Arrival
11/23/16 - 20:33
So many thoughts and so little energy. I've been constantly moving for about 36 hours. I've traveled thousands of miles (isn't flying an amazing thing?) and seen so many new things. I've already experienced the generosity of NZ locals and noticed differences from homeland counterparts. Tonight I'm staying in a hostel in Paihia, Northland with 5 young German folks. Tomorrow I will hit the market for supplies and catch my bus to Kaitaia. From there I will hitchhike to Cape Reinga (start of the trail).
This day has been on the horizon for so long I started to loose sight if why I decided to make the journey. Today, among new people and new places my heart and mind are restless with anticipation and motivation. I can't wait to put this inspiration to work over the coming months.
Cape Reinga to Ahipara
Day 1
11/24/16 - 19:15
I don't even hesitate to say that today was one of the best days of my life. I can't help but think that in the near future I will experience the opposite. I witnessed generosity, hostility, love, compassion and the beauty of good people today. Instead of grabbing my bus to Kaitaia I opted to hitch. No refund on bus ticket...oops. Hitchhiking will be one of my favorite activities on this trip without a doubt. From Paihia, a man named Simon game me a lift to Kerikeri, where a biologist named John of all things gave me a ride to Kaitaia. Unfortunately, I did not get pictures of Simon and John so I can't thank them properly on my blog. I enjoyed great conversation with each man.
11/24/16 - 19:15
I don't even hesitate to say that today was one of the best days of my life. I can't help but think that in the near future I will experience the opposite. I witnessed generosity, hostility, love, compassion and the beauty of good people today. Instead of grabbing my bus to Kaitaia I opted to hitch. No refund on bus ticket...oops. Hitchhiking will be one of my favorite activities on this trip without a doubt. From Paihia, a man named Simon game me a lift to Kerikeri, where a biologist named John of all things gave me a ride to Kaitaia. Unfortunately, I did not get pictures of Simon and John so I can't thank them properly on my blog. I enjoyed great conversation with each man.
I received three more hitches from Kaitaia to Cape Reinga. A local retired man man named Marty was a joy. Paewai, a local Maori, was a logging employee that shared a beer. Yvonne and Brenda, nurses from the Netherlands, gave a long ride to a sweaty, tourist to finish out my trip north. Once to Cape Reinga, Yvonne, Brenda, and I enjoyed a stroll to the lighthouse and meaningful conversation. Oh, and Scott and Kristy gave me a small lift near Kaitaia. I am extremely grateful for the help I received today and will find a way to pay it forward.
My campsite this evening is gorgeous, as is everything I've experienced so far. This is one of the first times I've really appreciated the ocean in all it's wonder. It's immense size is unfathomable to a hick from Kansas.
Tomorrow I have a long walk to the Twilight Beach Camp. I will undoubtedly need sleep and a big mean tomorrow night. FYI - Food is heavy!
I passed my goal today, but my feet and ankle are suffering. I covered ~26 km between walking from my camp at Tapotupotu (stunning campsite), to Cape Reinga and to the Te Paki stream. I'm pretty sure I'm not supposed to be camped here.
Once again all the scenery is stunning. So many new and interesting plants. I need to start learning them.
I ran into three AT hikers today. Alex, Kristen and some guy who wouldn't speak up enough for me to hear his name. I asked four times! They all offered helpful advice and promptly left me in the dust. Someday I will walk as fast as them.
I've already decided to never stop on or near a beach again. Sand is everywhere! I didn't have another choice though. I have 83 km to Ahipara. I'm going to try and make it in two long days. I already know I'll need a rest day in Ahipara. A piece of humble pie is coming my way I think.
11/26/16- 18:45
Humble pie has been served. I walked 41 km today. My feet are in the worst shape they have ever been. This may be the new normal though. I made it to my goal campsite, Hukatere Lodge. I'm ashamed to admit that I cheated, however. I came across two Canadian guys with their truck stuck in the sand. They asked for my help and I readily obliged. In return, they gave an ~10 ride to my campsite. I'm disappointed in myself for accepting the lift and I hope I do not continue on that pattern.
Tomorrow I plan an easy day to try and let my feet recover. I put my tent up without standing. They have a shower here that I plan on using, but I'm worried about open soars on my feet getting infected with who knows what in the campsite shower. I guess I'll just wipe them with antiseptics afterwards.
I'm not eating as much as I thought I might. Perhaps my body is too tired. I'm forcing myself to eat a tortilla with peanut butter at the moment.
I can't wait to get off this blasted beach.
Day 3
11/27/16 - 13:45
I've walked 12 km today. They were the hardest ones yet. My feet are in rough shape. A rest day in Ahipara will do them good. Only 24 km left on the beach! I'm trying to stay motivated. As John McCarty , editor of The Texan during The Dust Bowl, it's time "Grab a root and growl"!
18:47
Staying at the 90 Mile Beach Holiday Park in Waipapakauri this evening. I made it about 17 km today and although my spirits are high my body is worn out. I've learned many lessons the past couple days. I've got 14 km to Ahipara tomorrow. Much growling ahead.
Day 4
11/28/16 - 19:52
It took 3 and 1/2 days to conquer, but I'm done with 90 mile Beach! Thank goodness it wasn't actually 90 miles long. My sore calves and bloody feet felt great as I limped into town. The mind's ability to drive the body was obvious today. I was sidelined on the sand dunes for about two hours this morning by high tide. It gave me a chance to reflect a bit on my experiences so far. I've met many wonderful and amazing people so far. Goodness is everywhere I've decided. Give people a chance and you may be surprised.
While in Ahipara I will regroup and reassess. My goal is to finish this trail and not to do in in record time. I will listen to my body more responsibly moving forward. I will lighten my pack, consider new shoes, or soles, send a bounce box ahead and then take on the forest tracks as a more enlightened tramper.
I want to head out close to full strength. This may require two nights in Ahipara. My lodging budget is looking thin already. In the future it will be important that my body isn't totally beat at the end of a section so that I do not require much rest.
It was great to touch base with folks from home this afternoon (and follow the Chiefs game). I can feel so many people encouraging me. I know a lot of people don't understand why I'm doing this, but the fact that I still have their support is a wonderful thing. That's one of the many things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving.
11/27/16 - 13:45
I've walked 12 km today. They were the hardest ones yet. My feet are in rough shape. A rest day in Ahipara will do them good. Only 24 km left on the beach! I'm trying to stay motivated. As John McCarty , editor of The Texan during The Dust Bowl, it's time "Grab a root and growl"!
18:47
Staying at the 90 Mile Beach Holiday Park in Waipapakauri this evening. I made it about 17 km today and although my spirits are high my body is worn out. I've learned many lessons the past couple days. I've got 14 km to Ahipara tomorrow. Much growling ahead.
Day 4
11/28/16 - 19:52
It took 3 and 1/2 days to conquer, but I'm done with 90 mile Beach! Thank goodness it wasn't actually 90 miles long. My sore calves and bloody feet felt great as I limped into town. The mind's ability to drive the body was obvious today. I was sidelined on the sand dunes for about two hours this morning by high tide. It gave me a chance to reflect a bit on my experiences so far. I've met many wonderful and amazing people so far. Goodness is everywhere I've decided. Give people a chance and you may be surprised.
While in Ahipara I will regroup and reassess. My goal is to finish this trail and not to do in in record time. I will listen to my body more responsibly moving forward. I will lighten my pack, consider new shoes, or soles, send a bounce box ahead and then take on the forest tracks as a more enlightened tramper.
I want to head out close to full strength. This may require two nights in Ahipara. My lodging budget is looking thin already. In the future it will be important that my body isn't totally beat at the end of a section so that I do not require much rest.
It was great to touch base with folks from home this afternoon (and follow the Chiefs game). I can feel so many people encouraging me. I know a lot of people don't understand why I'm doing this, but the fact that I still have their support is a wonderful thing. That's one of the many things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving.
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