Iain's Great Adventure - Te Araroa

Garmin Connect Woke early from a vivid dream. I was in the cellar of Corrie Grove the house I grew up in..there was a wooden box full of rats...with scary white eyes and teeth. Then one jumped out the box at me and I woke. Perhaps I have been subconsciously worried about ship rats from captain cook's endeavor. So up and early breakfast and hit the trail just after 8am..good to try to beat the heat of the day. Another hot one ahead. The first 10km was nice and easy. Only about 10am so pressed on. Missed Marsden campsite. Not a good sign for things to come...so figured could make camp for lunch. The pack was definitely getting heavier after 4hrs of tramping. The last couple of kms was a struggle...but made it, setup then off to Cafe for a spot of lunch.. where i am writing this.  Suspect a sleep this afternoon then another early dinner, read a bit more of Outlander. Then off to sleep.

Garmin Connect Well the first day was certainly a success. Early start, early flight to Blenheim, Anna arrived in perfect time to collect me from airport and drive me to picton. A quick coffee before she left for return trip.  I wandered around picton town picking up some last item, including water, salami, cheese and scroggan. I neatly forgot the gas.  Visit doc office to pay for my campsites on queen Charlotte, then some lunch (2nd breakfast) before catching the boat.  Beautiful day out on the water, cruised up the sounds, past the salmon farm and into ship cove. Phil the skipper was very informative and must be a dad with those jokes. 6km to first night camp. Up and over the hill, about 200m climb. Pack felt heavy and heart rate was up over 170 at one point. I think it was more adrenaline from finally starting this adventure. Picturesque.campsite on the waters edge, with a couple of yachts sharing the bay. 2 couples and a family of 4 shared the camp... Family are head