About me

Hi my name is Sue Crighton. I am a 62 year old female currently living in Southland. I am a teacher, a farmer,a wife, mother, nana, reader, gardener. Te Araroa has been on my bucket list for several years. Why. A good question. I want to see if I can complete an epic adventure. Perhaps it was too many Famous Five books as a child or perhaps it was mum and dad having us walk the Heaphy track both ways as kids, our first tramp. I am proud to be a kiwi and want to discover my country from off the beaten track. I am very grateful for the support of my family and school as I attempt this crazy adventure. In a weeks time I will be in Auckland waiting for a flight to Keri Keri. It's hard knowing I will be away from home for the next 3 months missing the birth of my next grandchild, 2 birthdays, Xmas, grubbing thistles, spraying, weaning, shearing, hay. Special thanks to Chris, Tobias,Jo, Alexis,Bree and all my colleagues at Menzies. I look forward to catching up with Johannes and Dell and other north island family. Have I done enough training, planning and preparation. Probably not and I guess I will soon find out. I will try to update my blog daily when on the trail as it will be my digital dairy of my adventure. Feel free to follow me.

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Two weeks out

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Two weeks today and I will be on 90 mile beach. My pack is packed. Feels a bit heavy but I don't want to find I am in the wop wops and I desperately need something. I hope I have everything. Food for 4 to 5:days. First aid to treat blisters, sunscreen, electrolytes. Sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent, cooker, wet weather gear, a change of knickers and socks, battery pack, phone, Garmin.  I have done a few pack walks but not enough. Life tends to get in the way. Will miss Alexis and Bree my grand daughters and baby who is due in December and Chris who will be holding the fort at home. It will be an epic adventure, just have to hope my body and mind holds up. My mindset will change as keeping healthy, not getting lost, having enough food, somewhere safe to sleep, keeping my phone and Garmin charged and just putting one foot in front of the other. Enough if the doubts, my next blogger will be from the trail. Te Araroa am I ready for you 
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Day 6.

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I went for a walk in Kaitaia in the afternoon to get more food. I seam to be carrying heaps and not eating much but don't want to run out. Going to try Nutella wraps for lunches. Was joined in my dorm by Jeri and Luci two french girls who are going up to the Cape on Monday. I had KFC for tea as it was right next door to the backpackers. A quiet night reading the kindle. Had breakfast and met up with Val a dutch guy who was at Hukatere when I was there. Also Dave a kiwi and 3 others. The day started with a 6 km walk along SH 1. Saw the cute statue. Didn't enjoy the road walk. There is only a few cm from white line to edge of seal. Had to be very careful of traffic. Then walked 6 km down Ruaroa road. Overtaken by the 5 guys from back packers. The road was gravel and quiet. Day light drizzle but not wet enough for a coat. The smell of privit was strong and saw lots of plants and weeds not seen in Southland. Had to take a photo of the fresian bulls. Hope ours are better. Part way a...
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Day 20

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I had a later start for me. Walking just after 8 pm. It was raining so I put my coat on then got really hot and sticky. I was busting for a pee and discovered Bunnings have good public toilets. I did a re supply shop at New World. I was walking in my pink Crocs which are very comfortable on the pavement. I walked about 8:km from the campground to the bridge at the start of Tomarata road. Ate a crossiant and an orange then Leon picked me up. They will take me to the old Dome Valley tea rooms tomorrow and that will save me 47 km of walking, 30 along the beach to Pakiri and then a nasty steep muddy track. I guess I will call this my rest day. I went to the Wellsford sale with Leon. Prices fairly high. The 350 kg+ cattle making between $2.8 - 3.0 per kg. Small white face steers and Angus steers about 250 kg made up to $ 4.0 per kg live weight. I thought you would be interested Tobias. Went for a walk round Leon and Brendda place to see all the planting they have done. Not many photos today...
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