Oct 10 day 40 Taumaranui Zero Day

I had hoped to get new shoes today, but the outfitter only sells heavy hunting boots. The shoe store had the perfect shoe, but not even close to my size. Looks as if I’m going to have to get another 200 km out of my torn up North Faces. Apart from the original parting, they have showed no further deterioration, so here’s hoping they last to Whanganui. I on the other hand have been showing further deterioration and opted for a rest day before diving into the many miles through the national park (which will include the Tongiriro Crossing, eventually followed by a boat from the Bridge to Nowhere I hope all the way to Whanganui). Slept in, watched some stupid television, found myself laughing out loud at some inanity, then morning in coffee shop trying to write, afternoon re-supplying and planning the next bit the trek. Had an unusual dinner. Down the street from my motel was a place called RSA “Returned and Services Association.” Similar to the VFW in the US, the RSA is one of the oldest veterans associations in the world, founded by soldiers returning from Gallipoli. It is a club, but they let me sign in as a guest and I had a good meal in interesting surroundings–large families with multiple generations eating together. It was an odd, but pleasant way to spend the evening.