Adventure West Coast: A Paparoa's Weekend: Euclid & Kelvin

After the better part of 2 years having past since my last trip into the Paparoa's it was time to experience this magic environment again. William was keen to step it up and get his first taste of the Paparoa's, so with a fine weekend on the way it was looking like it was going to be a good one.

Halfway between Fleming and Euclid (in the background)

We made it to the bush line below Fleming from Costello Hill late on Friday night. Next morning it was short walk up to Fleming and then a further 2 hours to the base of Euclid, by which time the clag was starting to come in from the coast. We climbed Euclid and explored along the north ridge of Euclid, as I was keen to see how difficult the route along the main range was. It's steep but looks alright, although it was difficult to be sure in the clag. We headed back to where we had stashed our packs by sliding on the north side of Euclid above Morgan Tarn.

In the clouds on Euclid

With not much of a view to be had we decided to head down to Morgan Tarn for a few hours rest, hoping that the clag might clear in the early evening. We were in luck as by 5pm it was clearing and it wasn't long before we were on our way again.

Mt Euclid

Our route to Lavoisier took us on a low route in to the western basins of the main range where the going looked much better than the higher route I had taken on a previous trip. Climbing to the obvious grassy small saddle below Lavoisier the steep ridge is turned on the eastern side. A chickpea curry was cooked and devour on Lavoisier before we made our way down to the lake at the head of Tallings Creek. Leaving our decent a little late we spent the last half hour in the dark.

Mt Lavoisier

The next morning was fine and clear and we took the opportunity to take in the magic scenery. The jagged mountains above the lake provide a dramatic view which is a real hidden gem. The morning light wasn't good for taking photos though, so here is a shot from a previous trip.

Spectacular view at the head of Tallings Creek

The route we took heads around the lake on the left in the bush before climbing in largely scrub free country to the basins below Kelvin. I was keen to see if we could climb the jaggered peaks, so after ditching the packs we spent the next 3 hours finding our route and ticking them off one by one.

At the head of the lake

Returning to our packs the looming clag finally closed in, and with not much enthusiasm for moving on we went for a swim and finished the remainder of our food. The clag was short lived and by the time we reached Kelvin it was just perfect. With time getting on and still a 5-6 hour walk out to the road it was time to high tail it down the ridge track from Kelvin. We made good time, but getting tired, the last hour dragged on in the dark.