Tuesday 24.01.2023

• Te Araroa kilometres done: 1561
• Official kms: 10km
• Garmin kms: 11.37km
• Total time: 5:00
• Calories burned: 2637
• Body battery: 7/10
• Accommodation: Waiopehu hut
• Tent nights tally: 14
• Zero days had so far: 11

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life

Track me live here:

https://aus-share.explore.garmin.com/curtiss

Early start this morning, alarm went off at 4:45am we had to leave the motel around 6am as it was about an hour and a half return trip for Antonia & she needed to start before 8am.

It was so awesome to spend the night with her & it was great that the timing lined up. We arrived at the start point just before 7am, said our goodbyes & Nici & I were off.

The first part of the trail started on gravel road & then farm track before reaching the bush. It started with a steep climb for about the first 100 metres of elevation, I could definitely feel the weight of my pack with 6 days of food & 3 litres of water in it. Water is scarce for the 1st few days so we need to carry what we need for the day.

The trail soon became a gentle climb & even had some boardwalk in places.

Occasionally you would get some nice views back down the valley & across to the West Coast.

I took my time today, even though it was a short day I stopped & had 3 breaks before reaching Waiopehu hut arriving right on midday. Our original target for today was Te Matawai hut but I was in communication with Emma who is there restoring & tidying it up & said water was scarce & the toilet full & unusable. After hearing this it was decided to stay here as there is plenty of room & only 4.5kms away.

Chris & Alicia were the only two in the hut & had stayed here from the night before after Alicia wasn’t feeling too great the day before. They are staying 1 more night & heading back down the track tomorrow.

After eating lunch & relaxing for a bit I managed to have an hour & a half’s nap. Getting back up about 4pm. Around 5pm another 3 guys doing an overnight trip from Wellington arrived, they had all the fresh ingredients for a Thai green curry.

Here I am sitting here ready for my dehydrated dinner. It should be an early night & hoping to leave early tomorrow to beat the heat. Oh & yay for reception! Let’s see how the next 4 days go.