Day 391: Ōwhango

Highlight:

I've got to say, I was so happy to find the perfect little spot for my tent.

Challenge:

Today was a low photo day, due to operator error of my phone. I left Taumarunui Canoe Hire, with a limited power. I should of charged my power pack and phone overnight, but settled for a quick top up while I was in the safety briefing. So I turned my phone of - knowing I wouldn't need for navigation until later in the day. The trouble was when I attempt to turn it back on, it didn't wake... was the battery that flat, had it faulted and needed to be plugged in to reset. who would know. I had back up maps on my e-book if needed and Trent had told me that the upcoming track was well marked. Would I need a new phone? Where would I even get one. National park. Could I get Trent to mail one to me. Man this was going to be a hassle..I walked on knowing there was not much I could do.

I had imagined the T42 as a mountain bike track under the shade of trees. I stand corrected it's a 4wd road, with 4wd. Which side do I walk on??

I was about to call it a day at around 8pm. I had came across a wide clearing on the side of the track, there was enough room for a tent. As it was right on the track, I did wish for some stealth-ness. I pulled out my phone, and tried it. It worked! Turns out I had taken the backlight of auto adjust and it was turned right down, so I hadn't been able to see the screen in the bright sun. I opened my map app to see I was 500m away from the intersection were Te Araroa departs from the T42. I will get there. 10minutes later I was at the stream and behind a fence of punga trees was cleared ground. Enough for two tents. I pitched and then headed to the stream for a wash.

The hotspot on my toe at lunch time, had grown.

Learning:

The pub at Ōwhango was closed, so was the cafe. So much for getting extra food on this section. The Ōwhango Hall, was right next to the cafe, so I did a walk around it and found what I was looking for. A water tap and some shade. I made a wrap with all the goodies and took of my shoes and socks.
On my way out of this 'town' I visited the BEST public toilets. If you are passing through Ōwhango, you will not be disappointed with the clean facilities and air hand drier.

Summary: