I got up at 6 and hit the road at 7:30. 18k tarred road which is not pleasant. Then into forest which is much better. Lots of steps uphill but much better than road. Last 4km on gravel road which again is better than tarred road.
Had a swim in river, so cold, so good.
Lots of people here.
I must confess I’m on 7/10 enjoying the trail. The road walking is not pleasant. I now know there is 16% road walking!!!!
You'll be back at the Coast soon. River swims are great. Remember 16% road leaves 84% off road! Be careful what you wish for. Keep posting, I'm following your tracks. Una
ReplyDeleteHow are the FEET?
DeleteA comment I found. on the Road Walking
I knew the TA had a lot of road walking (around 15% of the trail) but I didn’t realize just how sketchy some of it would be. Some sections follow busy highways with no shoulder, which made for some nerve-wracking moments. While the trail sections were phenomenal, the road walks were a harsh reminder of the TA’s growing pains. Unfortunately, forest closures to stop the spread of kauri dieback meant even more road walking in the North Island for us as a result of the detours.