Arthur River, Milford Track, New Zealand

Canon 10D, 17-40 f/4 @ 17mm, 1/400 sec., f/11, ISO: 200

I took this shot on December 29th, 2003. I think it was from my last day on the Milford Track of which there are 4 (3nights).

I do wish I'd been able to capture more pixels but I did love the old Canon 10D. Some of those old 6mp files just sing to me - even if not this one.

Those of you who enjoy a great trail - albeit very regulated -should do this one if you have the means. One has to hike (tramp) with 40 or so other trampers and stay in a "hut" with the others each night. So, no tent required. Just a sleeping bag, some essentials, and food. The huts have cooking facilities as well as toilets and there are bunks for your sleeping bag.

Depending on the weather there are some very spectacular views (which, unfortunately I didn't get to see due to a whiteout blizzard) going over Mackinnon Pass on the third day. Fortunately there was a guide to lead us over the pass and all 40 of us into a shelter on top of the pass. The snowstorm passed within 1/2 hour or so and we were on our way again.

I wish I had E.J.'s gift for photography because I've looked at some of his magnificent images from his trip to the south island and they are really inspiring. This and, perhaps, one more will probably be all I post of my trip there back in December/January 2003/4.