Journal - Ahipara to Paihia

Ahipara to Paihia

Day 5
11/30/16 - 19:15
I resupplied, mailed a bounce box, and stayed an extra night in Ahipara yesterday. My feet were grateful today. Today was the best day on the trail yet. I hiked a good distance and saw new and exciting scenery. The Herekino forest track was tough. I saw several new birds and even associated a few songs to faces. Now I just need to learn their names. I made a few sketches to refresh my mind.

I will fall asleep tonight feeling a bit nostalgic. My campsite is splendid. Next to a flowing stream, my tent is nestled beneath many large pines offering a unique view of the sunset. I will fall asleep to the sound of crowing pheasants and singing California quail. Thoughts of home and Montana are racing through my mind.

Day 6
12/1/16 - 20:15
Physical limits were pushed today. After letting my shoes dry at the Takahue Hall, I began the walk towards Ratea forest. My feet grew sore from the gravel road walking. I really need better shoes. I began the ascent into Ratea and quickly became winded and tired. My limited food intake is hurting my performance. I need to force myself to eat more. After two hours of ascent I realized my water was not going to last the entire forest and there likely would not be water available along the trail. I started hiking slower and conserving water.

I made the Ratea summit and walked for I one more hour until I made camp. I have about 10 oz of water for half a day's walk tomorrow. I'm already dehydrated and will have to take it slow. I didn't set my tent up tonight. No chance of rain. Cowboy camping sounds wonderful beneath the trees. Hopefully the bugs won't be too dense.

Day 7
12/2/16 - 18:36
Made it out of Ratea around noon. I stopped at a small stream while walking through pasture land. The stream was littered with cow pies and stagnant water, but I drank anyway. Probably one of the most refreshing drinks I've ever had. I made it to the community of Mangamuka around 1600. The small store there served burgers. I ordered a Hawaiian burger, and a double scoop of cookies n cream and strawberry ice cream. Delicious. There was coconut flavoring in the cookies n cream. Nice touch!

I then started walking towards the Apple Tree Campsite. I got about a 6 km hitch from two wonderful local farmers. It was such a great pleasure speaking with Erica and Philippa. They reminded me of many folks from home. The Apple Tree Campsite is a lovely spot. Near a marsh, I heard several new bird calls and even saw a feral pig grab a drink. Feet are sore from the road walking.

Day 8
12/3/16 - 19:23
Today was a superb day on the trail. I overcame a important mental obstacle today. Among other things, I've been worried about covering enough ground during a day in order to keep pace with my time goals. I cemented in my mind a better alternative while walking today. I took the day as it came. I enjoyed many small pleasures and basked in the beauty around me. I spent three hours relaxing, drying shoes, snacking, napping, and bathing near the Waipapa River. For the first time on my trip I was truly in the moment. Worry and anxiety melted away for a bit and I felt more accomplished today than I have in a long time. Here's to enjoying more moments.

Day 9
12/4/16 - 19:33
Covered lots of ground today! My feet and legs get stronger all the time. The gravel road walking sucks, but it does allow me to go faster while not sacrificing enjoyment. Someone left a bag of fruit for Te Araroa walkers on the trail. I indulged myself in an orange. Walked through lots of farm ground as well. In addition to Jersey dairy cows, there seems to also be an abundance of Shorthorn and Shorthorn crosses in this region of NZ. Saw two black feral goats as well. I've never spent a lot of time around sheep and so it is interesting to walk through them and watch their reactions. Easily excited, I kept my distance. Their desire to herd up in the sense of danger was very evident. A hen turkey and two chicks walked by me during my lunch break. They knew I was there, but didn't seem worried. I wanted to catch and eat one. Perhaps next time.

Camping next to the Kerikeri river tonight. While taking my shoes off I accidentally touched an electric fence. Wow! Kiwi's don't use moderation when setting the voltage of these fences! Felt like someone hit me on the head with a baseball bat! I bet there was 7-8000 volts going through that wire. Lesson learned.

Day 10

12/5/16 - 20:45
Rainbow falls and the rest of the walk down the Kerikeri river was gorgeous. Saw lots of other folks using the trail. One fella had a Labrador mix that immediately improved my spirits. Stopped for a meat pie (delicious) and a nap in the Kerikeri park. Spent the afternoon walking to Paihia. I hate gravel roads! Saw a hedgehog and lots of California quail. Camping tonight at Haruru Falls. Lovely spot. Tomorrow I will take a rest day and let my feel heal a bit. Plan to go to the library in Paihia, resupply, and cook an actual meal at the hostel.