Taramakau/Otehake Confluence to Upper Deception Hut 23 k The morning sunlight was late to reach us, and when it finally did we got moving for a potentially long day. Super Mario and Princess Peach used a cairn motif on decorating their tent last night. Just kidding, they were trying to keep the stakes in place. …
Month: February 2018
2/6 What Makes A Trail
Hurunui Hut No. 3 to Taramakau/Otehake Confluence. 25 K What an amazing night’s sleep! The rain pattered and drummed on the roof last night, the wind gusted and blew, and even though the old building shook a little bit, it was cozy and warm and just plain easy. A bit after 7:00 one of the …
2/5 The 1940s Triple Decker
Kiwi Meadow to Hurunui No. 3 25 k We sleep through the alarm, and it is glorious. It is after 6:30 when we wake up, the temperature not cold. It is windy, a gusty wind that is reminiscent of the other day, but not nearly as strong or terrifying. We don’t have far to go …
2/4 The Hundred K Day
Boyle River to Kiwi Meadow 26 K Whew, it was chilly last night, the tents buried under the catabatic weight of the damp river air. The sun activates us when it hits the tents, and we caffeinate, fuel, and pack. In less than ten minutes we are at the Boyle River, and we all take …
2/3 Bored in Boyle
Boyle Flat Hut to Boyle River 14 K I sleep amazingly, in spite of Davy rattling and clanging until past 1:00 in the morning, and when I get up to make coffee, the water tap for the tank has broken. Well, shit. Lucky for me Prana is a chivalrous soul, and makes a pilgrimage to …
2/2 A Serviced Hut
Anne Hut to Boyle Flat Hut 17 k I slept so well last night- what a relief! I wake up ready to go at 7:15, so quietly get up to make coffee and write. Matthew, who slept out in the common area, is already awake and writing as well; the German couple is on their …
2/1 Inside the Cyclone
Anne Hut Layover Thank god it is finally light out. It is 6:15, and although the sun has likely been up for awhile, the storm clouds have squelched the light. The tent rattles and snaps around us, threatening to pull out at the stakes, to bend the trekking poles, to rip where the cords are …
1/31 Waiau Pass and Return of the Mouse
Upper Constance Lake to Anne Hut 38 K I spent most of last night awake, tossing from one side to the other, hips burning and aching, knee tendons strung taught like an overwound guitar string. The saving grace was seeing the super moon rise over the ridge embracing Lake Constance, the stars peaking out, the …
1/30 Of Shortcuts, Lakes, and Hygge
Upper Travers Hut to Upper Constance Lake 19 k I slept like a rock last night, surprising since the cabins often offer such fitful sleep, finally comfortable once it cooled off enough to tuck into the sleeping bag. Earplugs are key. Prana and I and Super Mario and Princess Peach cook breakfast and chat quietly. …
1/29 Nelson Lakes – The Reunion Tour
Lake Rotoiti to Upper Travers Hut 27 k The tree did not fall on us. That was a huge relief to wake up to. Thankfully the storm never amounted to much, and the rain stopped early. The only bad thing about this morning is the sandflies. They are ready to invade as soon as we …
