Ascent in New Zealand’s Southern Alps

Southern Splendor

The trail description didn’t make it sound bad at all: “Track starts out gently then ascends steeply to the Sealy Tarns.” A pretty unassuming description. A glib, even.

But I learned my lesson the hard way: in New Zealand, when a trail guide says steep, it means steep. In truth it was a staircase from hell. To take my mind off my aching lungs and shaking legs I tried to count the number of individual stairs in the climb but I lost track somewhere in the two thousands.

When I finally reached the top and saw this magnificent view at sunset, that endless trudge seemed like a small price to pay to witness the splendor of the Southern Alps.

About the Photographer
Josh Cripps is a nature photographer, teacher, and writer from Santa Cruz, California. During beautiful sunsets you can often hear him shouting like a lunatic. For more of his work, visit his website http://www.joshuacripps.com.

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Comments

  1. Was in NZ 8 years ago.. really need to revisit, and for longer this time.. Gorgeous shot btw!
    ciki recently posted..Pisco Bar @ Jalan Mesui, KLMy Profile

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