Te Araroa 7 - lift from Mangamuka Track to Kaitaia and bus to Kerikeri

 

I got up at 5am (in the dark) and left at 6am. Walked 3km and caught a ride back into town. I wasn’t expecting a lift that quick so was far too early for the bus. Had second breakfast in a bakery. Caught the bus at 10:10 to Kerikeri. Walked to Hone Heke Lodge hostel and dumped pack. Walked into town for lunch and a quick shop. Wind picked up so headed to hostel for nap and chill. 

The storm last night was wonderful, looking from a warm bed. Thunder and lightning and RAIN !!!

Slept like a log but had to get up and take video. 

Te Araroa 6 - Road walk from Kaitaia to Mangamuka Track

 

I went to church with a lovely bunch at the Salvation Army. We sang in English and Māori. Church was a little long so I only started walking again at 12:30.

20km road walk again but mostly on side roads. It was hot in the sun but beautiful scenery and flowers. 

Arrived at Krishna Sanctuary and had a meal provided. We also had a sugarcane crushing demonstration. We then had the result, sweet but nothing removed so the flavour was wonderful. They added black salt to make it even better. The salt had a lot of sulphur (bad eggs) but this made the sugarcane even nicer. 

I’m changing plan tomorrow. I’m heading back to Kaitaia to catch the bus to Kerikeri. There’s a bad thunderstorm coming Monday night. I’m opting to be in a hostel. I’ll then walk north along the trail to meet my trail family. There going to be 1 inch of rain overnight, so the track will be awful. I’m taking advice from an experienced walker who suggested skipping the forest in thunder. (I must be getting old)

A wise man listens to wisdom, a foolish man listens to fools. I’ll know in 3 days if the new plan worked. 

First river bath. 

Sugarcane crushing. 

Thought for the day. 

This was taken mostly from the Salvation Army pastor Moses. 

Focus on God, not on our problems. 

Matthew 11:3 -John the Baptist send his disciples to ask Jesus, are you the messiah or should we look for another. 

John was in prison and probably thinking, how did it get to this. He had years earlier declared, behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. But now in prison he has his doubts.  Doubts are not the problem, it’s where do we turn. Jesus answered, go tell John what you see and hear. Jesus continues with the filament of the scriptures. The blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear and dead rise. When we doubt turn again to the bible and seek reassurance there. 

Te Araroa 5 - road walk to Kaitaia

 

What can I say, it was all road. Nothing to see, nothing to do but dodge cars. 

The forest track was closed to prevent Kauri dieback. It’s killing loads of trees so far. So I’m happy to walk the road in that circumstance. There’s another 6km on the same road tomorrow but I should be early, so less traffic. I hope. 

Good breakfast to start the day. So good. 

Clean cloths for tomorrow 

Te Araroa 4 - 90 mile beach (part 3)

 

Rained in the night. My mattress was wet at the bottom. Must have pushed out the end. Was back on the beach at 7:10. It was a repeat of yesterday. 31km to the end of 90 mile beach. (It’s only 90km long but don’t tell anyone). You know when you’re bored or stresses you talk to yourself. Well myself talked to myself and then to me. We had a lovely 3 way conversation. 

The waves are about 100 meters out from the beach, and at high tide they come up the 100 all at once. You have to watch out. It’s like Polzeath Beach in Cornwall, the Emmets come and put their towels down and then one wave covers the full beach and takes everything. 

The white noise of the waves is nice for a while but after 3 days it can get on your nerves. 

I’m glad the beach is finished. 

Te Araroa 3 - 90 mile beach (part 2)

 

Last night I was so depressed. On a scale of one to ten, I was at three to giving up. Not really going to quit but certainly thinking about it. My friend at home helped me through the rough patch. Slept like a log. Woke and excited to continue. Breakfast of 3 portage packets and a coffee. 

Broke camp at 7. Walked 30km to the next camp site. Gabi was lovely, welcomed us with an orange. We had hot showers, man it felt good. There’s even spaghetti bolognaise materials for sale. One of our group is going to cook for us all. 

Bet you’ve never seen a coconut with muscles!!

Seagull using height to break open a shell. 

Te Araroa 2 - 90 mile beach.

 

Broke camp at 6:30. Walked 4km to the started the 90 mile beach today. It’s crazy, all you can see is beach. It started nice. Early morning and not too hot. As the day wore on it got hot. No shade. Lots of river crossings. Had to take shoes off and then dry off after crossing. I wore crocs today to try and give the heals a break. Not very comfortable walking in crocs. 

Te Araroa 1 - the start.

 

Caught shuttle at 7am to Cape Reinga. Brian the driver was full of information. Great journey with 4 other trampers (NZ word for hikers). Arrived at 9:15 and explored the lighthouse. Took the photos and videos. Then it was off. We only walked 12.5km to first camp site. I’m glad because previous blisters were still a bit raw. I’ll be travelling with the 4 trampers for this section because there are only a few camping sites. 2 English, French and Dutch. 

Thought for the day. 

I’ll be doing a thought for the day as I travel but it has to flow and not be forced. 

Today I’m thankful to be here, on the far side of the world. I’m thankful for Gods amazing creation. I’m thankful I have started. Let the adventure begin.