Heading on south towards NZ's retirement capital, Orewa, I spent a somewhat-scary night at Wenderholm Park. The Park itself is fine – its just that I happened upon it during a seemingly biblical downpour, a veritable maelstrom. Suffice to say that in the future I will always, always, always check that the tent pegs are firmly secured in the ground. I have had bed hair before but never tent hair (literally).
I crossed paths again with Lois, a TA walker who I had met earlier on the Tuataka coast. Together we found out why special forces use walking in estuary mud as hard-out training. I can totally see why people with more money than sense pay to do those mud races as if I get bored with poking my eye out with a rusty fork one day, I would love to spend another hour or so in the blazing sun with a heavy pack sinking to the bottom of an estuary. Oh. Such. Fun.
The MS Society are having a research fund launch on Thursday night, to which I have been invited. With Cathy’s help, I bought a very exclusive dress from the Hospice op shop. $8 later and Cinderella can go to this particular ball.
Yesterday, I took the ferry to start the Auckland coastal section and south Auckland, whilst staying with Greg and Trish, who is my bff’s mum. Constantly amazed by the kindness and help I am receiving....
Today I had awesome day. A real bed. Proper food, And then the privilege of walking some of TA with the very lovely folk of Pukekohe Tramping Club (below).
It also marks the first month 'on the road’. Time passes so quickly! The miles less so - but still, around 600km down and progress is progress, in the right direction. Well, usually.
Every day is certainly an adventure!
Ka Kite
RacheXX