Since we had a longer day today we decided to get up at 6:30 and begin our standard routine of Via followed by oatmeal. We left the Hut at 7:45. Today's hike was 20.5 km and ended at the Pacific Ocean.
The first 12.5 km was almost exclusively downhill and ended at the Lewis Hut and the Heaphy River. We stopped there for an extended break. The remaining 8 km followed the river with limited ups and downs. The trail along the river was very much like walking through a jungle canopy. We had some periods of rain but not enough to put on the pack cover or a rain jacket.
We arrived at the Hut at 1:30 and had our lunch. The location of the Hut is at the confluence of the Heaphy River and the Pacific Ocean. The weather cleared and it has gotten quite warm.
John and I took a long walk along the beach. Peg would have truly loved this place. I did stick a foot in the ocean and took a sip of salt water in her honor.
For the last two days we have been joined at the Hut by a group of six women who were part of an outfitted group called Gourmet Trekkers. The guides were a man and a woman who I would guess to be in their mid to late 20s. They carry and amazing amount of fresh food and spend a couple of hours preparing dinner. There were six bottles of wine on the table tonight. Fortunately for the guides the wine is stored at the Huts. Their trip is four days and three nights and costs $1,995 a head. Wow!
Lewis Hut
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