Te Araroa, Day 111

This morning, when I quietly get up, I notice that the Belgian guy is not next to me anymore. His partner is still on her mattress. I think he might have snuggled up with her on her mattress and I leave the hut.
Outside, there is one more tent, a big one, that was not there last night. I did not pay much attention. X tells me later that the Belgian guy must have fled the hut sometime at night and put up his big tent outside because of his "sound effects". I laugh a lot, thinking that the guy will now make sure to never end up in the same place with us again.

The sun rises, and the day begins with a short climb up behind the hut before the descent starts. The descent is sketchy and steep in the beginning. It is very slippery too, and we have to be very careful. We have seen worse though. I very much enjoy the views all the way down the mountain.
After 2.5 hours, we reach the road and start the walk along Lake Hawea. We take a break around midday at the supermarket, and I start the bike lane walk towards Wanaka. When I get to Albert town, it is 2:30. I need to be at the postal service in Wanaka before 4 pm to pick up a forwarded resupply box. The only way to make it in time is to deviate from the TA route and walk along the highway. I opt for that.
20 minutes later, I have to give up on that idea. The highway is very busy, and there is no shoulder anymore to walk on.
Since the postal service is closed on weekends, I have to get to it today. The first car I try to hitch a ride with stops. Climbing in, I lose my buff that I have been using to pad my hip belt at my back. I am glad that Wanaka is a well-equipped town, and after getting the parcel and checking into the hostel, I can buy a new merino buff. For padding, I purchase a small hand towel at the supermarket.
Pizzas for dinner it is, and a good sleep in a bed.