Life is like a box of chocolates - You never know what you are going to get
(as Forest Gump’s momma apparently always said:)
When I eat scroggin, I like to pick out the yummy chocky (and yogurt) pieces - but they always seem to run out far too soon.....Walking round the Tutakaka coast is like eating all the yummy scroggin chocolate - but there is a never-ending supply: It seems like around every corner there are deserted beaches, surrounded by galleries of rock, with the waves making the only sound.
This tramp is about so much more than walking the length of NZ. I am the same age that my brother Ian was when he died. I have been thinking lots about what my future life may hold as, a future denied to Ian. So it was timely to meet Gay from the Northland MS society. This society, with a massive geographic area to cover, needs $80,000 per annum to work effectively. They receive $7,000 from government health funds.
Gay, the MS field worker, is a vastly experienced nurse and health manager, who could earn a large salary elsewhere. She is, however, a brilliant, decent and genuinely-caring person, who chooses to work for MS Northland with the support of her equally-awesome partner Cathy who was the previous MS field worker.
When I eat scroggin, I like to pick out the yummy chocky (and yogurt) pieces - but they always seem to run out far too soon.....Walking round the Tutakaka coast is like eating all the yummy scroggin chocolate - but there is a never-ending supply: It seems like around every corner there are deserted beaches, surrounded by galleries of rock, with the waves making the only sound.
This tramp is about so much more than walking the length of NZ. I am the same age that my brother Ian was when he died. I have been thinking lots about what my future life may hold as, a future denied to Ian. So it was timely to meet Gay from the Northland MS society. This society, with a massive geographic area to cover, needs $80,000 per annum to work effectively. They receive $7,000 from government health funds.
Gay, the MS field worker, is a vastly experienced nurse and health manager, who could earn a large salary elsewhere. She is, however, a brilliant, decent and genuinely-caring person, who chooses to work for MS Northland with the support of her equally-awesome partner Cathy who was the previous MS field worker.
Thanks to Gay, who picked me up and dropped me back to the track the next day, I made it to their lovely house in Teal Bay in time for “The Game” early last Sunday morning. They supplied me with enough food (peach pie!) and much more importantly support and encouragement that I felt like I had grown several feet. Thank you doesn’t really cover it girls but THANKS ☺☺ (especially for the veggies to ward off scurvy!!).
Three of the TA walkers have ended up in Whangerei hospital on this section.
Lois, from Wellington, choked on a fish bone and ended up in Whangerei hospital. She is one of many walking the TA in sections and we had a great time chatting and staying in Tui hut, set in beautiful bush at the back of Matapouri.
Two other walkers got injured on the (frankly dangerous) 100kph open, winding road sections. There was no shoulders and both injuries were due to falling over while trying to keep off the road.(one broken thumb, seeing surgeon on Thursday and ankle ligaments damage).
Touch wood, no such calamity for me., but who know's what is around the next corner. Best enjoy all the opportunities life has to offer?
Three of the TA walkers have ended up in Whangerei hospital on this section.
Lois, from Wellington, choked on a fish bone and ended up in Whangerei hospital. She is one of many walking the TA in sections and we had a great time chatting and staying in Tui hut, set in beautiful bush at the back of Matapouri.
Two other walkers got injured on the (frankly dangerous) 100kph open, winding road sections. There was no shoulders and both injuries were due to falling over while trying to keep off the road.(one broken thumb, seeing surgeon on Thursday and ankle ligaments damage).
Touch wood, no such calamity for me., but who know's what is around the next corner. Best enjoy all the opportunities life has to offer?
We don't know how lucky we are
(Fred Dagg)
 | PS I have just a lovely stay with Hugh and Ros at Tidesong B &B ...yummy food and a welcome, comfy bed. Bliss, despite the very stormy yesterday among the muddy mangoves! |
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