Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Start Time: 9am
Arrived at Treetops at 6pm
Distance: 27km
Weather: Sunny and hot
We commenced the day with a grueling Category 4 hill that took us 40 minutes before we reached the actual track. Once we peaked, we had amazing views of Portage Bay to our right with the Queen Charlotte Sound and Picton on our left. The day was a long as it was hot. I think it was my first day in New Zealand without the slightest of breezes. The trail continued to undulate, and quite steeply I might add. Both Katharina and I consumed ourselves with some choice words we would like to one day exchange with the hot bartender for even remotely comparing this to a “boardwalk.” I think I need to invite him to Virginia Beach so we can accurately clarify his definition. By the time we crossed the 36km marker (the half way point), I literally hugged the sign. But there is always a light at the end of the tunnel! Or a beer at the end of my hike in this particular case. There was a small café across the street from where we were staying, and I was more than happy to close out our tiring day with a few pints of Mac’s Gold!
Steph Dobson 