The laziest of lazy mornings. We began with a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit and muesli, and then hung out with Thore and Katrin (the hikers who recently completed the trail). We had a few extra items to pick up before heading off so after sauntering through Wanaka we eventually got our bags packed and headed on our way...2pm by this stage. Our plan was to walk all the way from Wanaka into Fern Burn hut, not a particularly long way (24km/8 hours) but plans are flexible.
We began walking and met up with the German girls who had found Tinny so we had are lovely reunion and walked together for a while. While walking we came across a wedding party who decided they wanted a photo with our packs on since they love hiking, not sure if they quite knew what they were asking for...sweaty stinky packs on beautiful clothes and clean bodies...but it was all a bit of fun. We found an apple tree along the way do stopped to stock up on fruit. Then we sat and enjoyed the beautiful sights of Glendhu Bay, had some afternoon tea snacks and explored a super cute organic food stall on the side of a farm. While perusing the produce we met Bill, a vintage car enthusiast from Taupo, who was taking his car for a spin. Now when an offer is made for a drive in a wee beaut like this it is not to be turned down...even if it meant we officially missed 3km of the trail (road walking)...so worth it.
We began walking and met up with the German girls who had found Tinny so we had are lovely reunion and walked together for a while. While walking we came across a wedding party who decided they wanted a photo with our packs on since they love hiking, not sure if they quite knew what they were asking for...sweaty stinky packs on beautiful clothes and clean bodies...but it was all a bit of fun. We found an apple tree along the way do stopped to stock up on fruit. Then we sat and enjoyed the beautiful sights of Glendhu Bay, had some afternoon tea snacks and explored a super cute organic food stall on the side of a farm. While perusing the produce we met Bill, a vintage car enthusiast from Taupo, who was taking his car for a spin. Now when an offer is made for a drive in a wee beaut like this it is not to be turned down...even if it meant we officially missed 3km of the trail (road walking)...so worth it.
So by this stage we were running pretty late. We got to the start of the bush track and came to our 'if we don't make it to the hut let's just camp here' spot...only to find a rather large no camping sign. Now we know a lot of people camp wherever, but we think that when the track goes through private property and asks you not to camp that this should be respected. Anyway, so we had another one of those moments where you look at one another and you just know that you both have the same crazy plan in mind.
Situation - currently 6.14pm, the track time says it is 4 hours to the hut...the look says "let's try smash it out before dark".
This combination resulted in sweating, panting, headlamp bearing, hungry Cleland's...but we arrived about 8.10pm, just after nightfall. We spent the rest of the evening stewing apples and eating apple sauce. Bliss.
Situation - currently 6.14pm, the track time says it is 4 hours to the hut...the look says "let's try smash it out before dark".
This combination resulted in sweating, panting, headlamp bearing, hungry Cleland's...but we arrived about 8.10pm, just after nightfall. We spent the rest of the evening stewing apples and eating apple sauce. Bliss.