Te Anau Rest Day

12 Mar. A comfortable night in the YHA and a day getting sorted out for the final section. I had to change rooms for tonight, but before I checked out/in, I got my walking clothes in to a washing machine. Fancy networked machines operated by credit cards. Always having problems according to the staff! While my clothes were in the drier, I had my customary full breakfast at the Bailiez Cafe. In the YHA kitchen I met another walker, Allison who was on the Bealey Hut section with me bear Arthur’s Pass. She is starting the next section tomorrow, so will try to include her on the early morning ride to the trail head. Next was a haircut by Emma at the Fringe salon, a light lunch at the Sandfly Cafe and a Fresh Choice shop for provisions.

While updating my blog in the YHA, a familiar face walked by. It was Wayne from Wellington, who also volunteers at the Citizens Advice Bureau. He was down here with family and friends walking the Kepler track.

My nephew Ed and his fiancé Jade are currently visiting NZ and through fortunate timing we have managed an evening meetup in Te Anau. They are in a camper van and travelled down from Wanaka today.

Tomorrow morning Paul is giving Richard, Allison and myself a lift at 07:30 back to where we left the trail to continue on. It will be about 5 days before I reach the coast and then another 3 days around to Bluff and the end of the trail. All being well, I should reach Bluff on 21 March. There should be mobile reception along the way, so expect a few posts before the trail concludes.