tramping new zealand

Being in no particular hurry to get back to town before 5 pm, I had a chat with Zee, and then went over to the warden’s quarters to chat. So, it was getting around 11 am when I finally saddled up and took off.

Everyone else was long gone.

The day was bright, the sky blue. Just the five-hour walk out to test my knee again.

Having one long day is one sort of test, but having back-to-back 19 km-plus days made a better impression. My knee passed the test, though the rest of my body felt strained.

The first half to Katipo Shelter seemed okay, but by the time I made it to Scotts Beach, my pace had slowed. I sat and watched the wekas do their thing. A profusion of very young chicks made my acquaintance. Certainly their abundance indicates there is plenty of food around.

Just had to get over the little saddle, and I’d be back to my car. Just as I set off in the upward direction, one of the trail runners I’d encountered earlier caught up and decided to walk up the slope with me. We chatted along the way, with her setting a reasonable pace and me keeping up. She distracted me from concentrating on my pains, and we spoke about the oystercatcher chicks we both saw on the beach. As we reached the top, she ran off, with me somewhat slower behind her.

As usual with hiking, the return journey seemed shorter, and the predicted afternoon rain arrived later in the evening.

Overall, this was a successful overnight mission that left me thinking the West Coast rivers and hills may not be the best rehab treatment. Maybe the flatter East Coast rivers may be more appropriate.