Sunday 30th April
Well boy did it rain during the night, but a lovely night hearing the rain on the roof. We woke to a beautiful morning and after breakfast we packed our bag ready for the boat shuttle and headed on our way with our day packs. We reduced these a little, put my scarf and DBs fleecy jumper in the boat bag. Each time we travel we keep culling, hopefully by the time we get to a multi day hike we will have it down pat to the most minimal luggage possible.

Today’s track started out quite open and very well graded and quite well suited for cycling. As we progressed it was showing the effects of last nights rain, it was quite wet, slippery and boggy at times. Mostly clay we had many times a moment to gauge the best way to negotiate the puddles an mud holes. Many times there was a squeal and a yikes from DB as we skated on a slippery section. But all good. I was glad we were walking not cycling as my squeals may have ended up as major slide outs to the ground.

We saw some beautiful scenery, gorgeous coloured water and views, many waterfalls, rainforest and amazing tree ferns. Today was not as taxing elevation wise and not very rocky in comparison to yesterday. We passed a miner’s amp where they used to mine stibnite ore.

We had a few interesting conversations today talking a lot about our next adventure and the things we need to buy to stay in camp huts along the way. We will be eating freeze dried food where you just a cup of boiling water. As we will both need one each I wondered – Is it quicker to boil 1 cup of water two times or 2 cups of water once, to have enough water for or dinner. Also, how much water do you lose in the process. I guess we will have to do some experimenting. Another chat was how to generate power for our phones for our trails and camera. DB is thinking on that one some more. We saw some more fantails today, apparently they hang around the trails because as we hike past we disturb the bugs and they are their food source. Clever little things they are. We saw some more PIG footprints, some white ducks, weka and heard some beautiful bellbirds. Todays hike was a lot shorter. We arrived at Punga Cove at about 1pm. The sun was shining and we had a drink at the outdoor bar and then stopped in the bay for a picnic lunch. We were thinking we might have a kayak paddle when the weather did as predicted, the wind picked up and the rainclouds rolled in. Within 30 minutes the whole day had changed so we checked in to our room and decided on a visit to the hot tub instead. This was lovely, and just what our bodies needed. This was followed by a rest and then dinner back down at the bar. We were to be the only guests here tonight so we had an informal bar meal which was lovely. Mung fish and veggies followed by brownie and ice cream. DB in his element as he had ice cream again tonight. Another guy from San Diego arrived just before six and had hiked all the way from Ship Cove. He had been going for about 10 hours. We had a great chat with the chef tonight who is from the UK. Most of the staff we have seen are young travellers. The receptionist was from Argentina, chef from UK and yesterdays receptionist was also from the UK. There are really no kiwis working these places at all. They all live on the premises and try to see some countryside on their days off. Apparently there were about 50 people staying here last weekend with another 40-50 day visitors. Hard to imagine as it is pretty much deserted now.

Two days down and two to go. Home to bed for an early night as tomorrows hike is 24km, so about 8 hours. Hopefully we hold up ok because day 4 is about the same distance as well.

Today’s Stats: Distance 12.87km, time 3:36, Ascent 219m, highest alt 72m