20.1.2018: Second Chance for Nelson Lakes National Park

I don't leave anything to chance and have been monitoring the weather in St. Arnaud for a few days. The forecast for today looks promising, so off I go. Since I can't decide between two hikes, I call the Department of Conservation for advice. After that, I choose the Mt. Robert Circuit. I quickly drop off my luggage and groceries at the accommodation and I'm back in the car.

After a short bumpy drive, I'm ready to go. The trail winds steadily upward, sometimes more steeply than others. Along the way, there are occasional views of Lake Rotoiti. But it's not until I reach the tree line that a truly breathtaking panorama of the lake and the mountain range behind it is revealed. The loop track is advertised as taking 5 hours, but after 1.5 hours, I decide to turn back. I believe that the view from here won't significantly improve, I have aching muscles in my butt, and I have some leftover afternoon to go to the beach. At the same time, it's a concession to my knee, which hopefully appreciates it. However, I manage to complete the last 2.2 km to the car park in 20 minutes, even though I'm moving relatively slowly. So maybe the track would have actually taken me less time, but oh well, I saw what I wanted to see: Lake Rotoiti from above on a sunny day like today.

The Traverse Sabine Lodge is a top-class motel with a backpacker unit. It's well-equipped, spotlessly clean, and also affordable. For the first time ever, I dare to visit the toilet barefoot without any worries. The high standard, combined with the fact that I only have to share the common rooms with 5 other people, most of whom are leaving tomorrow, almost tempts me to enjoy the amenities for another day, but I'll decide that spontaneously tomorrow morning.

First, I'm heading to the beach, which is only a 7-minute drive away. Due to my sunburn, I have to forgo an extensive sunbath afterwards, but it's actually more comfortable in the shade. The sandflies seem to agree...