Start – Camp Bay
Finish – Cow Shed Bay
Daily Distance – 22 km
TA Distance – 1780 km
The Queen Charlotte track has many qualities to recommend it. Well maintained footpaths, some of the
most beautiful scenery in nearly 1800km of hiking and very nice camping options. However, the thing
that really sets it apart in my mind are the chickenbirds. Weka (chickenbirds) are seemingly everywhere
on the track. They look like nothing so much as the result of a marriage between a pheasant and a
chicken. Armed with a catlike curiosity, the sprinting ability of a Olympic athlete and a fellonious nature
equalled only by elected members of parliament, they are a menace. I have developed rather a fondness
for them though. They’re cute in an ungainly sort of way and their stealthy circling makes meal times
more entertaining than they would usually be. A pack of them raided a tent porch left slightly ajar under
cover of dark overnight. Quite what they wanted with a bundle of ladies clothing is anyone’s guess.
Perhaps they amused themselves with an improvised catwalk show, but really who knows what goes on
in the mind of small flightless birds.
Other events of note today were a lovely post hike swim in the sea. A little chilly, not to mention briny,
but wonderfully refreshing nonetheless. Suitably spruced I took advantage of there being a fancy hotel
300m down the road for a pint. Well, maybe more than 1, but who knows when the next opportunity will
present itself. Plus they really were very decent about my fetching stained trousers, raincoat and crocs
ensemble, so I figured they deserved a little more of my patronage in recognition of their excellent
service.
Unfortunately it has rained almost all day, so my camera didn’t leave the bag. Fortunately I have plenty
taken yesterday.
