Day 2 & 3
How can anyone possibly get lost paddling down a river? After passing the misty mediaeval Ohaaki tower there is a large lagoon area on the true right that I blithely wandered into, I did have reservations as I observed the weed underneath me showing I was paddling up the current yet continued for another 5 minutes before dragging out the map to confirm my suspicions and heading back to find the main channel. Just above Orakei Korako I saw the only other craft on the river, a chap setting out eel nets. I kept an eye out for the squeeze but sailed past it unfortunately and as the day was wearing on my priority became finding somewhere to stop for the night. Most of the area adjacent to the river was either steep or covered in blackberry. Venturing in behind a small headland I glimpsed a tarpaulin in the saddle and joyously scooted in. Mike and Jack (his dog) welcomed me and were happy to share the space. He was the eeler I had seen a few km upriver and what a great story teller he was! A roaring fire, shelter under his tarp and banter was enjoyed and appreciated. The only other flat spot was quite close to the river level but I had witnessed the river dropping 1m overnight the previous night so was confident all would be well. It rained and was a reasonably warm night so the power consumption must have been light and I awoke to find myself on a waterbed! Not enough to flow into the tent but a swamp when I emerged this morning.
Today has been pretty uneventful with 2 dams, Ohakuri and Atiamuri, being negotiated which take time as I transition from boat to walk and back again. I decided stop adjacent to the cycle trail after Atiamuri a little early today to try and dry myself out before heading down the Whakamaru dam tomorrow.
Again the data coverage is too poor for me to insert images but will edit this and add them when things improve.