North West Circuit
Day 8: North Arm - Oban 18km 11hrs
- Hut nights: 7
- Solo hut nights: 6
- People in huts: 4
- Overall people: 6
- Kiwi: 1
The last day. Since I left Yankee River on Tuesday morning this adventure had been truly epic. By comparison this morning's walk was a mere stroll in Rakiura Park. It was frosty when I awoke early, the plan was to get back to Oban before the DOC office closed at about 2pm, return my PLB, then maybe a slap up meal at a restaurant over looking Half Moon Bay. It was a glorious start to the day, the fresh sunlight illuminating the coves and waters of Paterson Inlet, the sheltered inland waterway of the island. The track was a footpath compared to the wild west and with a pack considerably lighter than a week ago I made good time. Though I would be leaving the magic isle today I was a feeling great nearing the completion of the 125km's of track.
About an hour in I realised I'd left my two pinky rings by the wash basin at the hut. My rings had been a constant companion on my travels this winter and I had imbibed them with talismanic properties. Rather than reflecting on a bad omen I framed the loss of the rings as a personal payment to the island, the cost of safe passage through these lands.
It was midday when I broke upon my first road in a week. A big grin broke out as I walked along the solid dirt and gravel thoroughfare, then I positively broke out in muffled hysterical laughter as the road turned bitumen and houses appeared, civilisation, indeed. Half Moon Bay and the township came into view and it seemed a lifetime of experience separated me form the person who had walked out exactly a week ago. I gushed about my experiences to the lady in the DOC office and promised I'd be back. About 8 clean cut youths with their packs entered whilst I was there, they were off on the circuit I'd just completed. I told them it was tough but beautiful whilst I quietly pondered if they realised what ardours lay ahead.
I had a very nice meal with a good wine, and desert, then headed off for an exploration of the area before catching the ferry at 3pm. I stayed on the back of the boat most of the way back to Bluff, watching the island recede. Dave, who I'd been following around the island and had met at the last hut, came up to me and asked me if I'd left a couple of rings at the hut. On hearing my affirmative he handed over my talismans, so the island didn't accept payment after all.
