Roy's Peak

Diamond Lake - Rocky Hill

Walk to Dinner

Queenstown Hill

Bondi Beach

Two for two on day two, and back on track after day one's, still great, but not to plan hike. I can see why both this and Rocky Hill are among the "10 Best Hikes in New Zealand." 

Knew it snowed here, I mean, I had rain in the lowlands and the mountain pass was inaccessible to me because of snow, so logically a higher summit would have gotten snow as well. Packed for it with spikes, windbreaker, heavy and light gloves. Didn't need it, nor did I need the water or snacks I brought. Only real use the vest was today was carrying the car key (phone in a waistbelt). Another really awesome hike though, nothing like back home. 

Steep from the start climbing about 950 feet in the first mile. Kinda settled after that, but still around 650-850 feet per mile for the remainder. First probably 6km (of 8) were on like a triple track road that could probably (and is probably) driven by a decent pickup or at least UTV. Only snow came over the final 500m, though the mud started around halfway. That definitely slowed progress, but I was still making good time. 

Thought going into this like 2.5-3hr would be good. Moved well early, and didn't fade too much, just kinda couldn't go due to the very slippery footing. That being said, hands spent a lot of time on my legs to help push. Made it to the top around 77:30/78 which was far quicker than the goal of 80-100. Got very windy up top, so didn't hang out (not that I do that anyway), but motivated to start running and get out of it. Felt good running on the snow, its something I've got quite a bit of experience in. Mud, not so much. Stayed vertical, and didn't have too many sketchy steps, but definitely cost me speed. Figured I'd make it down in about 2h15, but after covering the first two miles in about 20 min via 11-8, and gaining momentum as the mud went away, I figured I'd see what was there. Didn't think sub-2 was in the cards, until maybe 1.5-2 to go. Closed hard though going like 19:30 over the final 3 miles which included three little ladders to go over some fences. Steep downs didn't feel great on the legs, especially the very steep and firm stuff at the bottom. Legs otherwise didn't feel too bad. Came very close on many segments, but no cigar today. Definitely could have gotten some had I known what they were, and/or had better conditions. No run today, between this and the 4.5 hour drive that followed it, I'll take another zero. Definitely gonna get out tomorrow morning as it's a roughly 12 hour travel (driving/ferry) day, so need to get some steps in somehow. 

In other news, I'll be curious to see how my weight looks when I get home. Going strong on only one meal per day in NZ, but making it count.

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Jacob Wormald

Roy's Peak

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Roy's Peak

Diamond Lake - Rocky Hill

Walk to Dinner

Queenstown Hill

Bondi Beach

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