Day 96: Red Hills Hut to St Arnaud (1928-1945)

Sunday, March 5

When I woke up this morning I was surprised how cool it was, but that was ok. I only had an hour and a half walk to the carpark and Margaret had very kindly offered to give me a ride into St Arnaud so I wouldn't need to walk two and a half hours on the highway. There are more cars on the highway than usual because a main highway to Christchurch has been closed since the earthquake hit the top of the South Island earlier this summer.

Margaret and I left around 8 and talked while the trail was a wide four wheel drive track. She was a retired teacher. When we got to the car park we hopped in her station wagon. We got to St Arnaud before 10 am and I dropped my backpack off at Travers Sabine Lodge until I could check in at 1.

I walked down to the lake where a classic boat show was going on and then I walked to the DOC office to see if I could book a bunk at Angelus Hut tomorrow night. There was a bunk available so I booked it and went to the St Arnaud General Store and Cafe. They had my go-to trail food, fish and chips, on the menu so I ordered it and paid for some wifi. The wifi worked great for downloading things so I downloaded another season of West Wing, a bunch of podcasts, some music, and PDF maps and notes about the alternate trail I'll be taking. After talking with my mom and texting Sam and Lauren I went to Travers Sabine Lodge to check in.

This could be the last time I get cell phone service before Lauren and Sam get to New Zealand. I'm so excited to see them next week!

After checking in I took a well earned shower, got my food box, started my laundry and called my grandma. While I was talking to her Sara made it to town too. After my laundry was dry I met Sara and we walked down to the lake to see if the classic boats were there. The boat show was over, so we walked back to where I was staying. I had mailed myself a bit more food than I needed for the next section and Sara's food box had gotten lost in the mail, so I gave her what I could.

We got dinner at the Alpine Lodge. They have a buffet on Sunday nights. Perfect for my always hungry belly! After dinner I walked back to the hostel and watched some West Wing. I really had trouble falling asleep for some reason. Maybe it was the street lights coming through the window or the sound of cars on the highway. It's impossible to know, but I didn't fall asleep until 2 am. Usually staying up until 10 pm is a struggle for me.

The downhill, easy to walk, four wheel drive track from Red Hills Hut. 

The classic boat show.  

Lake Rotoiti

Eels in the lake! 

The St Arnaud store and cafe.