New Zealand 2007 
 
                                    Day Fourteen Te Ananu March 27
                                               
                                            Today was a main concern - could the track be completed by 2:00 pm since the boat
                                            pickup and next bus shuttle schedules were set?  The final leg was just short of the length
                                            of a normal half marathon.  So, whatever pains were lingering from yesterday's 
                                            mountain ascend and descend would have to be ignored.  
 
                                            Most of the final portion was still descending; however, the path was mostly small
                                            boulders.  We followed the ranger's time schedule and was able to leave very early
                                            and enjoy the final few miles.
 
                                            Hiking from the Dumpling Hut encountered extremely picturesque waterfalls,  Two falls
                                            marked the 1/3 and 2/3 points of the final hike.  To hear their thundering sounds in 
                                            advance was very encouraging.  
 
                                            We arrived to the final hut named Sandfly point.  The name didn't require much thinking
                                            and those without bug repellent could quickly explain the name choice.  All from the 
                                            initial group arrived in time.
 
                                            At the end of the track, a narrow boat picks up all the hikers and the 20 minute ride
                                            goes across the Milford Sound - again, stunning views of the fjord and yet another
                                            large waterfall.  
 
                                            A timed bus schedule shuttled us back within 2 hours to our starting point in Te Ananu.  
                                            The trip included a rather tight road tunnel.  Upon arrival, no backpacker instant grub 
                                            tonight - dinner selected was the Moose Restaurant with their specialty of venison
                                            tenderloin.  A couple of dark ale beers accompanied the dinner course.  However, prior
                                            to dinner was the much appreciated (for us and anyone near us) hot showers and spa
                                            tub at the hotel.
 
                                            A very sound sleep is on the schedule for tonight and off to Queenstown and the Glacier
                                            country tomorrow.
                        

                                                              Milford Track - MacKay Waterfall    Milford Track - Giants Gate Waterfall   Milford Track - Vista Views    Milford Track - Sandfly Point - End of the Trail

                                                                      Milford Track - Final Boat Ride   Milford Sound Scenes    Milford Sound Scenes

                                                     Milford Sound Road Tunnel    Milford Track - Bus Shuttle    Milford Track - Retired Backpacks    

        


                                                                                            Last Updated 2007 March email@ellerberoad.com