Te Araroa day 23

Woke with a kiwi squawk which sounded like it was just outside my tent. Had a look but nothing to see here. Perhaps the kiwi was just saying good morning as it returned to it's den for the day.
It was a wet morning so a bit slow in getting going. Lay in the tent a while listening to the rain and hoping perhaps it would clear as the sun lifted in the sky. Given the narrow valley it would be some time before the sun could make a difference, so might as well get on and pack up in the rain.
Planned to get over harpers pass and breakfast at the Locke stream hut.
it was a bit bleak on the pass.
As I continued down from the pass, the route was wet, slippy and not particularly well formed. At one point a massive washout has destroyed the track and left a lot of debris is it's wake.
Stopped at the hut for breakfast and re-grouped with Jane & Alison from the bivvy and Michael, who caught up from Boyle village.

The walk from Locke stream to kiwi hut followed the river, a relatively flat section, although difficult to keep to the track, which create some fun meandering along between the river, rocks and grass.
Along with way I did discover a thistle taller than me. Not seen one like that in Scotland.

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