Day 37
Oct 7 day 37 Mangaokewa road to Ngaherenga campsite 36 km 8:00-4:00 Al, the transport guy, picked me up at 7:15 to head back to Mangaokewa road to start the day, but because they are strengthening a bridge, we had to do a detour around the countryside and passed one of the many farm airstrips […]
Just a Bindlestiff
Just a bindlestiff Walking long distance is never just about solitude. Most trails cross roads, towns, and some (such as the Te Araroa) go through cities. It’s one thing to be out in the bush– hot, sweaty, a bit fragrant from a few days without bathing, sporting unruly hair and a scraggly beard– and running […]
Day 36
Oct 6 day 36 Te Kuiti to Mangaokewa road 22 km 8:15-1:15 Slack Pack– never did that on the Appalachian Trail, but did today. Since there were over 60 km of hiking without camping possibilities, I decided to stay two nights in Te Kuiti, walking out this morning to do the first section of 22 […]
Day 35
Oct 5 day 35 Waitomo to Te Kuiti 16km 8:30-12:00 The campground had some revelers last night, my countrymen, who kept everyone up late. For once the sun was shining first thing in the morning and everything was relatively dry, just a faint dew. Was easy to smile. Decided to have a big breakfast before […]
Day 34
Oct 4 day 34 stealth site to Waitomo Campsites 32 km 7:00-3:00 Woke early and, even though it was Sunday, I started hiking right away so as not to get caught trespassing. I wanted to get to Waitomo, and so proceeded at a good pace. First part was a farm road which soon became a pasture […]
Day 33
Oct 3 day 33 Kaniwhaniwha campsite to stealth site 26 km 8:45- 6:30 Physically a very hard day. Started out slow as I awoke to more rain on the tent and a louder rush of the Kaniwhaniwha stream (which on inspection, had risen considerably). I waited until there was a lull, then in full rain […]
Day 32
Oct 2 day 32 Hamilton to Kaniwhaniwha campsite 39 km 7:15-4:00 One thing Hamilton does well is footpaths. From the river walk I took yesterday into the city, to the westward path I followed this morning which, after it emerged from the line of panel-beater shops and equipment rental yards, took me up a beautiful […]
Day 31
Oct 1 day 31 Ngaruawahia to Hamilton 21 km 9:30-2:00 Literally a walk in the park. Woke late, determined to enjoy the Arrow Motel bed as long as possible, then strolled out of Ngaruawahia on way to Hamilton. Ngaruawahia is an interesting town, apparently the home of some significant Maori leaders and important in their […]