10th December
52.8km
National Park 1150km to Whakahoro 1202.8km.
It was foggy at 6am when myself and four other hikers set off on a 50 plus kilometer hike. Tomorrow we would be at the Whanganui river to pick up our canoes. The rent of the canoes, waterproof barrels and canoe transport cost us $220. The plan was to be canoeing on the river for 4-5 days. But first we had to get to the river.
A Fisher Trail is a shared mountain bike and hiking trail covered the first 20 kilometers or so. It was a nice easy downhill grade. Perfect for an early morning hike. I shared the first hour of the trail with a Dutch hiker, Iris. But she hikes too fast for me so I enjoyed the last of the morning fog alone, as the sun did its job to burn it off for the day.
The cool morning fog gave way to heat and humidity when the roadwalking started. I struggled to drink enough water. Two other hikers joined me for a section of the road but after a while they were hiking too fast.
10am photo below
My appetite disappeared which caused my energy levels to follow the same path. Salt crystals formed on my forehead and I was cravings salty bacon. But all I could do was keep on walking to the very small village of Whakahoro. A small campground with a DOC hut, a cafe and a couple of bed and breakfast rooms were all the services of the village.
I bedded down in the hut with several other hikers. We would all start our canoeing trip on the Whanganui river tomorrow. I wonder what the river and weather has in store for us.
Next – Day 49-52 – Canoeing the Whanganui River
All the tips you need to hike the Te Araroa Trail :
Complete Guide to the Te Araroa Trail
Te Araroa Trail Resupply Guide
Te Araroa Trail Gear List
Te Araroa Trail Gear Review
Now I’m hungry for bacon too. :)
Funny how that works.