Legs and Borders

Today was more of an obstacle course than a trail. Sliding on or trying to manoeuvre around mud in long grass, hanging for dear life to tree branches on downhill sections, scrambling up and down exposed rock ridges, using tree roots as ladders to climb and descend, rock hopping river crossings, no water for the first half of the day, all the water during second, you name it! It was still fun and memorable day. Tararua's proved that they mean business, it was definitely the most challenging section on Te Araroa so far. In the morning I've hiked to Nichols Hut, topped up my water (which at this elevation was rain water collected in the huts tank) and had a breakfast consisting of Gruyère cheese, dry dates and tortilla. I managed to meet the last person leaving the hut, he said that it was 11 people sleeping here yesterday.  If you look closely you can see Nichols Hut on the next picture. From here, trail climbed to 1462m...