BlogRoddus: Mt Norma - 7th April 2012

Uncle Roddus Tramping Diary: Tramp No.118

Mt Norma - 7th April 2012

On what was absolutely the most perfect day for a trip into the hills, eleven of us finally arrived at the NZDA hut, across from the Nina Valley and were ready to proceed by about 11am. After crossing the swing bridge we soon left the track and did an easy bush bash up onto the ridge, where we found the remnants of an old track that headed directly up the ridge. The track was unmaintained and occasionally we lost it but there were still plenty of permolat markers and the going was fairly easy. We left the bush about 12:30pm and had a casual and longish break near where some had been camping and just enjoyed the awesome weather, the temperature was perfect, no wind and stunning blue sky's. The trip along the tops was reasonably straightforward and typically lovely for the Lewis area, with excellent views up the Nina Valley and Cannibal Gorge as well as the surrounding mountains. The group became quite spread out along the tops until we recollected at point 1642. Another break was had here enjoying the great vistas and soaking in the perfect weather. Looking across at Norma it was estimated that at least another 30 minutes travel was needed to secure the summit and with the return time added, it may be pushing it to make it there and back to the vehicles before the now earlier time of dusk and so we retraced out steps and with another quick stop near the bush line to regather and enjoy some more soaking up of this perfect day, we managed to get back to the cars by around 5:30pm. A lovely trip and great views. Oh and did I happen to mention I was a nice day?