Day 5 Takahue Saddle Rd through Raetea Forest. The Raetea Forest has some of the highest peaks in Northland hence only 16km in 10hrs. Was a tough climb and VERY muddy, tree roots also made it difficult terrain.
I hiked with Alison and we decided to get as far up n over as we could, we read about a small clearing at the 148km or 150km mark we thought we would go for. Unfortunately 1km was taking us about an hour so the variation was huge. Also it was a steep decent for already fatigued bodies, but we found it at 7.30pm yea! Hot food n straight to sleep
Day 6, 26km 9hrs
Out of the forest through Mangamuku and straight to Mangamuku dairy for a hamburger and chips at 12.30. Bacon, egg, meat pattie and beetroot! We were in heaven, chatted with a couple of other hikers before we headed off. A lovely walk up Kauri Sanctuary Rd till Apple Dam Campsite. The Kauri trees up here are amazing and the views from the summits of farmland mixed with Bush were stunning, such a shame about the Kauri disease, I can see why they are shutting forests to prevent this spreading . Once again a bloody long day, my body starting to feel a little fatigued. Had a full on bath in river to wash off mud, hot meal and felt great. 2 other hikers in camp tonight, A guy from Belgium Brum, had a duplex z pack tent like mine and gave me a few tips. Everyone agreed I need to assess my sleeping system as this is very important. Also a girl from Australia called Undi Australia.
Irene Ground's Travels 