Day 72 - Coalgate to Rakaia Gorge

20 March

A farewell to Tony, Tinky, Gus and Addi. Harry, their eldest son is currently over at Christchurch Boys High School. 

Yesterday had been a zero walk day. A chance to recover and enjoy having a relaxing birthday. Tony had taken Karl and I for a tour around the 600 hectare farm. We learnt lots! Far more than can be mentioned here. It had been a lovely stay and a chance to reconnect.

Today (Day 72 of walking) we were underway just after 9am. Tinky driving us to the Coalgate Tavern. The weather cool and clear. The wide road berms providing easy walk options away from traffic. Hedgerows are prominent throughout this area, They provide the necessary shelter when wintry conditions prevail. During our rest breaks we nestled into these and fed up on snack foods. The usual protein bars, or our latest love, Whittakers peanut slabs.

At a settlement called Windwhistle, we took a much needed break. Karl refilling his water pouch. 

Another 5k and the Rakaia Gorge bridge is ready to be crossed. It’s in two parts, a single lane then a chunk of rock before a double laned bridge.

On the other side, who should pull in behind us? Don in the Supervalue van, a grin from ear to ear. With 30k achieved for the day it wasn’t long before we were in Methven. Time in a spa pool felt so good on an aching body. A table meal of air fried spuds and sirloin steak off the BBQ was divine!

Thanks Johnstone family for hosting us.

Farewell to Tinky as we leave the Coalgate Tavern.

Glentunnel - a history of coal, clay and sand mining.

A fridge made into a book exchange outside the Glentunnel School.

A farming area on the north side of the Hororata River.

The ranges near Mt Hutt.

Mown berms and high shelter belts.

The Rakaia Gorge.

Rakaia Gorge looking inland.

Rakaia river flowing away towards the sea…eventually.