DY 13
The day began with me still uncertain of where I would spend the night as the trail angels Dave and Alex had not replied to my txt, email or phone call and there was no other accomodation in Helena Bay. Olivia a TA walkers going north said she had gone to their place yesterday and it looked dodgy. She wouldn't stay. I walked to Helena Bay. Sealed road walking which is hard on the feet. I saw mangroves, cows grazing the long acre and pasted Mokau marae. Had lunch at Helena Bay. It is beautiful but very disappointed. No toilets and no fresh water. The next camp was at the end of the Helena Bay ridge track. 9 km but takes 4 hours, well that would be about 6 for me. There was a road route, gravel and quite steep but I made good time. I had to back track 2km down the track to a camp site. The farmer kindly provides water but no toilet. Still it is a big paddock with lots of bushes. I have 2 french guys sharing the camp site and no. I have not mentioned the Rainbow warrior. I bet they don't teach that in their history classes. Had a Backcountry meal and an early night