Dacre to Brydone (15 miles/24.15 kms)

I got a little earlier start today but it was still about 9:00 am before I hit the road. It is still taking me some time to break down the tent and organize and pack everything quickly. Once I get the hang of it again I’ll get in a rhythm.

It has been great because it doesn’t get dark until around 9:15, and last night was my first special night in my tent. It was so quiet I could hear the sheep and owls. I had the sides of the tent open, and because it was so dark, the Milky Way was so bright and vivid. For me, looking out at the stars from my tent beats any hotel room.

When I started out today the road in both directions was fairly quiet, but close to noon traffic picked up, with much of it being motorcycles probably leaving Invercargill motorcycle event. The road has been a steady, but slight, uphill since I left Invercargill. That so far has been a blessing.

It was nice and cool in the morning but got into the eighties and very humid by noon. I was actually struggling with the heat as the road was traveling in a north eastern direction directly into the sun. I knew right away that I didn’t have enough water and felt I hit the wall, so I tried to stop and take breaks numerous times under shade trees. I think it was the humidity that made it so challenging.

Even though it was hot, clouds started to move in during the afternoon, and then it started to rain very lightly around 2:00, though it didn’t last. It is actually raining now lightly as I am writing this blog.

Today I had countless honks and waves from the passing cars, and even from big trucks. At first I thought it was a “get out of the way honk,” but there was usually a wave to go with it. I had this happen back home, but not to this extent in such a short stretch of road.

I also had a nice lady, Karen, turn around and stop to say hello and ask me what I was doing. We stood by the side of the road and had a nice long chat. Then I also had a young man stop and approach me while I was sitting outside a store in Edendale. He had seen me earlier, and again, just wanted to say hello and see where I was heading. As I mentioned before, I think it’s just the friendly nature of the Kiwis. For me it’s great because it motivates and encourages me, and meeting people is one of the things I love about trekking.

I got to Edendale after 2:00, but it was a little too early to stop, even though there’s a motel in town. The next town, Gore, was about sixteen miles further and I knew I couldn’t make it there. I decided to go a little further in hopes of just finding a good place to camp, or seeing a farmer that would let me camp his farm. It got late, and with no luck, I just grabbed this hidden spot next to railroad tracks and decide it would it for the night.

I don’t think it’s an active track, and I’ve camp at stranger places, but once I am inside my little cozy cocoon all is well.

Tomorrow I will only go as far as Gore and probably get a motel. I usually take a thorough baby wipe shower every night and put on clean clothes before I crawl into my sleeping bag, but with this humidity a nice shower will feel great. Besides, who knows how long it will be to my next shower?

Best wishes to all,

Ted

Please excuse the typos, spelling and grammar, as I am typing this on my phone.