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Falling apart at the seams live on Estonian TV......

13/12/2015

9 Comments

 
I seem to be literally falling apart at the seams! My socks have disintegrated and my shorts have lots of new vent holes.  This is mirroring a trend on the trail with trampers dropping like flies, either quitting or going to the South Island. 

The main issues seem to be the track is not a trail, getting lost all the time (ok, ok I know YOU can see the markers!) ...and the endless road walking and muddy forests with no views (I think the weather and consequent state of the track seems to be getting me down – I guess it had to happen at some stage!)

​After yet another miscalculation I ended up at the Pahautea hut after dark and in the rain.  Luckily there were 3 other trail trampers there –whoohoo, a social event!  Devon from Colorado who had every piece of Uber-lightweight gear imaginable – Jealous much? – well, yes, I am!  I seem to be the only TA walker who does not have a MSR Hubba (solo) or Hubba Hubba (2-person) tent.   There are always a lot of questions like “Is it a Hubba/Hubba Hubba/weight/extra ground sheet?” when TA trampers camp out.   Meanwhile I put up my non-Hubba Macpac. In reality, I love it… despite being a third of the price it still manages to keep me dry.

Having met Stefan and Anneli on the track we tramped through mud, slips,steep hills, no signs and no track towards Waitomo.   After a relaxing 11 hour/40 k day we pitched our tent on a slightly flat bit of forest.   A lack of water during the day meant my hands were swollen up badly (it’s wet – why was I not drinking more??).   Anneli has a Go Pro from Estonian TV as she is the first Estonian to do the trail and so is trying to make a documentary.I may be on Estonian TV – Finally famous?

A small group of us rugged TA trampers met up in a hut on the Timber Trail to celebrate 1000ks completed – whoop whoop! This is far more social than I ever imagined!   There were some guys there who were “doing some weeding” with very high-spec quad bikes and lots of food and beer which they shared – nice one guys you are the best!!

Te Kuiti was confusing, until I realised that it’s very cleverly been frozen in time as a 1950s town as a social experiment, with no input from the present day, aside from a few confused TA walkers.   Nobody who visits will ever leave without knowing who ‘Pinetree’ Meads is – We are truly a rugby-mad nation!

After another 40k mudslide covered in gorse that is the 42nd Traverse, I ended up in the rain and mist walking to the first hut on the Tongariro section.  I snapped a pic for you so you can experience the same wonderful views as me:  
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Doc rangers were refunding hut tickets as the weather was so bad many people including me turned back to do it again another day.
Watch out for the next exciting (and hopefully mud-free) installment!!
Picture


Ka Kite
Rache X

(PS Currently in back-tracking mode but have finally managed to score kayak hire for convoluted Wanganui River section, yay!)
9 Comments
Vicki
8/12/2015 10:24:51

Hey there, keep up the good work!!! you are doing amazing. Think how character building all that mud is eh... Won't be long and you'll be in the South Island and hopefully mud free!!
kia kaha
all my best wishes x

Reply
Nessie Kirkbride
8/12/2015 12:09:57

Go Rache! Oh hec it sounds aweful...but wonderful and awesome rolled into one. Mind you dont get trenchfoot Rache

Xxxx

Reply
Rich and Lisa
8/12/2015 17:54:33

Rache - you are truly amazing. You are making that 6 (well 5) peak adventure we did back in 09 seem - rather insignificant. Loving reading your blog. 1000km. FANTASTIC. Keep it up. P.S. Love the picture of your wonderful view. Just like from the top of every mountain (hill) in the Lakes district if I remember correctly. 😉

Reply
Dion freeman
8/12/2015 20:33:29

Dear Ms kirkbride, I was very fortunate to have met your amazing blog Meister and raconteur friend. He assured me you were indeed as tough as you appear to be, and after I mentioned how wonderful it would be to walk with you, I think he politely informed me I did not have the toughness, the fitness to do it. However, I shall sneak on a trail with you in our beautiful south island anyway, after I do some much needed north island trail marking!!!!! P.s. It won't rain down here for you and we dont' do mud!!! I note that your blog Meister is an ex champion trail runner!

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Colin Matthews
8/12/2015 22:35:47

Go Rachel Go. We have been following you every step of the way (from our comfy sofa haha). You are doing something wonderful, and remember its not the sprinters who win-its the stayers...Lotsa LOve Col, Cita and Devon

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Mrs O
9/12/2015 03:20:18

It sounds rough and tough but you are looking fantastic (despite falling apart) . 1,000 ks. That's ridic!!! I couldn't make the bus stop this morn - combined 58kph wind and sheets of ice - blown away !
Keep rocking dude.

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Helen
9/12/2015 11:03:21

Keep it up lady. You are doing an amzing thing!!

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Trish
10/12/2015 19:44:26

Hi Rache ! Life obviously does not imitate reality TV programmes. Where is the helicopter swooping down to transport you to a 5 star hotel at the end of every muddy day ?? I hope your enjoying more temperate weather now. We think about you often as you make your awe inspiring trek. Big hugs,
Trish and Greg.

Reply
Wendy
11/12/2015 02:21:46

Oh boy, you know I had no idea that this tramp was such a challenge, feeling a mixture of guilt and relief that we'll be joining you on the cushy South Island, keep going Rach! x x

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    Te Araroa 
    is New Zealand's trail. The 3000km route stretches from Cape Reinga in the North of New Zealand to Bluff in the South and was officially opened in December 2011.

    I am tramping the trail, North-South, starting in November 2015 and finishing in March/April 2016. I hope to raise awareness of the great work done by the Multiple Sclerosis Society and also to raise some funds for them.

    I will be carrying my own tent and supplies but I would very much appreciate any help that people could give me e.g.:
    • Food drops
    • Join me on sections on the tramp
    • Donate any food or equipment before I leave
    On the left you will find blog posts describing the trails, tribulations and triumphs along my journey.


    Author

    My name is Rachel Kirkbride, I am 49 years old and live by the sea in Christchurch. Despite the fact that I have a very wonky eye that makes me seem like Calamity Jane at times, I love spending time in backcountry NZ.

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    (Position at 11th March 14:30 - BLUFF - That's it..0km to go!!!)
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    I'm currently en-route from Cape Reinga, the northern end of my (walking) journey. The end will be 3,000 km (1,860 miles) to the south. 
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