| WELCOME RESPITE |
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Beautiful places make the effort of walking the Milford Track very worthwhile. The daisy-like yellow flowers, grasses, water and, yes, even the rocks, reflect the beauty of New Zealand. From here the rain pants came off and stayed off, the steady rain ending at last. Guides assured us the runoff was safe to drink, I'd never do this on a hike at home, so I drank the runoff and refilled my water bottles at this impromptu waterfall. No unpleasant surprises later.
The rocks underfoot are not on they are the trail! I'm listing to the right as the uneven footing took it's toll on my back as the real test of the day, for me, had just begun. Is that a smile or grimace? Hiking partners distributed my load amongst their own packs, a nice thing to do but typical of the people I traveled with. Often alone falling farther behind the main body I alternately swore a blue streak at the trail wondering if I could finish at all or if they'd really roll my body off the trail as not to discourage group 106 a day behind us.
We'd been told a helo flight out from a lodge cost $1000 New Zealand. Limping down the mountain I decided cost was no object and was ready to pay any price rather than attempt the 12 mile leg scheduled for the next day. I was feeling very low.
Eventually the "sweeper" guide picked me up and talked me down, assuring me we were just 20 minutes from Quintin Lodge. He did this for about 2 hours. I was met at the lodge with a cheer and a beer. Lying flat on my back for an hour relieved the pain and happy hour, wine, and dinner completed the treatment.