Te Araroa (day 60) - Twizel [Zero Day] / mile 1537

Weather wasn't disastrous in the morning and I could have continued on but I felt quite flat after yesterday's marathon and since we just went past the middle point of South Island I decided to have a day off. And a lazy one it was. 

I had a cold soaked porridge oats for breakfast but I put in too much water and it was quite soupy but trial had to be done as I was planning to make them on trail from now on. They tasted good.
Then I went to town centre for a coffee with Alex from Germany and Sam from Canada, they both stayed at the campsite since yesterday and decided to have a zero day like me, everyone else was gone. We met Paul and his friend David from Austria in town and we all went to AJ's Coffee for a morning brew. Paul wildcamped 10 kilometres before Twizel last night and was planning to stay at the backpackers in a private room tonight. It cost 160$, way above my budget but he liked privacy and was happy to pay it.
After the coffee we all went different directions but agreed to meet again in the evening for a beer. I went to buy more food (of course) going back and forth between both 4Squares until I eventually found ready made meals I had back in Methven, I also bought bunch of fruits and baked desserts for later. I did the trail resupply yesterday so didn't need much more.
I went back to campsite, had lunch and a few hour nap. Then some more nibbles before we all went to Ministry of Works Bar for a dinner and beverages. I had two great alcoholic "Ginger Bear's", Sam had one as well with hawaian pizza, Alex and Paul had craft beers and burgers. Hiker midnight was approaching quickly and we went back to campsite around 8pm. It was raining in manageable proportions, we all hoped it wouldn't get worse tomorrow.

I had a microwaveable burger for supper and talked with Anja from Slovenia in the kitchen area about hikes she done in France (GR5) and my PCT experience. We were trying to compare both trails with TA which was tough as they were all quite different.

Overall it was a good, relaxing time that helped me recover after the few tough days on the trail. Tomorrow the path continues.

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