New Zealand 2007 

 

                                    Day Fourteen Te Ananu March 27

                                               

                                            Today was a main concern - could the track be completed by 2:00 pm since the boat

                                            pickup and next bus shuttle schedules were set?  The final leg was just short of the length

                                            of a normal half marathon.  So, whatever pains were lingering from yesterday's 

                                            mountain ascend and descend would have to be ignored.  

 

                                            Most of the final portion was still descending; however, the path was mostly small

                                            boulders.  We followed the ranger's time schedule and was able to leave very early

                                            and enjoy the final few miles.

 

                                            Hiking from the Dumpling Hut encountered extremely picturesque waterfalls,  Two falls

                                            marked the 1/3 and 2/3 points of the final hike.  To hear their thundering sounds in 

                                            advance was very encouraging.  

 

                                            We arrived to the final hut named Sandfly point.  The name didn't require much thinking

                                            and those without bug repellent could quickly explain the name choice.  All from the 

                                            initial group arrived in time.

 

                                            At the end of the track, a narrow boat picks up all the hikers and the 20 minute ride

                                            goes across the Milford Sound - again, stunning views of the fjord and yet another

                                            large waterfall.  

 

                                            A timed bus schedule shuttled us back within 2 hours to our starting point in Te Ananu.  

                                            The trip included a rather tight road tunnel.  Upon arrival, no backpacker instant grub 

                                            tonight - dinner selected was the Moose Restaurant with their specialty of venison

                                            tenderloin.  A couple of dark ale beers accompanied the dinner course.  However, prior

                                            to dinner was the much appreciated (for us and anyone near us) hot showers and spa

                                            tub at the hotel.

 

                                            A very sound sleep is on the schedule for tonight and off to Queenstown and the Glacier

                                            country tomorrow.

                        

                                                                                            Last Updated 2007 March email@ellerberoad.com