Start – Ohinepane campsite
Finish – Whakahoro bunkroom & campsite
Daily Distance – 35 km
TA Distance – 1245 km
Today was notable for fewer rapids, unexpected reunions and a floating American.
The river has broadened from yesterday, with a corresponding reduction in rapids and a slower current.
Harder work for arms which have been under exercised since arriving in the country, but at least no
change in the capsize leaderboard. The river is also day-by-day passing into remoter and more beautiful
areas. The Whanganui national park is home to the densest bush in all of NZ, so is one of the first true
wildernesses on the TA route.
There were few notable events today. Austin (the helmsman of their boat) invoked Mark’s wrath by
spontaneously abandoning ship for an impromptu swim. This left their canoe (and Mark) drifting wildly
out of control until threats of bodily violence eventually brought swim time to an end. Otherwise, the day
was so beautifully relaxing and sedate that it should have been completed wearing a straw boater and
having occasional naps.
Upon arriving at Whakahoro, to our great surprise, we were greeted by Jasper, Yvonne, Chris, Nadia and
Boris who had last been spotted in the region of Tongariro. As chance would have it they all reached the
campsite on foot today and will start their canoe journey tomorrow. I should stop being surprised by such
chance meetings. One certainly about the TA is that people will turn up in the most unexpected places.
