Lewis Pass Area-Travers Peak

Lewis Pass Area Report 7- 9 December 2009
Monday: Angus Macdonald (Leader), Ian Fussell, Murray Adams, Dennis Logan, Ray Twist, Rod & Carole Lewis and Don Mee(Scribe) started from the Lewis Pass road up the track near Foleys Creek and had good going up on to Travers Peak (1,724m) which we reached soon after midday. Surprisingly, there was cell phone coverage from the summit. We lunched below the ridge and descended to the saddle above the Boucher Stream. Soon we were in rougher going down that stream but got out to the Boyle River and the St. James Walkway by mid-afternoon. An ascent of the Anne Saddle and a plod along the walkway took our tired bodies to the Anne Hut for the night.

Tuesday: It was easy going up the Henry River until its major branch was reached and from this point we had a gorge to by-pass,fortuitously choosing the true right bank, and then numerous river crossings before we topped the Henry Saddle (1,282m) at 10.15am.

Then, in the words of Angus: After parting company with Ian (returning home), and Don & Carole (who decided to take the alternative route to the Ada Hut), the remaining members of the party bush bashed their way up a steep ridge towards a saddle below Zampa.

The party was buffeted by a strong cold wind for some time before the wind subsided and conditions became very pleasant. A decision was made not to climb Zampa to save time and the party made good progress on good clear tops past an attractive large tarn below Zampa. Following the ridgeline, great views were enjoyed looking down into the Maruia River and over to the Spenser Mountains.

At Pt. 1681 above the Ada Hut, the party followed an easy clear spur down to the bushline. Travel through the open bush was good going until near the St. James Walkway where dense regrowth was encountered. The Ada Hut was a welcome sight after 5 hours tramping from the Henry Saddle.

Ian, Carole & Don descended Saddle Creek and were able to ford the Maruia River and climb up on to the walkway. After shaking Ian’s hand, Carole & Don proceeded along the walkway to meet up with the other five at the Ada Pass. When they arrived the others claimed they had been there “for hours” but oddly enough they still had their boots on!

Wednesday: In dribs and drabs we returned along the walkway to our vehicles at Lewis Pass. Altogether, it was a most enjoyable trip on an unusual circuit, so thanks Angus.