Takaka and Hang Dog

The ferry from the north to south island was a treat. The channel getting into Picton on the south island was especially beautiful. 

Once I got to Picton I noticed a few others trying to hitch a ride out of town. I decided to take my time, pick up some groceries and prepare a tasty pb&j lunch. After I hiked out of town a bit and found a nice spot to sit and hope for a ride. After about 20 minutes I was picked up by a woman who was heading south for work. She was able to drop me off at the next highway that would get me to Nelson. Another 20 minutes of thumbing and I got a ride by a young American/Swiss couple who were on their way to the Abel Tasman National Park. So my original plan to make it to Nelson was upgrading by getting a ride directly to Takaka where there is great climbing and camping. Woo!

The hang dog camp is a 3 minute walk from some really good camping. It's packed full of mostly jobless climbers with a smattering of other free-spirited transient folk. The laid back vibe and friendly community made it very easy to settle in. By dinner time I had some new friends as well as plans for climbing the next day. 

One of the shining features of this camp is the river located across the street. Fresh Glacier water, deep water soloing and epic rope swings are only the highlights. By 5:00 the majority of hang dog camp can be found here. 

My last goal for climbing here is this massive roof located 60 feet off the ground. It goes at about 5.11d so it's a reasonable goal. A group went last night around 10 to climb it but I didn't have the skin or the energy to join. Maybe today!

I think I'll be staying another day or 2 but then I must move on before I get sucked into staying here for good!