Reaching the End of the Timber Trail
The final day of the 85km long Timber Trail. It felt quite reverent walking through the glow worm chasm of last night. Beautiful, but ordinary in the day, compared to the bewitching lights of night.
I reach the last of the suspension bridges and continue on. The pack feels good, and I am just cruising. Another few kilometres and I arrive at the famous spiral staircase. One of only 11 examples of railway spirals worldwide, the spiral staircase allowed trains to move effectively up very steep slopes.
Over a bridge, circling down and around and through a long, deep tunnel before emerging on the other side. Still quite spectacular today, all these years on.
A long, non-stop walk through a dangerous boulder area before being deposited at a road. That was essentially the end of the Timber Trail. From here, the trail travelled through highly damaged farmland. The adjacent creek choking in wild blackberry and weeping willows. Quick and painless walking, but not pretty.
Arriving at the campsite situated at the end of the trail, I was in the process of putting the tent up when Aubs arrived. “Wait! Wait! It’s just a long, boring road walk into town morla. If I can secure a ride, will you take it?”
Too right I will.
Aubs goes to work, and has soon successfully negotiated a ride into Taumuranui with Pete, owner of Epic Bike tours. We are riding with a girl who started the TA in early September, and rode the Timber Trail section. It was great to talk to her about our differing experiences in relation to the trail.
So, as luck would have it, a glass of wine is had with a meal at the local RSL, before snuggling down into a lovely, comfortable bed.
Interesting walk and good on Aub for his successful negotiating skills!
You are getting used to this cushy approach to trekking!