Day 7 - From Scotts Gap via Woodlaw Track to Birchwood

Craig picked me up on the street at 7h as promised and we hit back to town in Otautau. Since the hardware store was not open yet we had a nice coffee in the morning sun and guess what welcomed us in the coffee place:

Well – no comment on this one ?

Craig dropped me off at Scott’s Gate and off I went crossing farmland first and then 500m in altitude up in the forrest. I could feel my pain from the long stretch yesterday in my anckles. The right one is quite a bit swollen ?

Well, made my way up through the beautiful forrest in perfect conditions. Nice and sunny, covered in shade by the trees and a light breeze so I did not overheat. The farns are fantastic!

Also the forrest had some amazing views together with the sunlight today. I stopped for 45 minutes today to take many pictures…

My anckle was getting worse and worse and it was a real pain to continue. Needed to rest and stretch fairly often today. Not a good sign. I definitely need a break soon! First glimpse on some serious mountains today:

After getting out of the trees again I had to cross private farmland again which hikers a kindly allowed to do. A huge lamb and cattle farm with a super steep descent – this probably killed my anckle for good now! Had some nice flirts with the cows and bulls. Not sure what they thought of my red t-shirt ?

After 5h the pain was over and Dave the owner of Taylor’s Lodge picked me up from the street. Shower, washing the smelly laundry and resting the foot. At least one day break!

151km done! That is already 5%…