The Hermitage

When we arrived at Mt. Cook and the Hermitage, we knew we were in a special place. We have learned that this is where many train for their ascent to Mt. Everest (including Sir Edmund Hillarey), and so we saw many hikers. Mt. Cook is a National Park, and staying at the Hermitage is the equivalent for staying at the Yellowstone Lodge, except it is very modern - and fancy. All rooms look out to see Mt. Cook, which is a spectacular mountain. It had snowed the day before, so there was snow in places that wouldn't normally have it at this time of year, but the weather at the hotel was beautiful. We were able to hike around the area, and found it to be very manageable. Like in Alaska, there are a number of braided streams, boulders everywhere (erratics) dropped by glaciers, and beautiful scenery. We understand a rainstorm is moving in, which accounts for today's winds, but we managed to arrive on a perfect day!