“There is freedom within, there is freedom without. Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup.There’s a battle ahead, many battles are lost. But you’ll never see the end of the road while you’re travelling with me. Hey now, hey now. Don’t dream it’s over. ” ( Crowded House – Don’t dream it’s over) But it sort of is. The dream/goal of a 3000 … Continue reading Don’t dream it’s over

Lewis Pass – Lewis Pass Day 124-128, 70km loop By completing this 5 day, 70km loop, we connected once more with the TA for two nights, and saw the same scenery from the side of the Waiau Pass that we looked up towards from the West Sabine hut. And, it was a great, graded “moderate” tramp! No 500m of vertical scree for us to scramble … Continue reading St James majesty

St Arnaud – St Arnaud 80km (Day 110-116) After speaking with the DoC lady, we convinced ourselves that we could do the Travers-Sabine Loop – most of which is still on the TA. We will see much of the same scenery – but won’t do the Waiau Pass which the TA trail notes describe as “the most demanding on this track…suitable for experienced individuals..good fitness … Continue reading Terrific Travers-Sabine

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

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

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