Already at Clinton Hut after a very easy 90 minute walk in from Glade Wharf, where the boat dropped us. Not a great night’s sleep – stiflingly hot in the room. Steve left in the middle of the night for the common room. Got the bus to Te Anau Downs – Bruce the driver a very friendly and informative guide. Mentioned many things but most interesting re. Maori trading between north and south – mutton birds preserved in fat, greenstone (Milford’s is called tangiwai = waters of mourning), kumara (wouldn’t grow south of Christchurch), eels, etc. Asked about Maori presence around the Hamptons’ place of emigration in 1883 – Dipton – Bruce thought perhaps small parties but south of Christchurch, all tended to be hunter-gatherers.
Hung out in the dim café at the hotel at Te Anau Downs, lunch outside then a one hour trip on a packed boat to Glade – mostly guided walkers. Walk in was uneventful – some birds like wrens and robins. Saw a tomtit here a moment ago. There are flushing toilets! Comfy bunks! Plenty of room!
Have been imagining bring Cara on a walk like this one day – saw father/daughter along the track today. I miss her so much and hope she’s doing OK without me. Most of all I hope Nadia’s doing alright too, with all the care duties for 9 days. Steve and I have been chatting easily about many things. We’re trying to come up with a good limerick for our travels.
8:30pm Had dinner, now in bed! Steve crashed earlier, woke again at 7:30pm. I hope Nadia is OK, not sure why I didn’t hear back from her.
