So the idea was to get crafty while on a tramping trip: to knit, needlepoint and natter our way across the ferry trip and beyond. Yarning started while waiting for a delayed ferry departure in Wellington, with craft consultations being undertaken while still on the pier. Projects got well underway on the ferry crossing with some side-line debates about English grammar which kept us well entertained. We camped overnight near Nelson Lakes and set off in the morning from Mt Robert car park in scorching sunshine.
As we headed up Pinchgut Track, we were rewarded with an at-level view of a kārearea (native falcon) floating on an alpine breeze. We shared a few laughs along the way, on discovery that one of our number was carrying a hefty 1kg of deluxe-style scroggin. Lunch was enjoyed on Robert Ridge where the crafty conversation extended to expert blister treatment. After a rocky trek along the ridge-line, we were welcomed by the sight of Lake Angelus and descended to the hut. Most of us headed into the water, still icy cold despite the heat, but perfect after a long day on a hot track. Back in the packed hut we settled in to prepare an exquisite Pad Thai, orchestrated by Illona and got in a bit of stitching and knitting both inside and out while the sun set over the lake.
We were up early to catch an epic sunrise. Lake Angelus is a stunning spot, and possibly provides one of the best long drop views in the country. We headed off on the Speargrass Track, with a bit of a scree scramble followed by a descent into a scenic valley. Lunch was accompanied by more stitching and the last leg took us through bellbird-filled bush. We dropped into Lake Rotoiti for a refreshing dip then headed off to Picton where we managed a relaxing ale and hearty meal. While waiting in the ferry queue, we managed to dress the club van up with our flys and other items which needed airing – looking more like the Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Circus than anything. The return ferry gave us time to get some more stitching down; though we never really made a dent in the 1kg of scroggin.