Another easy day. The next two to three will be more of a challenge, bit I'm so close to the end!
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Today was one of the easiest days of the trail. We didn't go very far, had a long lunch (Clemont took a nap), and the path was very well defined. The forests were beautiful, It reminded me.of a short walk I did in Michigan with my dad's family, near one of the Great Lakes. This was similar in the very green surroundings, with light breaking through just enough to.keep the trail pleasantly lit.
Clemont and I finished the section, which apparently had beautiful views. Unfortunately, it was completely socked in. Our last bit was through farmland, which was boring, but not terrible. We ended up in Ojai, which I can only describe as quaint. But the lodge is wonderful. I got my own room, and a queen size bed. I love this.
Clemont and I had heard that today was going to be miserable weather, so we spent the day at the hut. I read all of the Hobbit, ate a ton of food, and generally didn't move. It was great.
Clemont and I managed to find a path away from Becket's Hut, so it was much easier than the housewarming yesterday. Had lunch at Aparima, then walked through a forest for 5 hours. Sadly, tonight is the 2nd to last hut in the trip. So close to being done though!
Resumed the TA with out Patrick. Instead, I hiked with Clemont. We decided to go to a hut off of the TA a bit, Becket's Hut. It was fun, but really messy. Muddy tracks, unmarked trails, various bogs: Clemont and I pushed through it all, whistling Lord of the Rings. Clemont is seriously insane at whistling.
I spent the day at Krista's house, because I decides that I really didn't need to leave Queenstown. I met Krista last night, she's been letting David crash on her couch. as David left today, she extended the offer to me for tonight.
We had the TA trampled party today. I met a lot of great hikers, generally just partied it up.
We did almost all of the Routeburn today, about 29.5 km. It was much less spectacular this time around, but I found that I really enjoy cloudy weather. Tomorrow it's on to Queenstown.
The air mattresses worked! There was some worrying about whether we would make it, but the patches on my air mattress held. we got a few odd looks from a passing boat, and certainly gave them a story to tell. Pat says we floated for 2 kilometers, which I think is pretty impressive. And now our Milford adventure is at end. Some people pay $2000, most pay at least $200, and I paid $16.50
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