Day 385: Pehitawa Track

A few days ago I decided it was the right time to continue my Te Araroa journey. With a new job starting in 3 weeks I had time and security to walk. After sleeping (and biking) on the idea, I booked a flight. I would have Christmas in Hamilton and start walking south the following day from Waitomo. With the time I had, we estimated to connect where I left Trent and the trail near Palmerston North, I would have to walk every day. I could however allow for 3 shorter (~20km) rest days.

The Whanganui river was also a big ?. I would love to kayak down it and avoid the long road walk, however I would need company on the river to be able to hire a boat. Would I find other walkers doing it at the same time, or could I rope a  family member in?? Time would tell.

It's Boxing day and Luke and Chloe drop me off at Waitomo. The intersection that Rose and I had reached back in October (pre the Waikato moving to alert level 3 for the second time). The sun is shining, and my bag is packed with an assortment small chocolate treats to fuel me to Te Kūiti and beyond.

Highlight:

Feeling blissful and satisfied as I took relief from the sun. How good was the feeling to rest my feet, legs and body under the shade of this tree. A large drink of water, some more substantial food, a pee and I was reset and ready to continue.

Challenge:

Trent had pre-warned me that there were a few places today that were not mapped or marked very well. A couple of km short of Te Kūiti and I was feeling confident... I approached a spot where the TA app, the GPX file and markers conflicted. I headed in the rough direction on the town, happy that I had avoided a steep hill. It did not take long until I hit a deer fence. With the help of some post and rails I jumped the fence to continue my tac. I came out on a farm track, complete with dogs, a quad bike and Janice. She offered me water, advice to keep safe with covid in town and gave me her phone number if I needed it.

Learning:

Summary: