3RY Update Part:

3

Date:

7th February ‘19

Day:

16

Title:

Laters Southland

KM Mark Start:

2690

Start Location:

Taipo Hut

KM Mark Finish:

2680

Finish Location:

Greenstone Hut

Actual KM today:

10.3

Weather:

Sunny

General:

Freezing night! Had 4 layers of merino, puffer jacket and sleeping bag – still cold. Tent was drenched with condensation.

Late start, knew I had a short day today.

Highlight of my day occurred as I left the hut, beside the inviting, turquoise water swimming hole. I watched the pair of NZ Falcons hunting down the river. They were mesmerising to watch with their maneuverability, rapid changing of direction and working as a pair. Those birds are Raaaad.

I left the Mararoa river behind and began following Pond Burn and then Pass Burn up the gully. The track went through bush and grazed tussock land, ‘till I hit Greenstone hut. Compared to the previous huts this is like a five star Hilton…Running water. Yeeeeeew!

Felt a sense of achievement today. Crossed the boundary between Southland and Otago. Whoop whoop!!

Body/Health:

Good!

Outlook:

Positive

Tune of the Day:

Fortunate Sun – Creedance Clearwater

Day 16 Images: