28 Aug 2008

Day Eleven - Turangi to Waihohonu Track

WHAT A DAY!! We hit the Desert road this morning….and for those who know anything about this area, you will know that the only way you can really describe it is unpredictable.

From a logistical point of view this stretch of road was the one we were most concerned about. We had been hearing reports of mass snow falls and road closures in this area in the lead up to the walk and we really didn’t know what to expect when we hit it this morning. Lucky for us however the road was open…although this did not make the day any easier.

The 32km felt more like 64km….it was a series of windy bends, sharp corners, narrow and long, steep stretches of road. Although it looked like a nice sunny nine-degree day the conditions made for interesting walking with the bitter cold wind causing my lips to chap so badly that it looks as though I am wearing lipstick in all the attached photos.

I have to say I was very happy to get back to the Waiouru Army Base, where we were staying for the evening to jump in a warm shower. The Army sent out one of their “Lav’s “ to collect us today and a couple of us were lucky enough to be able to take a spin around town in it.

We are being hosted by the Officer’s Mess tonight and looking forward to sharing a few stories with a couple of the lads up there tonight.

CC

 

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