Monday 13.03.2023

• Te Araroa kilometres done: 2355km
• Official kms: 10km
• Garmin kms: 10.73km
• Total time: 4:01
• Calories burned: 1888
• Body battery: 7/10
• Accommodation: Crooked spur hut
• Tent nights tally: 18
• Zero days had so far: 24

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

Antonia & I woke up in the Airbnb, I felt like I had a fairly average sleep last night as I woke up not feeling well rested. I think it’s also because this will be the last time I see Antonia until I finish. I’ve always had another date to look forward to but 5/6 weeks is a long time. I’m also solo for a while now.

We were packed up & left the comfort of the Airbnb just after 9am. Antonia is driving me to my starting point which is way up the Rangatata River on a gravel road, it was raining most of the drive.

We got to the car park just before 11am. It was cold & raining! I also had to say farewell to Antonia until the end. It was quite emotional for me (internally) as saying goodbye & walking solo in this weather was not ideal.

It rained for about 2 hours & I was cold! The river was up a bit & I was really careful to chose the best crossings.

It was amazing when it started to clear up, I also started to feel better when the sun came out. The valley was amazing, you could see fresh snow up on the mountains ahead.

After crossing the river one last time in this valley, I had a 120 metre climb up & over a spur before dropping back down to the river on the other side. This was the last crossing (thank goodness!).

I stopped quickly for a snack, took off my raincoat & put my hat on as it had turned from rain to hot sun! Then it was the last kilometre, but this had an elevation gain of 265 metres! It didn’t seem to take long though & the views looking back were spectacular!

As I approached the hut I could see someone outside. It was Hannah, her & Berry were the only ones at the hut, they had camped at the car park the night before & started early today.

I set about my unpacking routine & then sat down for a late 3pm lunch of salami & cheese on crackers. It’s so nice & early I may even watch some Netflix.