Trail Angel Taxonomy

If there is any post on my blog that you will pay attention to this is the golden ticket. These people have all helped me in some way. All gave some, some gave more, but they are all appreciated. These are my Trail Angels. I will continually update this entry as a way of recognizing both personally and publicly that this trip would not be possible without these folks. Not pictured here are friends that have provided support (emotional and monetary), but I have not listed them for specific reasons. You know who you are. You know I appreciate you.

Scott and Kristy - Car Ride
These folks gave me a short ride outside of Kaitaia. Very Nice! Thanks, Scott and Kristy!

Yvonne and Brenda - Ride to Cape Reinga
Nurses from the Netherlands, they extended their caring ways to a sweaty hiker on the side of the road! Had a great conversation and a lovely time walking to see the lighthouse at Cape Reinga. They were impressed with Ted. Thanks, Yvonna and Brenda.

Paewai - Ride
A local Maori and logging truck driver, Paewai shared his beer on a hot afternoon. Sorry for the poor picture. Thanks, Paewai!
 

Marty - Ride
What a great fella! Marty is the epitome of what is disappearing in the world. A retired newspaper printer operator, Marty shared stories of growing up in New Zealand and his time serving during the Korean War. Thanks, Marty!

Justine - Ride
A lovely and intelligent gal, Justine gave me a ride to Whangerei from McLeod Bay. We covered several topics, including U.S. presidential election, hitchhiking, traveling, agriculture. etc. Thanks, Justine!

Melissa - Ride
Mother of two young girls, Melissa was generous and caring enough to give me a ride from Ahipara to Kaitaia for a resupply. Here kids weren't too sure about the smelly man in the front seat! Thanks, Melissa!

Bill and Katherine - Ride, campsite, shower, tea and conversation
Retired folks are the best! Bill was overflowing with willingness to help out a young tramper. A plumber by training, Bill also worked as a commercial fisherman and tug boat captain. Katherine showed the typical care and generosity any mother and grandmother possesses. Thanks, Bill and Katherine!  

Erica and Philippa - Ride
These two wonderful folks really lifted my spirits. Local farmers near Mangamuka. As I shook their hands, images of so many local agriculture folks from home came rushing through my mind. Hard workers by desire, I really felt connected to Erica and Philippa during our short car ride together. Wonderful people, wonderful times. Thank you, Erica and Philippa!

Minty and "Howey the Dawg" - Ride
As the picture indicates, this nice fella and his affectionate dog were a delight. A lover of American muscle cars, Minty worked on off-shore oil rigs for much of his life and has "a soft spot for the yanks." I really enjoyed my ride with Minty. I hope you find that perfect '68, mate. Thanks, Minty and Howey! 

Jim - Friend, mentor and inspiration
Jim has inspired many decisions in my life. His handy work has never been more present than it is here. His contributions of equipment, advice, and encouragement will be ever present on my hike. Words cannot express.  Thank you, Jim.

Jan Jan and the Silver Fox - Parents, bailout option(?), and support
Do I really need to express what my parents mean to my trip? I'll let you imagine what they mean.......then multiply it by ten. I also need to recognize the rest of my family here. Brothers, Sister-in-law, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins have all provided support in some way. I'm thankful for all that you have done. Thank you, family.

Alexandra -friend and counselor
So you think you're a stud? Not compared to Alexandra. She'll let you know it too. She has given much advice and monetary support. Thank you, Alexandra.

Terra Incognita

Terra Incognita - Unexplored or unknown territory

I enjoy looking at historical maps. I love reveling in how accurate mapmakers used to be when creating these maps with very little technical information or technological advancements. If you look at maps that are old enough, you will often see the latin expression "terra incognita" associated with certain areas. This designation was assigned to areas on a map which had not been explored, documented or described. Mapmakers had to guess on the contents of these areas and their imagination often got the best of them. You can see this imagination at work in the form of unicorns and dragons in the above picture. Today, there is hardly any terra incognita in the form of geography, but the "unknown" is all around you. Terra incognita once inspired exploration of new lands, new knowledge and new experiences. Today, I think 95% of people take the opposite approach. I want to be different.

I estimate 80% of the people that I have spoken with about my decision to walk Te Araroa have asked me the same question.

"Are you nervous/scared?"

I can honestly say, I am not in the least bit nervous, scared, reserved, or timid about my trek. Initially, I was shocked by these questions. "Why would I be nervous?" I would often exclaim. A few folks have interpreted this response as arrogant or egotistical. I can understand how that impression is warranted. It has most surely inspired some self-reflection. Arrogance is one of my least favorite personality traits in others. I often strive to exhibit humility, but I can see where I have failed at times. In the end, I came to the conclusion that I may be a bit arrogant, but confident is a better designation in my opinion. I respect the fact that Te Araroa could kick my country ass. I understand that life on the trail will not always be sunshine and rainbows. I know for a fact that I will make mistakes. What can I say? I'm stubborn. I've learned a lot of things in the hardest way possible.  However, through failure, comes learning. Through failure, comes improvement. Through failure, comes success. Failure does not scare me. This challenge does not make me nervous. Terra Incognita will not stop me. Bring on the dragons. Let me find the unicorns. Let the beasts of the unknown expose my weaknesses. I'm tired of guessing what is waiting on the other side of the map. 

It's time to draw. Please do not misunderstand me. I'm not claiming to be invincible. Nothing could be farther from the truth. However, I'm attempting to complete something that >95% of Americans would never consider (and that's okay; children and a "normal" life terrify me right now). I've already succeeded in my book. I'm just seeing how far I can go. 

What is terra incognita to you? Are you arrogant enough to find out? 

On Inspiration

Just a few thoughts on why I'm taking this next step in my life.

I am driven by variety. I thrive on new experiences. I've only recently learned how much placing myself in new situations on a continuous basis can facilitate a more wholesome life. Variety moves me. Variety makes me a better person. Variety inspires me.

Inspiration is a wonderful emotion. Inspiration can turn a boring person into the most interesting being in the room.Inspiration transforms laziness into motivation and passion. Inspiration mines the greatest qualities from the deepest parts of our personality and puts them on a grand display. There is a reason why people are so attracted to passionate and motivated people. That reason is inspiration. For me the progression goes like this: Inspiration facilitates passion, passion encourages motivation, motivation leads to action, action results in production, and productive people are successful. Success is in the eye of the beholder in this situation. In this situation success is completing Te Araroa. For you, success can be whatever you desire. Perhaps it is work related or a healthy, happy home. The key to meeting that success is inspiration.

Inherently, inspiration is elusive. That's the problem. It is not easy to stay inspired. Inspiration is always moving and if you're not willing to run, you'll be left in the dust. When people loose sight and touch of what inspires them (everyone has been there, right?) failure is the only option.Among other things, I've found that learning often inspires me. I learn in foreign and uncomfortable situations. I learn when I'm in the moment. Te Araroa is my attempt at handcuffing myself to the moment and challenging myself to appreciate the beauty of every situation knocking on my door.

One of the main objectives of my trek is to complete more of my inspiration puzzle. I'm ecstatic to discover what my adventures, lessons and growth will reveal.