Right, now for some bragging. It seems quite a skill to stink out a DOC hut. Sometimes they are a bit grubby, and just backcountry places. Put six hikers together in a bunk room, close the door overnight, and there you have it...stench. At least we all smell so no one can be blamed. It is a bit disconcerting however, when you hear the others talking about a smell, but you simply cannot smell anything. Does that mean the smell is you?
Anyway. Ed was encouraged not to quit his day job (even though he was only the weather messenger) as heavy rain did not fall overnight as predicted. No doubt it will come another day soon. Plan for today, 40km road walk to the next hut. Days like this are tough. Basically walking in a straight line for 8 hours. Mind numbing. However, before the road began we had to get onto the road. A helpful hunter told us where to cross the didymo stricken river and motioned to scramble up the bank to the road. Only problem was that there was a private farm in between the road and the river. Without revealing all our indiscretions, we made it to the road before too long and began the hike.
A farmer drove past probably four times and we smiled and waved each time. We then met a lovely lady walking and so walked with her 3km back towards her house. Upon arrival at her gate, she invited us in for lunch. Lunch offered was a sandwich, sounded amazing, but then she remembered a bacon and egg pie made the day before. Wow. After lunch a homemade muesli slice (with an accompanying recipe at Hannah's request) and slice and apples for on the way. Turns out the farmer who drove past many times was her partner...and we'd eaten his lunch...he didn't seem to mind though.
Anyway. Ed was encouraged not to quit his day job (even though he was only the weather messenger) as heavy rain did not fall overnight as predicted. No doubt it will come another day soon. Plan for today, 40km road walk to the next hut. Days like this are tough. Basically walking in a straight line for 8 hours. Mind numbing. However, before the road began we had to get onto the road. A helpful hunter told us where to cross the didymo stricken river and motioned to scramble up the bank to the road. Only problem was that there was a private farm in between the road and the river. Without revealing all our indiscretions, we made it to the road before too long and began the hike.
A farmer drove past probably four times and we smiled and waved each time. We then met a lovely lady walking and so walked with her 3km back towards her house. Upon arrival at her gate, she invited us in for lunch. Lunch offered was a sandwich, sounded amazing, but then she remembered a bacon and egg pie made the day before. Wow. After lunch a homemade muesli slice (with an accompanying recipe at Hannah's request) and slice and apples for on the way. Turns out the farmer who drove past many times was her partner...and we'd eaten his lunch...he didn't seem to mind though.
There is something about the trail that can reduce seemingly sensible adults to being absolutely incapable of making simple decision. After lunch, our lovely host Cathy, drove past and offered us a lift. Do you, don't you...we just stood there, deliberating. Finally it came down to a best of three paper-scissors-rock battle. Selwyn won, which meant no hitching and we trudged on for the final 20km. The hut was a welcomed sight and we collapsed in a heap after what felt like a really tough day. Sadly we didn't see Ed at the hut. He was tossing up a day off this morning, but we knew he had walked as we spotted some footsteps...perhaps we got a lift into Te Anau. Hopefully we will see him again.