Day 389: Timber Trail (2)

Highlight:

Wide track, soft ground and easy km are a far contrast to other parts of Te Araroa. I crossed paths with the bike packer I had meet. He had made it to his destination of Taumarunui Holiday Park and was now on his return leg. He informed me that had seen a walker 20min ahead, and a second another a day ahead. I stopped for lunch shortly after at the next shelter. While it was just 20mins there was no need to catch up on the trail. Surly they would be staying at the camp site too. And was that 20mins walking time or biking?

I arrived at Bennett road and meet Eliene. Equipped with matching polartech alpha nitro hoodies and e-books, we talked trail. She was looking to have a zero once reaching Taumarunui, and maybe spend some time with a friend in the area. I hadn't planned on any zeros and was feeling good - so it didn't look like it would work to team up for the Whanganui river.

Before nightfall the camp had swelled with another 4 or 5 groups, mainly camping out before shuttling to the other end of the Timber Trail. Another bike packer on a Bridge to Nowwhere - Bridge to Somewhere trip. He intended to finish his loop back in Wellington by 'packrafting' across the likes of the Rangitikei river as he made his way along the west coast beaches.

Challenge:

Awkwardly trying to freshen up my shirt. Small bit of water, and a slice of soap in the tent. Would if of be easier to walk the ~300m to the river?

Learning:

Summary: