Chasing autumn

25 April

Unnamed campsite to Taumaranui

KM 1048

Distance: 34.2km

Elevation: ascent 612m; descent 973m

Steps: 46,700

Time: 7:40am - 3:20pm

Normally the prospect of 30km of road walking would leave us uninspired and with a resolve to just push on through and accept the deafening engine noise and fumes. Today we had a refreshingly different experience.

Before the account of today starts we should mention that last night, after a long walk under short daylight hours, sunset was 5:44pm, we were in bed in the tent by 6:30 and asleep by 7:30. We've concluded that 'trampers midnight' has shifted shifted from 8pm to 7pm with the change in daylight savings.

Walking the final 8km of the 42 Traverse and into Owhango took us through more verdant forest and across the Tongariro River. 

 

A few kilometers from Owhango we turned right onto a gravel rural road and walked into Autumn! The next 18km of road was stunning as we passed rolling hills and farm paddocks decked out in glorious autumnal trees glowing orange and gold in the morning sun. (Anna/Mom these photos are especially for you)

We were able to enjoy these scenes even more because we encountered very few vehicles. In fact we saw many more sheep on the road than vehicles.

Roadside apple trees bearing their autumn fruit provided a free snack, you just have to eat around the damage from bird beaks and bruises.

 

We were treated to the sight of dozens of butterflies, probably the native yellow admiral. One of them was very attracted to Vaughan's shirt when we stopped for lunch.

No photos of the following incident unfortunately. We passed a paddock which had a solitary ostrich in it. Yes, ostrich. It immediately ran over to the fence to investigate us. This was the closest encounter either of us have had with one of these birds. They're so tall! And their eyes are huge! Vaughan instigated a running race and it followed along for some distance. Later in the afternoon Vaughan also initiated a running race with a herd of young bulls who seemed up for it. 

However our fellow TA NoBo walker Hamish, who we met yesterday, told us that when he walked past it the ostrich had run over and performed some kind of mating or threat display.

Finally, today was ANZAC Day in New Zealand. A day when we remember and honour those who have died serving our country in the military services. Evidence of the memorial services were evident when we entered Taumaranui, our destination for today.  

We put ourselves up in a hotel for the evening, and treated ourselves to a healthy meal of fresh ingredients from the grocery store. 

We are next into a 5-7 day stretch, going through the Pureora Forest Park, which we are both very much looking forward to!

One last note from Eliza: it's recommended not to start your period at 2:30am in your tent, while it is raining outside. If you can help it.