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| The River Crossing Towards Young's Hut - Gillespie Pass Circuit - Mt. Aspiring National Park, New Zealand |
Like Kepler, Gillespie Pass was another stunning two night adventure in the New Zealand wild. There are several huts up the valley that offer refuge, with little use in the fall. The trail can either be accessed by jet boat, helicopter, plane, or a good old fashioned river crossing. Being the cheapskates we are the river crossing was the most sensible. The trail runs along the Young river outlet towards the first hut. The trail is what New Zealand DOC considers "bush," but is very well marked and used.
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| Nice Basin for a Nice Pee - Bottom of Gillespie Pass - Gillespie Pass Circuit- Mt. Aspiring National Park, New Zealand |
After a night in the hut it was off to the basin under Gillespie Pass. Waterfalls and amazing rock formations, offered some of the best views for the day. There is no need for the use of water filters in New Zealand, which makes peeing that much more enjoyable... knowing that it is a straight glacial piss. Gillespie pass was another story, that if unprepared would have some people peeing their pants. Angles of 60 degrees or more the whole way up made this summit in many ways more grueling than Colorado's 14ers.
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| Markin' the Territory - Gillespie Pass Circuit - Mt. Aspiring National Park, New Zealand |
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The hard work payed off with amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Overall a great backpacking route. Offering amazing views and a great trail make this an amazing place to relieve ones self.
