Thursday 4 April 2013

The Long Pathway Completed.


Upper east end of Lake Wakatipu with less than 2 weeks to go.


Take a big pan for these mushrooms!


 Along the Greenstone River


Sheep farms are predominant in Southland

The old phone booths of bygone days.


Moss covered rock


Martin's Hut, the last hut on the trail.
Martin’s Hut was built in 1905 by Fred Mason, to house a water race maintenance worker. Racemen were employed by mining companies to maintain the race, and to ensure a steady supply of water for mining operations. These men often lived by themselves in isolated environments. They faced an ongoing battle to clear fallen trees and branches, and to repair flood damage. Martin’s Hut is one of three gold mining era huts remaining on public conservation land in Southland.




The excitement of finishing is building...as we have
22 km's to go along highway 1, then just another 7 km's via trail, around to
Stirling Point. (Southern terminus)

5 more km's to Stirling Point.





 Views of Stewart Island to the south and....count them....2 km's to go!

                                                                                         


Stirling Point at Bluff and no where to go!
All done and dusted! We've made it!!
 3,054 km's (2,030 miles)
118 days to complete.


                                                                                  


Awesome to have Beni join us. He walked the final 2 km's with us.
The operation on his knee, (torn cartilage), was successful.
His support from start to finish was priceless.

                                                                                        

Now that we have hung our boots up for the last time on this trip, it is now time to reflect…

First, I want to thank all those who encouraged and helped us, before and during the journey.

A special thanks to:
Sue Eisaguirre, and everyone involved with Nature Track in California. A special, (and much needed), foundation, run by special people.
Kathy Gibson, and all those involved with New Zealand Special Olympics.

Walking for causes larger than ourselves kept us going when our minds and bodies wanted to stop.

My very supportive family and friends in NZ and in the USA, (always good to hear mum’s voice on the phone)…thanks Dad and brother Beni, for meeting up with us here and there…and thanks to my other brother, Joe, for your moral support on the phone from Australia.
Thanks also to Sarn’s mum, Carol, for flying over from Australia and making sure we were fed well.

Most of all, to my wife Melody, who gave me two thumbs up the moment I mentioned doing this journey. Getting encouragement like that was the deciding factor. Your support and encouragement throughout was invaluable!

We met a lot of friendly and hospitable people, which always renews ones faith in mankind.
They shared their hearts and homes with us smelly, scruffy hikers.
We also met other adventurers from different parts of the globe tackling the trail. We wish them success.

The scenery and countryside of New Zealand is varied and picturesque! The North Island…with gorgeous coastlines and it’s rolling to rugged farmlands.
The South Island…was more dramatic and physically challenging….fewer people and more open spaces.

The Te Araroa Trail, is by far, the most physically challenging I have experienced.
There were some easy sections…but for the most part…a tough workout.
I lost 14 lbs. of body weight...my muscles shrunk over time, and now I have to get a whole new wardrobe.

I am reminded that, there is a time and place for everything.  A time and a place to go, where you can reflect on life, and be inspired by the natural environment.

OK--------what next?

Tuesday 2 April 2013

GEAR USED ON THE TE ARAROA TRAIL HIKE

The following gear is what I ended up using for most of the hike.
Some things I replaced or sent home.
It may look like a lot, but everything weighed in at approximately 13 kg's, (28.6 lbs).
The weight changed from 13 to 21 kg's, (28.6 to 46 lbs), when adding water
and food.


When preparing for a long hike and carrying a pack, choose good solid footwear
to suit the terrain. I chose these Vasque Bitterroots.
They gave me a good solid foundation, with ample ankle support.

I wore these Vasque Trail Runners during sections of road walking.


Light weight Crocs for camp shoes.

Top of picture: A thin mat, for extra protection on the tent floor from sharp sticks, etc...
Top left: This bag contains an Exped Air Mattress. Top right: A down jacket that doubles as a pillow.
Bottom left:  A Tarp Tent (weight is less than 1 kg, (2 lbs). Bottom right: sleeping bag with silk liner.
Far right: Hiking poles.

Here you see all the bedding/tent etc... layed out.

From top left to right: rain coat, Marino wool singlet, shorts, water proof over pants,
long sleeve fleece top, sleeveless top, shorts, long johns,
warm gloves, woollen hat, billed cap, 4 pairs of socks, gators,
knee brace, bug net, under wear, rain cover for back pack, micro fiber towel.
( missing is a long sleeve marino top)

Top left to right: foam pad for seat, water proof pack liner, bag with extra laces, twine etc,
bag with first aid stuff, water bottle, camera case, accessory bag, note pad,
2 litre water bladder, sunglasses, reading glasses, spare batteries etc, food storage bag,
toilet bag, head lamp and toilet paper 


Eating bowl with cup and utensils.


All the gear layed out except the food and water.

Next blog will feature the last 2 weeks of the hike.