Mind Your Step (PART 1 of 3)

Well. Part 2 of our journey is finally and officially complete. During our waiting period to see when (or if) Alex would be able to set off trekking again, we had a little healing time at Ora Ora Resort in Kerikeri and once there had an evening where we had a fundraiser with a bunch of locals. It was a lot of fun to get to know some of the people in the area, though difficult to stay upbeat about our trek that we didn't know if or when we'd be able to get going on it again. Even still, it was a good time and Alex and I were even able to fit in a mini trip to Aroha Island Eco Centre where we learned more about New Zealand's efforts to help their national bird - the Kiwi - from being endandored species.

Even with all the fun and relaxing time we were having on our rest days, our focus at the back of our minds still stayed on aiming to get back on track. After a quick physio appointment on October 27 for Alex, we got word that her ankle had healed up enough for her to begin trekking again. Provided that she would agree to stretching it regularly and soaking it in the cold fresh water streams along the way. We were only too excited and I could hardly believe that we had come to the point of finally trekking again. After 8 days of resting, waiting, hoping and wishing, we were on the trail again and it felt awesome.

And now we have made it to Kerikeri. It only took us 8 days to do, crossing over the Mangamuka's (three separate forest ranges) in which we encountered a series of adventures all packed into one that it's hard to imagine what the rest of this trek will have in store. But I suppose that is why we are taking it one day at a time. Anyway - back to the buisness of blogging - here's the day to day going ons of our adventure:


OCTOBER 27/10

DAY #13 . 10.5 KM . SONG = "Go-go Inspector Gadget" Theme Song . WEATHER = Muggy/Cloudy

The trailhead into Herekino Forest.

We made it further than we planned today. All sweaty, but it feels good to finally be walking again. After a total of 8 rest days, Alex and I were finally able to pack our bags and leave Ahipara behind. The physio had given Alex the go ahead to start it up again - though he did warn that she may never fully recover from the injury until the trek is done. At least he gave tips on how to maintain it without further injury.

But - injuries aside - it feels positively amazing to be back on track again. Literally. To breathe the fresh air. To be back on the trail. To no longer simply be talking about what we're trying to do but actually DOING it. Nothing could feel more right at this point in time. 

I'm loving it.


OCTOBER 28/10

DAY #14 . 13 KM . SONG = "On the Road Again" . WEATHER = Mix of Sun and Cloud

Another day of New Zealand's beauty and another day of success by Alex and I. Sure - we didn't go very far today, but we relished in the knowledge that we were able to choose how far we did want to go. Nothing to hold us back and nothing to push us forward. We could go as fast and as far as we wanted. 

Alex and I chow down on dinner at our camp.

And so we have made it to our goal destination of the day. Stepping just short of a gravel road connection, we found a campspot where we're tucked away off the path, but still have incredible views overlooking all the pastureland. It still amazes me to see just how green the grass is here. The saying of how the grass is always greener on the other side - well - this would be the "other side" as I have never seen such a green before. Awe-inspiring.

That aside - the actual trekking experience of today was rather awesome. We got to experience the adventure of New Zealand's bush. Up and down and all around the trail took us. Winding over roots, fallen trees and muddy sections. The bush grew over the trail so thickly in sections that we wished we had some machetes to chop our way through. But, all the hard work aside - it was a perfect trekking day. I only imagine what tomorrow brings!


OCTOBER 29/10

DAY #15 . 9 KM . SONG = "Turn Back the Hands of Time" . WEATHER = Cloudy

Alex and I seem to be walking less and less each day, though our days seem to be getting better and better. Go figure. I only hope it's not a sign of things to come.

Today started out alright and I was all geared to go for a full 8 hour day that would end on top of a 744m high mountain, but when Alex and I got about 1 km into our journey and found ourselves to be walking in a magical wonderland of New Zealand forest - I lost all motivation for continuing on during the day.

We spent the morning simply in awe as we wove our way along rolling hills within a forest so beautiful it felt as though we really were in the movie trilogy "Lord of the Rings." Only we weren't and just happened to be passing through the "backyard" of local farming residents. Anyway - as it were - upon seeing such beauty I was ready to stop right there and set up camp. But it was only about 8am and the sky looked as though it may rain.

Onwards we went, eventually connecting to a gravel road that winded it's way around hills, giving us glimpses of the mountainous beauty all around us. And, as such, Alex and I found ourselves to be getting deeper and deeper into our conversations of life, love and the pursuit of happiness. I, for one, envied the locals that owned all the land around us (near Takahue) and were able to wake up everyday to enjoy such a view.

After we officially passed the small settlement of Takahue I commented to Alex of how lazy and unmotivated I felt. She surprised me in saying that she felt the same way. We agreed that we'd simply try to find a beautiful campsite and make tomorrow a definite lengthy hike. That was, of course, if we could find a place perfect enough for us to pitch a tent so we could enjoy the rest of the day without feeling antsy about leaving. 

Campsite on farmland near Raetea Forest.

And so we lucked out. At the end ofthe road there was a farmer who had watched us walking by his property. He came out to see where we were headed and then offered the suggestion for us to pitch our tent around the corner by the stream. It was part of his land, but he assured us he'd be alright with us camping the night there.

So - around the corner we went and found it to be exactly what we were looking for. Green rolling hills surrounded us as we pitched our tent near the stream. We were even able to start up a campfire. And then we simply sat down to enjoy it. Fire. Birds. Water. Clean clothes. Tea. Rest. Photo opportunity. What more could we ask for?