Day 40

I woke up to steady rain and didn't want to leave the sanctuary of my glamping tent. Camp Epic provided breakfast so I was able to pack up quickly. It was a coat on day. After about 5 km I crossed the Maramataha suspension bridge which at 145 m makes it the third longest in NZ. The trail was more of the same with lots of information on historic aspects, trees and bird life. With the rain I was reluctant to stop so walked 15 km before having a break Mystery Creek shelter. The track had pools of water but was generally good. The cyclists however were covered in mud from the tyres. While having a break Jhelmer I know I have spelt that incorrectly, came by. He is a Dutch guy with very long legs. The trail is marked every km and I have calculated it takes me 17 mins to walk a km. He said it takes him 9 mins. Needless to say he was doing 43 km today. I stopped at Historic camp 10 and left all my gear in the shelter. I had walked  25 km which is enough for me. When the rain eased I pitched my tent. This will be a test as first time I have used it in the rain. About 4 pm Dave and the Scottish couple called in at the shelter for a break. They still had 17 km to get to the end of the trail tonight so a long day for them. It doesnt feel loved me Xmas Eve and tomorrow will be a bit strange

Popular posts from this blog

Two weeks out

Image
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 
Read more

Day 6.

Image
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...
Read more

Day 20

Image
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...
Read more