PhotosBushwalk.com photographers

40 | Bushwalk December 2023

Sunrise from Anatoki PeakTom Brennan

Kangaroo Ridge Brian Eglinton

On the rocksJohn Walker

WinnerMorning smoke hazeNorth-north-west

Returning to the scene of a crime (the weather on summits day, not anything I did) to see what this place is like without thick fog. The climb was torturous but worthwhile, the range traverse equally hard and rewarding. The smoke was a bit off-putting but the storm the next day put an end to it (and nearly me).

42 | Bushwalk December 2023

WinnerKaka on flaxTom Brennan

Kapiti Island, off the west coast north of Wellington NZ is a bird sanctuary. This was the best of many bird shots taken while doing the 500 metre climb to the summit of Tuteremoana and back.

One misty morning Graham51

Orb Weaving Spider looking radiantBushwalker Zane

Greeted by the mobJohn Walker

43

WinnerLake StuartNorth-north-west

Sometimes people pick a theme when naming places in Tassie and run wild with it. The King William Range is one such place, littered with names from British history. This shot is from the delightfully named King Charles Head (not far from Cromwell Rise), looking down on one of the lakes nestled below.

Climbing Mount KaramuPhATty

44 | Bushwalk December 2023

A peachy viewJohn Walker

Blue LakeBrian Eglinton

WinnerAdelaide Tarn sunsetTom Brennan

After a misty afternoon, the cloud lifted near sunset to let the last light hit the tops of the nearby peaks.

45

WinnerLonely Lake and valley cloudTom Brennan

After a drizzly rest day at Lonely Lake, the moisture around meant clouds in the valleys as we climbed out on the way to Fenella Hut.

One last gleamNorth-north-west

DryTortoise

Kaiser viewsBrian Eglinton

46 | Bushwalk December 2023

WinnerBellbird/Korimako in the rainTom Brennan

We had a wet couple of days walking around Arthur's Pass. While the keas are probably the most well-known bird there, this Korimako (Bellbird) proved the most photographically accommodating, perching on the end of a flax flower.

Leave me alone, I'm busy...John Walker

Catching some raysDavid Edwards

Should last a whileBrian Eglinton

47

Far from the Madding CrowdsNorth-north-west

WinnerStillnessTortoise

I love the feelings this photo evokes for me, from a special time in a special place. Thanks, Joe, for the eminently sensible question at 5 am the day before, when I roused you guys, rain pattering on our tents. “Why don’t we take a rest day?” Hmm. Avoid a soaking scrub bash up Mount Curly? Make use of the spare day I had included in case we needed it? Spend the afternoon lounging in the sun on the beach after the rain passed? Take a rest after six long and challenging trackless days, with more to come? Savouring stillness of mind, body, spirit, lake and mountain. Perfect.

48 | Bushwalk December 2023

WinnerRamshead NorthBrian Eglinton

I love the Main Range around Kosciuszko especially when water levels are recharged with the melting snows. My wife and I had climbed the pile of boulders making up Ramshead North one October in snow shoes when it was still completely covered in snow. But I was keen to get her back for a second visit in the summer when there are still some snow drifts and cool air. It is a fantastic "other world" away from home.

Alpine gardenTom Brennan

Chambers Gully, 8 kilometres from townVagrom

Tidal forestJohn Walker

49