Day 113: Unexpected Paradise
January 31, 2020
Kilometers: 2806.6-2841.3
Lower Wairaki Hut to Birchwood Station Hut
We were all up at 6:45 and on the trail just before 7:30. After a few breakfast bars I was ready for another big day.
We started the day with a 500+ meter climb through forest. It was a bit tougher than I anticipated, needing to catch my breath every once in awhile. When I got to the top I was hit with a wall of wind. The forest had given way to a rocky summit. At least I was able to get some cell phone reception.
The view from the top was great. We could see all the land we’ll be walking through in the next few days. On a clearer day I think we would have caught our first view of the southern coast.
After a quick break up top we walked along a ridge that took us off the summit and down into a valley. The wind was still strong as we were still exposed.
We dropped down towards Telford Campsite. We had heard the sandflies were awful here and in the few seconds it took me to take my jacket off and put it in my bag I found its reputation was correct.
Right after the campsite I caught up to Team Finland. I past them on a 200 meter climb and then took a break at the top, where they and then Peter joined me. I had a small snack and got back to walking as we still had 22kms left.
The remainder of the day was through the Mount Litton Station, New Zealand’s largest farm. We mostly walked on 4WD tracks the rest of the way.
After some rolling hills on the farm I stopped for lunch, it was about 12:30. I ate my hummus and crackers and then had a few squares of chocolate. As I was packing up I could see Peter catching up from a distance.
The rest of the day wasn’t all that exciting. I saw some sheep, had to yell at cows to get off the trail and crossed about a million stiles.
Around 3:30 I arrived at the road. I waited for Charlie and Peter because I wasn’t sure if they knew the directions to the private hut we were staying the night in.
When they arrived the three of us walked down the highway and turned off into a driveway where the hut was. For $20 per person we got the nicest hut we’ve had on the trip so far. It had a shower, toilet, living room area and charging outlets. The owner also sold beers so we each got two.
This hut was put up by a local land owner when they realized the lack of camping options in the area. We were unaware of it until just yesterday but are so happy we found it. It was an unexpected paradise. And yes, my standards of paradise have been lowered drastically in the last few months.
For dinner I had more pasta with red sauce and a few squares of chocolate. It wasn’t long after that that I was in my bed watching downloaded Netflix shows and getting ready for tomorrow.