By Ruth
Distance: 27 km
(A note on the format for the next few posts: since I wrote these on my phone’s notes app, all the pictures will be at the end of the post because it’s too much hassle to fix the formatting.)
Today was the day we began our journey through the Richmond Ranges! But first, we needed to walk 14 km of road. Even though road walking is not the best, and definitely not the reason we are continuing on the TA, it can sometimes be pleasant for a few hours to walk on a road. Especially when it’s a nice road like today’s: gravel, gently rolling through a beautiful mountain valley. As we walked the valley narrowed around us, and eventually we passed out of farmland and into a forest. At the end of the road was a tiny parking lot and a sign announcing the start of the Richmond Forest Park.
We began the first section of the Richmonds, called the Pelorus River Track. As the name suggests, it goes alongside the Pelorus River, which is a beautiful emerald-green river.
The trail was fantastic and such a joy to walk. We went through beautiful mature forest with big tall Rimu trees, with periodic glances at the clear, sparkly water in the river below. At a few points we crossed the river on somewhat unstable 1-person suspension bridges which was a bit of a thrill. There was also some up and down alongside the river which was tough with our still-heavy packs, but the trail was so even and dry and beautiful that it was easy to forget the weight. It also helps that Elliot has taken it upon himself, while our packs are so heavy, to help me on with mine each time I have to put it on. So he’ll lift it up and hold it while I get the straps on and buckle myself in. What a hero.
It was hot today, and after a few hours on the track we stopped for a swim at the first hut we passed. The water was so nice and refreshing after a sweaty few hours of walking. Floating around weightless in a fresh cool mountain river is the best feeling ever. The sandflies were insane there though, swarming around us as we tried to get dressed after our swim.
When we reached the second hut, 9.5 hours after we set out this morning, we were surprised to find out that two of the six bunks were still available! With the number of people we’ve been seeing on trail over the past couple days, we were totally expecting to have to camp. So this was a big win. We went for another swim at Middy which felt equally amazing. With a full day of walking, two swims, a beautiful trail and time in the evening to cook dinner, chat with fellow TAs, read, and blog, it was kind of a perfect day on trail.
