Day Three. Munro Cabin - The Blade, Cape Pillar - Retakunna Cabin

Day Three, the longest day in terms of kilometres - 17km - somewhere between 5 and 6 hrs but most of it (14km) only requires a lighter day pack.

We are greeted with a sunrise through a cloudy horizon...

Waiting for sunrise...

Here it comes...

Its here!

The Three Capes Track notes describe the day thus..."Day three, sea cliffs plunge beneath your feet. The same way they've done for eons. Front row seats to their epic vista are worthy of today's longer kilometres. Look across to Tasman Island as you take on the challenge of scaling The Blade at Cape Pillar. The track returns to Munro, allowing you to leave your pack at the cabin and walk out and back with a light day pack. Continue on through fragrant forest and heathland to Retakunna cabin. Restorative views of Mount Fortescue – tomorrow’s climb – fade into your final nightfall."

Peter's Suunto readouts for the day:

Thirko's 4:53 h Trekking Move: 9.3.2017 - 4:53 h 14.02 km, Trekking Move

Thirko's 2:07 h Trekking Move: 9.3.2017 - 2:07 h 3.87 km, Trekking Move

The walk takes us through diverse terrain, much of it on boardwalk...to protect the flora and fauna, keep the track safe for walkers, keep the track stable from erosion and damage and assist with some of the difficulty of the terrain.

The views are spectacular and the last climb to the iconic Blade is challenging and breathtaking, especially for those of us challenged by heights...

Starting the day...forest walk

The boardwalk 

Stunning scenery

Tasman Island

The iconic Blade - the little white dot is a person!

What a great day

Retakunna Cabin for our last night

Retakunna Cabin Sunset

Learnings, Hints and Tips

1. Make the most of 14 kms with your day pack - travel light, water, snacks, sunscreen, camera
2. Use the guidebook and stop at the points of interest, its not a race.
3. There are stunning places to stop for morning tea and lunch.
4. Go to the Blade is possible, it is well worth the effort.
5. Challenge yourself.
6. The Seal Spa is a great alternative if you can't climb the Blade.
7. Stop back at Munro Cabin to pick up your remaining pack, have some afternoon tea, toilet stop before the last 3 km plus 10 minutes to Retakunna for your last night.
8. Retakunna Cabin helipad is the best place for a phone signal.