Te Araroa Trail Queen Charlotte Track
Ooh, my sleeping bag is soooo good! After the initial chills I had to strip down to just one layer during the night in Cowshed Bay DoC campsite. I had a great sleep and was up and ready for 6.45am. Johnny the camp warden and his 2 little boys gave me a lift to Torea Saddle.
Today’s trail was easy walking. It was only 17kms to Davies Bay DoC campsite via a number of viewpoints with sweeping views over Torea Bay, Onahau Bay, Kenepuru Sound and Grove Arm.
Davies Bay
I reached Davies Bay by midday and settled in for an afternoon of relaxation by the sea, watching the goings-on around me. It was a really beautiful bay, with excellent camping (apart from the very dodgy beachside toilet). Sadly it was too cold to swim. I spent the afternoon in the sun wondering which direction the wind was going to blow tonight, before deciding on a camp spot.
The camp was empty at 4pm, so I started to set my tent up. As soon as I did, family came in and began to set up their tent right next to mine. The camp was huge and completely empty – they could have picked anywhere!!
I moved, and after scouting around found another lovely spot on the other side of a little stream. I unpacked and set up my tent again. A couple of other girls joined me on this side of the stream during the evening and we spent the evening chatting to some lovely people who came to use the picnic bench.
We had to keep an eye on the cheeky weka. I have a feeling there will be lots of night-time noises tonight as there seem to be a few of them around…
