The hike down from Te Matawai hut was easier than I expected, we heard it would be muddy and steep, maybe it was just our expectations, but it wasn’t that steep and was only muddy in a few sections.
It’s probably for the best as Malween’s knee was really hurting.
We are spending Christmas with John and Sally who own Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Center. They’ve very generously opened their guest house to Malween and I so we don’t have to tent it. Sally gave us a ride to town to get beer, wine and food. They’ll be cooking a main dish and everyone is supposed to bring a dish from their country. Unfortunately I couldn’t find ingredients for the things I wanted to make at the grocery store and having limited time I just grabbed some things for a cheese and fruit plate so at least I’m contributing something.
While we were away Holger (who twisted his ankle and was told by the doctor to take some time off) was put in charge of the TA hikers who come through, he seems naturally suited to the role and is thankfully healing quickly.
Two other couples came into camp this evening, one of the guys was a guy I met in Hamilton (day 25) who hurt his foot and was just hanging around the holiday park waiting for it to heal. It was really great to see he was back on the trail!
Malween made dinner for John, Sally, their family, Rebecca, Nina and myself and we all hung out very late (11ish… late for hikers) drinking and talking.
Thanksgiving passed and I hardly noticed, mostly because it’s just an American holiday and nobody here celebrates it, and although it’s summer and doesn’t really feel like Christmas, today I’m missing my family and friends, but at the same time I’m extremely thankful for being surrounded by so many wonderful people.
Merry Christmas Pete!