Start – Pureora
Finish – Bog Inn Hut (the timber trail)
Daily Distance – 17 km
TA Distance – 987 km
As it was put to me earlier, it’s great to finally walk through a forest without having to constantly look
down at your feet. Today was day 1 of 4 on the Timber Trail and I’m really glad to have 3 more days to
look forward to. It’s such a rewarding trail with great scenery, few people and huts every 20km or so.
Tonight’s home is the invitingly named and very peaceful “Bog Inn” hut. Based on the standards of the
trail so far it’s only mildly deserving of its boggy moniker, but the hut itself is homely in a rustic fashion
and has some nice camping spots. Unfortunately, the water tank is empty, so that will be a pressing
concern for the morning, but I really couldn’t be bothered to push on today as a lazy afternoon in the sun
was so much more appealing. I’m also feeling lingering tiredness from yesterday’s long stretch, so a few
free afternoons will hopefully see me arrive at town less ground down than is usual.
I hope the trail continues in the same vein tomorrow. Hopefully I may even have phone reception to
upload this, but that’s probably not going to happen. My last post was uploaded earlier today, sitting on a
rock next to a sign signifying the highest point on the timber trail. Think the passing bikers were a little
shocked by the hairy gargoyle perched by the side of the trail, but you have to grab these moments when
you have the chance. It will at least give them something to discuss in the pub. Damn, I’m back onto food
and drink again. The food and drink cravings have really kicked in today. Given how easy the trail is I
wish I had packed more food for this leg. I found in previous week’s I was carrying too much food, but
may have cut my supplies too much now as I could easily eat 5 reasonable sized meals a day at the
moment. It is at least comforting to know that most people are experiencing the same insatiable hunger
though and obsessing about food. I really hope Taumarunui has a good pizza place.
