After a relaxing stay at Mahana it was time to hit the track again. Except due to ‘booking difficulties’ the next accommodation we had was at Lochmara Lodge – over 30km plus, up and down (several times). We decided that sounded more like work than holiday and didn’t fancy a long day. Our solution was to hop the boat to Torea Bay and walk to Lochmara from there- a far more civilised option , albeit still involving a biggish climb and descent from and to sea level.
We were picked up by the Cougar Line boat at the Mahana pier at 10:30am. The long boat ride to Torea reinforced in our minds the validity of our plan. We went past many kilometres of undulating forest covered high ridge line before pulling into Torea Bay.
From Torea Bay it was a steep-ish one kilometre walk up a public road to Torea Saddle. The road crosses the saddle and the Queen Charlotte Track at right angles, and this is where rejoined the track. The road continues down off the saddle to the Portage Resort on Kenepuru Sound. The track from the saddle starts a steep-ish 3km climb with stunning views either side of the sounds.
It was a clear and hot day – so progress upwards was steady rather than scintillating. The frequent stops in the shade were to admire the views….
climb out of Torea Saddle
After a steady climb, featuring a couple of Japanese Quail and a half -dozen of really tiny new quail chicks running up the track ahead of us ( very cute), we reached the spot height. the views across 360 degrees (6400 mils 😉) were great.
The first 3 km down were quite toasty warm in the full sun. Once in another saddle the track to Lochmara left the QCT and skirted around West Bay before dropping off a ridge into Lochmara. This bit of private track was delightfully shady and largely downhill.
Upon arrival we were greeted… by a Llama. Apparently the Llama’s name is Nigel.
Nigel was supported by his mate , the goat, in defilade across the track . The goat apparently has a protected identity, as no name was forthcoming.
A quick check in followed by a cool swim ( goat and llama free).
Our last full day in the Sounds will be spent relaxing and swimming 🏊🏻♂️
Disclaimer: no ungulates were harmed in either the production of this post or the events narrated herein. 🐐🦙
Ness’ and Mark’s Wandering 
You two will need a ‘break’ or further holiday on your return to ACT! Your journey to date has been both inspiring and interesting, and confirms my longheld belief that it is not only a lovely country, but an alternative place to reside ex Oz. Sue and I returned from Queensland on 6th after 14 days of UK family and grandkids, thoroughly enjoyable and leaving nice memories, Now have to arrange funeral for Uncle Michael’s wife, Caroll who died last week, and a great mate (Denis), a retired cop who also passed away last week.
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