After I left Picton with Blenheim as next destination, I was determined to start hiking as soon as possible. I researched on the DOC website, which I can only recommend, and soon found some tracks in the Richmond Forest Park.
There were some one day hikes, as well as some overnighters.
I started out with one extremely exhausting day at Mt. Sunday and Mt. Riley with 7 ½ hours and over 2500 meters in elevation changes!
But it was totally worth it, as the view was magnificent!
The next trail brought me up to Richmond Saddle Hut, from where I wanted to summit Mt. Richond the next day. But the weather didn’t agree with me on that, as the summit was covered in clouds and the wind was nearly throwing me down the mountain.
The stay at the hut was very nice regardless and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
The weather wasn’t improving the next day either, with a lot of rain in the night, and I had to delay my plans for one day. The next delay followed shortly after, so I spent two days in Blenheim.
But I had high hopes for the next day and I could start my way towards Old Man.
But a sudden rainstorm surprised me and I was lucky to find shelter in the Lake Chalice Hut.
It was situated right next to Lake Chalice, the only major lake in the area around Mt. Richmond.
The weather didn’t improve the next day, so I made my way back to my car in the rain, which wasn’t exactly the definition of fun.
My next big goal is Nelson Lakes National Park, but before I get there, I’m going to relax on the beaches around Nelson.
Pictures and a blog post are going to follow, of course.
Until then,
Cheers!
Max Abbe 