TA days 119 to 121: Arriving at the Rakaia River

After our rest day at Arthur’s Pass, Animal Encounter and I spent a few more days getting our feet wet in the Harper River before reaching the mighty Rākaia.

Although the river had fallen during our weather break day in the city, the rain had not completely stopped and some spots were still quite gnarly.

Luckily, our first day at Hamilton Hut included mostly hills, some minor stream crossings, and bridges over the actual river. Good thing too, because the Harper was murky, flowing fast, and didn’t seem safe to cross.

Along the way we passed several quaint huts, including the cute little Lagoon Saddle A Frame Hut, where we stopped for lunch.

Animal Encounter also had a break at West Harper Hut. Built in 1957, it definitely looked its age, but also had some interesting features.

Finally, we crossed one more bridge and had a short walk to the camp. After setting up our tents near the hut, we took a short walk back across the bridge and caught a glimpse of Mirror Tarn.

Given the clouds, the colors weren’t as vibrant. However, it was still nice to see the mountains reflecting in the lake.

After returning to camp, we cooked dinner inside the cabin and then settled back into our tents just as the rain started again.

In the morning, the camp was quiet as most slept in as they waited for the rain to stop and optimistically hoped the water level would drop quickly.

We weren’t sure if the section would be feasible after all the precipitation, but we would find out soon oaYsz.

For once, it was really nice to travel in a large group. In this way, it was possible to carry out group crossings and see where others were crossing successfully.

Throughout the day, the mass of about twenty people divided into smaller groups.

Animal Encounter and I spent most of the day traveling with a group of three American friends and their Italian sister. Since the water was still too opaque to see through, the tallest two would slowly come out to test the depths.

Throughout the day we made numerous journeys alone and in groups.

Fortunately, we always found a safe place to cross, even if it meant having to look around and try from numerous places.

As we continued walking south, the scenery was stunning, with many cool hills and mountains flanking the valley.

Finally, we crossed the last river, leaving us with a trail and a short road hike to Harper River Campground.

I felt pretty exhausted wandering around the campsite around 3:15pm.

After setting up my tent, I had dinner early (around 4:00 p.m.), with the idea of ​​lying down to rest.

Although I initially felt exhausted, a surge of energy washed over me when I reached my tent. The weather was still nice and it was not too late. So I decided to take a short walk to Lake Coleridge.

That same night it rained again.

Between the bad weather and being in such a large bubble of hikers for the past few weeks, I was in no rush to begin the long hike to Powerhouse Lodge the next morning.

Finally, the rain began to turn to drizzles. With that, I slowly began to pack my belongings.

The campsite was almost empty when I left my tent.

Across the road, I caught a glimpse of red shorts and a blue shirt disappearing into the cook’s shelter.

Immediately, my mood improved. I could recognize those clothes from anywhere; Team Chokolade was back!

During the last section, Robert and Sophia were a day behind Animal Encounter and I, having spent an extra day in Hanmer Springs.

I had been missing them terribly, and when darkness fell on the camp, I gave up hope that they would catch us.

The excitement of meeting Team Chokolade was enough to propel me through the long walk to Powerhouse Lodge.

It was a long day of walking along the road, but with beautiful views of distant hills and different lakes. I even saw a hedgehog; Cute, but considered a pest here.

Finally, the friendly hosts greeted me with a cookie upon my arrival at the Powerhouse Lodge.

I also got to sign the largest trail sign in New Zealand. I must have been tired, because I almost fell on my face trying to capture a photo of Animal Encounter and me next to the sign. Luckily I saved him, well more or less, doing a kind of somersault on the grass. Funny anyway.

With the tram back together, we are ready to tackle the next section.

Tomorrow we will take a ferry around Rākaia. As one of the largest braided rivers in the world, the Rākaia is extremely dangerous with its numerous crossings. That said, due to the dangers, it is not part of the AT. Instead, hikers must make a detour to rejoin the trail on the other side.

We look forward to drier weather and safe crossings in the next section!