Day 88 - Lake Coleridge

Turns out minimal planning may not be the best way to go about things. I don’t have many camping options in a reasonable distance so it looks like I’m doing a >50km day. Terrain looks flat so I think it will be doable enough. 

I continued down the valleys, most of this section was on rough 4x4 tracks, and once again plenty of stream crossings. 

11am photo.

To finish off the day I had 25km road walk. The longest road section on the south island so far. My body isn’t used to it, at least it has nice views.

The town of Lake Coleridge came into view above the mighty Rakiaia Flood Plain. This braided river system is fed by a massive watershed. I need to get to the other side to continue my TA journey but it’s too dangerous to cross, and the nearest bridge is 30km away. Most years it seems that no one is able to cross. This year it’s been exceptionally dry down south (I wish I had that in the north), and I heard rumour of one group that managed it, but said they regretted it. Too dangerous. A TA girl last week got swept away by a river and had to be heli rescued. Not wanting to be stupid I elected to do a 60km detour around tomorrow. 

My place to stay for the night,  Lake Coleridge Lodge, is a very recent addition for walkers, only a month. The owners changed and the new ones are very TA friendly. Before we would have to pay 200$ for a room in this town. Now I can pitch my tent for 15$, and a cold coke and fresh baked cookies were waiting for me. Excellent surprise after a 50km day. A group of NZ military people on a hiking RnR trip at the lodge gave us their extra burgers and military rations. Looks like I got dinner sorted. Good kiwi hospitality in this joint.