30.12.2017: A hangover for you and a hangover for me

Yesterday took its toll - we both wake up with a considerable muscle soreness. Eric's knee is also bothering him. Given our pitiful condition, we restructure a bit.

We still undertake the 1 km hike to Devil's Punchbowl Falls together - slowly, very slowly we climb the steps and grit our teeth going downhill. We have already seen the waterfall from a distance yesterday, but it looks much more impressive from its base. Our paths separate shortly before the car park. I embark on the nearly 4 km long Arthur's Pass Walking Track and am glad to be picked up at the other end by Eric. I wouldn't have had much motivation to walk the whole way back, even though it is very easy to walk, and Eric needs to take care of his injured knee anyway.

According to the travel guide and the internet, the Arthur's Pass Walking Track combines the best of the region, passing by waterfalls, through subalpine beech forest, and offering views of Arthur's Pass Village and the mountains. At one point, you have to cross the highway and have the option of a short track extension, but unfortunately, this part is closed due to bridge construction. Despite my leisurely pace and some photo stops, I arrive before the designated time. Eric is already waiting for me at the car park.

After lunch together (lentil soup), we take a short walk along the Dobson Nature Walk, where you get a good insight into alpine vegetation like daisies, herbs, various grasses, and shrubs.

Before we make ourselves comfortable in the hostel, on the recommendation of our host Vikki, we pay a visit to the Otira Stagecoach Hotel. Besides Gollum on the roof and Gandalf in the yard, there are also cute piglets, a stagecoach, and vintage cars like an ancient Morris 8 to admire. The yard alone is a mix of museum and junk room, and staying overnight is like a journey back in time according to the reviews on the internet, thanks to the many antiques in the rooms.

At the hostel, we make ourselves comfortable first and only get going again for dinner. Today we only have canned soup with toast and a tomato-cucumber plate.