Day 41

Well it's Christmas day, the most unusual Xmas I think I have ever spent. My tent is water proof so I was warm and dry last night and the rain held off briefly so I was able to get packed up. I soon passed the 1000km mark of Te Araroa and that is another gift. The walking was easy but wet. I got some reception and was able to call Chris and message the family. We passed lots of old mill villages, now just regenerated land although the roses were a poignant reminder of the families who lived there. A lot of the track was on old railways and you could see old sleepers and railway iron. I saw lots and lots of goats in the scrubby bush. The Ongarue spiral is pretty amazing with a tunnel below ab overbridge. I finally got to the Bennett road campsite. Epic had put the extra food of mine that I left behind in a place where I could get it. The weather was clear for a while so I managed to get my tent and clothes dry and washed knickers and socks. I really was wet and stinky. I need to make some new plans for the rest of my long walk and I am getting a bit homesick. I also need to get to Tauramanui but don't fancy my chances of a ride on Xmas day. I may just stay here until tomorrow. At least I have shelter, water and a toilet. Beef Teriyaki dehydrated back country meal for Xmas dinner.

Popular posts from this blog

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

Colac Bay to Riverton

Image
I walked down the road to the sea. A lovely morning. The tide was going out and initially the beach was fairly sandy but then it changed to small pebbles. The beach has a huge drop off. Was lovely to hear the waves and smell the sea. When the pebbles got a bit hard I was able to walk a road for a bit but until it turned inland. After a while the beach ended with a lot of rocky outcrops. There was a goog trach that undulated above the rocks then dropped down to secluded beaches. It was a beautiful walk. We then went on to farmland and I walked through a gate cut into a deer fence. It was then a bit of uphill over farmland until reaching Mores scenic reserve. This was beautiful bush and uphill to a look out over Riverton. I then walked down a road to the camp ground. They had no cabins available so I had to pitch my tent. Fortunately I carried it. I had a rest, went for a walk round Riverton and then to the pub for tea. ...
Read more