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When I started this walk through the forest just after 10 this morning, I never thought I'd end up hitting my head on a stalactite. But it seems that I did. My head confirms this.
The walk today was supposed to be clear and sunny but the clouds remained. The hefty climb to Luxmore Hut kept us warm, but as soon as we got out of the trees, we hit the clouds and the kept us cold. Once we got to the caves, I headed out with an Israeli guy to explore Luxmore Caves. These caves are extensive and a real b****** to get through if you're tall: a lot of tight squeezes and water meant that my feet got wet through my broken boots. The way back was interesting. We took a wrong turn which turned into an assault course, I hit my head in the process and eventually we got out after two hours in the caves.
I'm now huddled in a one season sleeping bag while it dips towards freezing outside. I have two pairs of socks, thermal leggings, three top layers, a beanie and a sleeping bag liner to help boost my warmth. Let's hope it works.
It just about did. I was just warm enough as long as I didn't move position to a different, freezing part of the mattress. A breakfast of coffee and scroggin (dried fruit, nuts and chocolate) set us up for a climb up to Mount Luxmore on a beautiful day, through the clouds did chase us up the hill for a bit.
Today was all about chilling out and enjoying stunning views from the peaks and mountain ridges we were walking. The weather could literally not have been better: blue skies and the tiniest wisps of clouds. Karin and I took several breaks just to sit and take it all in. The only blight on my day was that my feet were hurting from wearing wet boots this morning, and I must have done something to my toe in the caves yesterday as it's pretty sore. I hope it lasts the extended walk back to Te Anau tomorrow!
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