10km Day : 799km Total
6 February 2015

Yesterday was a busy day in Nelson doing laundry, grocery shopping for hiking food, and picking up a few minor gear items.  One of the new items is a plastic fork which I discovered is much better than my spork at stirring up instant pudding. Another item is earplugs, essential for sleeping in busy huts. Thanks for the suggestion Joerg, I will need them tonight.

The off day also gave me a chance to update my blog and upload recent photos to my Panoramio page. There are about a hundred newly uploaded.

I caught a shuttle to St Arnaud at 12:30, arriving at 2pm.  After a stop at the small grocery for a quick snack and drink I got started on the trail. 

Lake Rotoiti Seen from St Arnaud

Because of the late start it was a short walk entirely along Lake Rotoiti.  A weather front came through last night and the taller mountains got a covering of snow on them, giving them a more impressive look.  It makes me wonder if I will be walking though snow on Travers Saddle.

Lakehead Hut has about 30 bunks and about a dozen of them are being used.  The newlyweds from Wyoming that I met in Queen Charlotte track and saw again on the Richmond track are here.  There are also three other TA Hikers staying the night. Filling out the bill is a family hiking around the lake, including 4 kids.  It’s quite a busy place.

Lake Rotoiti -South End