Day 93: Wait the Town is Actually Named Methven?

January 11, 2020

Kilometers: 2215.1-2243.7

Harper River Campsite to Methven Campground 

We had a 2pm shuttle to catch into town so we were up at 6:30 and on the trail just after 7. Janina and Tracey were already hiking by the time we were awake. I took off before Team Belgium. The first 22kms were on a gravel road that ran parallel to Lake Coleridge. Unfortunately, there were mountains in between the road and the lake so we were unable to see the lake for this part of the walk. The rising sun created some cool shots. I also liked the TA trail users sign.

I cruised through the first couple kms to see a car pull up next to me. Of course Charlie and Peter were inside and knowing I refuse to hitch they told me to toss my bag in to make it easier. I did but immediately regretted not taking any snacks with me as I still had about 20km to go. 

Having no pack made it easy to move quick across the gravel road. I did some jogging as the tailwind pushed me towards Lake Coleridge Lodge.

I finished the gravel road section and turned onto a farm section that also got up close to the lake. This track finally gave me some good views of the Bahaman blue lake that had whitecaps covering it.

As the quick lakeside section ended I turned back onto another rode. At this point I regained phone service so my pace slowed a bit. I finished up the last 4.5kms into town by 11:15. My 28km day was over rather quickly. I met Charlie and peter at the lodge and ate the rest of my lunch food. We played cards and were soon joined my Janina. 

Our shuttle picked us up and took us into Methven. Not long after we arrived at the campsite Janina and Tracey arrived. All five of us got single person cabins for $25 each, the steal of the trip so far. 

After putting out stuff in our cabins we all went to grab lunch. The wild game burger with venison and beef was the way to go.

I also introduced chuck to the Irish Car Bomb, which we took to celebrate being 75 percent done with the trail. At lunch we also set up our rides around the next hazard zone river that is only 70km further down trail. 

We then went to the grocery to do a resupply. Tipsy shopping can be dangerous but we got just the right amount of food I think.  

We all went back to the campground and played cards until it was time to make dinner. Us guys had shrimp with fettuccine in a red sauce with cherry tomatoes and onions. Just about a million times better than freeze dried food.