We woke to a small mountain meadow completely fogged in. After saying our goodbyes to our new friends the four of us disappeared into the soup. Today was to be difficult and the crappy weather didn't help. Our shoes were wet...again and progress was slow trying to be sure we went the right way. When I read the directions of our hike today my eyes went crossed. Here's a piece: "Care needs to be taken to ascertain the correct route beyond the saddle. Do Not Descend. Instead continue to the right along the upper most track crossing a large scree slope. On the far side of the scree the route continues to sidle through tussock to the next ridge. From the ridge the poles lead down diagonally away from Swin. Eventually, after crossing 3 further scree slopes, the track reaches a dilapidated fence along another ridge line..." Now just picture us doing this backwards because the directions are for South-bounders and we are heading North...in the fog.
By lunch we made it the saddle and began our long descent to a stream that we would follow for 4 miles to the hut. When I say follow, I really mean walking in. The sun came out which helped and we were pooped by the time we reached Comyns Hut. We pressed on another few kilometers before racing to dry everything before the sun set behind a mountain.
A few people of told us that we must see Cape Reinga, the Northern most tip of the trail. The collision of two oceans make one unbelievable wave. That of course makes our gears start to turn. The calculator in our head starts rattling off numbers. Miles we have left. Days before our plane leaves. How many miles we need to do a day. And the next thing you know, we are on the slippery slope to solider land. I was falling for that trap more than Shadow. He reminded me that this is not a thru-hike, but a way to see a different country. If we make it all the way, then that's icing on the cake.
Tomorrow we head into town for a much needed day off. That's assuming we can find someone to give us a 25mile ride.
Scree Slope in the fog
Comyn's Hut
Camping in the valley
Country Mouse and Shadow
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