Today 23.5 km. Total 1951.5 km. 6 hours 25 minutes (1115-1740).
I slept in again and then sorted my food resupply. It is a lot of food and heavy. The resupply had 6 days worth in it as well as the 4 days I had leftover from the last leg.
I checked out at 1000 exactly and headed to the cafe for a breakfast with everything. At 1115 I was finally on my way.
The trail started behind the hotel passing through a gate to a nice track beside a stream all the way to the lake. At the lake I took a photo of the jetty which is stunning then joined the lake track which was walking track standard for the first km then very good tramping track to the lake head. The only detraction from the stunning scenery and track was the annoying noise of the boats racing around the lake.
2 hours 20 minutes after starting I reached Lake Head Hut- another naming that required great imagination. In the hut was an older couple who were asking about TA and my gear. I noticed the lady holding her poles in an inefficient way so showed her my method. They took a photo of me to show others my gear.
I continued on up the valley largely in the open with amazing scenery. Steep rugged mountains around me and meadows of flowers to walk through.
After a while it was back into the bush. I saw two people the whole day. One had earphones in both ears listening to music. I understand listening to music on road walks but cannot understand why you would do this in the bush. I love the sounds of the bush, birds chirping, streams gurgling, rivers roaring etc.
After 3 hours 30 minutes I reached John Tait Hut. There was a family with mid teenage son and slightly older daughter. They were interesting to talk with so the evening went fast.
I slept in again and then sorted my food resupply. It is a lot of food and heavy. The resupply had 6 days worth in it as well as the 4 days I had leftover from the last leg.
I checked out at 1000 exactly and headed to the cafe for a breakfast with everything. At 1115 I was finally on my way.
The trail started behind the hotel passing through a gate to a nice track beside a stream all the way to the lake. At the lake I took a photo of the jetty which is stunning then joined the lake track which was walking track standard for the first km then very good tramping track to the lake head. The only detraction from the stunning scenery and track was the annoying noise of the boats racing around the lake.
St Arnaud Jetty on Lake Rotoiti
Walking Track
Lake Rotoiti
Great track
Lake still pretty
This tree was very popular with the Honeydew Insect
2 hours 20 minutes after starting I reached Lake Head Hut- another naming that required great imagination. In the hut was an older couple who were asking about TA and my gear. I noticed the lady holding her poles in an inefficient way so showed her my method. They took a photo of me to show others my gear.
Lake Head Hut
I continued on up the valley largely in the open with amazing scenery. Steep rugged mountains around me and meadows of flowers to walk through.
Walking up the valley
Easy trail
Bright red lichen on many rocks
Slightly overgrown
Beautiful flowers
Loving it
Egg on the track
Picture postcard
After a while it was back into the bush. I saw two people the whole day. One had earphones in both ears listening to music. I understand listening to music on road walks but cannot understand why you would do this in the bush. I love the sounds of the bush, birds chirping, streams gurgling, rivers roaring etc.
First swingbridge of the day
Lovely bush track
A little rougher in places
Fantastic views
Some sidling
Some boardwalk
Some waterfalls
Contrasts one side of the track to the other
Approaching the hut
After 3 hours 30 minutes I reached John Tait Hut. There was a family with mid teenage son and slightly older daughter. They were interesting to talk with so the evening went fast.
John Tait Hut
Night 77
Thanks for advice on using my poles. Much appreciated on the track back to St Arnaud. Enjoying your interesting blog and will watch your progress to the end. Would love hear more about your other life adventures, but how to get in touch. From 'the older lady' at Lakehead Hut.
ReplyDeleteHi Sally. Not a problem with the poles. I am glad you feel an improvement. You can message me from one of my posts on Facebook Te Araroa group page. I will update the blog to put your name.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteVery well explained with examples. I found a services provider for Preferencefloors services you will like it the website is well explained about Tait Flooring visit the site to know more about Preferencefloors services.