We have taken two extra rest days to allow Martyn’s leg to recover. We hitched back to Invercargill, both drivers going out of their way to help us. The hospital doctor was also puzzled by the injury but after Xrays showed no stress fracture we were free to go. We returned to Southern Comfort and Brenda was again very welcoming. We visited the Winter Gardens and did some shopping. Yesterday we hitched to Tuatapere, to keep to our original schedule. The Longwood Forest will have to wait for now, but we will be back! Our third ride was amazing – an osteopath and TA Angel! She bought us coffee in a cafe while he worked on Martyn’s leg. He explained what had happened and reduced the pain and swelling by 50%. We are now confident to set out into the Takitimu mountains tomorrow.

Our first box was waiting for us here and we have organised our food for the next five days. It’s Blue Cod and chips again tonight *sigh*.

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