Toolfreak in New Zealand. - Day 28 / 33 Southern Cirquit, St. Isl.

Freshwater Hut to Rakakea Hut, 10 hrs.

Today my first day of actual tramping, left Freshwater Hut at 0700, the fog was still hanging around in the swamp, but the sun came through.
It was a real swamp with real mud! , thick black sucking mud, sometimes it came till my knees....:D
After 2 hours in the swamp, the terrain became more hilly with dense forrest (saw my second Wild Kiwi here!)
Reached Freds camp Hut before noon, so i decided to go further to the next hut.

By that time my bag was killing me, the straps where cutting in my shoulders, aaargh......and i had a few more days to go!
The way to Rakakea Hut went up and down for hours, steep steps over roots and rocks and no views at all.
I had to give my shoulders a rest quit a few times , and it felt pretty dumb to access this kind of terrain with this bag :rolleyes:

Finally after a day of hard work and sworing i reached the hut, and to my suprise i did it in 8.5 hrs :D
Took a bath in a pool and could only think about one thing; FOOD and my dry clothes.....

Slept very well after my freeze dry meal and my cup of scotch,

cheers :beer:

Rakakea Hut to Doughboy`s Bivy 8 Hrs.

Another long day, and the weather was a bit foggy with some rain, not too bad to walk in.
It was a steady but long climb for hours to the summit of Doughboy hill, the track was in good condition after the long period of dry, only the summit section was steep and muddy.
On the summit i had a great view on the beach where the bivy should be, and i spotted my fourth Kiwi here.....
Another steep section down to the beach, and my bag hurted more then ever, only a few km`s to go!
As soon as i entered the beach, i was atacked by a million sandflies, aaaaarghhh, little bastards....
Up to Doughboy bivy wich was very nice newbuild Hut, after swopping my clothes i took a dive in the sea :)
Back again to light the fire and make a cup of thea, my well deserved rest....

cheers :beer:

Doughboy`s Bivy to Mason Bay Hut 7 Hrs.

I noticed a huge blister on my left shoulder, how nice :rolleyes:
With some clothes under my strap it was not too bad to carry, and the main part of the track was on the beach.
But first another steep track to the hill summit, then a more steady descent to the beach on the other side, again long hours in the forest before i entered the beach.
Had my lunch on the beach (after a good amount of insect repellent), wich was very nice...
Then a good and easy walk on the beach and the clouds where clearing so i had a great view.
Reached Mason Bay Hut after 7.5 hours and it was a better day then the first two.
Mason Bay was good and not crowed (thats the main advantage of difficult tracks)
So, tommorow from Mason Bay to Freshwater and then right on to North Arm in one day, because i`m running out of food...

cheers :beer:

Mason Bay to North Arm, 9 Hrs.

A 24 km walk today, the first part pretty easy and flat, the second steep and difficult.
Left Mason Bay at 0800 and as said it was going flat and easy, a young deer was on the track, so i stood still and reached for my camera.

The deer kalf was very curious, because it came towards to me, amazing!!!
After a few photo`s it got scared by other trampers, but it was very nice to see this wildlife.
Up to Freshwater Hut, where i had my lunch and some rest for the shoulders...
Left Freshwater by noon, time to do the last difficult part of the Southern Cirquit :D

A steep climb to hill and then a steep descent, they main problem on this track where roots; they intend to twist your ankles in all directions and give your knees a hard time, but hey they save the best for last!!!! :crash:
After the descent it went up and down again along the seaside and for a time it was like my first day, but thirty minutes later i reached the point where the boardwalk started, how nice for my tired feet...:)

Entered North Arm Hut by 1630, tired but satisfied, tommorow a very easy walk to town,

cheers :beer:

North Arm Hut to Oban, Halfmoon Bay, 5 Hrs.

I wanted to have a real lunch today, so i left at 0700 to make sure i arrived in Oban by noon.
The walk was a piece of cake compared to wat i had before, it felt really good, dispite the fact i had two swollen shoulders (next time i`m gonna rent a pack!!!)
Oban 1030, and i had my first cup of coffee in 6 days....:D
After my entrance in the "civillized" world i went to the DoC to sign myself out.
Then up to the campground for a shower and a good lunch, some cheese with swiss bread and jam!!!
I decided to take the first ferry in the morning (0800) , so i had a full afternoon to do nothing....... :D

cheers :beer: