Cass Saddle - Lagoon Saddle

November 2010

For the first time ever we embarked out on a full family adventure (with a few additional members too!). After a quick car shuffle between the start and ending points David, Jo, Alice, Mackenzie, Owen, Ellen and I set off up the Cass Valley in Arthur’s Pass. Our intended route was the Cass Saddle – Hamilton Hut – Lagoon Saddle circuit.

We were initially surrounded by flowering broom as we followed the Cass riverbed upstream.

Following the Cass River bed

Mt Oates

February 8th 2008

Headed up creek opposite Mingha Biv – very steep climb out of stream at waterfall, then bash up scrubby ridge to alpine grassland. Sidled north to basins under main ridge then around under rocky ridge across screes and up gut and rock to south shoulder. Traversed the high ridge across rotten rock to the high peak (2054m) – spectacular drops on both sides along ridge. Spent some time soaking up sun and views on top, before dropping down to the col between high and low peaks – difficult move into col then easy scramble up to low peak (2041m). Quick drop down to a welcome swim at Lake Mavis and on down to Goat Pass and back to Mingha Biv. Perfect day and wonderful views in all directions. A wonderful climb with Hannah.


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