Saturday 04.03.2023

• Te Araroa kilometres done: 2205km
• Official kms: 12.5km
• Garmin kms: 13.71km
• Total time: 3:52
• Calories burned: 1623
• Body battery: 8/10
• Accommodation: Bach at Arthur’s pass
• Tent nights tally: 16
• Zero days had so far: 22

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

The day started off overcast & drizzly. I had to put my wet clothes back on this morning. Goat pass hut is a nice 20 bed hut but lacks a fireplace, at least it’s only a Nero today.

The morning started off overcast & misty, fortunately no rain!

Within no time we had reached Minga biv. There were 2 guys here that had stayed last night getting ready to leave.

After a quick chat we continued on & after a few kilometres started a small climb up Dudley knob. Matt, Ladina & Alina decided to stop for a short break, I decided to continue on as my legs were feeling good & I was looking forward to getting out.

It wasn’t long before I hit the open river bed & Matt wasn’t too far behind. After crossing over the Bealey river Matt & I waited for the other 2.

It was a short 3 kilometre walk from here to Klondyke rest area where Antonia was waiting. It was so good to see her!

It was only midday & we drove into Arthur’s pass, checked into the Bach Matt had organised & went across to the cafe for some lunch, coffee & an ice cream!

The afternoon was spent repacking for the next section, drying gear out & typing up my blogs, before an early dinner at the Wobbly Kea & guess who was sitting there having dinner? Marko!

He’s heading into Christchurch tomorrow & Antonia has offered him a lift.

Just before bed we got a visit from a cheeky Kea, I lay on the ground to take photos, it tried to bite my fingers.

It’s been fun doing this section with Matt. Tomorrow Ladina, Alina & myself set off again for the next section. Starting at 9am so a nice sleep in.