🗓️ February 08, 2026

🏁 Kilometers : 2305

Today I'm starting a two-day hike from Arthur's Pass to Coleridge Lake, beginning with seven kilometers along a road before climbing a trail through a forest for a good hour and a half. I then reach the cleared heights with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and the river at the bottom of the valley in its giant, rocky bed. The trail descends the other side of the mountain, following a small valley through a forest where the small river at the bottom erodes the steep slopes, creating long scree runs all down the sides.

I scramble like this for a few hours without being able to take a real break; it seems that the number of sandflies reaches its peak here! The moment I stop, a swarm of these tiny insects surrounds me, trying to bite every square inch of skin! I find a spot a little later, as I emerge from the forest; I think I can guess that the formula of sun exposure + light wind = fewer sandflies.

The trail widens in the second half of the afternoon, becoming a path that follows the river, which grows larger as we progress, requiring us to cross it several times. My shoes haven't been able to dry for days; my feet are constantly wet, with a whitish, wrinkled skin like after staying too long in a swimming pool. I'm starting to experience foot pain, with small cracks and redness appearing, probably due to the constant moisture and friction. I'm knocking on wood—my first foot problems in 110 days of trail running!

After nearly 40 kilometers of walking, I decide to pitch my tent. I could continue another five kilometers to join Natalie and Yvan, who have set up camp, but I frankly prefer being in the heart of nature rather than in a campsite, even if it means sacrificing a little comfort. But the scenery here is just too beautiful; there must be a dozen treeless mountains surrounding me, with the river flowing thirty meters below. And there are hardly any sandflies! Fantastic!

🗓️ February 09, 2026

🏁 Kilometers : 2340

I hike 35 kilometers today on a gravel road, nothing too exciting even though the surrounding peaks are stunning. I pass by Lake Coleridge, whose electric blue waters look like the perfect wallpaper. I am lucky enough to have already been there during one of my stops in December 2023, hiking on one of the peaks overlooking the lake.

I meet up with Natalie and Yvan at the evening's trail angel whose kindness is inspiring. She runs a large house that welcomes hikers every day for a small fee, offering a few extra perks to make us happy, like a large bowl of fries or waffles with ice cream, all for five euros! We play croquet in the garden and spend the evening with other hikers.