Jan. 30, 2024, West Sabine Hut to Blue Lake Hut, 7,69 km, km 1835,9, 4:25 hrs
Walking to Blue Lake Hut this morning, the first half of the way, I did not like it. Forest sections with lots of rocks, etc. Later, I got out of the forest, and there were stunning views. Then back into the forest again with lots of water. The river along the forest is very beautiful. There are also sections where the trail becomes a stream, and one has to walk through that. It is very beautiful in this section.
I reach Blue Lake Hut after 4.5 hours. The official time is 3 hours. It is 11 am, and I am done. X has been waiting at the hut for quite a while. He would like to move on and tackle Waiau Pass. Waiau Pass is supposed to be difficult to climb up as well as down. We read many warnings, like to attempt it only if one is very experienced, agile, and free from giddiness. We are both a bit nervous about the pass.
The weather is great, but I don't have the energy to do the pass today. I just can't. So we find two spots for our tents and stay. Actually, we hide. The day becomes extremely hot, and the sun relentlessly burns. Due to that sun, we end up kind of relieved that we did not move on in the midday sun. It will be better to do the climbs in the morning. There is first a climb to another lake (Lake Constance), then a descent before climbing up that pass.
The weather forecast is good for the next day but after that declining. In 3 days the prognosis is snow on Waiau pass.
On the way to Blue Lake Hut:
After eating inside the hut, I walk to the Blue Lake and spend some time being in awe of its pristine beauty!
This lake is supposed to be the most pristine lake in the world. It is sacred to the Māori and is not to be touched.
Wikipedia writes:
"The lake has extremely clear water, and is the clearest natural body of fresh water yet reported. A 2011 study found its ranged from 70 to 80 metres (230 to 260 ft), clearer than the 63 metres (207 ft) measured for Te Waikoropupu Springs, a previous record holder. For comparison, laboratory measurements show distilled water has a visibility of approximately 80 metres (260 ft). Scientists attribute the lake water's clarity to its passage underground from Lake Constance, which filters out nearly all the particles suspended in the water. Its clarity reveals the water's natural blue-violet colour. (...)
The algae and plant life in the lake make it look blue and green."
Blue Lake:
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