Hard Spectacular Yards

WOW!!  2,000 km's (1,242 miles) done already! Two thirds of the way completed...

The 7 to 8 days in the Richmond Ranges, for me, was the hardest physically that I have ever done!
The trail is more of a goat trail with steep ascents and descents, which required my focusing on every foot placement.
Besides that...the scenery was fantastic!

Setting up camp in the forest

One of the many swing bridges on the trail. A must, especially in high waters.

Studying the map.



Looking down at a D.O.C. hut

Hiking across the tops...

It was pretty difficult walking on these rock screes.

Phil and Emily, from England, hiking the Te Araroa Trail.

Bathing in the mountains...so refreshing!!

A bunch of happy through hikers!

Mountain water at its purest...cool, clear, and ohhh so good!!

Rewarding ourselves after a physically tough week... with 2 litres of rich, creamy ice cream, (that's half a gallon!)

The Nelson Lakes region is simply "Spectacular"!

A view of Lake Rotoiti

Up in the mountains

The lifting morning mist

Looking back at Lake Constance



Along the valley floor

As I'm sending this blog, we are relaxing in the picturesque Village of Hanmer Springs. Well known for its natural mineral baths...Ahhhh....Guess where I'm heading right now?

PS:  I have lost weight on this walk. Can you guess how much?

Marlborough Sounds and the "Queen Charlotte Walkway"

As I am farewelled with a kiss from Melody and board the Ferry, we say goodbye to the North Island , and hello to the South Island.
Less populated than the North with a more varied landscape, (as you will see in future blogs).
 We are approx 1,700 km's (1,056 miles) into the journey.
From a distance stand point, it seems all down hill from here. But the elevation gains will be greater with more alpine country to cross.

"On the Ferry from Wellington to Picton"... a beautiful clear day for a beautiful 3 hour crossing!

Cousin Paul Lee about to take us to ship Cove and the start of "Queen Charlotte Walkway.

Captain James Cook the explorer visited this cove 5 times. Check out the Dates

We met up with "Big John" from New Hampshire and Will from England. Here, we are relaxing for lunch with a view of the sounds.

This sign was telling me "Too many places, Too little time".

Paul and Chrissy Lee "saving the day" by bringing me my old boots, as the newer ones were causing problems my feet. They also treated us with 2 deliciously cooked Crey fish. Yummm!
Crey fish are similar to Lobster. 

As we head deeper into the South Island, the opportunity for internet access diminishes.
I will do my best to keep the blogs going, however, there might be the occasional time lapse.

Do You Know?  What is the highest mountain in New Zealand?

FRIENDLY FACES 2

"Home Field Advantage"

The closer we got to Wellington the more interaction we had with family and friends.

As in the first "Friendly Faces" blog, this is a huge thank you to all those who have made this journey so memorable.

Dad and Ben, dropping us back to the trail after spending the night with us in Whanganui. They bought us a big feed the night before that kept us going for several hours!

Sarn with Aaron, after a good nights sleep, (out of the elements), in the police station located in National Park. 

With Simon, owner of Canoe Safaris in Ohakune. Simon was kind enough to donate the use of a canoe for the trip. 
Simon has been offering canoe trips down the Wanganui River for many years now, and we highly recommend Canoe Safaris if you want to jump in and experience this incredible river.

Thank you "Snowhaven Accommodations" for donating a beautiful 2 bedroom townhouse in Ohaukune for a 2 day catch up with our families. The break from the trail was much needed, very comfortable, and welcomed!










A special thanks to Lane and Sarah in Ohakune.  They arranged the donations of our canoe and accommodation...and most notably, hosted a fantastic family BBQ with their children for all of us! We enjoyed continued family fun with them throughout our stay in town.

On the banks of Rangatikei River, outside of the town of Bulls, enjoying the roast pork meal that Melody and Clare prepared for us. Pictured also, are Sarn's children.     Note: The Rangitikei River is one of New Zealand's longest rivers, 185 kilometers.                                                     

                                                         

 

 

Not often does this happen...a foot and lower leg message, compliments of Delwyn, Sarn's bosses wife. We visited with Mike and his family over lunch as we passed through Fielding. A rural farming community.

Peter and Jillian, Sarn's inlaws, in Palmerston North. We were well fed and taken care of for the night. Hot showers and much needed laundry. Another great visit with Melody, Clare and kids.

Just outside of Levin, a bunch of Sarn's work mates joined us on the trail for several km's... finishing with a cold beer and chocolate after a hard day's work? You bet... any combination of food and drink works for us. Cheers guys!











Another Special Thank You to brother Beni and his lovely wife Averil ,(pic to follow), for hosting us with an incredible evening of family fun and great tucker during our overnight in Otaki...pasta, roast, salads and deserts....food, food, and more... food...everything a hiker needs and wants to refuel!  Beni would know!! 

Peter and Vera Taylor and son Allan, in Otaihanga on the beautiful Kapiti Coast.

The only thing we can say about their wonderful 4 course meal is...
"That's all we dream about now...every day"
After staying the night, we left with a belly full of breakfast and huge sandwiches.





Wonderful hosts and great laughs....thank you Allan, (on right next to Melody), for your quick witt and keen sense of humor...you are a natural!

Melody joining me on the banks of the Waikanae River, as we leave Peter and Vera's place.

Leon and Valerie Anquetil, Johnsonville. My formative years of growing up in Johnsonville was spent with my first cousin Leon. Their hospitality is always second to none. The Bar-be-que was brilliant, but apparently Leon's golf game needs improving...

 

 

Relaxing at home in Levin with Mum and Dad before heading down to the South Island. Mum and Dad have always supported and encouraged me in all my past adventures. Always wonderful to spend time with them. Mum and Dad, if you are reading this, I miss you and love you heaps!

Enjoying a great meal with Beni's Sister in law, Simone, her husband David and their family. Roast Pork,Crackling and Wine disappeared much too quickly! Yumm,yumm,yumm... Just a neat bunch of people with a great sense of humor!

 

 

 



North Island Summary

The North Island is done! Approx 1,600 km’s, (about 1,000 miles), under our belt and a lot of stories and memories to share!  Eleven blisters came and went...the aches and pains still hitching a ride, but, diminishing in number. The South Island looms, as does a different terrain than the North.  More wild, more remote and more mountainous. I suspect a different experience unfolding.

Here is a summary of the North Island:

With great excitement and anticipation, we headed south from Cape Reinga along the 90 mile beach. The day was warm and sunny. Our spirits soaring!

The romance had soon dimmed, as the blistered feet took center stage. The new aches and pains that appeared were an unwelcomed burden to carry.  But hey, it’s what I expected would happen anyway, but not like this...

The rough, wet, muddy terrain of the Northland forests took its first victim in brother Beni.

With a torn cartilage in his right knee, we lost a friend and a soul mate. His spirit remains with us and so does his moral support as we continue.

The scenery of the North was memorable, beautiful, peaceful and worth another visit in the future. The forests were challenging, surreal and full of colorful bird life.

The road walking- sometimes long, boring and very hard on the body.

The people we met along the way made a huge impact, in lifting our spirits as our bodies and minds became used to walking all day. These experiences and memories gave us a renewed faith in mankind.

The ultimate highlights so far?

We met several hikers from different parts of the world including England, France, Germany, USA, Canada and Scotland. They all shared similar stories of warmth and hospitality throughout their journeys.

I want to thank all those we have met along the way...also, my friends and family here in New Zealand, and back in America. Not only for inspiring me, but also, for your encouragement in taking on this epic journey! This is what motivates me personally...this is what drives me through the sometimes lonely and arduous hours on the trail.

Last, but not least, I thank my wife Melody, for her love, support, and patience (only an angel could put up with me). I could not do this without your support!