Otira

January 22 11.8 kms 2hrs 50 mins

A short day today, so a bit of a lie in, waiting for the last showers to finish.

Mostly easy walking following a 4WD track down towards the Otira River. A short diversion onto the marked start of the flood track, but even at the start that was muddy and uneven, so I reverted to my original plan of crossing the Otira River at the usual place near Aickens. The river appeared not influenced by the overnight showers, but still a significant river crossing to take care over.

From there a short walk along the marked edge of a paddock to SH73, and then a pleasant walk along the road to the Morrisons footbridge, the agreed meeting place with Hazel for the day.

We stayed the night in the large old Otira hotel ... very comfortably away from the rain ... and snow on the tops ... during the afternoon.