Wisemen
Won’t you tell me what the Wisemen said? When they came down from Heaven, smoked nine ‘till seven, all the shit that they could find. But they couldn’t escape from you, couldn’t be free of you and now they know there’s no way out. And they’re really sorry now for what they’ve done. They were just three Wise Men trying to have some fun. Look … Continue reading Wisemen
Walking home
Anakiwa 1765km to Nelson 1850km (day 96 – 102) This next section of the TA looms large for all walkers. Long (approx 10 days), high (lots of walking above 1200m) and tough (km per hr rate about 2km/hr). We were no different. For me, anxiety outweighed excitement. Still, one step at a time. First, focus on the lovely walk to Havelock. Nice, great pathway above … Continue reading Walking home
Queen of the South
Ship cove 1695km to Anakiwa 1765km (day 91 – 95) What a beautiful way to start Te Araroa South Island. The weather was perfect, the Sounds sparkling. We felt rested from our week in Wellington, and ready to start the second leg of our adventure. It is funny though, to have day trippers, and non-pack carrying walkers around you. Especially the first day, it felt … Continue reading Queen of the South
North Island wrap-up
” I walk a lonely road. The only one I have ever known. Don’t know where it goes. But its only me, and I walk alone.” ( Green Day – Boulevard of Broken Dreams.) Except I do not. Every step of the way, Kath has been beside me. Part of the marvel that is our journey on the Te Araroa is that our relationship has … Continue reading North Island wrap-up
Wow Wellington
Levin 1536km – Wellington 1695km (day 78-83) It was a very odd sensation to be coming into my old home town on foot. Things seemed very familiar, but at the same time new, and different from a walking pace. Overlaying those feelings were the ones about finishing the North Island. Relief, disbelief, a kernal of hope, no – confidence that maybe we can actually do … Continue reading Wow Wellington
Manawatu forest paths
Palmerston North 1476km to Levin 1536km (Day 74 – 77) This section of the Manawatu was magnificent. Great tracks, some lovely forest, some working pine forest, decent facilities. Hard work and mud too, of course. One highlight was a new whare shelter at the nominal halfway mark of 1500km! We shared the evening with 3 German guys, Valerie (we met on Timber Trail) and Swiss … Continue reading Manawatu forest paths
Mainline Manawatu
Whanganui 1362 to Palmerston North 1476 (day 69-73) After a couple of days recuperation in lovely Whanganui (Tasy Indian food, craft beer, art gallery, and lots of just chilling out) we set off on a pretty grey day through mainland Manawatu. After a cool 1919 elevator ride, the highlight was getting completely drenched walking along a back road. Scenic though it was, the wind and … Continue reading Mainline Manawatu
Watery Whanganui adventure
Taumaranui 1036km – Whanganui 1362km (day 59-69) Be careful what you wish for….this rang in my ears for our Whanganui River trip. I had been campaigning for a few years to do the Whanganui Great Walk (which is the canoe trip). I pictured languid water, swimming holes, green gorges filled with sunshine and birdsong. Our December TA experience – not quite like that. After 2 … Continue reading Watery Whanganui adventure
Islands in the stream
” I see trouble up ahead. Where the riverboat swayed beneath the sun is when the river runs red. Like a king who stalks the wings and shoots a dove. And frees an eagle instead. Its more or less the same as the things that you said. ( Ocean Colour Scene – Riverboat Song) I probably should have opted for the Bee Gees’ “Islands in … Continue reading Islands in the stream
A lovely day
“When the day that lies ahead of me, seems impossible to face. When someone else instead of me, always seems to know the way. Then I look at you and the world’s alright with me. Just one look at you. And I know it’s going to be a lovely day.” (Bill Withers/ Skip Scarborough – Lovely Day) If the Timber Trail was likened to a … Continue reading A lovely day
walk.laugh.wonder 