These withered hills: Wither Hill
THE PALACE BACKPACKERS, 114 RUTHERFORD ST., NELSON. $56, SPACIOUS, VERY VICTORIAN ROOM WITH IRON BEDSTEAD
Cloudy at first, becoming hot & sunny
I seem to have got this organising thing under control – although it’s a lot of bags, small bags and even sub-bags. Took off down to the supermarket first thing for bread, milk and some sausage for lunch, then after breakfast acquired a BBH card. The telephone card costs 30 c a minute from public telephones in addition to the 2.9 c for the call, and that’s about as good as it gets.
Tried sorting out the KML converter with reference to the maps in GoogleEarth, so it was a morning at the library. Spent two hours and a couple of problems arose, which I may attempt to fix tomorrow. Chatted with Tom briefly, and sorted out some accommodation for Dunedin via AirBNB. Had a look at the bookings at DoC for the Abel Tasman Track and if it can be done with 3 hut stays, there are enough places available. Will have to see about safe parking and transfers.
Then set off for the Wither Hill walk after finding a replacement for my hairbrush (or better said, three replacements since I had found a $3 shop and there were 3 for $3, so perhaps I should have tried a $1 shop). First went down the road to the southwest but couldn’t find any carpark, and when I turned into the road to Hanmer decided I should try elsewhere.
This led fairly directly to the homestead, with a carpark up front. A couple of places to sit so I got out my picnic hamper and made a pair of sandwiches with smoked beef.
Judging from the descriptions I thought I might try the ridge route to Mt Vernon. About ⅓ of the way up checked the camera to find that I had left the memory card in the computer. Trotted back down the mountain and retrieved the card and put in some new batteries. Now for the next problem: The camera didn’t recognise the card (‘card locked’) – haven’t been able to solve the problem entirely but it may be the switch in the camera, or the card may need some sticky tape.
About halfway up I stopped for a bracketed pan and then headed for the peak. Could see the North Island almost directly to the east. Returned back down the same path and barely 100 m from the car I slipped and fell head over heels. First time to have skinned my knee for a long time. First aid was to wash the wound with drinking water.
Had spent some time this morning telephoning around the hostels in Nelson – most were pretty full and on about the 4th try got this place. Internet bookings for BBH require 2 days in advance. Bit of a winding track to the carpark at the hostel, but made it in the end.
These withered hills: Wither Hill
Walked around town fancying I might have lamb or at least a roast, but couldn’t find anything suitable. Settled on a pizza casanova at the closest pizza place for $18.90. Will see about a shower and some clothes washing tomorrow.