20th Jan Friday. Te Araroa 111
Lake Hawea 2560km (Lucy) Fern Burn Hut 2609km (49km) real kms was probable 44km we took short cuts. (Tented) hut full
After a big breakfast at Lucy’s place, I was then dropped back off at the main shop in Lake Hawea to meet up with Ken. it was early and the agreed time was 8am, but at 7am, I decided to head to the camp ground to meet Ken there to save him a long walk uphill to meet me. Unknown to me, there were two place where you could pitch up your tent so naturally I got the wrong one and was 15 minutes late.
Present walk along the Hawea River Track towards Albert town. After the water boom that hit New Zealand, according to the weather man, today is fine weather with blue sky and flat ground.
Arrived into Wanaka in good time after taking a short cut saving about an hour walking time. Walked passed the crazy house which I remember when I toured nz over 15 years ago. And again I didn’t go in and visit.
Fish and chips, what a treat then made my booking for accommodation for Queenstown and transport to the trail head for this coming Wednesday.
Keeped going as we were feeling good and passed the Glendhu Bay Lakeside Holiday Park. Was surprised how busy the place is but we keeped moving on as we changed our plans, which we frequently do, and now a hut was our target for the night.
Thay say this is the easiest part of the Motatapu Alpine Track, but just before arrive as was exhausted. Maybe it because of the long day but when I finally arrived at Fern Burn Hut, I was physically cold, the weather wasn’t and I’d seen others with next to no top on, I guess it’s just been a long day and the body was letting me know enough is enough.
Bad luck, the hut was full. Already 16 people were there so it’s a night in the tent.
Come 9pm I’m in bed typing my notes with my eye balls just about falling out. Tomorrow I have a lot of pressure to do at lest 25kms, rain in due at about 2pm