SH 6 hugs the shores of Lake Wanaka then Lake Hawea up against rolling fields and mountain ridges. The wind howls the length of the lakes especially strong in the narrow pass between them. Kent concentrates, I enjoy the view, and we take lots of picture breaks. Our destination today is a short hike to the Blue Pools at the confluence of the Blue River and the Makorora. There is rain in the morning forecast so we plan to wait it out where the view is nice so we have more reasonable weather for the most scenic section of 6 over the ridge through Mt Aspiring National Park to the west shore plus; rain is really a bonus, the mountain section is known for its many waterfalls that only get better and more numerous with rain.
We settle into camp then head out to the Pools. Lush forest is almost getting old hat, isn’t awful how quickly we take things for granted, still we enjoy the walk. We hear birds lost in the thick vegetation and even see a few including our first brightly colored rain-forest bird, a yellow crowned parakeet. He is very quiet but poses nicely.
The pools are a lovely clear blue. We still have a bit of energy so continue on the moss draped track toward the headwaters of the Young River. We give out before we actually get there but still enjoy about a 6-mile walk. Clouds are thickening and the mist moving lower down the mountains as we finish up dinner, locally made sausages, and head off to bed.