Day 36: Twizel to Lake Ohau

31.5km, 9 hours

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A very slow start to the day thanks to none of us wanting to part ways with the Twizel Bakery and then a TA half-way weigh in and pack weigh at the chemist. I'm down 7kg but this can't be certain because of the dodgey Picton chemist scale having a 15kg accuracy range.

Plus a 30km flat dirt road and track walk in the hot sun didn't seem overly appealing today. But we did and it was beautiful walking along side the Ohau river and canal and then ending it with 5km in the howling wind alongside Lake Ohau.

I forgot to write a diary today because I was absolutely ridiculed by the boys this evening for trying to make custard and it somehow resulting in me being completely covered in custard powder thanks to the wind and then the custard bubbling and spitting everywhere thanks to my cooker. I get paid out, yet Ivan who currently is carrying 1.2kg of tuna packets gets nothing! Sealord needs to at least sponsor this kid.

The day did start with me somehow ripping my pack so I put my sewing skills and dental floss to good use and stitched it up and she's as good as new!

We've discovered that if you crush up a packet of potato chips ( it's incredibly calorie dense and packed full of oils and salt) you can then add it to any meal to help boost the calories and it's super lightweight. Never in my life would I think I'd be eating/doing this but I am. The guys have chosen a potato chip to top their couscous and tuna whereas Ive gone with

crushed corn chips on tin chicken, pumpkin hummus and parmesan wrap. Wouldn't advise this additive to meals at home - just when you're out burning 4000 calories a day.

After 25km in the boiling hot sun the first beach I reached that I could get down to at Lake Ohau, I was in. Wasn't long before the others all joined and we spent the best hour and a half swimming them lazing in the sun on the rocky beach. There was a family out on their speed boat and all of us wanted to ask them to drop us off at camp around the lake but in the end were just too chicken to or moreso so tired we couldn't be bothered.

We camped at Lake Middleton right next to Lake Ohau and it was lovely. Would recommend! Ended up chatting to a grandfather and grandson for a half hour. The man had been holidaying here every year of his life and was keeping the tradition alive for his grandkids. Always love the random people I meet.

Ren x