Wednesday - Friday, May 9-11: Nina Valley Track

I finally went on my track. I bought a nice little stove, and off I went. The day before I had a small dicussion with my brother who (as anticipated) strongly recommeded against such a thing (for the usual reasons - if you get hurt, alone, etc.). As it turned out his concerncs were not without merit and I had ample time to reflect on his words (which I did indeed). But I'm ahead of myself so first things first.

I drove to Boyle Village (about one hour in the oposite direction of Christchurch, namely, from where I came a couple of days before to Hunmer Springs). I left the car there for $15, these Kiwis charge you for every god damn thing. In fact, they offered to give me a ride to the beginning of the track, some 5km up the road, with my car for $15! What a bunch of cock sucking faggots!

Day 1 (nasty):

Ok, so I left Boyle Village at 13:45, walked up the road until I finally got a lift to the beginning of the track with a couple of nice kiwis. This first day was a prelude of what's to come. The walk was in the bush (so much for topo maps), wet, and slippery. My boots, which are crap (I should return those damn boots to REI and get my money back!), got wet on the inside of course. Still after 2hr 45mn (3 hr according to DOC time) I made it to Nina Hut. The Hut seems brand new, and was a very nice hut. I got the fire started (no as easy as one might think) and got the shoes to dry overnight. I Spent the evening playing freecell (almost won!) and readin my "Time" book, whic was lovely - I still have a hard time perceiving 10 to the power of 117 years into the future..

Day 2 (aweful):

This day was simply aweful. The first part was to a place called "Devilskin Hut" (I wonder who came up with that name). The track took 2hr 15min (I started at 10:15), and was the first time ever that it took me longer than the DOC time (2 hr). It was poorly marked, and I found myself several times not being sure as to how to proceed. Going back was not an option, since I went up on a steep gradient, which I doubt I could have gone back down through.

From Devilskin I walked for about 4 more hours to Doubtful Hut. The walk was not without incident. The first half hour was to Devil's Saddle, which was horrific. It was in the open with bush (and many thorn bushes) up to my waist, so that the ground underneath could not be seen. Nor could the pits. So, yes I fell a few time. Fortunately not too badly. Then right before the hut I had to cross a river. Getting my shoes wet was no problem, since they have been soked since nearly the very beginning of the day. The problem was that it was a bit wide with not a weak current. The hut was supposed to be very close but I could find no signs. I will not repeat here the swear words I used about the DOC. Finally, I found it and arrived at 16:45.

The hut was the crappiest one ever. No water, room for 2, old, and shitty. Still, I got a fire going (eventually). There was no point in trying to dry the shoes, so I gave up on that. At some point I heard a sound behind me on the table. I then saw a small mouse (or was it a rat? What's the difference?) and another one. I didn't let them stop me from falling asleep later on.

Day 3 (very bad end):

I got on my way at 9:30. Since there was no water at the hut I filled water from the river, and although hut water is usually river water, I decided to try and not drink it (and I ultimatley had no water until I got to Boyle Village). The track was reasonably marked most of times (with the occasional dount as to where to go). Unlike the day before, there was little danger here. Except at the very end right before the road. There I had to cross Doubtfull River, which was some 20-25 meters wide and waist deep (as I learned while crossing it). The fact that the water was very cold was not a big issue, as the main problem was the strong current (especially with Mr. Mega Bag on my back). I literally could not believe they expect people to cross that damn river, and I am still not sure how I managed to do it and at 11:30 I was passed the river.

I regrouped for 20 minutes and got on the road walked 5km to Boyle Village. Of course getting a ride from passing cars was impossible (maybe they are afraid from Arabs...). And of course the little rain from before picked up, but sure enough at 13:00 I made it to Boyle Village.

Small note: My original purpose was to "fly solo" for three days and not see anyone during that time, which indeed was the case (except for a hunter I met at the very beginning of day 1), and have a dry nice hike up some moutain. Indeed the terrain was somewhat mountainous, but most certainly not what I had in mind (in my worst nightmares...).

Hunmer Springs: I decided to relax for the rest of the day. So I got to Hunmer Springs at around 14:30. Since I had no food since breakfast I got myself a nice Filet (yea!). It was ok. Nothing more, which was rather disappointing given that it cost $28.50 (my most expensive meal yet!) and given that I had no decent food for several days.

Later in the evening I went to the thermal pools, which was quite a treat after the hike. The day was conluded with a movie at the backpacker with a couple of Israelis I met there (Michael and Eleanor) called House of 9, which is a thriller about 9 people locked in one house and only one can get out..

Lastly, there were two more Israelis there one of whom had been reading a semi scientif semi philosophical book about Quantum Mechanics. So I traded him his book for "The Brethern", which has been lying in my car forever.