Day 397: Whanganui Journey (3)

Highlight:

Today's camp was a private establishment rather than DoC. It was equipt with outside kitchen, shower, table.. even wifi. And, what we would find out before the sun rises, a roster. I pitched my tent, and allowed it time to dry out before setting up my bed stuff. I positioned myself at the table, and for what feel like an hour grazed on food, starting with a fruit in jelly & wine. I rang Trent and gave him a mid river update.  

Challenge:

Today was a long day, both on paper and on the river. Before reaching Pipiriki we had to go though the rapid aptly named 50/50. Ie 50% of canoers will tip out. The DoC Warden had informed us that it was running more like 80/20 at the moment (with a 80% tip rate). There is an option to bypass the rapid and paddle on the flat but shallow water along side. We picked the rapid. Gear tied in, legs braced, and just paddled! We made it, with a fair few extra litres of water on board. Kerstie and Roger we next and got about halfway before they flipped and floated along side their boat until edding out. Once the boats were bailed we pulled ashore for lunch. The sand was silky and sinky, it felt like it was ribbing into the open skin behind my toes.

Charlie and I flipped our boat on the next big rapid. We were grateful for the support boat, and the extra bailing bucket. We lost only an near empty tube of sunscreen. On the beach I shimmied on my knees to avoid aggravating my feet, while emptying the boat. Once at camp it was relieved that my pack is half wet. The only casualty a half eaten pack of oreos now a Whanganui mushyness. My other food was all sealed or not effected. Most importantly my electronics are dry!

Learning:

Went we arrived at Tīeke Kāinga yesterday afternoon, we were greeted by the Warden who said it was a full camp tonight. So we pitched our tents in close proximity, to allow sufficient room for others. Turn's out there was only one other group tenting, the majority stayed in the marae and we could of spread out quite a bit.

Summary: