Day 403: Palmerston North

Highlight:

Today I connected the dots on my Te Araroa Journey.

I hadn't organized any accommodation. I'll just get to Kahuterawa Road when I do and then go from there. There was a bus out of town at 5:30, not sure on how long the hitching and transport would take. Maybe if I got to the intersection around 4pm, I might have a chance of catching a bus today, and getting to Wellington.

With this in the back of the mind, I decided I was in no rush. I would get there when I did, and could always stay in a backpackers. This would be my last trail day for an unknown amount of time, and I couldn't really skip the luxury of town food.

Challenge:

My feet and legs were sore, and my walking was slowing. So I opted for what appeared to be the last cafe. It was a 500m off trail. I ordered the savory crapes - chicken, brie, cranberry. Very sweet.. I recall having crapes I had at the Dunedin farmers market, they were savory, crunchy fillings and so good. These were not a good match with today's snack - gummy worms free range in my hip pockets.

The cafe experience was made worth while only by airing my feet out and ice coffee. It's amazing what a break can do, and once over the bridge and on soft trails I was energized. And feeling I could now keep pace with a Moa.

Learning:

Trent called, 20km to go he asked ? Na less now. I checked my phone - it was only 11km. Some hours later I arrived at the road sign. The Te Araroa Trail song on play. Corner of Greens Road and Kahuterawa Road. 2500km along Te Araroa. 500km to walk in the north to reach Te Rerenga Wiarua.

I took a handful of photos, and then saw a car heading in my direction. I was on the wrong side of the road, but put my thumb out. Palmy? Na I'm going to Linton, but could take you to the main road. We had learned last year, that any hitch was good and got you closer. I hopped it the car. Bag on my lap, poles still extended, music playing, headphones getting tangled.  It was a short drive to State Highway 57.  North or south? It seamed counter intuitive. But so close. I crossed to the Palmy direction. A truck and two cars went past... the third one stopped.  Toni was heading to Palmy to look at a house. I was in luck. I booked a bus ticket on route. She dropped me right at the bus stop! I messaged Trent, with a photo of the town square, and asked my friend Kayla if she could host me. A quick freshen up in the public toilets family room - shirt changed and teeth brushed before loading on to the bus. These bathrooms made stiff competition for Ōwhango rest rooms.

And that is the end of my story, until the next part.

Summary: