Duke of Edinburgh Trip
By Boudewijn Keenan, Moss Pelvin, Michael Crosson, Lu | Posted: Thursday May 6, 2021
It was on the 15th of April when the school Duke of Edinburgh group gathered once more for what promised to be another intrepid adventure.
We were heading for the wilderness, this time the Routeburn and the auspiciously named ‘Valley of the Trolls’. The group was a mixture of award and year levels.
Following an uneventful van ride, we piled eagerly out into the Routeburn car park. It was chilly but we were hardy southern boys and, with a smile on our faces, made tracks for the hills. While the younger year groups walked directly for the Routeburn Flats (where we would set up a basecamp), the Year 13s headed up to Sugarloaf Pass. It was a steep ascent through rooty terrain, but with a mixture of banter and tenacity we made it in good time. The pass was plagued by a bitter wind sweeping in from the north, and rolling banks of cloud threatening rain. After the obligatory photo-op we returned to the Routeburn track and on to the flats in the gathering dark. Having barely managed to set up our tents before the rain arrived, a pleasant dinner and some cards ensured a good night's sleep.
The next day was distinctly uninspiring. There was steady rain for most of the morning which refused to clear as we set off, following the North Branch of the Routeburn River. The track through the North Routeburn Valley was rough in many places, non-existent in others, but we persevered and made good use of our navigation skills (and trapping trails) to overcome swamps, boulder fields and the river. We made the decision to set up our emergency shelters for lunch after rain, more bitter wind and the disappearance of the trapping trail markers into a boulder field halted our progress. When we finally emerged, the weather had cleared beautifully and we explored up further before returning down the valley via an impressive waterfall and an intrepid, rock-filled route!
Day Three saw us walk up the Routeburn track to Harris Saddle in perfect conditions. From there we climbed the ice covered Conical Hill, narrowly avoiding injury on the frozen rock faces and permafrost, and were rewarded with indescribably amazing views. There we had lunch and hot drinks before returning to the saddle and Lake Harris, to begin our detour into the beguiling Valley of the Trolls. The scene was Lord of the Rings-esque, with Michael Crosson wisely quipping: “I feel like Gandalf.” We climbed the side of an impressive waterfall and, once more, the risk was rewarded with stunning views and refreshing spray. Gathering storm clouds hastened our return to the flats.
The last day dawned cloudy with a chance of porridge, and with heavy hearts but lighter packs, we hiked back to the car park. The Year 13s, having arrived long before anyone else, walked down the road to the Lake Sylvan car park where we had a greatly appreciated lunch whilst the van caught up. Home was our final stop, to a much needed shower!
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