Day 22

It was such a good decision to spend the night at Roma and Grahams. I got to meet Mathilde a french girl who was resting up due to infected blisters. She had put in a couple of big days and her feet didn't like it. The day was fine and overcast. I walked back down Matthew road and on to forestry tracks. There was about 7 climbs then plateau and not too bad. I did a couple of bush walks through some QE2 reserves. They were a bit muddy and slippery after all the rain. Walked past a radio tower, through more bush, over farmland. Saw views of the Kaipara. Lots of ragwort on the farmland. I tripped coming off a style and was like a cast ewe for a few minutes .Finally dropped into Remiger road and then it was a 4 km road walk to Puhoi. I was determined to be at the pub for lunch. Had steak, salad, chips and mushroom sauce along with a beer. I think I have earnt it. While I was at the pub which is beautiful Bree, Jodi and Elena turned up. They had hitched from Pakari beach. I went off to book in at Puhoi Kayak and Marcel and Bridgette turned up. They had taken a ride and then a break at Walkworth . The kayak down the Puhoi river was lovely although the water was brown and had debris from all the rain. I managed the 8 km better than I thought and the outgoing tide helped. While I was kayaking Alex caught up with me. I last saw him at the end of Ocean beach. Our packs were delivered to Wenderholm and then it was a short walk to Schiskers camp which is run by the Auckland regional council. I have a beautiful spot to camp and lots of ducks for company. Walked over to see Schiskers house and took a photo.

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