea.
Had to stop and get a last photo looking back at Aoraki before the long drive home. Look at that wind!
Lake Pukaki
Aoraki from Pukaki - still windy!
The best of many attempts at skipping stone photography - I need to get a filter so I can do long exposures in daylight.
Heron
Look at all that snow moving around!
Map!
