Te Araroa – Day 49

Harper River Campground to Methven

17.5 miles

Mile 1388.8

I got an early start, packed up and jamming by 4:00 AM. It was only 17 miles to Lake Coleridge, where I’d thumb it to town, but I’d heard it was a tough hitch, so wanted to give myself plenty of time.

Walking along in the dark I saw my first hedgehog! I’ve seen heaps of these guys smushed along the side of the road, but hadn’t seen one alive until now. They’re nocturnal, so I probably would had gone without seeing one if I hadn’t been night hiking.

By the time the sun had risen I’d made good progress down the dirt road.

When I reached Lake Coleridge, I left the dirt road to continue down a paved one.

Within minutes I lucked out and scored a hitch from a high school kid on his way to town for class. He was running late, but was cool enough to get me about halfway to town. From where he dropped me I barely had time to lift my thumb before another car stopped to take me the rest of the way to Methven. I got super lucky…

Once in town I made my way to a cafe, where I booked a hotel and uploaded some blogs while milking a cappuccino.

Next, I swung by the Methven visitor center to book a ride to the trailhead for tomorrow morning. The location I’d left the trail today and where it starts up again further south is intersected by a large braided river that can’t be forded, so hikers like myself are forced to find transport around it.

That chore done, I swung by the Four Square in town to grab a resupply, before checking into my hotel. I found this new flavor of M&M, and oh man it’s tasty!

My shoes are looking worse and worse, but surprisingly the hole hasn’t really caused me any issues, so I’m just going to keep rocking them for now.

I spent the rest of the evening watching tv while working on a tub of ice cream. Nom nom nom.

P.s. Thanks for the support Chris! You’re the man!