Makorora

I arrived into Makorora around noon today and the rain is starting to ease after a night of long heavy rain. Things seem to be falling into place to start hiking through the Wilkins and Young valleys tomorrow. The weather is good for the next 4 days so I seemed to have timed it perfectly. I walked a few kilometers up the road to check out the river crossing this afternoon and actually met up with two guys who were starting the track (one of whom I met a week ago on the Caples. I watched them do the river crossing and am confident that it won't be a problem (especially because I saw them do it during rain).

I'll do that tomorrow morning and then take 3 nights to hike. On the fourth day I should be able to take a plane out of the Wilkins valley back to Makorora. It's only 40$ NZ (~20 US) if you can catch a back-flight and apparently there are quite a few because it's very popular for people to fly into the valley, walk some, and then take a jet boat back into town. If I'm unable to catch a flight the warden at the hut should be able to arrange a jet boat pickup which would still be an exciting way to finish the tramp.

While walking back from the river I met up with a guy on the road who is section hiking the whole length of the South Island and we walked together for a few kilometers. He was a real interesting person from Nelson and we talked for a bit when we got back into town also. I might run into him in the next few days as he's taking a similar route but will be continuing to walk through the mountains instead of flying out.

Tonight I'm staying in a dorm bed at a very nice little resort in Makorora and I believe there's a dinner buffet with lamb tonight at the cafe/bar!

I'll be back on Thursday!

-Brian