Te Araroa - Many Steps for MS
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Te Araroa - Many Steps for MS
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Poetry in Pictures

6/11/2015

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Life is like a box of chocolates - You never know what you are going to get
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(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.

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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?
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We don't know how lucky we are
(Fred Dagg)
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​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!
2 Comments
Nessie Kirkbride link
5/11/2015 23:52:50

Hya Rache,
Great blog, glad you are meeting amazing people, philosophising about the wonderd of scrog', and living in the moment in such incredible scenery. Remember every step you take....go girl!

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Dom
6/11/2015 23:08:25

Like the Fred Dagg quote. One foot in front of the other is the only way forward.

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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!!!)
    ​​
    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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