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 […]
Inventory
Inventory I remember as a child marveling at a Boy Scout mess kit. Inside a green canvas cover embossed with the Scout emblem was a shiny aluminum flying saucer. Loosening wingnut at the end of two extended metal tabs let me rotate a metal strap away and lift off the top half disk which magically […]
Day 30
Sep 30 day 30 Rangiriri to Ngaruawahia 34 km 7:00-4:00 So I broke my resolution to slow down a bit. Started morning in thick fog, wore my headlamp to be seen through the construction site, but after crossing the Waikota I was more or less in the country with a straight shot down to Huntly. […]
Day 29
Sep 29 day 29 Mercer to Rangiriri 25 km 9:15-3:15 Woke early, looked out on a cold, very foggy landscape, rolled over in my warm bed and slept more. After packing I went over to the Pokeno Bacon Diner. They serve filter coffee (first I’ve had since arriving) and lots of bacon dishes (including an […]
Day 28
Sep 28 day 28 stealth camp on Mangatawhiri track to Mercer 23 km 7:45-2:30 Slept well and long, but had a hard time getting cranked up for hike as the rain showers kept rolling through while I marveled at how well my tent kept me dry and comfortable. Also I was dreading the climb and […]
Day 27
Sep 27 day 27 Clevedon to stealth camp on Mangatawhiri track 31 km 9:00-6:00 What started out peaceful, turned pretty hard, though I really don’t know why. Slept in a little, plus the time changed, so I got a late start on both my time and clock time. Did have coffee at the Clevedon Cafe […]
Day 26
Sep 26 day 26 Auckland Airport to campground at Clevedon Village 34 km 7:30-3:00 Slept in a bit, had coffee at Jamaica Blue– good coffee– then set out for what would be the most boring day almost (saved by the end). Had about 28 kilometers that was pretty much all sidewalk walking. The only bright […]