Day 659: Mt Tamahunga

Highlight:

Bush walking! What feels like a real hiking day.Feet no longer hurt from the blisters. The final 3km on gravel road, felt like it my normal walking pace. Not the creep/shuffle gait I had thru urban Auckland.

Challenge:

Advertised 1km/h track. A skinny slippery steep, gourse lined. I got out my second pole to better deal with the clay. I was not disappointed. The track did improve, but ended with a thick mud climb.

I struggled to find somwhere to wash up once at the holiday park. I took my shoes and socks of in the shower, only to find it only ran hot water (requiring at 50¢). I rinsed out the shower with my water bottle, and scooped up a pile of mud. Next the outside showers, these ran water but at lew pressure. I spyed a hose and relocated there to wash my legs, socks and shoes. Later I found the accessible shower, with flexy hose & cold water to actually clean my feet!

Learning:

Found the South Bounders x 4.

I've been wondering when I would run into them. The first surprised me on track. Big bag, and I didn't click until we had passed that he would of been TA. Who eles is tramping out here with a multiday pack?After talking with Trent, about where he lost and recovered the fly of the tent on this track. I walked upon 2 tents. The duplex tent indicated Te Araroa walkers.

I spoke briefly with Gav and Sarah before they reminded me I had more distance to travel. Straight up to thos pine trees and then down and along to Pakiri.

I was greeted at the holiday by another. A man from Germany, who had a windy day beach walking.

Summary: