To Whakahoro

Day 49 and 50 (1172 to 1225 kms)

Some mornings you can get dressed, get up and head to the local cafe and get a coffee. Today is such a day. I enjoyed my coffee and strawberry and banana muffin with sunny views of the mountain. Once done I headed back to the tent to pack it up and get ready for walking.

Much of the day was along Fisher Track, which is a gravel forest road used by mountain bikers and walkers. I started the day by myself, but it was not long before another walker joined me for a few hours. We took breaks at different places and then I was by myself again. Thers is something super nice about walking with yourself.

The expansive views over the valley was very nice. After 15 kms or so it started to turn back into farmland and a normal gravel road. There was hardly any traffic on the road, seeing only 1 truck the entire day. This is not a good sign, as I hope to hitch hike out of Whakahoro the following day, and for that I need traffic.

I got to the war memorial and the trail angel campsite relatively early. Just spent the afternoon relaxing. There is a local swimming hole, so I grabbed a towel and went for a swim. The blister patch on my foot came off during the swim to reveal that I did in fact have a blister. I would put another blister patch on it, but it failed to adhere. It will just have to heal on its own.

All the hikers had the same issue as me, we wanted to walk to Whakahoro, but none of us could start the Whanganui River Journey as the river is currently closed done for the Maori memorial waka down the river. Even the camping ground at Whakahoro is officially closed. Our hosts finally found a solution for us, they would drive us to Whakahoro and we would walk back, spending a second night with them. works for me.

The second day was relaxing, as the ride to Whakahoro departed around 11am. I would walk with just a day-bag, which I borrowed from the hosts. My foot continues to bother me and wish I had brought my first aid kit in my day bag. Oh well.

Once back at hosts, the number of walkers had swelled. Our hosts decided it was a good evening for a BBQ, so lots of work went into that. I mainly tried to stay out of the way. Everyone is keen to start the Whanganui River Journey, most starting on the 13th and a good number of starting in the 14th.

Starting the day. Lucky to see the daily train along the trunk line.
Last view of Mt Rhapheu.
Old abandoned farm buildings.
My foot is actually starting to hurt. Maybe I have a blister afterall.
Farmland.
This is bee country.
Horseshoe Art.
Swimming time. Nice little local swimming hole.
That is definitively. blister.
Whakahoro Hut. Looks like, but will nt be staying here, as it is official closed and completely empty.
Gravel road all day, but very few cars.
One of those rare days when I do not have to pack up my tent in the morning.
BBQ time.