Day 4: Wakatipu Wonderland
Today’s run took longer than expected in both distance and time. Nine hours and 42.2 km’s later the group arrived at Wilson Bay (Lake Wakatipu) in good spirits. The overall pace was slow today and required a lot of focus from the slower group to complete. Another great run with great support and Mal is feeling good and still on track!
Mal’s thoughts on the day.
The sky was cloudy to start and soon burnt off to another warm one. I felt ok today overall and the tempo was much slower than expected based on the group’s pace. With a gentle start to Queenstown we were greeted with good climb up to the Lomond Saddle (1316m) where we hit a stunning singletrack descent overlooking Moonlight Creek!
A 6-7 km hot and dusty 4wd track in full sun offered little respite during the heat but a good rest and feed at Moke Lake had us in good spirits and refueled. We then hit the lovely track all the way out to lake Dispute and Wilson Bay. The distance was longer at 42.2km vs the 38km expected – but once again spirits in the group pushed us to the finish.
Highlights included the fantastic run down from the lomond saddle and the stunning views. The perfect singletrack found along the route was also great! The stand out moment though had to be the supporters at the finish (again!) We came around the corner and thought we’d seen a mirage. Darren Frazer (1st time half marathoner from day 1) and his trusty assistant, had driven all the way from Winton and set up a coffee cart (see photos!) so the long blacks were flowing! Thanks for your commitment guys. Donations in exchange for coffee and cake were received from delighted trampers who couldn’t believe their good fortune.
Overall I feel good after such a long day, but apprehensive about tomorrow’s run on the Rees – Dart Circuit being the longest at 61km. It’s going to be a taxing day with more gruelling ascents, technical downhills and once again sun sun sun! Saying that, I’m looking forward to the good company, great scenery and more of everything the stunning high country has to offer!
For photos- please view the “follow the challenge page” here.
Cheers,
Mal.
Click thumbnails for larger images.
