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Forest Sufferfest..and then a welcome rest

29/10/2015

3 Comments

 
Picture

The 120k section from Ahipara to Kerikeri makes the connection from coast to coast, traversing through four large forests.




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The first forest, Herekino, was like one of those mud, sweat and tears races - albeit with gorgeous palms and strangulation vines. I can’t quite articulate the fun of trying to climb up steep muddy slopes whilst  being simultaneously dragged backwards by a vine. Such Fun.
​Having talked with other TA trampers, it seems that this section is famous for causing trampers to lose the will to live. I camped at the only ‘flat’ area I could find in a field and crashed out after a nutritional meal of processed cheese slices. I had no spare water at this stage.
The lack of water in these forest sections was dire. I managed luckily to go off track to find a stream on the way to Tangaho wild camp and this section was yet again a mixture of a tough mud race and Survivor combined. Mangamuka dairy was open especially late for trampers: The owner is super friendly and let’s you camp next to her shop. Water, coke, lollies and a 1 scoop ice cream that was massive. (I am now possibly pre diabetic as a result!)
Omaha forest that turns into Puketi was again an obsession with finding water- it is very humid in the forests. I took a few wrong turns when trying to see a red marker on a distant tree and it’s actually pretty scary when you all around is apparently impenetrable forest. It was also very rainy forest, with the river flooded as a result. Luckily I met a couple who had done all the trail last year apart from this section (as it is often flooded).

By now I was feeling what I presume passes for normal as a TA walker - sore back, sore knees and sore eyes from desperately searching for invisible TA markers!

This whole section can be best summarized as torrential rain, wind, misery, swollen flooded river, alternate flood route, desolate muddy campground, soggy river bank walk, exhausted Rache.

Arrival at Kerikeri was therefore very welcome - a chance to rest, recuperate… and dry out! The Flashpackers ‘Hone Heke’ here is fantastic... Not only do they provide a lovely place, but heaps of oranges too! 
Caught up with 3 other TA walkers Jo, Scott and Lois too. They educated me that a rest day is called a ‘zero’ day in the TA community (as in zero progress). Fortunately it doesn’t equate with abstinence however…rehydration via beer is included. Feeling better!

Ka Kite
RachXX 

Another expensively shot video below of this section....

3 Comments
Maggie
29/10/2015 21:11:08

Well done Rachy, you'll need a holiday by the end. xo

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jemma
29/10/2015 21:22:28

Well done Rachel, sounds rather challenging & thirsty work. Eat more! Hope your feet are surviving & that you are enjoying the freedom. Xx

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Vicki
30/10/2015 08:24:47

Hard to believe that you are out there doing this each day while we are just carrying on with our normal lives (me sitting at a desk most of the week)!! Loved reading this account - you are a very entertaining writer! Some fun eh :) kia kaha xx

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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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    Where am I now?

    (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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