Saturday 11.03.2023

• Te Araroa kilometres done: 2345km
• Official kms: 32.5km
• Garmin kms: 33.14km
• Total time: 7:42
• Calories burned: 2981
• Body battery: 8/10
• Accommodation: Airbnb in Geraldine
• Tent nights tally: 18
• Zero days had so far: 23

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

We had an unexpected visitor last night. He turned up just after 9:30pm after we were all asleep. Unfortunately all 6 beds were occupied, so he had to sleep on the floor on his airmat.

The hut started to stir at just after 6am. Us three & the other three had all planned to leave at 7:30am as it’s a 32km day. Myself, Alina & Ladina are being picked up at 3:30pm by my amazing wife.

We were actually a little earlier & set off at 7:20am. The latecomer (I never got his name) jumped in one of the vacated beds & went back to sleep.

It was another cold start, about 4 degrees, but with a fast pace we soon warmed up. It was only about 7km before we met the gravel road & only 1.5 hours in. After 11km & 2 hours we sat down for a morning break. Snacks & sunscreen were needed as the sun was starting to feel quite hot.

The other 3 who left a short time after us turned up & then carried on ahead of us while we were finishing our break.

We walked the open valley for another few hours & it wasn’t long before it was lunchtime. We found the perfect spot up on a ridge that had amazing views down to lake Clearwater & views up the Rangitata. A great place for lunch.

From here we had under 11km to go so we all set off at a fast pace down towards the Potts car park. Arriving just on 3pm. We had caught up to Stephanie who had camped along the trail the night before, as well as Jen & Tomas who had just managed to secure a hitch into Geraldine.

We sat & waited for Antonia & i took the opportunity to boil some water to make a coffee, Antonia turned up just before 3:30 & as the water started boiling. It was so good to see her. I took my coffee as a takeaway.

Antonia also had apples for the girls as well as a nice healthy drink & a coke & fresh cut pineapple for me! Yum. We packed the car & set off to Peel forest where Ladina & Alina are staying.

Once arriving we said our goodbyes as they will be starting the Two thumbs trail tomorrow & I’m having a zero. If all goes to plan we will catch up for dinner in Twizel on Friday.

Antonia & I carried on to Geraldine & checked into our Airbnb which we have for two night, I got cleaned up & we went into town for pizza & burgers. It was a very nice dinner. I’m looking forward to spending time with my amazing wife & not walking tomorrow.