After a lot of discussion we decided to take the new route even though we were sorely tempted to go across the private land. My ankle is not 100% but we decide to see where we can get too. On the detour there are some great big Rimu and Tawa trees. We get over taken by a couple of Czech guys about 2km in. The James Burton whare site takes us 1.5hr to get to. My ankle was doing surprisingly well so we carried on. I am slow but it isn’t a race. I don’t know how many streams we crossed but it must be at least 15. At a fallen tree we meet a older couple who are not sure where they will stop tonight.

Rowan is such a champion, he has taken on all of the gear minus some small light stuff that won’t fit. The Aarn is now only 7kg for me to carry which feels as light as a feather. The notes say the road is pretty wide and easy. Well it is in parts, but there are plenty of hairy parts, actually more than wide parts. Clashes of thunder above, I wish we could see the lightning to work out how far away it is. For lunch we set up the outer of the tent and hide in there, hoping the rain goes before we start walking again. Another 4.5km to go before we reach hut. My ankle is still going good. The last 1km is a killer! Rowans knees are not handling all the weight and my ankle is getting pretty sore. We also are not eating as many calories as we normally would as we need to ration our food. I am quickly getting more sluggish. Then we come across a huge slip. I cry at this point, my body is not up for this! Rowan helps me up and over. We finally reach the road. 500m or so of hobbling and we arrive at the hut. Yay, what a horrid day. The Czech guys are there, they cheer me on the last 50m. Wendy and Jerome are also inside all cosy. 5.30pm is a late time for us to stop but as I was so slow it took 8 hours. By the time we get the tent up, clothes off and washed in the river it is 7pm. A late dinner, and straight into bed. The hut sleeps 6 which is rather cosy, we are much happier in our wee palace. I miss the tent when I am not in it.