Day 95-96 | St Arnaud & a zero day
16/17 January 2023 | 25°C | 30km
Sant Arnaud, the next little village, resupply stop and source for “real food” is calling. It still is roughly 30km away but we are determined to get there today.
It’s still humid, shady and a bit chilly at our campsite in the grass close to Upper Traverse Hut at the wake up call at 6am so we decide to pack up and get moving to have breakfast a few kilometers down the hill at some sunny spot. My legs are still tired from yesterday’s climb but I slept quite well and after a calf massage I feel ready to go. And the temptation of sleeping in a real bed tonight is just too appealing.
It’s a 2 hrs walk down to John Tait Hut over rocks and roots. Some hikers are still packing up there while we are sitting on the porch of the hut making breakfast. It feel great to have had a super early start today. By 2pm we reach our lunch spot, the jetty at Lake Rotoiti. Phil jumps in right away despite seeing a giant eel swimming by. Urghhh!
Though the last 11km along the lake sound good they are as bit boring as one can’t see much of the lake while walking in the forest. I try to distract my mind by listening to my audio book. The last few kilometers seem to drag along forever but by 4.30 I finally reach the “beach action” at the upper and of the lake by the tiny village Sant Arnaud.
After 120km in less than 5 days including 2 passes of more than 1700m, we surely have deserved a nice room, a first class dinner and a zero day in the lovely Alpine Lodge! 👍
