Day 64 (1,539 to 1,557 kms)
Yesterday I wanted to push on, but there were no real good options for places to stay or ways to make the camping stops work. I felt like I made the right call to stay at Ian and Frank’s Hut last night. Today would be another short-ish day.
The trail notes said it would take all day to get to Makahika Outdoor Pursuit Centre, and while I did not believe this, I also wanted to get to Levin and see if I could buy some cmaping gas. So, if I make good time to the camping spot for the night, I might have enough time to get camping gas. So, I left at 7am for a journey that was indicated to take 9 hours. It ended up only taking 6 hours. The day was good, nothing to steep, the rivers where low and could be crossed with boots on and the mud was manageable.
I took coffee at the first lookout and got just enough cell phone signal to have a stuttering call with Caroline.
Arrived at Makahika OPC just 1 pm, no one was around. Had a shower, changed into fresher clothes and plotted my plan to get into town. It is a 13 km walk into town, and 13 kms back. So, it would be really nice to get a ride. I was quite lucky on the way to town and only had to walk about 3 kms before getting. ride. Coming back I had to walk 8 kms before someone stopped to pick me way. I got the camping gas, so no more cold meals for me. I also got a coffee and a met pie. I never met my hosts, as they were away somewhere, but talking to them on the phone they told me how to break into their home to retrieve my food package.
Once back at camp I charged up my electronics and battery, as there would be nothing for the next 4 days. The weather forecast remains positive, so the walking will continue.
