Te Araroa, Day 86

Getting into wet shoes and socks in the morning, like far too often. Of course, the trail starts with mud and water. It is cold this morning, around 6 degrees, and my cold feet accompany me all the way to the next hut, where X is waiting. It took me 3 hours for approximately 4 km, just up and down in the forest. Many roots, rocks, puddles, and mud. I did not enjoy it at all. I am glad about the short break near Upper Travers Hut, at the bridge.

The area is prone to avalanches in winter and there are a lot of warning signs. This also explains the many rocks / landslides along the way. 

From the bridge at Upper Travers hut, we start the climb up to traverse saddle. I am out of the forest. The climb is steep but not difficult. The biggest challenge is the exposure to very strong winds. At the end there is some rocks to climb and the wind is so strong that at one point I had to lie flat on the ground to not be blown off. I am glad when I pass the saddle. On the other side I find X on a break.

There is a long and steep descent now, first out in the open, then through the forest. I think we descend about 1000m. I am glad X stays behind me. I don't enjoy the descent and it does not seem to end. At some point, I just cry. I don't even know exactly why. I feel just exhausted and fed up with those forests.

A few kilometers before the hut, we sit and rest for a long time.
Around the hut we find a small spot for our tents, and I eat two dinners tonight.

I need energy.

My feet were much better today since I wore the insoles for arch support. I will keep wearing them now.