Day 103: Bye Bye Beach

Kajholm Shelter to Langdal Shelter

Distance: 45km

A stormy night, poor sleep. So it doesn't really annoy when the alarm goes off at 04:00. I'm already wide awake anyway.

The moon is shining brightly, making wayfinding through the forest and back to the road a piece of cake. I follow the road for a couple of kilometers back to the beach for another night of beach hiking. Or that was the plan at least.

The closer I get to the beach, the stronger the wind. Once I get to the beach access ramp, I notice the sea coming all the way up to the dunes/cliff. Even though the tide is going out, following the beach would be a bit of a suicidal mission. So I go for the safe option and follow the road, for 15 kilometers running more or less parallel, a couple of kilometers inland.

By the time I get to the beach, the sun has risen. With the tide completely out, walking on the hard, wide beach is easy - if it wasn't for the strong 40 to 50 knots wind (80 to 90 km/h), which is slowly changing from a cross into a head wind. Still, I am feeling much more energetic than yesterday. Slowly, I think, I am getting back into the Thru-hiking routine. 

The last 5 kilometers where a real struggle though. The breeze stiffer than ever and the sand getting soft, I have to force myself to keep going, as I am unable to exit the beach due to a stupid military firing range. Exhausted (but also somehow happy) I am finally turning my back to the sea, heading inland. 100 kilometers of beach walking. Remote, wild, beautiful and challenging. A bit like 90 Miles Beach on Te Araroa. I'll definitively remember the last 3 days for a while. 

Heading inland means I finally can enjoy a bit of tailwind. Amazing what an impact the wind direction has. Still, despite the wind pushing me towards my shelter, I start feeling tired. Therefore, I am relieved to spot my shelter in a pine forest plantation. Simple but a dry roof over my head. I can't ask for more.