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.
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.
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
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
RSS Feed