Day 85-86 | Arthur's Pass + 1 zero day
6/7 January 2023 | 19°C | 30km
I toss and turn during the night to find a position where i don’t feel any pain. Consequently, I am still pretty tired in the morning. But I am hungry and looking forward to a coffee. Though the weather forecast predicted rain close to Arthur’s pass it looks quite good in the direction we are heading.
After 30 minutes walking I have to stop to take some pain killers. The first time since I am on trail. My groin, knee and calves are in pain, it feels like some nerve is stuck somewhere. I feel much better once Vitamin I (Iboprofen) starts doing its job. There is wie a few hits on our way today. Hamilton hut - our stop for a second breakfast - has sparkling clean, has 20 beds, a huge porch overlooking the river and a chimney.
Only two hours later we reach West Harper Hut. I see two hiker having a break below a tree and then - surprise - it’s Headlights and Lavender - a Swiss couple I used to meet on the North Island. They skipped the Tararuas and made it until here. One of the first people of our wider trail family of southbounders (Sobos) we meet on our northbound (Nobo). journey. Funnily, I also meet Oskar whom I was in touch with via the ultralight hiking forum in Germany.
After another 3 hrs walk when the rain starts pouring down, Lagoon Saddle Shelter comes into sight. Perfect timing! Fortunately it was just a rain shower that strips an hour later when we head out again.
Beautiful views over the Waimakariri River Valley one of the locations where the well famous CoastToCoast race takes place each February.
Once down by the road, I call a few accommodations in the valley but they all seem to be fully booked. We booked at The Sanctuary at Arthur’s Pass for tomorrow but now we are one day ahead of schedule. They still have one bed for tonight but not two, says Bill the friendly owner. I try another hostel but accidentally call the same number and now Bill tells me he can work something out. He even offers to pick us up. 😊
