Queen Charlotte Track, part 2

After a great meal and healthy breakfast at Mahana Lodge, we were off on day #2 of our tramp on the QCT.  There were 24.5 kilometers to conquer before we were at the next lodge, and I was a bit apprehensive.  Of course, Mahana Lodge was at sea level, so the first 30 minutes of walking was straight up a hill, and then we continued uphill but at a lesser grade.  The day was spent walking the hilly ridge of the peninsula, with Queen Charlotte Sound to our south and Kenepuru Sound to our north. 

Here is our first glimpse of Kenepuru Sound, very pastoral and beautiful.  We spent the day climbing up and down on the ridgeline you see in the left of the photo, and at the end of the day, we could look back and spot the farm we had initially seen, way at the end of the sound.  

Along the way, we stopped to eat delicious lunches we carried from Mahana Lodge, and we found a group of like-paced travelers: we passed them when they were taking a break, and then they would pass us, and we began to recognize faces.  Overall, there was less traffic than the day before, as day hikers were not on this segment.  The high point of the climb was 420 meters, then we went down a bit, only to go back to 404 meters.  Finally, we reached the turnoff to the Portage Bay Hotel, our destination for the night, and down we walked, back to sea level.  It was great to take off our hiking boots, enjoy the view from our room. and have a cold beer.  Yes, there were cars;  it seems most people DROVE to the resort, but we saw several familiar faces from the track in the bar and the restaurant.

We woke on day #3 to the sound of rain, lots of steady rain.  We were prepared though, wrapped our cameras in plastic and put on our raincoats.   Today, the hotel drove all the trekkers up 200 meters to meet the track, so we only had the second 200 meters to the top of the ridge to climb.  I was definitely slower on day #3.  The rain would tease us and seem to stop, but whenever I put down my hood or thought about taking off my raincoat, it would start again.  Although the track continued for another 15 km, this was our short day of walking, and we soon saw the turnoff to Lochmara Lodge where we were stopping.  I had wanted to stay overnight here, but the lodge was booked, so we settled for lunch and walking around.  Luckily, by that time, the rain had stopped.
    Lochmara Lodge is famous for promoting art, and sculpture is scattered throughout their grounds. This mosaic sofa reminded us of Gaudi's art in Barcelona.

The lodge is also known for environmental awareness and protecting native species.  They have a breeding program for threatened parakeets.  We got to help out at the daily feeding.

Finally, it was time to go back to Picton via water taxi #4.  We had a great time.