Te Araroa day 18

Sandflies had not mysteriously vanished overnight. Quick breakfast and fast pack to get moving in the morning.
9km to the maling pass carpark for the team to return to St Arnaud, and me to progress on my own.
We arrived in good time for the noon pickup, but no sign of the cars.
I traded some items to help me on my way, for $5 donations.
- toilet paper (Kristen)
- miso soup (Galloway's)
- lollies (Anna)
- avocado & salted cashews (Niki)
- wasabi peas (Kerry)
- tuna packet (Dave)
I will donate $30 to mental health.
At 1pm I decided to head onward with the hope their ride would arrive soon and get them to hamner springs for some well deserved treats. As well as the promise of dropping a bottle of wine to Boyle village for me. Which could be a very welcome surpise for my birthday. But first I need to make it to Anne hut, which was another 20km.
I did make it. I am writing this from there, after a 29km day. Biggest yet, but was the easiest walking day with nice 4WD track through the valley. A number of river crossings, so wet feet all day, but made it to a busy hut, but enough room for me.
3 more SoBos at the hut, and 4 NoBos.
One guy arrived after me, having come from blue lake. 41km, including waiau pass in one day. Crazy!!!

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