Ball Pass Crossing, Southern Alps

So we just got back from a 3 day trek in the Southern Alps crossing over Ball Pass which takes as close to Mt Cook as possible without climbing it. It was an amazing trip. It was a guided trip as it would have been very very difficult to do it alone and by doing it with a company we were able to stay at their private hut up on the mountain. Yes they own a hut on top of a mountain in a National Park. The hut was called the Caroline hut and was built in 1991. It was very cozy and incredible views. We had two guides with us and two other clients. The hut had sleeping bags and some food so all we carried in our packs was some clothing, water and some fresh food. 

Day 1 consisted of meeting our guide early in the morning to organize gear and then drive one hour to where the walk would start. This took a while and we did not start walking until about 1130. Our climb up to the hut was very steep and we had to do some rock scrambling which was difficult with heavy packs. Awesome views the entire way despite clouds. We made it to Caroline hut about 4 pm and started the fireplace to warm up along with tea and cookies. Dinner was eaten soon thereafter and then a game of cards before bedtime.

Day 2 we would just do a day hike from the hut and then back to the hut for the evening before climbing over the pass and down into the Hooker Valley the next day. We headed up towards the summit of the pass and then up a small peak next to Mt Cook. Stefan (our guide) showed us how to use crampons and a roping system we would use to cross some ice, snowy spots the next day. It was another great day with awesome views and we were back to hut about 4 to relax and enjoy the place. We had a great sunset.

Day 3 was an very early start waking at 530 and leaving the hut by 7. Sunrise was amazing and the almost full moon was still out. It was going to be a sunny day! We headed up to the summit of the pass which took 2 hours and then down the very long downhill into the Hooker Valley. We had to rope up across a couple of sections that were steep and icy. It was a long day hiking 9 1/2 hours but more incredible views and the weather was great. We got back to the car about 430.

Some random photos from the trip. More to come.

This are Kea birds which are alpine parrots. They were surrounding our huts and making crazy noises. They were very curious and would come right up to you.
The group- Stefan, John, Me and Anatoily (from russia but lives in New York). Mt Sefton in the background.
Inside Caroline hut. John relaxing and reading.
Sunset right outside the door.
John and I taking a break to enjoy the views.