{"id":5144,"date":"2024-03-06T22:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myblogary.com\/?p=5144"},"modified":"2024-03-16T22:38:42","modified_gmt":"2024-03-16T09:38:42","slug":"the-photo-finish-milford-track-day-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myblogary.com\/index.php\/2024\/03\/06\/the-photo-finish-milford-track-day-4\/","title":{"rendered":"The Photo Finish (Milford Track, Day 4)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

March 6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sunrise at Quintin Lodge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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It was another sunrise start for us when the generator kicked on at 6 a.m. We had an early morning kickoff again as our final stretch was 13 miles to reach the finish line at Sandfly Point. The good thing about this section of the track is that after a short descent, the hike was mostly flat. We decided that we now know the sweet spot for us on longish hikes is about 10 to 11 miles. Anything longer just plain sucks and isn\u2019t much fun for our feet or backs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sunrise at the lodge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Sutherland Falls<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Lodge deliveries via helicopter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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8.5 miles to go<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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On the trail, a luscious green walk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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This was the longest section of track as we continued into the Arthur Valley where we had our first break at the historic Boat Shed. Just before we arrived, we were lucky to see some rare birds again. This time, it was a black fantail or P\u012bwakawaka<\/a> in M\u0101ori. These birds can live for up to 3 years. Their fanned tail helps them to change direction, like the rudder of a boat. They eat bugs and fruit, and can be occasionally seen hopping upside down to get insects from the underside of leaves. Only 5% of the population lives on the South Island so we were fortunate to see one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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