TA Day 9
TA Day 9: Friday 27 December 2024
Telford Campsite - Aparima Huts
Today started by going straight up the mountain side. We didn't do much progress distance wise, and in the beginning we lost the trail a few times and had to fight our way through bushes, but as we got higher and left a lot of the vegetation behind, it got better. The sun started to come out too and it was really lovely for some time. We had a breakfast break with amazing views, then we continued upwards. At the top we stopped for a Top Snickers, before suddenly reaching the forest when we reached the other side of the mountain. It was very odd walking in a forest both on the same elevation, but also on the same mountain, as just minutes earlier when we had been out in the open.
As we followed the forest down, we noticed some strange mushrooms in the path. Round and yellow with strange "bowls" around the outside. Looked a bit like round sponges. And they really were EVERYWHERE here.
It felt like the hill through the woods was neverending, and in the end, Lukas had to take the toilet paper from Kim and make a run for it...
At the hut, we both lay down for a break in the sun, and after some time we met a SOBO hiker, Claire, with whom we could share information about the trail.
Unfortunately, something she didn't say exactly, was that the terrain was slow and heavy. Ups and downs, muds and roots... Just like Stewart Island.
After what felt like forever, the forest ended and was changed to a swamp. Easy to walk. Finally. We took a swim in the beautiful water before going over the bridge - or well, Lukas did, Kim thought it was too cold, and only got knee deep.
At the hut we met a familiar face again - Thomas! But also plenty that we didn't recognize. Kim was too tired to socialize, but Lukas did. Lukas & Klara, one of the Czech couples that we met on day one, we had suddenly caught up to again.
Today's:
Distance: 20.30 km
Ascent: 1194 m
Descent: 1163 m
Tent nights: 2/9
Weather: Cloudy morning, and then sunny the rest of the day
