tramping new zealand

Bit of a lie in. Slow breakfast, but limited food for lunch.

Dried my tent and clothes out.

Read a book while showers came through.

Overall, did a whole lot of not much.

In the afternoon, the sun came out as per my 10-day forecast, which now predicts four days of fine weather. I’m only planning one of those nights in my tent, but it will be great to have a decent break in the weather.

The two-day, each-way task of getting to Johnson Hut had always put me off visiting, but it’s been a fascinating excursion.

To be honest, I’d had some trepidation about the unknown, particularly as very energetic people had written about the high demands of the route, but as in life in general, it just unfolded from hour to hour, and I only needed to make progress consistently. It wasn’t like I’d left my tent behind, and it was imperative to make it to the hut, whatever obstacle I confronted. Planning on camping at the outset had given me a lot of extra time.

Kakapo Hut has a better track and is half the distance, so it should seem easier in a few day’s time.

The two huts are the same design and built within a year of each other, so it will be interesting to compare.

The sun is shining brightly, and there is plenty of blue sky.

It’s time to get back to my book.