Friday 1 Jan 1st day of the new year saw 13 intrepid walkers flying into Nelson airport throughout the afternoon, catching up on Christmas news over a lovely cuppa before boarding our bus for the informative drive through to Takaka and the hospitality of the Hat Trick Lodge. Saturday 2 Jan Rain steadily falling … we’re all squashed into the bus stop over the road, waiting for our transport to Marahau and the start of the 60 km  Abel Tasman Coastal Track. The famous coastal views were shrouded in hazy mist, giving an eerie quality as kayakers drifted in and out of sight. We were very pleased to reach Anchorage Hut where we were able to hang up wet things to dry and enjoy a welcome cuppa. The team were most impressed with the facilities - excellent bunk rooms with cubby holes for keeping packs off the floor, drying racks in front of the fire - and enjoyed stunning views over the bay where all manner of vessels were anchored for the night. Sunday 3 Jan The second day of the walk itself saw us heading off in much nicer weather as we took the high road through the estuary and settlement of Torrent Bay en route to Bark Bay … some of us even enjoyed a latte at an enterprising pop-up cafe! Bark Bay hut was a much more back-to-basics situation, with your typical long bench-style sleeping platforms. Good company, good food, and even a cold shower! Monday 4 Jan The majority of the group took the all-tide route out of Bark Bay (only 10 minutes extra walking) while a couple of us enjoyed a water taxi ride along the stunning coast, past Tonga Island and into beautiful Awaroa. It was only polite to call in at the lodge and enjoy refreshments before slogging our way around to the beach-side hut … I know, it’s a hard life :) The setting of Awaroa Hut was just beautiful … lovely grassy front lawn right on the edge of the estuary, which quickly resembled a highway as the time to cross was deemed right! Most seemed to time it well, but a couple of walkers got more than they bargained for! Tuesday 5 Jan A gorgeous sunny day, and it was our turn … all eyes were on the receding water line, and our watches … packs at the ready, boots off and lined up … go, now! A big day, this one, as we headed uphill and down dale on the way to Totaranui in the company of new friends. The last hill was a real slogger … boy, were we glad to see the beach and our resting place! One walker delivered safely to the bus stop here, and then on we continued to the historic homestead of Whariwharangi, via many beach crossings with lots of can’t-be-missed photo opportunities. The ministrations of our first-aider/nurse were much appreciated here, dealing with nasty blisters, bumps and bruises. The gorgeous setting of Whariwharangi was just lovely, and we enjoyed taking a well-earned rest at the outdoor picnic table whilst socialising with fellow walkers. The possums were very busy that night, feasting on laden fig trees outside the back door … slightly disconcerting when that middle-of-the-night, all-important call of nature can’t be dismissed! Wednesday 6 Jan Another gorgeous day, and off we go … steady uphill climb to the top of the saddle and a majestic view over Wainui Inlet. Beep, beep … we are reconnected with the rest of the world, and snack on the last of our personal supplies (yum … five days of crackers and plastic cheese … what was I thinking?!) while we wait for Chris, our friendly and informative driver, to pick us up and deliver us to Annie’s Nirvana Lodge, Motueka. A real bed! Hot showers! Washing machines! Bliss! Motueka is a buzzing little place, and we enjoyed exploring at our own pace. All those months ago, during the planning phase, the chance of a guided tour during our only rest day seemed like such a good idea … and it was, but boy were we tired at the end of the day! No rest for the "wicked", or so the saying goes … time to re-pack and allocate supplies for the next leg of the summer tramp.