Day 36 - Mt. Pureora
We woke early this morning in the hopes of getting some kilometres behind us. A big day we hoped. Need to get some kilometres behind us, hopefully 40+.
The beginning of the day was entirely gravel
roads, at big change from yesterday. We charged through some 18km before 11am. Next we had to walk some tarmac to the start of the Mt. Pureora track. I once again allowed a 5km hitch in this section.
11am photo by the gravel, eating my tuna. East two tuna wraps a day for first lunch.
Finally we hit some good track. The timber trail which leads around Mt. Pureora and continues on for some 80km. This is a mountain biking path that is well maintained by DOC, a welcome change from the mud. The forests were alive with birds, and we saw several parrots.
At the top of Mt. Pureora I decided to pitch my tent at the top. How could I turn down such a stunning views, Joren went on to some hut 5k down. Here I’m on the edge of an ancient Caldera, the remains of the Taupo super volcano, a geologic feature similar to Yellowstone.
Soon after pitching my tent it started hailing, another close call with setting up. A French walkers couple were lost in the rain tried to continue off the peak and ended up turning around to a shelter way back. Felt bad watching them wander around while I was in my dry tent.
After the rain dispersed I was treated to a beautiful view of clouds whipping around the sides of my mountain and rainbows on either side. My favourite camping spot so far. Some 39km today.
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