Bushcamp to Birchwood Hut
27.4 miles
Mile 1760.5
The day began with some purple clouds, followed by my final big climb on the Te Araroa.
The wind was howling when I reached the top, and before long dark clouds followed.
By noon it was an utter downpour. Between the brutal wind and heavy rain, the temperature must have dropped 10 degrees in 10 minutes. I spent the rest of the day cold and wet…which is why I didn’t take many pictures…
The Birchwood Shelter saved the day! I arrived around 6:00 PM in poor spirits due to the day of soggy coldness. My mood quickly lifted when I learned this shelter had a hot shower! There were about 10 other hikers there, a fun group to be sure. After a long hot rinse in the shower I spent the evening making new friends in the cozy wood stove heated hut.
Cheers!