🗓️ January 14, 2026

🏁 Kilometers : 1892

We change our plans when we wake up this morning, as the National Weather Service issued a warning for heavy rain in the area that could potentially cause rivers to swell and overflow. We decide to hike the 22 kilometers as planned the day before, but instead of staying at the campsite at the start of the next mountain section, we hitchhike to the town of Nelson, 70 kilometers to the west. This way, we can spend the next day in a dry Airbnb and wait for better conditions to begin a section known for being challenging within Richmond Range National Park, which is expected to take us 7 to 9 days of hiking through subtropical mountain forest and up steep slopes.

The morning is slightly rainy, but the 22 kilometers goes smoothly. With the others ahead, Jolly and I find ourselves at the back of the pack when we reach the end of the day's hike. Emerging from the forest, we reach a bridge spanning the Pelorus River. We start hitchhiking, but no cars stop for the first ten minutes. An idea comes to me, which I share with Jolly: what if we take a dip in the river before heading to Nelson? We strip off our clothes and wade into the water for about twenty minutes of fun, jumping and diving.

We put our clothes back on without even drying off, head back to the road, and as soon as we stick out our thumbs, a van stops to pick us up. The scene is unforgettable: a man in his thirties gets out of his vehicle, wearing a pink faux-fur jacket, almond-colored shorts, white Crocs, and purple plaid socks, with round, hippie-style glasses. He explains that he is returning from a music festival where he had volunteered to help with the organization; And indeed, his car is crammed full of a jumble of things, requiring a game of Tetris to fit our backpacks in. At the front of the van, Bonzai, a Pomeranian with a strong personality, is waiting for us. He readily accepts Jolly on board but growls at me and even nipped my hand during the drive, thankfully without any real aggression.

Upon arriving in Nelson, we go to our Airbnb, where we feel right at home from the very first minute. For dinner, I make French crepes, something Jolly and Natalie aren’t used to; it is even Natalie's first Nutella French crepes!

🗓️ January 15 and 16, 2026 (days off trail)

We spend a day of rest in Nelson, and even decide to take a second one in order to wait for the rains to dissipate.