Made good time on every section today.
For the most of the day I just focused on the pace and not tripping up or slipping. I didn't realise just how long the day was until I sat down to write this up.
According to my 3-4 day old forecast today was supposed to be light rain for most of the day. However, when I got up around 5.30am it was clear sky and stars for as far as I could see. Packed fast, had a quick breakfast and was on the train by 7.10am.
I managed to get to Captain Creek hut 45 minutes under the estimated time and reached the carpark about an hour under the estimate. The final slog was metal and paved road and I managed that bang on the low end of the estimated time.
On the road I met Chris who was moving a herd of cows for milking. He told me about the renovated facilities at the DOC campsite and how everything was done up for the filming of The Hobbit that happened here over Xmas. Will have to keep an eye out for the scenes near here.
Around this time the weather looked like it was taking a turn for worst. Lots of very heavy looking clouds were rolling in. Hopefully they'll blow themselves out overnight.
The DOC campground is very well maintained. The people that run the cafe here also run the camp. The pies are a little on the steep side but for wild pork, apple and kumara I think it was worth it. Mind you, I'd probably pay double for the first thing that wasn't pasta and soup powder given that's all I've really had for the last 8 days.
The first shower was also a let down unfortunately. About 90 seconds of good hot water then it went cold over the next 30 seconds. While drying off I tried it again and got the same thing. Matt, who I met later said that the other shower worked fine. Ah well...
Matt has been touring the country in a sleeper van. He's heading north again getting ready for the trip home to Germany. I really want to get to Europe. So much to see and do...
So, the tent is up for the first time in ages and the first, very brief, rain front has gone past already. Hopefully that'll be it.
Havelock tomorrow. A leisurely 4-5 hours on the roadside. I think I'll sleep in.
Oh! The last section from Hacket hut to here was estimated at 3-4 days. I'll have to let the Te Araroa guys know it should be 2-4 days.