I slept so well last night, even with an overflow of hikers camped out in the hut.
So much for pre-booking! People still just turn up and somehow, space is found for another sleeping bag.
I head off this morning on the Mangatepopo Track. I’m only on it for about 9k. It has heaps (HEAPS) of tussocks and scrub.
The landscape on this hike has so many facets. I’m in scrub today after visiting the moon yesterday :-)
It was an easy enough walk although the spongy tussocks can trip up the day dreamers (note to self).
I stopped for a gargantuan breakfast and several coffees at Whakapapa Village.
This was actually my second breakfast. I’m clearly still in hobbit mode.
Back on trail, my very full belly groans louder than Katie as I hike along the Whakapopaiti MangahuiTrack.
It starts with some easy PUDS (pointless ups and downs). The track notes say it ‘gently undulates’. PUD is just as accurate. It is mostly through forest which I really enjoy, although it is quite boggy in patches.
I descend the track through an open area, again covered with tussock, and cross another stream.
I’m tempted to leave my shoes on for this one to clear some of the mud. That means wet shoes for a while but... I would be a bit cleaner!
I stop and check the gps against the map. I reckon I am only about three hours away from pitching my tent.
I weigh up my options. Shoes stay on. I’d rather be dirty than risk a friction blister.
There were heaps more streams to cross so I ended up swopping my shoes out for my hiking sandals. (Still best ever!)
While I rock a sandal (!) I want to give a shout out here to my socks. I’m wearing Wright Socks. Guaranteed blister proof! I’m still wearing the same pair I started with back on 90 mile.
They are really crap to look at now. The outer sock is threadbare but the inner sock is still doing a great job. The only difference I can see on that inner sleeve is that it is no longer pristine white!
I reach camp (Mangahui campsite) but decide to press on for another 6/7 k. It’s a road walk, SH47, but there’s hardly any traffic.
I finally call it a day and camp at the Ski Haus. I’m back in my tent after the ‘luxury’ of last night’s hut.
Fun fact. There is a lot of literal naming of things over here. Lower Pass is the lower pass. Red Hut is the Red Hut. But just to trick me, I’m staying in a small village called... National Park. :-)
TA sign - bit easier to see than a far off in the distance orange topped pole!
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