Yet another beautiful stretch of hiking. So much good stuff happened here, I can hardly recall it all. There were mountains, there were waterfalls, there was a zero day in a full 16 person hut to wait out the rain. There was another American woman who takes as much pride in peeing standing up as me. There was candy, lots of candy, even some hubba hubba hiker eye candy. There was a misty rainbow morning and a few more scratches and scabs to validate my name. I met some rad people in this section, rad people with great life stories I hope to see again somewhere around the world someday in the future.

The trail ends in Boyle, where most hikers have resupply packages waiting for pickup at the outdoor center. Well slap my knee and call me Mary, because who should be waiting for our arrival but the famed Crusaders Rugby team with a hand full of All Blacks. My hormones sure have been hungry and my shame went out the window at puberty. I let down my hair and flirted so graciously to the shirtless athletes. You know, I think it's important to equalize gender biases, and I was happy to give these men obnoxious catcalls, almost as it were my responsibility.

Watch out ladies, he's going to be a heart breaker!!!

Some great locals took us in and offered us showers, a place to charge our devices, beer and feed. Matthew, my FAVORITE 10 year old, even toured me around on his 4wheeler before the backyard bonfire. I couldn't ask for anything more. Thank you to the moon and back. I miss you already! TA hikers, I highly recommend meeting up with my friends at the Alpine Log Cabin in Boyle. Check out there Facebook page here!