“The rule is you have to dance a little bit in the morning because it changes the way you walk out in the world.”
Sandra Bullock
Day 62 to 64
- Day 62 – Picton to Camp Bay ; 28 km
- Day 63 – Camp Bay to Cowshed Bay ; 22 km
- Day 64 – Cowshed Bay to Havelock ; 39 km
Total hiked: 1803 km
On leaving Wellington I was excited!
Not only was I leaving the North Island ready to start my first trot on the South Island and had my favourite trotting buddy in tow but I was crossing the Cook Strait for the first time 🙂
The South Island started with a water taxi ride to Ship Cove and the Captain Cook Monument symbolising the start of the Queen Charlotte Track.
Spanning 71 kilometres the track runs from Ship Cove to Anakiwa. To describe the Queen Charlotte as a trail would be a bit of a stretch think more trail highway. With compact clay ground, wide passages, meandering and sometimes undulating summits or saddles this trail is the crème brûlée of comfort hiking. Unfortunately due to the weather that followed us from Wellington, the prospect of gentle days trotting while marvelling at the Queen Charlotte/Totaraui and Kenepuru Sound, followed by sea swims and sun kissed evenings wasn’t so. Instead we had hummid days with intermittent rain showers and one attempt at swimming which was beyond freezing!
A very big plus side though was that we had extra company for these three days… with the addition of José and Mark (N.Ds parents). The Yahtzee games, evening drinks, trotting companions and added banter made the weather an insignificant factor in what was a really enjoyable trot in a region neither of us had explored. Oh and I shouldn’t forget about the food. So so so much delicious food was consumed, from lemon-coconut cake, to gourmet filled crackers/wraps, gin cocktails, chicken pasta and lentil curries. Our tums were very satisfied! Thanks a lot José 🙂
The track passes many saddles, summits, coves and bays which all offer amazing views of the sounds, mountains and surrounding beaches. In particular Eatwells Lookout provided stunning views across Endeavour Inlet 🙂
The trot through the Queen Charlotte Track reminded me that it’s your mindset and the people you surround yourself with that can change your day from average to great. Try to get up every morning keen for any adventure that awaits you and ready for whatever comes your way! Be friendly. Be kind. Be ready to smile, laugh and maybe even dance a little 😛 Because that can be the difference between a day spent sad at the weather and missed beach swim or chuffed at the summits reached, sweaty brows and well deserved beer with family and friends 🙂
From the Queen Charlotte Track we waved farewell to José and Mark and began our road walk towards Havelock where we celebrated a big trot and future Richmond Ranges adventure the only way we know how…
Happy trotting everyone… or should I say dancing 😉
GC Chronicles 
Happy dancing you guys. Travel safely. See you both soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha thanks 🙂
LikeLike
The views are amazing, the chocolate cake looks yummy and the fried food at the end would going very well with the beer, happy trotting guys – take care
LikeLike