January 14, 2026
St Arnaud
TA km marker 1992.0
Hiked today: 0.0 km

It was raining when we woke and has continued all day. We ventured out mid morning for a brunch at the cafe, then continued along the road to the Department of Conservation centre. Here we read some posters about the native birds and plants. Tui, weka, fantails, grey warblers, robins and others have been around us in the beech forest.

There are 4 species of beech trees and we read about the black fungus that looks like ash on some of the trees. Beneath the bark lives an insect which feeds on the sap of the tree and then excretes a sweet substance which hangs like dew drops on tendrils from the trunk. Other insects and birds feed on this nectar. It was all most fascinating.  We had some trouble, though, trying to decipher the colour distinction that identifies the different beech species!

On the way home we bought the few groceries that we still needed. Back at the base, we are enjoying reading the books we borrowed, and finishing our blog posts. Tomorrow Pete arrives and we will be planning for our combined adventure.