Iain's Great Adventure - Te Araroa

Garmin Connect An early start as we had a long day ahead, wanting to get to Tekapo before the shops shut. Alex was up at 5am, but it was still dark and no way I was going to try to navigate the river and speargrass in the dark. It was wait until sunrise. Shortly after 6am I headed off. Alex and Jane had left earlier.  I caught up with them and pressed on, I was feeling good and keen to make progress, push myself a bit with a good pace. Michael continued on with me and kept a few metres behind me all the way to the road, 20km.  We didn't stop much and kept a good pace all the way. I was still feeling strong, but with 12km on road still to go I knew it was going to be a long slog to Tekapo. Then a car appeared behind us, racing up the gravel road like a rally driver. He came skidding to a halt next to us and Alex and Jane appeared smiling out of the windows. We jumped in very thankful for the ride. 5km knocked off in no time, just a few Km...

Garmin Connect Garmin Connect Left crooked spur hut in cloud, was a up hill climb to the saddle without much to see. Did spot a falcon, although general conscience was it may have just been a hawk. I guess I should know, do I say it was a falcon. managed to get reasonably close before it swooped away for a bit to eat. The rest of the climb looked a bit like this. As we progressed over the top a d down the other side, the sun did start making an appearance as we knew it would. Before long the sky was blue as far as we could see. Another hot afternoon with a lovely walk down the valley to the next stop for the night. Royal hut, apparently visited by some royalty, can't remember which ones. Certainly fit for royalty with 8 beds and lovely dining table and a beautiful setting. As I took my boots off my sore and tired feet I noticed a couple of holes which shouldn't be there. Oh no, my seems were beginning to give. A ...

Garmin Connect Had a nice long lie this morning, figured we'd leave it a bit before leaving, give the cloud some time to clear. Timed it perfectly, the clouds cleared as we topped the stag saddle, the highest point on the TA Another celebratory whisky was in order with Jane and Alex. All downhill from here all the way to lake Tekapo. Out next home for the night was camp stream hut, which must be one of the oldest remaining huts. 1898. It was very small and in the need of a little care and attention, so we all decided to camp outside. It was a lovely afternoon and a great spot to lazy around in the sunshine and chill. As we did a couple of horses appeared, with riders of course. The a NOBO and finally Dan and Lisa who had done a long day from crooked spur hut. It was a busy little camp.

Garmin Connect A night in Geraldine avoiding the rangitata river hazard which cannot be safely crossed. Great burger at the running duck cafe, followed by scrambled eggs, bacon and toast this morning and a couple of lattes to get me ready for today's adventure. Bush stream track, only around 9kms but a bit of vertical climb, how hard could it be. This was the day I would have not one, but two near incidents. I was walking with Jane and Alex, we followed the river, as it meandered between the steep slopes on either side. I lost count of the number of river crossings we did, but they were becoming increasingly challenging as they day went on. Not just the flow of the river, but also the slippy rocks underfoot and the difficulty in finding a good foot placement. The river crossing course was proving worthwhile. We become more careful picking spots to cross. Incident number one. I very nearly ended up floating (hopefully) down the river. I was trying to l...

Last night was wet and windy at the Berry Hut at Lake Clearwater. I arrived just before the weather turned. It was great to have a hot shower and I slept so well listening to the rain outside while warm and snug inside. I woke this morning to the return of the sun, although there was a dusting of snow on top of Mt Guy (1319m) I have been walking higher than that, even in the middle of summer temperature drops and snow falls. Glad I was not still in one of the high altitude huts last night.

Garmin Connect Left double hut and the duke of Ed group still asleep in their tents. Lovely morning, overcast and sun occasionally peeping through, helping keeping the temperature down. Followed 4WD track most of the way until reaching 'paper road'. Now I don't know what the difference is between a 'metal road' and a 'paper road'. Both seem odd names for a road made of stones. Anyway eventually made it to some real road, sealed with proper tar, and a concrete bridge over a river. Then back into track to Lake Clearwater, around the back of Mt Guy. Nice walk, reasonably flat, and well defined track, mix of single and 4WD. As I passed Mt Guy and headed round the corner towards Lake Clearwater village my feat were really beginning to hurt.  View of the village was a relief, although still 5km to go round the lake. Made it to the Berry Hut in Clearwater, my supply box ready and waiting as well as a hot shower, o...

Garmin Connect A very hot day. Started early as I knew it was going to be a long walk today. First part was lovery, gently undulating along the valley. some nice rock features along the way A right turn and followed the Round Hill Creek, walking mostly in the river. Another day of wet feet :) The water was clear and running low so easy enough for crossing or just walking in the river. As the sun appeared above the mountains surrounding the creek the temperature rose, then I left the river as I climbed the saddle. it was a slog to the top and a long way back down the other side, sidling the scree. If you look closely to the right of the sun line you can see the path through the scree. Lower in the decent I came across a mine field of speargrass. These are nasty, appropriately named. They do just spear your legs. Why something evolved to be so defensive I have no idea. It clearly does not want to be eaten. So wh...