Day 8 (177 to 197 kms)
Huge and very rewarding day. I got to walk the river gorge, something I have wanted to do since hearing about the Te Araroa Trail.
It did not rain overnight. In the morning I walked back almost 2 kms to the ford to see the water level, which was much improved, but water was still flowing over it. Now only a few centimetres and slow moving. I convinced myself, and ultimately the others that the gorge will be passable, and with the fair weather forecast that we had to try. So glad everyone agreed.
The first 1.5 kms was a muddy and slippery downhill to the river. Then 2.5 kms of river walking, zigzagging from side to side and shoal to shoal, water was below the knee mostly. Every so often there would be a bit that was deeper, but never above waist level. Then we arrived at a convergence of two rivers, and the crossing on the trail was not possible due to swift deep water. We tracked, accidentally 200 meters downstream, crossed, realised our mistake and tracked back 200 meters to rejoin the route. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good.
Typically the next 2.5 kms would be along the river, but it was too swollen for that, so we took the track along the bank. It was a challenge, but totally fun. Elliot led the way and set a solid pace. We eventually arrived at the place where we leave the river, head up and gain the ridge. But first we had a substantial lunch spot and went skinny dipping in the cold and very refreshing waters. We had done 7kms which took us 4.5 hours, so slow going. One of those walks you will always remember.
Another 4kms had us up onto the ridge and off the bush track to a forest road. Then 9 more kms to the Puketi Forest DOC hut. These 14 kms took only about 3 hours, and shows what a difference a good track can make.
So nice to get to the hut. There were three other walkers there and chatted with them. They had taken the bypass which they very much enjoyed. The hut had a cold shower, which was welcome. I booked a bunk bed, but stayed in my tent, which is my preference. Fell asleep to the sound of the local birds.
