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The Mackaral Track is listed as two river crossings, when we went through they were nothing to worry about, which is good having geared up the water proofing of our gear. Track has been logged but was pleasant and soon we were out the other side. Those road signs that tell you about the all the sharp corners for the next 6km don't let on how steep and hilly those corners are... Well let me tell you, lots of hard breathing and sweat later, it's feels like a lot longer. We were taking a lunch break by some horses when this young lady offers us a ride to the end of the road and to the pedestrian cross over bridge. We couldn't believe our luck. Brilliant is all I have to say about that. Walked to the entry point into the Taiharuru Estuary, there are notes on the fence about tides and a few turns ahead. How ever hind sight is a great thing. In this case when it says only cross two hours on either side of low tide, in this case it is very true. The sandbar was not visible when we started, so we slugged around in the mangroves. That crazy slurping sound and losing your legs into heavy sludge up to the knees is enough to make a grown man cry. Have a tanty at least. It was hard going. We sat in the mangoves wondering where we had gone wrong and in that half hour the tide went out further and the sandbar had appeared. This keeps you out of the mangroves and on walkable sand. The white markers that are referenced are further around the estuary, keep going right around before attempting to cross. We stayed at Tidesong B & B, awesome hosts, thanks so much Ros and Hugh. Ros has her own great stories from her time on the trail last year, which gives you a boost and confidence of everything being achievable. Accommodation was fantastic and meals were all home made goodness and yummy, all great for our tired bodies. A hot fire and glass of wine with beautiful views made for a very pleasant evening.
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