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A meandering bikepacking journey

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Huaraz, Peru to Ushuaia, Patagonia

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Peru to Patagonia (26)

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Eileen on Instagram

Before lockdown life, when we used to climb mountains sometimes... We arrived at this hut in a windy whiteout and couldn’t even see it until we were just a few meters away. The hut sits at around 2000m on a protrusion from the side of Taranaki’s otherwise symmetrical cone. It’s fairly exposed to the elements – Note the wire guy lines and the indestructible concrete and steel long drop. I had high hopes that this would be the spot from which to watch the mighty mountain for a while with a few cups of tea, and it would reveal itself in its own good time...

The Ruahine hut game is strong – great views, cute and quirky shapes and colours. This one is a favourite so far. The rugged and overgrown tracks ensure you really appreciate it once you arrive too 😅

A little evening glow through the parting clouds on Ruapehu

Andy on Instagram

It’s a treat having the Rimutaka loop on Wellington’s doorstep, with the corner creek campground perfectly placed to make it into an overnighter.  This was the first time I’d ridden the rather rocky route on my gravel bike with 40mm tyres too - just the one tyre plug needed. I don’t think those G-One tyres are the sturdiest, perhaps it’s time for some cannonballs…

I have witnessed few better sunrises than looking at Mt Taranaki from Panitahi / Fanthams peak. The European name comes from Fanny Fantham, who was the first European woman to climb the peak in 1887.  The scramble up the south side to the summit is a pretty good time too, with some fun scree descending on the way down.

Howletts hut. A fine spot for New Year’s Eve.

Latest posts

Tailwinds and trespassing: Puerto Natales to Ushuaia
Big Patagonia, little Patagonia: El Chalten to Puerto Natales
Gear review: better than the rest, worthy of note and would avoid
Into the funnel: Coyhaique to El Chalten on the southern Carretera Austral
Clouds of hell-death and other fun: Trevelin to Coyhaique
Bliss and bustle on the national park shuffle: Pucón to Trevelin

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