Day 111 – tarn to Lake Tekapo – 2/13

We woke up to light rain, got packed up and went to the top of the saddle, the highest point on the TA!

The weather wasn’t too bad, gusty but the rain was slowing so we hiked along the ridge instead of going into the valley, which was a good choice because the views from the ridge were actually better than the views from the saddle.

As we hiked along we got great views of lake Tekapo and Mt Cook (I think).

The one downside to camping at the tarn is the ground was very rocky, it was grassy enough to sleep on, but too rocky to dig a hole. By the time we got to the next hut all three of us were making a mad dash for the long drop!

There was a decent climb a little after the hut, not so much that it would normally bother me, but I misread the maps and thought the rest would be mostly flat… stupid expectations. It was another hot day once the clouds cleared, and we hiked 32k in total, which isn’t so much but combined with the heat was rather tough.

Hunter’s parents picked us up at the road, saving us another 15k of road walking. They also gave us cold soft drinks, ham sandwiches and fresh plums that were absolutely amazing.

Hunter’s parents dropped Flo and I off at Lake Tekapo, which after being in the bush for a couple days seems overwhelmingly touristy, although very nice.

I met up with Holger who got unto town earlier that day (having stayed at the hut where I lunched).