Today was the final day of hiking. We got our first bit of rain for the whole trip overnight (fortunately it had stopped by the morning). There was a note in the kitchen indicating that we couldn't start out on the track right away as they had to be sure it wasn't flooded from the overnight rain but got the all-clear to head out by around 8:30.
It wasn't the nicest day ever but it wasn't too bad. It was a bit overcast but the sun broke through a few times and we did see some blue skies yet again. We were quite lucky to have blue skies on all 4 days of the hike as that is very rare in this part of the island. Today was also a bit less relaxing and a bit more of a mission to finish up as we had to be at the end of the track to catch a ferry by 2:00. I had to whip my parents like mules along the way to keep them moving but we got there.
After a bit of celebrating and getting eaten alive by the sandflies at the ending spot coincidentally named "Sandfly Point", we boarded the ferry and took the 20 minute ride to Milford Sound where you've seen pictures from the day we began the tramp (those were better pictures as it was a nicer day).
After taking the bus back to Te Anau downs, we were fortunate to enjoy a huge feast at the hotel after a much needed shower. I absolutely gorged myself like a pig and ended up passing out at around 7:30 that evening.
Overall, the 4-day, 33.5 mile hike was one of the more fun and beautiful experiences I've ever had and it was great to get to spend it with mum and dad.
Nate, glad to see you are back blogging. I was suffering withdrawal symptoms from not seeing updates. I'm glad to see you acknowledging the harsh treatment of your poor old parents on the tramp. Also, I think you are becoming more and more a kiwi, using words like..."Mum and dad"
ReplyDeleteNice to finally get an update in your adventures across the world. Looking forward to some more.
ReplyDelete