Day 15 Tapawera to Murchison

Today was approx 100km from Tapawera to Murchison. I would happily have gone further today (particularly in the sunshine), but have stopped at Murchison as accommodation is pretty much non-existent for the next 60km+ and I'm not keen on being in a tent with a weather event looming. Two other TA riders also decided likewise. 

I set off about 7am through the Tadmore Valley in noticeably chilly conditions. The conditions turned to rain past the Kawatiri Junction, although cleared up through the Gowan Valley to Lake Rotoroa. I took the obligatory control photo but didn't hang around in what is a spectacularly beautiful spot as the wildlife was out in force and my insect repellent wasn't where I thought it was.

Something smells fishy here (Gowan River), but I don't have my fly rod with me........

The course then climbed a short way up the Braeburn Saddle before a long downhill into Murchison where I arrived around 2pm heading straight to the River Cafe for lunch and coffee.

A balmy afternoon on the Buller River where I'm staying tonight.

Tomorrow's 1pm forecast
Tuesday looking a little better although cold
    

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