Spending Time In Jurassic Park

NZ Day 45
WHANGANUI RIVER TRACK: Whakahoro to John Coul Campsite 37 KM ( total KM's walked 765)

Started the day early with the guy from Blazing Paddles picking us up at 7 so we could be on the river early. After an hours drive the guy backed down this little road leading down to the river. The road was overgrown and didn’t look like a great place to launch the canoe, however after pulling everything out of our packs and securing them into water tight barrels it was all systems go. Neither David or I have had any canoeing experience so I was a little apprehensive that we were let loose on the river with a couple of mud maps, 2 oars and life jackets. However.......The day turned out to be quiet surreal paddling down the Whanganui River was so beautiful even if the weather wasn’t perfect, in fact we were on the river about an hour and it bucketed down. It rain so hard we had to pull in under a ledge and bail out all the water. But besides the rain it was a slow easy paddle with amazing scenery . I said to David I expected to see a brontosaurus peak it’s head over the ridge, the vegetation seemed ancient. Pulled into a camp spot after 6 hours of paddling , arms feeling a little tired then had to haul our 2 big bins of gear up a mountain. Geez they don’t make it easy for you.

HIGHLIGHT: The peacefulness of the river
LOWLIGHT: The landing at the campsite, nearly busted my boiler pulling our gear up the bank.

Today was one of those days where you pinch ourself to ensure your not dreaming. I’m so grateful for this opportunity to experience this. Grateful for meeting back up with Emerlie and Maria. Grateful for a proper toilet ......I was busting to go when we finally docked.

NB: I have included the KM's paddled into a total walked as this is still part of the trail.