Day 386: Mangaokewa North

Highlight:

Ice coffee, river swim and clean washing!

Without a cooker, pot or gas in my pack this time round I was trialing the no prep food option that Trent raved about. My only cold soaking was for coffee. What a treat a coffee bag in cold water, mixed up in a small chocolate milk bottle. I let it steep while I applied sunscreen, and other trail tasks (eating and peeing).

While I was only on day 2 of many the opportunity of running water, a bucket, washing line is rare. It was the heat of the day and a prime time not to walk - I changed into my evening wear and washed my walking set. Following a second lunch, I headed on around 5pm for another ~10km to break tomorrows 37km road walk up.

Challenge:

The one day that encapsulates most parts of Te Araroa. That being said if you want to test out TA before setting off - don't pick this part.

• Inaccurate timing on a sign (this time underestimation)
• Swing bridge
• Long grass, blackberry, thistles, gorse, hook grass
• Farm land, cattle & gravel roads
• Holes under feet
• Straight ups
• Markers and map miss match
• Rock climb
• Wild goat families
• Tactical river crossing
• And did I mention sidelings
  

Learning:

The visitors book at the shelter told tales of a hard day had by most. A lunch time stop for the likes of Daniel and SOBOs a day or two ahead of me.

Summary: