Te Araroa, Day 100

This morning, I head straight to the Medical Center, but unfortunately, there are no appointments available. I then get my resupply box and the new backpack I had ordered three months ago. Back in my room, I take care of laundry and request a video call with a medical doctor through my travel insurance for a consultation. The Indian doctor, located in the US, agrees that I should see a physiotherapist, which will suffice for the insurance documentation. Next, I try on the new backpack and am pleased with its quality and design. I'll assess its functionality during my walk.
I send the old backpack to B. in Auckland to store with my other belongings.

I could not get any Physiotherapist appointments in Methven but I can see one today at 4 pm in the next bigger town, Ashburton, about 35 km away.

I receive a message from X that he will reach Methven today by foot. The plan now is skipping sections of the Te Araroa that require expensive shuttle services around two major rivers and instead walk on roads until we rejoin the Te Araroa at Lake Tekapo.

Our next stop after Methven is Ashburton, where I have the physiotherapy appointment today. Tomorrow, I'll walk there.

Since there's no bus to Ashburton, I allocate enough time to hitch a ride and am fortunate to easily catch one to town. I make my way to "Habit Health," with an hour to spare before the appointment.

The physiotherapist assesses my back and muscles, noting weak shoulder muscles and attributing the cramping to the ill-fitting backpack. He provides a Thera band and demonstrates exercises to strengthen my shoulders. I schedule another appointment for tomorrow at 3 pm.

After the appointment, I hitch a ride with a kind woman named Melissa, who coincidentally is headed to 36 S----n Road in Methven, while my accommodation is at 35 S----n Road. It's a perfect ride!