The wind blew strongly for much of the night. Thankfully, the direction it came from stayed constant and two large bushy pine trees shielded our tent.
After a pie at the local store, we headed along the dedicated cycle trail that is named ‘around the mountains’. Its 186k route circumnavigates the Eyre mountains and ventures back to Queenstown. Apparently, there has been difficulties with passage across private land, so overall, it is still work in progress.
A lady walking the trail with her 6 week old baby stopped for a chat. She was interested to hear our journey. I asked about the growth of Kingston. She said there were plans for a 500 home subdivision in the near future, however, infrastructure (especially water) was going to be a big requirement.
Two cyclists also stopped and took a moment to talk. They lived in Nelson and were taking time with family in Kingston. Again, they enjoyed hearing some of our adventures so far. The man mentioned the Kingston Flyer train now back in action. It steams down the rails, taking passengers for a ride each Sunday.
The valley gradually broadens and opens out. Athol once was prospected for its gold but is now farming orientated. The around the mountains cycle trail has created a stop off point. The trout fishing in the area is also quite a feature.
At days end we are once again pitching the tent and resting tired muscles from a 37k walk. With a weather ‘bomb’ approaching NZ, we make plans to reach Lumsden tomorrow before it hits.
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