Day 6

There was a slight drizzle in the night, but before my hopefully waterproof tent was put to the test, it stopped.

This time I started packing at 7:30 with 1 item that still needed a waterproof coat. So I packed up everything else and then another light shower passed. I brought my backpack to the communal area where my camping neighbor offered me a ride to Kaitaia. I could make his suggested departure time. However, the four new hikers I met yesterday could and he would even drop them off at the supermarket.

After breakfast, another shower came and afterward, I got busy with the waterproof spray. Now without the sun, the drying took long especially because another light shower came. Luckily I saw it approaching and moved everything to a covered area.

When it was finally dry, I lost my attachment to my charging cable. The search didn’t result in a finding so I asked Ròisín if she could buy me one and I will bring her her poles that she forgot. She agreed and I was glad to be able to charge my phone. On the other side, I was frustrated at the fact that I put it in my pocket and I had no idea where and why it fell out.

After that, I could finally leave. A lovely woman gave me a ride back to Kaitaia and I started the road walk that would bring me to the edge of the muddiest forest I know.

On the road, a car stopped and I saw Martin and Ròisín in the car. He wanted to offer me a ride, but I kindly denied it. I’m walking all the way. Or at least that is the current aim. Surprised I drove away after I gave the hiking poles back to Ròisín.

The rest of the walk was uneventful, until the last 2km when I caught up with Antoine and Claire and walked the last bit together.

It was busy at the campsite, but nice. There were even two incidents :

a gas stove that started burning from the attachment point instead of the usual outlet

2) a pot of boiling water that nearly tipped over.

As the sun was setting, I got to bead. With the alarm at 5 so there would be enough time to tackle the muddiest forest I know and couldn’t complete on my own last time (still loved it. It looks like the Droomvlucht but with loads of mud).