Overland – Day 3 – Kia Ora to Pelion (11Km)

Up in good time, fed and watered we headed off through the most boggy and degraded section of the Overland just out of Kia Ora heading towards Pelion Gap on the most fantastic clear day. As we approached Pelion Gap the rescue helicopter went overhead towards Pelion Hut. We would find out that night that a woman from a huge group of army people from up north had broken an ankle, about 26 of them. The people in Kia Ora had told us they skipped Pelion to get in front of them.

Ossa was on the agenda but had cloud sitting on top so we decided unless there was a view we would do it some other time which is easily doable being locals. We headed up Pelion East instead. Sharon's first time but my second and the views where just as good second time around. There was a little snow left around the base as we walked up. Lee's Paddocks was bathed in sunshine as was Oakleigh and Pillinger.

While up Pelion a rat ate a large hole in Sharon's pack putting a dampener on the day. We arrived to a packed Pelion hut during the afternoon and the large group of army people  and plenty of locals as well as a few Overlanders. We really appreciated going South to North as we never got stuck with a group for more than one night, especially such a ridiculously large group.

Sleeping was impossible with all the steam train snorers present and the dining area was littered with people trying to escape them. Our extra day from the first big day was about to pay dividends though.