Day 71 - Starveall Hut

Today I continue deeper into the Richmond Ranges. This is the most notorious section of the entire Te Araroa. Considered the most challenging, the most remote, and one of the longest food carry’s off the trail. I started by carrying 6 days of food from Havelock, which I could stretch to 7 if need be. Some people carry as much as 10 days. They are weak. 

I put a ton of seam sealant on my sleeping mat last night. Hopefully this will prevent any future leaks that are sure to appear. Although I hope to sleep in huts most of the time up ahead.

Not sure what I ate or drank but I was feeling I’ll the entire morning. Slow progress feeling like I was going to spew every so often. 

11am photo. I felt like I was in the proper backcountry these days. A good feeling. 

Lunch in empty wood shed at Hacketts Hut as a drizzle of rain as started. 

Down in another valley I followed the path of a river. Criss crossing the stream meant wet feet. I wouldn’t want to risk this area after a heavy rainfall.

I started another climb to end the day. As I rose in elevation I entered the now low lying clouds. A NOBO walker warned me that the hut I intended to go is going to be hectic tonight am no room for tent pitching. Looks like I’m ending my journey early at Starveall Hut. 

Here a local environmental group was staying in tents to poison Wildling Pines in the area. They let me use their power tool batteries to charge my phone. Good lads.