Monday 29th February: Brilliant sunshine, sunny cold and 3°C to 12°C
Luxmore Hut to Te Anau: 20k: 7hr walk
Highlight of the day was just finishing the Kepler Track - all 6 of us - all without injury except for a few sandfly bites (Milton had more than his fair share with a few red spots on his toes from walking down hill in this socks).
Our day started at 7am at 0°C with breakfast of hot porridge. Ian and I pack then clean the hot gas rings and sweep the floor before meeting the others outside. At 8.30am we're off across the relatively flat mountain track before we descend to the tree line. The cold wind blowing across our face instantly eases and its an easy grade down hill through the beech forest. We're moving fast and easily and soon the forest changes to and undergrowth of ferns. in 2hrs, the track flattens out and we suddenly see Lake Te Anau ahead through the trees and step onto the sandy beach of Brod Bay. Time for a leisurely morning tea in the primitive camping grounds, away from the smelly toilets.
Glimpse of Lake Te Anau
Track through Tussock
Down through forest to Brod Bay
Brod Bay - at the bottom
Womens business lake Te Anau
Kepler Track, bin there done that
It rained and it rained
The sign says 1hr 30mins to the Control Gates. It's an easy walk through wetland forest along the track beside the lake and at 1pm we arrive at the Control Gates 2hrs ahead of time. We're all feeling so good that after a picnic lunch at a real table, and using a real toilet we set off for the 1hr walk into Te Anau, and decide to give the Shuttle Bus a miss.
It's easy and flat as we chat whilst walking the last leg of our Kepler Track. It does take us 1hr, and we need to make a few quick stops at the Te Anau Holiday Park to let them know we're NOT on the 3pm shuttle bus, and to DOC, to pick up the tickets for the Routeburn Track in 2 days time. The weather forecast isn't wonderful but Milton has other ideas. I like his forecast better. In 10 minutes, we're back at the Te Anau Lakeside Motel.
After lots of washing and a shower, we're off to the supermarket - and of course a squizzy at all the sports stores along the way. With six armfuls of steak, chicken, corn, an assortment of veggies, beer, wine, and cheese we walk back to the Motel to cook up a banquet and chew over the events of the Kepler Track - been there, done that.
Tomorrow is a day off to get ready for the Routeburn Track.