I spent the night here, camped beside the Tutoko river, encircled by mist and cloud with the occasional star visible in the sky above. Come morning, the atmosphere was typical of Fiordland, with shrouded peaks and valleys slowly emerging from their slumber. As the sun summoned enough strength, the mighty Mount Tutoko was finally unveiled. This was my first close encounter with Fiordlands tallest mountain, just as I was about to begin the hike home. I unloaded my bag and enjoyed the next little while in the presence of such inspiring beauty, reminded of my temporary presence here on this fragile earth.
