Another early start. My porridge flavoured by maple syrup left by pancake-eating previous occupants. We had been warned that today’s tussock walk would be tough going. Actually, Martyn was in his element and I did my best to keep up. Years of Ten Tors as a teenager and then again as a teacher had prepared him to navigate this environment with enjoyment and precision. We weren’t fast but we got safely through with no mishaps. Lunch was Vitawheat crackers with chicken salad – with our homegrown mung bean sprouts. Delicious!

The final saddle was far more challenging than the tussock and really slowed me down. Another 10hr day! Pasta with lentils in nomato sauce provided our fifth and final dinner. We had survived our first five night tramp.

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