Spirit Lake. This small lake can be viewed from a viewing platfrom. There is a sign posted on the Kepler Track pointing to the boardwalk and viewing platform. This lake is about halfway between Rainbow Reach swing bridge and Moturau Hut. The walk should take 45 minutes one way.
This Earth Cache is about the formation of this lake and the bog it is in.
This lake was created as the glacier retreated around 14000 years ago. Large chunks of ice were carried down the glacier as the retreat was happening. A large ice block was deposited in this depression of Ameoeboid Mire. After the glacier melted retreating up the valley this large ice block was still there slowiy melting. When it was all turned liquid a large depression was left in the bog forming this lake. The lake now gets water from the higher ground around it. The water seeps though the bog as there are no streams feeding the lake. During higher than normal rain fall which often occurs, the track on towards Moturau Hut does flood the drain chanels.
There is not much variation of flora is around the lake for a specific reason to do with how the lake is fed.
Things to do and think about...other than swatting sand flies, sun bathing, taking photos.
1. Given that the big ice block melted 14000 or so years ago; give a reason why the lake size has remained much the same, or do you see evidence of the lake getting smaller?
2. It looks rather swampy so stay on the platform. Reaching down from the board walk describe the amount of water present in the Ameoeboid Mire as you give it a little push downwards. Dry, moist, real wet? You can try other spots and see if it changes closer to the trees.
3. Take a photo of you or part of you and or your GPS.be creative. Include this in your log.
You can log your find immediately but email or message your answers to questions 1 & 2 within 10 days or your find may be deleted.
Before you go. Please realize that this is a National Park. Observe signs at the entrances to the track. NO DOGS.
Be prepared for weather. The hot, the wet, the cold, the snow. If going alone please advise a responsible person of your intensions.
There is NO cost to walk the track BUT to stay at a hut there are Hut Fees payable by a hut ticket system with DOC. See the DOC Centre in Te Anau to purchase. The price varies due to which tramping season.
There is NO tenting,other than two places (Brod Bay Camp site and beside Iris Burn Hut) or within 500m of the track.