tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48547981178309438252024-03-08T06:19:30.704-08:00Floppy AdventuresUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-16754743868545634602012-10-04T09:24:00.001-07:002012-10-21T09:29:52.919-07:00Updating We have added a few pages to the blog since finishing in the hope that it will be on interest to some of those who follow in our footsteps. <br />
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If you have got any questions please feel free to email me. <a href="mailto:philippa.daley@googlemail.com">philippadaley@googlemail.com</a><br />
Thank you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-59471974979349255142012-04-28T04:30:00.000-07:002012-04-28T04:30:36.176-07:00The End - Bluff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We've made it!!</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-46635123702648523522012-04-28T04:18:00.000-07:002012-04-28T04:18:31.470-07:00Onwards to Invercargill<div>
We had a final rest day in Riverton during which I scrubbed all my gear and Madeleline read. The following day we walked out of Riverton and along the Oreti beach heading for Invercargill. </div>
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The beach was beautiful and deserted except for the Oyster catchers (black birds with red beaks). The last time we had seen them was on the north island - it really felt like the journey was going full circle and nearing completion. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way out of Riverton</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oreti Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheese board selection - Luxury on the trail at last!!</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-83470367453947932992012-04-24T02:15:00.002-07:002012-10-04T16:13:09.415-07:00Onwards to Colac Bay & RivertonDuring the next two and a half days we walked across farmland, through more forests and occasionally on minor roads or farm tracks. <br />
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The friendliness of the Kiwi people is, as ever, outstanding and although we saw few people at least three vehicles stopped and their occupants asked where we were walking from and how far we had come.<br />
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We emerged this morning from the forest and made our way to Colac Bay our first real point of civilisation in 8 days. Although the <a href="http://www.dustezbakpakas.co.nz/index.php/Content/ColacBayTavern">Colac Bay Tavern</a> didn't officially open for a couple of hours the owners Jilly and Wazzer welcomed us in.<br />
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Bluff is famous for its oysters and Wazzer insisted that I tried one.... I did, then had to sit motionless for the fear that i wouldn't be able to keep it down. It is the first and last oyster I will eat in my lifetime! Thanks for the experience Wazzer. <br />
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After a rest we walked on along the beach to the small town of Riverton. I walked into the hostel and a total stranger said to me "You are doing the Te Araroa, I've read your blog"!! <br />
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We are now just two days from Bluff. I have mixed feelings about finishing the trail although excited to complete the 'mission' I will also be very sad that the adventure that the Te Araroa has been, for the last five months, has drawn to an end. <br />
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If the weather forecast is good for the next few days we will probably have a rest day tomorrow and so our anticipated arrival date at Bluff will be the afternoon of Friday 27th.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice steep climb for Madeleine!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very lumpy camp site</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is Bluff in the distance</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last hut - Martin's Hut</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last camp site</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise - Ohh and I think it's Bluff peaking in the distance!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riverton</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-71155261814618669812012-04-24T01:42:00.003-07:002012-04-24T21:14:45.712-07:00Takitimu TrackWe hitched back to where we had left the trail to continue south. Apart from our packs being heavy, again, with so much food it all started well. A flat and easy trail led to the first hut and into the forest but things quickly deteriorated once in the forest.<br />
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The trip notes state that "The ground trail is light, or non-existent, so care and concentration is required to travel from marker to marker." Not an understatement!! We would spot an orange marker and then battle our way to it as best as we could scrambling over fallen trees and fighting with the vegetation. The forest was very beautiful and we were followed by fantails, cute little black and white birds that feed on the flies we disturb as we walk along. At times we came out of the forest and had to make our way through crazy tussock grasses that were chest high.<br />
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At one point Madeleine started to sob that she hated the trail! Rather than camp she wanted to push on to the next hut as the nights had been pretty chilly so we walked by head torch and used the GPS to navigate for the last kilometre or two. I think it was wise that we did, as that night there was a harsh frost and in the morning the ground was frozen. It would have been a very chilly night in our tents.<br />
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Although, the going was tough on some sections we made good progress and so had a couple of days when we only walked until just after lunch. <br />
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At one point we emerged from the forest onto a rocky outcrop where in the distance we could see the South coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It was still a long way off but it was in sight!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheep along our way to Lower Princhester Hut<b> </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy to follow that path - not!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early moring frost</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous orange markers! You would think they were easy to spot ehh?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of birdlife</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of the forest</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first sighting of the south coast</td></tr>
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It never fails to amaze me how small New Zealand is. At the Greenstone hut we spent a night with a couple, he worked in an outdoor store in Auckland and had sold Madeleine's tent to her; his wife was a nurse and worked with Ella a lovely lady who had put us up for a night on the North Island.<br />
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As we approached the Marora Lakes the weather was moody and the light most unusual, couldn't capture it on my tiny camera. <br />
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There was some great signage on the Mararoa River Track. It could you the false impression that there was any sort of ground trail - there wasn't we just had to battle our way through scrub and bogs and at seemly random moments when desperation was about to strike there would be an orange marker. <br />
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When we reached Princhester road we hitch-hiked to the small town of Te Anau where we had a had a half day of rest and resupplied. It was our last BIG shop of the trail, an eight day stretch would take us to take us to the south coast.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strolling through along the Greenstone track</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely lunch spot - shame about the sandflies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolling under the fence</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mavora Lakes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mavora Lakes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The signage looked as though there would be a path to follow!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fxsy14OfxCk/T5Z5970g-dI/AAAAAAAABQc/hqtXMSgPIco/s1600/IMG_2298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fxsy14OfxCk/T5Z5970g-dI/AAAAAAAABQc/hqtXMSgPIco/s320/IMG_2298.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last big resupply</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-88169540872265026932012-04-24T00:54:00.003-07:002012-04-24T02:44:03.986-07:00South from QueenstownI'd managed to arrange for us to kayak across the Lake Wakatipu which the Te Araroa Trust labels as a Hazard Zone and advices taking a shuttle bus to the next track. It is a huge lake and can only be tackled in the right weather conditions. To my disappointment on our scheduled day of departure the wind was up and the lake was wavy so we had to abandon that plan and instead opted for a ride on a vintage steamship the Earnslaw.<br />
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We said our goodbyes to Phil leaving him to head off to explore New Zealand alone and went to buy our tickets for the Earnslaw. We were informed that it was having engine troubles and it might not depart. Ummm the Earnslaw was built in the same year as the Titanic and it was Friday 13th the same date the Titanic sunk!! Maybe the shuttle bus wasn't such a bad idea... The Steamer did depart, I made sure I knew exactly where the life boats where - just in case!<br />
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We were fortunate that we had gained the permission of a private land owner to walk to the start of our next trail head. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zpheVZC8fYY/T5ZzNyAaNaI/AAAAAAAABOs/NoOxqyTT9yc/s1600/IMG_2249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zpheVZC8fYY/T5ZzNyAaNaI/AAAAAAAABOs/NoOxqyTT9yc/s400/IMG_2249.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting off on the Earnslaw</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpsLODWk0Wk/T5ZzYMjHArI/AAAAAAAABO0/VHCDyIUVRWs/s1600/IMG_2255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpsLODWk0Wk/T5ZzYMjHArI/AAAAAAAABO0/VHCDyIUVRWs/s400/IMG_2255.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Life Boat!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nE-tId77dbU/T5Z1WfbwMZI/AAAAAAAABPU/0WPYAa_fqZ4/s1600/IMG_2265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nE-tId77dbU/T5Z1WfbwMZI/AAAAAAAABPU/0WPYAa_fqZ4/s400/IMG_2265.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-44966875762765317892012-04-17T01:43:00.000-07:002012-04-17T01:43:17.913-07:00Nearly there !!!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Alas I am unable to upload pictures from this computer so will have to do a fuller update some time soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are now just 10 days from reaching Bluff - can't believe it!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are both pretty tired and our feet hurt but we are so excited to nearly be there. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-62043213476573588842012-04-12T04:05:00.001-07:002012-04-12T04:12:50.910-07:00Into Arrowtown and Queenstown<div style="text-align: left;">Big Hill track was as its name suggests, a big hill from where we made our way to Arrowtown. Arrowtown is a former gold mining town which now makes its money from tourists. It is very cute and I could have easily spend another day there wondering from cafe to cafe but we just spent the one night. Queenstown was calling. </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5IW1Mu6_03o/T4azyOJT7cI/AAAAAAAABM8/MaQCFMOly3o/s1600/Picture+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" qda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5IW1Mu6_03o/T4azyOJT7cI/AAAAAAAABM8/MaQCFMOly3o/s400/Picture+003.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet feet AGAIN!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHmcLoooPzY/T4a0BAEXFPI/AAAAAAAABNE/tXhFF9ARHks/s1600/Picture+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHmcLoooPzY/T4a0BAEXFPI/AAAAAAAABNE/tXhFF9ARHks/s400/Picture+006.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch spot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iblcpxMSVoM/T4a0IrFgj4I/AAAAAAAABNM/3lYpmLSoQ0g/s1600/Picture+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iblcpxMSVoM/T4a0IrFgj4I/AAAAAAAABNM/3lYpmLSoQ0g/s400/Picture+013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrowtown</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UqJNPO2QdVo/T4a1xOMc0pI/AAAAAAAABNc/bOzDb8zi_XE/s1600/Picture+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UqJNPO2QdVo/T4a1xOMc0pI/AAAAAAAABNc/bOzDb8zi_XE/s400/Picture+004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aagyP6TKKiQ/T4a19LATNJI/AAAAAAAABNk/mL07F2j46eg/s1600/Picture+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aagyP6TKKiQ/T4a19LATNJI/AAAAAAAABNk/mL07F2j46eg/s400/Picture+017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For ages we have looked at Queenstown on the map and it always looked so very far away - now we finally arrived surely it can't be far to Bluff???</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfRQop3wJlk/T4a2PrbhIXI/AAAAAAAABNs/ROjL1cfz9cQ/s1600/Picture+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfRQop3wJlk/T4a2PrbhIXI/AAAAAAAABNs/ROjL1cfz9cQ/s400/Picture+018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kCKQJH7li0A/T4a2d7Xs3FI/AAAAAAAABN0/FCm2dRxwmP8/s1600/Picture+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kCKQJH7li0A/T4a2d7Xs3FI/AAAAAAAABN0/FCm2dRxwmP8/s400/Picture+019.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWa9eM1a6_A/T4a2ol9RMYI/AAAAAAAABN8/kcZ0RGwq6y0/s1600/Picture+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWa9eM1a6_A/T4a2ol9RMYI/AAAAAAAABN8/kcZ0RGwq6y0/s400/Picture+020.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown</td></tr>
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We manged to get Madeleine's tent pole repaired today and to our amazement we were asked to pay in beer, which we did. I won't say which outdoor store it was that the guy worked in but I am sure his head office aren't aware that payment is accepted in cash, credit card and beer!<br />
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Tomorrow Madeline and I will continue south. Phil will stay a little longer in Queenstown and have a couple of weeks to travel around New Zealand. It has been great to have his company - I think it gave us both a lift at a time when we were tired.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-16179169469511077642012-04-12T03:36:00.001-07:002012-04-12T03:59:00.288-07:00Motatapu Alpine Track<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Leaving the lakes behind us we once again headed into alpine territory. Fortunately there were huts that we could stay in all the way all of which were nice, new and rodent free!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since Madeleine's tent pole broke camping has been rather cosy - to say the least. Madeleine slept in my tent and I have shared Phil's one man tent with him!! It does work but it is impossible for either of us to lie on our backs and we have to coordinate when we role over to change sides!! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2kT7MWRto8/T4Z9PS61vRI/AAAAAAAABME/nHyB8GmAVS4/s1600/Picture+070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" qda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2kT7MWRto8/T4Z9PS61vRI/AAAAAAAABME/nHyB8GmAVS4/s400/Picture+070.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fern Burn Hut</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-8kyWmENqE/T4Z9bJcmOzI/AAAAAAAABMM/DuBY4qJoI1M/s1600/Picture+074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-8kyWmENqE/T4Z9bJcmOzI/AAAAAAAABMM/DuBY4qJoI1M/s400/Picture+074.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A long way down</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asFTeJ3MwHk/T4Z9rh8yTuI/AAAAAAAABMU/5Gg9prFZWpw/s1600/Picture+082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" qda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asFTeJ3MwHk/T4Z9rh8yTuI/AAAAAAAABMU/5Gg9prFZWpw/s400/Picture+082.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the path?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NCix4ZOCjgw/T4Z97rhWHyI/AAAAAAAABMc/8PUS-OGcuJE/s1600/Picture+084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NCix4ZOCjgw/T4Z97rhWHyI/AAAAAAAABMc/8PUS-OGcuJE/s400/Picture+084.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are we nearly there?</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pje06QGGRhM/T4Z-Jk7Wm7I/AAAAAAAABMk/FIC645j_SfY/s1600/Picture+089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pje06QGGRhM/T4Z-Jk7Wm7I/AAAAAAAABMk/FIC645j_SfY/s400/Picture+089.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRsWA5EFNw0/T4Z-gzcBuTI/AAAAAAAABMs/cLUqq7pbBSA/s1600/Picture+092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRsWA5EFNw0/T4Z-gzcBuTI/AAAAAAAABMs/cLUqq7pbBSA/s400/Picture+092.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had great weather for all except the last day when the clouds descended. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne831_G7tVI/T4Z-sdBaDvI/AAAAAAAABM0/m7o_FlvTEWM/s1600/Picture+094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne831_G7tVI/T4Z-sdBaDvI/AAAAAAAABM0/m7o_FlvTEWM/s400/Picture+094.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Low cloud hiding the mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-58176502766102069612012-04-11T23:42:00.000-07:002012-04-11T23:42:41.458-07:00Glendhu Bay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We left Wanaka and headed around the Lake to Glendhu bay. We stopped for lunch and Madeleine realsied that her cheese had gone bad. Eggs were the only form of protien we could source and so she enjoyed hard boiled eggs for lunch for the next few days - she hates them, but I wasn't taking no for an answer!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcH6D_NyuEw/T4Z2rUz9dWI/AAAAAAAABKs/bIUtyDteXDE/s1600/Picture+061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcH6D_NyuEw/T4Z2rUz9dWI/AAAAAAAABKs/bIUtyDteXDE/s400/Picture+061.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NSqEjZobWC4/T4Z25fAzGYI/AAAAAAAABK0/FoLv4o3nRU4/s1600/Picture+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NSqEjZobWC4/T4Z25fAzGYI/AAAAAAAABK0/FoLv4o3nRU4/s400/Picture+062.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ADinCgSVV2Y/T4Z3KuiWL3I/AAAAAAAABK8/3SPk4WemcY0/s1600/Picture+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ADinCgSVV2Y/T4Z3KuiWL3I/AAAAAAAABK8/3SPk4WemcY0/s400/Picture+063.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1lMpC7uk_k/T4Z3XtfqCLI/AAAAAAAABLE/Pn5lqKJt5X8/s1600/Picture+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1lMpC7uk_k/T4Z3XtfqCLI/AAAAAAAABLE/Pn5lqKJt5X8/s400/Picture+065.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hk3GnXQxtdg/T4Z5F4al_EI/AAAAAAAABLM/2uMTBZUxDCs/s1600/Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hk3GnXQxtdg/T4Z5F4al_EI/AAAAAAAABLM/2uMTBZUxDCs/s400/Picture.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Yum yum boiled eggs!!</td></tr>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-29027066549787748712012-04-11T23:25:00.001-07:002012-04-11T23:29:39.466-07:00Lake Hawea to WanakaIn Lake Hawea our friends Wendy and Hugh had arranged for us to stay with some friends of friends of theirs. We were a little apprehensive at turning up at the doorstep of someone we didn't know but Ulrick was a fantastic host and we had a lovely evening. He cooked us a wonderful meal and showed us his cameras and photographs. It humbled my poor snaps!<br />
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It was a gentle walk to Wanaka following a river and then on the shore of Lake Wanaka. The Autumn colours and the colours of the water were incredible. I can honestly say I have never seen trees with such vibrant colours as we have seen in the Otago region. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q815Q-Oa3hA/T4Zzusy-idI/AAAAAAAABJ0/2hzSN5DsoBA/s1600/Picture+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q815Q-Oa3hA/T4Zzusy-idI/AAAAAAAABJ0/2hzSN5DsoBA/s400/Picture+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg_AbWGZH-s/T4Zz6BCmINI/AAAAAAAABJ8/ogk5YJZwXUY/s1600/Picture+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg_AbWGZH-s/T4Zz6BCmINI/AAAAAAAABJ8/ogk5YJZwXUY/s400/Picture+014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HtqcrC-d3xU/T4Z0GTkR0qI/AAAAAAAABKE/UhRyhtG24jE/s1600/Picture+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HtqcrC-d3xU/T4Z0GTkR0qI/AAAAAAAABKE/UhRyhtG24jE/s400/Picture+029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj9mraeovuk/T4Z0WQGGPOI/AAAAAAAABKM/Xb9HFDiVFXo/s1600/Picture+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj9mraeovuk/T4Z0WQGGPOI/AAAAAAAABKM/Xb9HFDiVFXo/s400/Picture+034.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cF7aaF6DnlI/T4Z0kGLbA1I/AAAAAAAABKU/g041Ni5wX8Y/s1600/Picture+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cF7aaF6DnlI/T4Z0kGLbA1I/AAAAAAAABKU/g041Ni5wX8Y/s400/Picture+038.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> The houses along the lake were stunning. Wanaka was a nice little tourist town where we spent a rest day to give Phil's blisters a chance to recover!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHX0nysVXH4/T4Z0tmtfdwI/AAAAAAAABKc/5fXRfXGys_s/s1600/Picture+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHX0nysVXH4/T4Z0tmtfdwI/AAAAAAAABKc/5fXRfXGys_s/s400/Picture+049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujLWl-c-dOg/T4Z2GGWjo6I/AAAAAAAABKk/-wVSkVrOpA4/s1600/Picture+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" qda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujLWl-c-dOg/T4Z2GGWjo6I/AAAAAAAABKk/-wVSkVrOpA4/s640/Picture+057.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-50432483085463059932012-04-07T02:51:00.000-07:002012-04-07T02:51:29.137-07:00Breast Hill Track<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pfa5Jg1LquY/T3_vtAMBDBI/AAAAAAAABI0/CshWgEh1WFw/s400/IMG_2073.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A beautiful view over lake Hawea - the previous night had been spent in a rat invested hut with a very nice hunter called Anthony. I couldn't face another rodent night and slept in my tent but Phil, Madeleine and Anthony slept in the hut with sleep punctuated by the gnawing of furry friend that climbed the rafters , tried to access food hanging from the ceilings and refused to be disuaded by lights or threats. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fswzh0O-Y_k/T3_v4J3KQFI/AAAAAAAABI8/O09ornL2ttE/s1600/IMG_2077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fswzh0O-Y_k/T3_v4J3KQFI/AAAAAAAABI8/O09ornL2ttE/s400/IMG_2077.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8W10Mk1SzEI/T3_wMesrTpI/AAAAAAAABJM/AwxyhlqS5Z0/s1600/IMG_2085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8W10Mk1SzEI/T3_wMesrTpI/AAAAAAAABJM/AwxyhlqS5Z0/s400/IMG_2085.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAVHKLjFrKk/T3_wZTVhUSI/AAAAAAAABJU/WSP8nG8tiA8/s1600/IMG_2094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAVHKLjFrKk/T3_wZTVhUSI/AAAAAAAABJU/WSP8nG8tiA8/s400/IMG_2094.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5A4ucXcYs-8/T3_wz_96HDI/AAAAAAAABJc/5GXj1d6zPZ8/s1600/IMG_2103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5A4ucXcYs-8/T3_wz_96HDI/AAAAAAAABJc/5GXj1d6zPZ8/s400/IMG_2103.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIdVNg5zj7Y/T3_w_0wwwlI/AAAAAAAABJk/kVUVSx0AD40/s1600/IMG_2120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIdVNg5zj7Y/T3_w_0wwwlI/AAAAAAAABJk/kVUVSx0AD40/s400/IMG_2120.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-4310023952575016152012-04-07T02:44:00.006-07:002012-04-10T23:34:17.176-07:00Onwards to Lake Hawea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EphQ_1LbZIk/T3_tCiJtnuI/AAAAAAAABIM/p3xa0AZzl0g/s1600/Picture+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EphQ_1LbZIk/T3_tCiJtnuI/AAAAAAAABIM/p3xa0AZzl0g/s400/Picture+035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A big feature of the trail has been the numerous river crossings and inherent wet feet. Often the crossings are easy and can be done solo however on occassion a more robust approach is required. Here we work together to cross a river linking arms behind each others backs to be more rigid in the face of the strong currents. Even using this technique care needs to be taken on very occassions Phil has joined in , but there has been a certain amount of anxiety that he would pull us over in his bull headedness. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OV1oqOPtEhw/T3_tR-0MYiI/AAAAAAAABIU/W1gCaf-kPEE/s1600/Picture+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OV1oqOPtEhw/T3_tR-0MYiI/AAAAAAAABIU/W1gCaf-kPEE/s400/Picture+042.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This particular section whilst barren in the main, was enhanced by lots and lots of these beautiful berry bushes with their striking red berries.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D3gyr1l-XEE/T3_tg2alSkI/AAAAAAAABIc/m9oFZ-9mrGA/s1600/Picture+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D3gyr1l-XEE/T3_tg2alSkI/AAAAAAAABIc/m9oFZ-9mrGA/s400/Picture+043.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Private Hut - see note below.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVQOlcltbrU/T3_tp4KFqSI/AAAAAAAABIk/XQ3Ss2P4ypo/s1600/Picture+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVQOlcltbrU/T3_tp4KFqSI/AAAAAAAABIk/XQ3Ss2P4ypo/s400/Picture+050.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2nYNSeqauI/T3_t1v0H61I/AAAAAAAABIs/71YV6E98EkU/s1600/Picture+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2nYNSeqauI/T3_t1v0H61I/AAAAAAAABIs/71YV6E98EkU/s400/Picture+052.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the morning after the night before. The previous day we set forth and Phil forged ahead in typical style however at a private hut the route became tricky and without the aid of map or compass he proceeded to climb the wrong mountain and descend the other side before he realised that we were not following him. In the meantime I had also made the same mistake but realised I was off track fairly quickly. I had a strong feeling that Phil had gone the wrong way but also realised that Madelaine was heading in the currect direction but without shelter as by now we had posted Madeleines tent with broken pole on to Queenstown to be repaired. I caught Madeleine explained that I thought Phil had gone the wrong way and then went back. Some time later an exhausted Phil appeared having walked 15 kilometers and two large climbes unnecesarilly - Phil has brought a great deal of humour but also chaos to the team - this has never occured before. We then had a large climb over a beautiful pass in order to reach our hut but because of the chaos we were very short of time and arrived at night using head torches and with last minute river crossings to contend with.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-86969691479631067942012-04-07T00:23:00.000-07:002012-04-07T00:23:02.863-07:00Lake Tekapo & Twizel<div style="text-align: left;">When we reached Lake Tekapo we had a half day of rest and a full day of rest in the town of Twizel. I think a bit of rest enabled us all to recharge our batteries. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lherlwOi_Cc/T3_paVnIz-I/AAAAAAAABHs/a-2cNBYZhus/s1600/Picture+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lherlwOi_Cc/T3_paVnIz-I/AAAAAAAABHs/a-2cNBYZhus/s400/Picture+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aeqm_tV2ZHM/T3_plFygIrI/AAAAAAAABH0/Gf2NJNdHOKc/s1600/Picture+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aeqm_tV2ZHM/T3_plFygIrI/AAAAAAAABH0/Gf2NJNdHOKc/s400/Picture+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I have never seen such vibrant autumn colours! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EgIbxI2bX38/T3_pxECsX1I/AAAAAAAABH8/AqSrCBh7nFg/s1600/Picture+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EgIbxI2bX38/T3_pxECsX1I/AAAAAAAABH8/AqSrCBh7nFg/s400/Picture+004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njsQ1UJxJF8/T3_qCl7aUzI/AAAAAAAABIE/3iyPzmyTrqo/s1600/Picture+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njsQ1UJxJF8/T3_qCl7aUzI/AAAAAAAABIE/3iyPzmyTrqo/s400/Picture+020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-39140954328966470652012-04-06T15:01:00.006-07:002012-04-07T00:09:07.261-07:00Two Thumbs Track<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We woke up to frozen tents on our first night of the Two Thumbs track! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This section of our tramp was a a little fraught at times. Phil was still a bit jet lagged and slowly getting use to being in New Zealand. On one day he took a bad fall and cut his hand and leg but managed to avoid banging his head. Madeleine was low on energy and on one particular low moment I was fed up with both of them!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from a frozen tent!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K9FegUMli8A/T39nSJI4CTI/AAAAAAAABGc/f_7fDAE-eR4/s1600/IMG_1924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K9FegUMli8A/T39nSJI4CTI/AAAAAAAABGc/f_7fDAE-eR4/s400/IMG_1924.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SQV3wAMSOpI/T39nmZEy1UI/AAAAAAAABGk/ex4lziIqqRs/s1600/IMG_1926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SQV3wAMSOpI/T39nmZEy1UI/AAAAAAAABGk/ex4lziIqqRs/s400/IMG_1926.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another hill!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pftMQ2FI15M/T39oFQLBEiI/AAAAAAAABGs/RE5GFdoyJrk/s1600/IMG_1929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pftMQ2FI15M/T39oFQLBEiI/AAAAAAAABGs/RE5GFdoyJrk/s400/IMG_1929.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch spot with a view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-peyA5Ahvtp8/T39oYpUQadI/AAAAAAAABG8/69ydvqhmKwc/s1600/IMG_1934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-peyA5Ahvtp8/T39oYpUQadI/AAAAAAAABG8/69ydvqhmKwc/s400/IMG_1934.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost at the saddle..</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwIzAZXQOqA/T39oho01KAI/AAAAAAAABHE/nXT5qDAwzXA/s1600/IMG_1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwIzAZXQOqA/T39oho01KAI/AAAAAAAABHE/nXT5qDAwzXA/s400/IMG_1941.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We reached the highest point on the Te Araroa trail but still a long way to go even if it is down hill from here. The ridge line we followed down was stunning and a real highlight of the walk.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u7EiVT6uxgg/T39ooQgbcZI/AAAAAAAABHM/T3U2MrBhuL0/s1600/IMG_1956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u7EiVT6uxgg/T39ooQgbcZI/AAAAAAAABHM/T3U2MrBhuL0/s400/IMG_1956.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PPs6GalvtbI/T3_m4I05N4I/AAAAAAAABHU/NLBw5mEjaxM/s1600/IMG_1963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PPs6GalvtbI/T3_m4I05N4I/AAAAAAAABHU/NLBw5mEjaxM/s400/IMG_1963.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eDoLd7XGFGc/T3_nM4H24gI/AAAAAAAABHc/QswAxomdwsA/s1600/IMG_1973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eDoLd7XGFGc/T3_nM4H24gI/AAAAAAAABHc/QswAxomdwsA/s400/IMG_1973.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1VTyF2oxk9w/T3_nWnor1qI/AAAAAAAABHk/bbx38bqmvLk/s1600/IMG_1980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1VTyF2oxk9w/T3_nWnor1qI/AAAAAAAABHk/bbx38bqmvLk/s400/IMG_1980.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-1469256557029591012012-04-06T14:53:00.001-07:002012-04-07T02:47:11.170-07:00Clearwater Track - heading to Rangitata riverIt was obvious that the weather was on the change and I really really wanted to walk across the next big river, the Rangitata. So I was pushing hard and in the hope that we would be able to get across before the rain I feared made it dangerous.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG9fg0sb1Ts/T39iBF2bZGI/AAAAAAAABF8/TCBPj5Tu2U8/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG9fg0sb1Ts/T39iBF2bZGI/AAAAAAAABF8/TCBPj5Tu2U8/s400/IMG_1911.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
On our final approach to the river the sky was heavy. Everyone was in a bad mood, mostly thanks to me and having walked 42kms we we walked across the river bed only to decide that it was too risky. The wind was up and a storm was brewing. We returned to the bank to camp and made a temporary repair on Madeleine's tent. <br />
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In the morning the mountains were beautiful with a dusting of snow. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LUGUL3mv_eE/T39jpBBgPeI/AAAAAAAABGE/SYaYTGOxaGQ/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LUGUL3mv_eE/T39jpBBgPeI/AAAAAAAABGE/SYaYTGOxaGQ/s400/IMG_1915.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Sadly, our only option was to hitch around to the south bank of the river. We didn't know how much rain had fallen and how the water level had risen. Although I was disappointed and think that Madeleine and Phil were rather pleased to have a day off from walking.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QogUEha1gMI/T39lZofg7vI/AAAAAAAABGM/OpfDZflsSYM/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QogUEha1gMI/T39lZofg7vI/AAAAAAAABGM/OpfDZflsSYM/s200/IMG_1921.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
It was in fact a fun day, getting lifts from lots of really nice and interesting people. We also hit a couple of places of civilisation where we were able to buy some non dried food to eat!! By the evening we were back on trail..Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-87883082117639187282012-04-06T14:32:00.000-07:002012-04-06T14:32:20.888-07:00Clent Hills TrackThe first walking day back on the trail was nice and gentle following a 4-wheel drive track. We spent the night in a hut and put our tents up to dry outside. A gust of wind came from nowhere and snapped Madeleine's tent pole. At least we had a hut to sleep in!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bdwq4LV5rQ/T39d3GbQ9EI/AAAAAAAABFE/S-Qw4EBuh4I/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bdwq4LV5rQ/T39d3GbQ9EI/AAAAAAAABFE/S-Qw4EBuh4I/s400/IMG_1844.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7cwtZuYOWU/T39d_2R1dVI/AAAAAAAABFM/PoJ9Js-ZWbY/s1600/IMG_1847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7cwtZuYOWU/T39d_2R1dVI/AAAAAAAABFM/PoJ9Js-ZWbY/s400/IMG_1847.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3vkVDIn39s/T39eKqi0G6I/AAAAAAAABFU/qOUPllQqhqI/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3vkVDIn39s/T39eKqi0G6I/AAAAAAAABFU/qOUPllQqhqI/s400/IMG_1853.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It didn't take long before Phil knew what wet feet were!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On the second day of the trail we followed a stream and crossed it numerous times. It was good introduction to the 'wet feet' experience of the Te Araroa.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M81VFvXq6VQ/T39f0mMzoTI/AAAAAAAABFc/Fu__b5cKr9c/s1600/IMG_1862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M81VFvXq6VQ/T39f0mMzoTI/AAAAAAAABFc/Fu__b5cKr9c/s400/IMG_1862.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Soon we had climbed up to a saddle where we had great views.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9gegbPsG57Q/T39gYC7oxyI/AAAAAAAABFk/TAWByHwc4j0/s1600/IMG_1869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9gegbPsG57Q/T39gYC7oxyI/AAAAAAAABFk/TAWByHwc4j0/s400/IMG_1869.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zWNmdc-x038/T39gjAjK-FI/AAAAAAAABFs/DBJTCHcDJrM/s1600/IMG_1872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zWNmdc-x038/T39gjAjK-FI/AAAAAAAABFs/DBJTCHcDJrM/s400/IMG_1872.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVokNrze_aU/T39gq3w2OeI/AAAAAAAABF0/iykxNyKnelY/s1600/IMG_1882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVokNrze_aU/T39gq3w2OeI/AAAAAAAABF0/iykxNyKnelY/s400/IMG_1882.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-67035274762059140272012-04-06T14:15:00.000-07:002012-04-06T14:15:06.468-07:00Getting back to the trailAfter meeting Phil at the airport we set off hitch-hiking to get back to the trail on the South side of the Rakaia River. We knew it wouldn't be too easy as our starting point was down a dead end dirt road so we were just trying to get as close as we could. In three rides we were part way down our dirt road we walked for a few miles and then camped for the night. Welcome to New Zealand Phil!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UjVdUQqwMUM/T39bAwNqhCI/AAAAAAAABEs/5SZOntRuW2M/s1600/IMG_1837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UjVdUQqwMUM/T39bAwNqhCI/AAAAAAAABEs/5SZOntRuW2M/s320/IMG_1837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> In the morning we continued walking along the road and shortly afterwards heard vehicles. It was three pick up trucks loaded to bursting point. The guys stopped and and I think they thought we were mad so somehow they managed to strap on our bags. Madeleine and I were squashed into the cab of one pick up it was so cosy that Madeline had to change the gears as we drove. The only room for Phil was to balance on a quad bike strapped to the back of one of the vehicles!! H&S New Zealand style.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2cDNkXwWZk/T39bUXe9nhI/AAAAAAAABE0/sYXK06iBF-o/s1600/IMG_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2cDNkXwWZk/T39bUXe9nhI/AAAAAAAABE0/sYXK06iBF-o/s320/IMG_1840.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z_7EAb8Me5I/T39bccUUaJI/AAAAAAAABE8/7Y3gXFiuWnU/s1600/IMG_1842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z_7EAb8Me5I/T39bccUUaJI/AAAAAAAABE8/7Y3gXFiuWnU/s320/IMG_1842.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Mac Dougal - driver of our convoy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-72793248332816594622012-03-30T20:22:00.001-07:002012-03-30T20:26:26.936-07:00Still goingWe have now reached the town of Twizel and the Internet cafe it just about to close... When I get another chance I will update the blog with our latest adventures. <br />
Madeleine and I are both pretty tired but pushing onwards in a race with the weather! We are now in the company of my friend Phil who has lots of energy all day long, talks to us after our bedtime and snores to keep us awake at night. It is, however, nice to have some new company on the trail and he is keeping us both amused.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-69431471920633996932012-03-19T23:12:00.001-07:002012-03-19T23:26:44.234-07:00Off the trail<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8F8Go8PXpU/T2giLMRHN0I/AAAAAAAABEk/ra-a5nEKc50/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8F8Go8PXpU/T2giLMRHN0I/AAAAAAAABEk/ra-a5nEKc50/s200/IMG_1813.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medicated <br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Having crossed the Rakaia River we are assessed the state of Madeleine's feet and decided that she really needed some time off trail to dry them out and allow them to heal. The sole of her left foot was red, raw and the toes had deep cracks - not how you want to walk. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Philip my walking pal from the UK had phoned us when we were in Arthur's Pass and told us that he was going to fly out and join us for part of the trail. It was great news. So we hitch-hiked to Christchurch given a lift by Darcy who stopped at his sisters house where we were treated to a traditional maori lunch before he drove us out of the way all the way to Christchurch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This morning we took a taxi to the airport to surprise Phil, only he wasn't there. What a PLONKER he had given us the wrong day and he is arriving tomorrow - hopefully. So it's another day in Christchurch. Madeleine's feet are looking much better and my feet are itching to get back to the trail. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So the plan is that we pick up Phil from the airport and get straight to the trail to start walking. I'm sure that's just what he needs after a 30-hour flight! He will appreciate a wash in a stream and a comfortable night in the tent.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-12654112467100425022012-03-19T01:18:00.004-07:002012-03-19T23:35:37.423-07:00Lake Coleridge & Rakaia River<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zoKRNNvSNro/T2bzBA2LWoI/AAAAAAAABB0/E3KQTz3T198/s1600/Picture+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zoKRNNvSNro/T2bzBA2LWoI/AAAAAAAABB0/E3KQTz3T198/s400/Picture+011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVKbzNiKvsQ/T2bzJj-7C0I/AAAAAAAABB8/RIlfnf8LOYY/s1600/Picture+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVKbzNiKvsQ/T2bzJj-7C0I/AAAAAAAABB8/RIlfnf8LOYY/s400/Picture+016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btv55bOE14Q/T2bzSZ_PvaI/AAAAAAAABCE/cPRXB1b69Jc/s1600/Picture+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btv55bOE14Q/T2bzSZ_PvaI/AAAAAAAABCE/cPRXB1b69Jc/s400/Picture+022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rOCk8eNneUw/T2bzb9awyNI/AAAAAAAABCM/inFCScq0P_k/s1600/Picture+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rOCk8eNneUw/T2bzb9awyNI/AAAAAAAABCM/inFCScq0P_k/s400/Picture+030.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Our path then led us down a sleepy dirt road past beautiful lakes to the tiny settlement of Coleridge village, where we spent a lovely night at the Lake Coleridge Lodge and collected our 2nd food parcel. The lodge is a little out of our normal price range but it is located in the middle of nowhere and we were able to send our food parcel there and after so many days of walking a little bit of an indulgence must be a good thing. In the evening we sat in the hot tub looking at the stars which were lighting up the sky.<br />
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The Rakaia river is considered to be a "hazard zone" by the Te Araroa Trust and for the safety of walkers they suggest that you get transport around the river. However, in good weather we had heard it was possible to walk across and we hadn't had rain for a while. I was very keen to give it a go, Madeleine was less so but I wasn't going to put either of us in danger...<br />
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We had been advised where to cross and another guest at the lodge, Joe, offered to drive us up the river to where we thought we would be able to scout for a safer place to attempt the crossing. It is a huge river bed several kilometres across and from the bank it was impossible to see how many strands of the river we would have to cross. <br />
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We chose our spot carefully and started to cross by holding on to each other which is the safest way. There was a pretty strong current and I was hip deep in water and struggling to hold my footings. So I told Madeleine that we were heading back but as I turned I was able to hold my position better against the water and slowly we edged the last few feet into shallower water. Yippie - but how many more strands like this would there be ahead of us? As it turned out, none! We walked the rest of the river bed to the bank and we were both jubilant.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pTsmdh_AqNA/T2byAqknpHI/AAAAAAAABBc/TkcLX6iENR4/s1600/Picture+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pTsmdh_AqNA/T2byAqknpHI/AAAAAAAABBc/TkcLX6iENR4/s640/Picture+046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UCe9NQ-oOU/T2byLpVi-9I/AAAAAAAABBk/-dujGlzReFE/s1600/Picture+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UCe9NQ-oOU/T2byLpVi-9I/AAAAAAAABBk/-dujGlzReFE/s640/Picture+034.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LT6-dkwbsKo/T2byaU5fmUI/AAAAAAAABBs/0VxfZawh5yc/s1600/Picture+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LT6-dkwbsKo/T2byaU5fmUI/AAAAAAAABBs/0VxfZawh5yc/s640/Picture+050.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-47241158876964407062012-03-19T00:56:00.005-07:002012-03-19T23:44:42.780-07:00Harper River TrackLeaving Arthur's Pass behind us we headed out along the base of a valley the light was beautiful lighting up all the mountains. We then climbed up through beech forests before emerging above the trees with spectacular views down three valleys. The pictures don't really show how impressive the views were. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVWCG7KVz9Y/T2eIhTHSHfI/AAAAAAAABDc/RCy0DcYdQ5E/s1600/Picture+064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVWCG7KVz9Y/T2eIhTHSHfI/AAAAAAAABDc/RCy0DcYdQ5E/s400/Picture+064.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSwE4JROv8k/T2eIrBu5N0I/AAAAAAAABDk/LaguiFaBabI/s1600/Picture+072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSwE4JROv8k/T2eIrBu5N0I/AAAAAAAABDk/LaguiFaBabI/s400/Picture+072.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uO15rws2qrQ/T2eIwVYbVvI/AAAAAAAABDs/P6hT-L95vVs/s1600/Picture+068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uO15rws2qrQ/T2eIwVYbVvI/AAAAAAAABDs/P6hT-L95vVs/s400/Picture+068.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Madeleine and I both found the Harper track lovely. The trail was well formed and the scenery was great.<br />
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We arrived at West Harper Hut just before dark. The hut was a bit on the rustic side or some might say decrepit however Jason a local deer hunter had a roaring fire going so we decided to stay the night. He moved his guns off the spare beds and later showed us his extensive selection of knifes - surprisingly we both slept soundly. Our only fear was that the mice might eat our food.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dhfNT8b_iwE/T2eJbK2hmvI/AAAAAAAABD0/zs7bB8eGwVY/s1600/Picture+078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dhfNT8b_iwE/T2eJbK2hmvI/AAAAAAAABD0/zs7bB8eGwVY/s400/Picture+078.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the food bags hung up top stop the mice from eating our food!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harper's hut built in 1953 - a little bit of history</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamilton Hut - rather posh great views!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view back the valley we had just walked</td></tr>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-78166620554660186812012-03-19T00:49:00.001-07:002012-03-19T23:45:26.885-07:00Arthur's PassWe then hitched the 5kms into the small settlement of Arthur's Pass to collect the first of our food parcels. we arrived around lunch time so luxuriated in a half day of rest. <br />
The sun was out the sky was blue and it felt great! There are just two cafes a hostel and a few houses in the settlement.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854798117830943825.post-17007213917332544722012-03-19T00:44:00.004-07:002012-03-19T23:51:07.565-07:00Deception ValleyWe had been warned by Charlie, another tramper that he found the Deception Valley the toughest part of the whole trail. So with some in-trepidation we set off. However, as it forms part of the Coast 2 Coast race how hard could it be? The Coast 2 Coast is an adventure race held annually in which very fit competitors race from one side of the country to the other with a combination of cycling, running and kayaking. The running section is Deception Valley. <br />
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Having walked the Valley I would love to see the race. We picked our way up an unmarked valley scrambling over rocks and boulders and crossing the river numerous times sometimes in thigh deep water. The winners of the Coast to Coast take just three hours to cover the same ground!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the path? Nor could we...</td></tr>
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