Shelter from the storm

With a day to explore the area I took up the suggestion made by Scott, went off the beaten track and did a circuit over the tops between Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki then up as far as I could go towards Mount Cook on the eastern side of the Lake. Whilst it was gravel all the way the huge plus that there was almost no other traffic :)

The almost contstant view of Mount Cook was stunning, as was the view from the tops. This wee hut a hundred or more stories to tell, names and dates all engraved into the wooden walls. The earliest date I saw was, I think, 1948. And the pole there is a telephone pole. There was a sign in the hut which read:

"This hut is for your protection, so we hope you will protect it.
Would you please shut the door. A little wood left inside would be a kind act.

Telephone rings are --> Tekapo o__00, Guide Hill 000, Tasman Downs o__ , Braemar __ , Claycliff __0__ , Mt Cook Stn __0 , Glenmore 0__0 , Godley Peaks __ __ , Irish Hut 00000

Don't forget to switch phone off"

There was no longer a phone in the hut. Cell phone coverage was nil. You wouldn't want to be caught in a storm up here.

Today though, only wind - high wind. As the afternoon wore on the sun shone more and more with the clouds gradually disappearing. Looking goood for the eclipse later. Amazing considering the state of the skies this morning. This really is a region of contrasts.