Te Araroa - Many Steps for MS
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Te Araroa - Many Steps for MS
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From poverty of expectation and the decay of people’s spirit to affluence and bloated excess.

18/11/2015

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On the way to the big smoke, I had yet another epic battle with forests while en-route to Warkworth: Due to deteriorating eyesight, I misread the Dome track as taking 4-5 hours - rather than the actual 6-7. Thus when the (track) end was nigh, I found myself in the dark at the (sadly closed) Dome tea rooms. Friends of my parents had offered to put me up, but I wondered if it was ok to ring Alan and Daphne at that time. I did and thankfully they kindly came to collect me, locating a shadowy, totally-buggered figure in the car park. Hurrah! I had a lovely time at their place - highlights included gorgeous food and driving a ride-on mower. Anyone who knows my driving skills would realise this was a brave move on Alan's part! Fortunately and perhaps surprisingly, no parts were actually lost, on either equipment or people.
 
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.
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After escaping the ooze and walking along the stupendously-nice coast to Devonport, I came upon a whole new world, A world filled with affluent people dressed in ‘leisure wear’, A world filled with dogs that at first glance could be mistaken for a rat or gerbil. Heading deeper into the tree-lined streets of Devonport however, I felt much more at home…not least because I was very fortunate to be welcomed into one, with a fantastic stay with Cathy and her amazing family.
 
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
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3 Comments
Nessie
18/11/2015 23:41:56

Hya Rache, another great blog. Loved the bit about the mower!! Seriously, you sound like you are meeting true kindness on the way.
I had had to have tent hair cut off...many years back....painful and rediculous!
Keep on tramping
Xxx

Reply
Vicki
19/11/2015 09:46:23

hey Rache, sounds like you are having an amazing experience, with good bits making up for the not so good bits!! Love reading about it :)

Reply
Slag
26/11/2015 00:08:46

Well done Big Lass - I am impressed by progress, quantity of friends made and minimal medical visits. Hopefully you are keeping the chafing under control. Onwards! S 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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    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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