Our second day started out great, with an amazing breakfast. It’s like a well oiled machine. As soon as breakfast was over they brought out our lunch to prepare as we like. Tons of options to choose from. If you have any special dietary needs they include them as well.
This was the first of many bridges we crossed. Being acrophobic I was a little nervous about it but they were not a big deal at all. In fact, I’d say it helped me conquer my fear of heights.
After our lunch was packed and ready to go, we geared up and headed out towards the Clinton River then near the base of Milford Pass to Pompolona House. The trail was like no other. So nicely manicured it hardly felt like we were out in the middle of nowhere. Unlike our muddy ruts here in Hawaii that get either zero or minimal maintenance, the track is engineered and meticulously maintained with drainage systems and bridges.
Roughly 2 miles in you’ll come across one of the many breathtaking views. The Dore Pass which will then become the Milford Track.
The Clinton Hut
We took a much needed break at the Clinton Hut. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate is offered at this stop. Which I found helps break up the journey. Our guides broke out the hula hoops which offered an additional fun factor to the trip.
Another reminder of what an experience Ultimate Hikes puts together. They arrange for their guides to keep track of us along the trail and then blast forward to the next stop to prepare great treats for us.
Mostly a level walk, the going was easy and the canopy kept us cool during the morning. We did a small side trail along a boardwalk then headed into a valley. Another side trail led to a waterfall where some of the people in our group took a swim. The water was still pretty cold so I declined. We were treated to a rock slide that echoed across the valley and I managed to get a shot of.
What I found so unique about this hike throughout the days was the change in landscape at every turn. The track crosses through beech forest and you’ll walk through lush water fern colonies.
Mintaro Hut
I was so excited to eat my lunch at an actual table. Until I sat down and was nearly flown away by a zillion sand flies. The spray we were told to bring didn’t deter these monsters at all. Their bites are vicious. It’s similar to a mosquito but worse. In my case they left a rash, swelling and itching behind to show my friends and family two weeks after we returned to the states. The only good advice I can give is just to keep moving. Thankfully there were only certain areas they liked to congregate.
If the water had just been a little bit warmer, I would’ve jumped in. As this was one of our hotter days on the trail. A few people from our group went for it. Either way it was such a gorgeous place to sit and take in all of natures beauty. Not to mention we escaped the sand flies.
We couldn’t get enough of the views through this area. All of the sudden we heard a loud crash which sounded like thunder. But it was actually a landslide that we were able to catch both on camera and video. It was amazing yet unnerving at the same time. It’s Mother Earth, you just can’t predict what she’ll do.
We crossed over a field of boulders in this rather large section of a landslide. They marked the area to stay on track very well. I couldn’t help but think, what if this happens while we’re hiking another section of the track. But like so many things in life, it’s highly unlikely.
Pompalono
The most amazing part of the day was the end of the trail. A slight veer off to the right catapulted us from trail to luxury. It really blows your mind to realize you’re in the middle of nowhere and walk into a lobby with juice, water, and an assortment of cookies. It wasn’t the most difficult day of hiking but I was so happy we were done for the day. I couldn’t wait to check into our room. This was probably our favorite hut throughout the entire trail. The seclusion was mind blowing, beautiful and magical.
This is also where we learned all about those pesky parrots the Kea. They like to steal your stuff. Luckily, I had been warned so I was careful about leaving my gear outside. The very next day, he stole a glove right out of the pocket of my backpack. The trails are so meticulously clean our guides make sure nothing is left behind. So I did indeed get the glove back…eventually.
The scenery was breathtaking and Pompolona ranked as my favorite lodge along the journey. It’s in the middle of nowhere with stunning views and it’s brand new after the last one got wiped out by a landslide. The dining room’s high windows let you look at the ridge above the valley and having a couple drinks with the great people we met was the definition of a good time! So many different cultures in one room was so educational and inspiring.
After dinner and social time, we received our next day briefing. This was the day I’d been concerned about, the climb to Mackinnon Pass. Up until this point it was in my nightmares. In early videos there was an area that had been taken out by a landslide of some sort. The video showed hikers hugging the mountain to get around a steep cliff. I had gone over and over this vision in my mind for days. You’ll have to check back next week to see how that all turned out.
Headed back to the room and watched the light fade on the peaks outside the window.
If you missed Day 1 of the Milford Track, check it out here. Be sure to stop by next week to read about day 3!
