Short day, bluebird skies

14 April

Tokomaru Shelter to Te Whare o Moturimu

KM 1517.7

Distance: 14.3km

Elevation: ascent 541m, descent 480m

Steps: 24,500

Time: 7:15 - 2:00pm

After what seems like many days of cool, cloudy and occassionaly wet weather we were treated to a Manawatū special today! Although it was still cold as we stepped out the door (it was no more than 5°C last night), the sky was blue and the wind a gentle zephyr. We said farewell to Richard who was great company last night. 

The track today, while much easier than the main part of the Tararua Ranges, and easier than many obstacles we faced on the South Island, still presented us with some challenges. This slip, while daunting at first look, was quite easy to cross. Unlike the slip we crossed two days ago that was so daunting we didn't even get any photos of us crossing (too nervous to take phones out) and involved the use of a rope tied to a tree at the top of the slip to half-walk, half-Tarzan our way across. Only to find on the other side a sign and a track diversion up and over the slip. <sigh>

Two SoBo walkers crossed our path today. Kate, heading to Wellington where she will finish the North Island and return another time to do the South Island. And James who is hoping to do the South Island as well but is well behind schedule due to an injury much worse than any of ours which took him off the trail for 4 weeks.

We found a picnic table near the highest elevation of the day to have lunch, and because the next hut was only 3km away we spent more than an hour there, soaking up the sun and the data coverage.

There were several information boards along the way telling the history of certain areas we walked through. Including this tragic tale of an early farmer named James Burtton who was seriously injured when the bridge he had constructed gave way and he fell into the river below. Before crawling 12 hours to the neighbours house he made sure to feed his dogs! Sadly he died from his injuries later.

We came across this peculiar fungus growing out of the bark of this tree. Close up it almost looked like a type of coral. Bonus points if you can tell us the species.

Only 40 minutes after leaving our lunch spot we found tonight's accommodation, Te Whare o Moturimu. This is a shelter built by Palmerston North City Council especially for TA walkers so we don't have to camp in the forest. Its design includes elements of a traditional whare/house you might find on a marae (Māori village).  It is close to a stream for collecting water, there are modern toilets, and a picnic table. The weather has been perfect for airing out clothing, sleeping bags and drying shoes and socks soaked in stream crossings on the way here today. 

A short day by distance and time, but this is a lovely spot so we have no regrets.