Bushcamp to Whatawhata
29.5 miles
Mile 480.6
Once again it rained all night, but by morning the sky was clear, so I packed up my soggy tent and headed off into the damp forest.
The next 6 miles were tough. The muddy trail was carpeted by slippery roots, and the grade was crazy steep at times.
The tough trail was made tougher by the fact that I’d run out of water…whoops! Despite my poor water management, the forest was absolutely gorgeous, so I still managed to enjoy it.
Just before noon I popped out of the forest into the small town of Ngaruwaha. Thirsty as hell, I swung by a dairy to grab a bottle of water and a Diet Coke. Mmm it tasted so good.
From there I joined the Te Awa Riverwalk, a pleasant pathway along the Waikato River.
About 5 miles later I left the river for a short road walk before arriving at the Hamilton Riverwalk, which continued down the river into the heart of Hamilton.
When I reached the end of the river path I followed the route through Hamilton and continued out of town down Whatawhata Road.
Just before 7:00 PM I reached the micro community of Whatawhata. I’d read in the trail notes that the tavern there, The Backyard Bar, was hiker friendly and allowed hikers to camp for free in there yard.
When I arrived the owner, Rodger, told me I could setup where ever I wanted. The place was rad. After setting up my tent to give it some time to dry out from last nights rain, I ordered the Wednesday night special, steak, eggs, french fries and a beer. It was bomb.
Dinner consumed, I retired to my now dry tent to get some sleep.
Cheers!