Mt Somers is a fantastic outdoor playground that has something for everyone at all times of year. Join Tomas Sobek on an Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club trip.
Following a shoulder injury and a very lengthy recovery I was itching to get out on a proper weekend trip. I warmed up with a couple of day walks and felt ready – it was time to step up and carry a full pack. The trip to Woolshed on my website , where you can also download any images you like.
It was a busy night at Woolshed Creek Hut with lots of people. The stars and the Moon were shining, but we knew this was about to change.
What a wonderful way to spend a long weekend...
On Monday we just leisurely walked out back to the car park. A bit more snow fell overnight and a hint of sunshine started poking through the clouds in distance.
And what a great fun that was! We were already soaking wet from the snow, so a bit more water under foot makes no difference.
Afternoon found us playing at Morgan Stream water caves.
An obligatory shot from the Bus Stop. Time to turn around. Next stop will be lunch back at the hut.
Time to sing some Christmas carols. More snow was coming and the land looked so different from the day before.
At this altitude the snow was heavy and slowly melting away. Everything was soaking wet.
Our intention was to entertain ourselves with daywalks in the area. For the morning we picked a trip to Bus Stop. Getting down to the wire bridge over Morgan Stream required reasonable care.
Sunday morning was cold and white. The Winter wasn't over just yet.
Saturday morning turned foggy as soon as we left Jig Road shelter and started walking along the Miners Track.
The summit has a cute little sheep-pen. You can also put your name down into the summit book.
Mount Somers summit trig point and Canterbury Plains. If it wasn't for the light clouds, you could see all the way to the ocean.
As we climbed higher the views were getting better and better.
From now on it was the fun of untracked country. And these girls take fun seriously!
As I was wondering around while everyone else was resting in the saddle, I spotted the local royalty, New Zealand falcon. His majesty kindly let me come close enough for a decent shot before flying away.
From now on it was just a gorgeous sunny day.
When we reached the hut we claimed our bunks. After a short break we took off again, heading for Mt Somers summit. As the track started climbing, the fog was soon left behind in the valley.
Around the point 934 metres the sunshine got just magical. I must admit I got a bit stuck in this spot and had to walk pretty fast to catch up with the group again.
We started walking nice and early so that we have a good chance to claim our bunks in the hut. Long weekends can be a bit tricky.
Tomas Sobek is an Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club member in Dunedin. He shares his images freely on his website .
