Day 62 - Wellington

A straight forward day today. Over a small mountain and back to civilization in Waikane. A 27km day with 800m elevation. 

1000miles today! Not that it means much to me

Just like that the Tararuas were finished, a quick adventure. I wish I spent more time on different routes up there. They were not nearly as dangerous and tough as people made them out to be. That being said if your are ill equipped and make go beyond your experience level things can go wrong. Last week a man died in the range by falling off a ridge, and while I was up there someone got helicoptered off after breaking an arm. 

After the forest I had to walk a tedious road section in the hot sun. On the road I found a small bird who seemed to be hot and dehydrated. I picked it up and carried it for a couple km till I found a shady pool. Survive brother. 

I reached Waikinae at lunch and went straight to the grocery store. I smashed half a rotisserie chicken, a family size garlic bread, and a litre of icecream without skipping a beat. Hiker hunger is setting in. Next I took a train to Welly, and went right back to grocery store to buy some steak. No such thing as too much food. In my hostel I met a retired Edmontonian lady who use to be a federal lawyer for Parks Canada, also cooking steak. Small world.