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. 

Te Araroa 0 - last night before start tomorrow

 

Headed to bus station at 7:30am to get to Kaitaia, last town before Cape Reinga. Staying with Sarah (Gate way to the North) B&B.

Shuttle at 7am to the start of the Te Araroa tomorrow. Last night in a real bed. Can’t wait to start. One small issue is I already have blisters. I walked into the centre of Auckland and didn’t check for shoe rub. Oops.

Te Araroa 0 - preparation done

The preparation is done. All equipment is complete. I’ll be taking the bus up on Monday to Kaitaia and staying the night. Then shuttle up to the start (Cape Reinga). The jet lag has been terrible and I’m glad I’ve had these days to recover. May the adventure begin. 

Te Araroa 0 - Auckland

The travel. 

Left Dublin for Dubai on a 7 hour flight. Tried to sleep as much as possible. Then Dubai to Auckland on a 15 hour flight. Thank goodness I went Premium Economy, more legroom and again slept as much as possible. My neighbours son collected me at the airport. Well it was Gwen Horner because Philip was working. It was so good to see a familiar face. I will buy last minute supplies and then get bus to the start of the Te Araroa. Let the adventure begin. 

Contents ready

Pack loaded 

Second flight 

BBQ in Auckland. 

Te Araroa 0 - Preparation

Final preparations for the flight to NZ tomorrow. 

Keep track of me as I journey on this new adventure