Sun 6 Jan - caught the Taieri Gorge train to Middlemarch. It was a two and a half hour journey in a train packed with tourists. A highlight was going over the Wingatui viaduct. I stayed with my friend Noel and his wife Rebecca at their newly established B&B. Noel took me for a walk to the Sutton Salt Lake which w
as a 4km loop.Mon 7 Jan - Middlemarch to Hyde - Noel accompanied me on the first leg to Hyde of 30km. The day was overcast but warm. We saw the Cairn to remember the 21 people who died at the Hyde Railway accident in 1943. It took six and a half hours to treach Hyde. My body felt great. We met Rebecca at the Otago Central Hotel where I stayed overnight. I met Claire and her son Tim whom I would meet often on the trail. They were biking at a very leisurely pace.
Tues 8 Jan - Hyde to Ranfurly - The longest walk of 32km taking six and a half hours.. Enjoyed going through the Price's Creek tunnel and over the Price's Creek viaduct. Felt my first pain in one of my toes. Had a drink at the Waipiata Hotel. Stayed at the Ranfurly Lion Hotel. Comfortable but no atmosphere. Only place where I had to pay for my breakfast. I worked out I would cover 6km an hour in the first part of the morning until it got hotter.
Wed 9 Jan - Ranfurly to Oturehua - 7 hours - 26kms - feet are hurting with blisters appearing on both my feet. It appears as the day heats up, the gravel that I walk on, becomes very hot making my feet hot as well. Had a beer at the Wedderburn Hotel. On the way I passed the Rough Ridge summit of 618m. Also crossed the 45 degree lattitide markers, twice. I counted 73 riders in this section. Stayed at the Oturehura Hotel in a very comfortable room at the back of the hotel. At my accommodation I met Suzanne and John from Holland. Had a wonderful three sociable hours with them. Otureua has a wonderful general store "Gilchrists".Thurs 10 Jan - Oturehua to Lauder - 5 hours - 23kms - a shot leg but my feet are sore. This is probably the most popular section with lots of day walkers. Walk through the two Poolburn tunnels and over the Poolburn viaduct. Lots of cuttings and great vistas to see. The Lauder Hotel is owned by a female gay couple in their late fifties. They were very hospitable and I enjoyed staying there.
Fri 11 Jan - Lauder to Galloway - 7 hours - 30 km - feet very sore. Today is the hottest day - 32 degrees. Made fantastic progress to Omakau doing the first 3kms in 31 minutes. Feet are feeling good but as the day heats up they become painful. Had a beer and hot chips at Chatto Creek. At Galloway met by Werner van Harselaar, By Board of Trustees Cahirman. They were holidaying at a house owned by Kate's (Werner's wife) sister and husband. Went to the Shakey Creek for the family to swim while I soaked my feet. Had dinner at a nearby cafe. Once back in the house Kate (a doctor) bled my blisters.
Sat 12 Jan - Galloway to Clyde - 4 hours - last 15 kms. It was a cool day to walk the last section. Uneventful trip. Pretty boring with long straights to walk. Denise and friends met me at the Clyde Railhead.