04:50 and the sun isn't up yet

Away at 05:45 for an early start - the other 2 groups who stayed here last night have already gone.

This morning we will be walking under the canopy in the river valley

The first of our 14 river crossings

We have given our boots to the porters and put on our sandals

Soon it became obvious that it is best to go across early - if you are near the back the sand has been stirred up and it hides the rocks on the river bed..

What you can do is leave a big gap before crossing yourself but the leader doesn't like that too much!

Peter and son Chris smile for the camera during a break.

Back to the river and the next crossing

The damp conditions encourage fungi like this

A big party passes us while we stop for a breather in readiness for the gruelling climb up to Imita Ridge, the last big climb of the track

Down here in the valley enormously tall trees grow, some with these buttresses to help with support

The climb up to Imita Ridge

Another approach, Luke gets a helping hand

Phew, all are subdued by the severity of the climb.

Here I was told that I should put my boots back on - I had retained my sandals because the grip they gave was better than my boots. Oh well, he's the boss!

A break is called on the taxing descent

There is beauty everywhere here, with the dappled sunshine flooding small areas with light

At last, we arrive at the Goldie River camp site to spend our last night on the track.

No dormitory hut here so it is tents all round. Just after the tents are occupied there is a thunder shower which reveals the leaks

Lunch is being prepared, the favourite Ham and Noodle rolls again.

It's not much but Rob calls it home!

The porters take a very well deserved rest.

nearly ready!

A hungry audience awaits.

We will have to cross the river on our way up to Ower's Corner and the finish

After lunch a wash in the river before an afternoon nap

This is a very peaceful spot

We emerge at the time for the evening meal

Spaghetti Bolognese this time.

We are strangely subdued because the track is nearly over

The clouds had been building and there is more rain

Now it is really getting going

We are OK in our eating shelter and hope that the tarpaulin is rainproof on the porters' shelter

Thankfully the rain stops in time for the porters to serenade us for the last time.

"It's not an easy road....."