Hiking

Part of Richmond Ranges – And change of direction

We’ve had a big change of plans, but firstly thank you for your support and encouragement to my last post.  I haven’t answered individual comments as we have been out of cell phone coverage since Havelock on Monday 10 January.

It’s now Friday 14 January and this morning we walked out from Hacket Hut to Aniseed Valley Carpark, approximately 7 kms.  A very fit and good-looking middle-aged man named Nigel (in the logging business) gave us a lift into Richmond in his big white ute.  Yvonne’s son Chris picked us up from there and we will stay with him and his family for three nights before heading south to Invercargill on Monday.

Change of direction

It was a difficult decision to make and accept but we both felt we weren’t fit or strong enough to continue walking over the Richmond Ranges to St Arnaud.  The last three days have been tough, but we handled it, the next 12 days were going to be tougher.  The journey was going to take us a few days longer than predicted, that meant extra food and water which equals extra weight (which we could ill-afford) and this has consequences.  So, with the wisdom of age (some might question that), being at a critical decision-making point on the trail (we could easily exit here) and acknowledging our weaknesses, physical capabilities, and age, we have made the decision to change direction and head to Bluff.  Thank goodness for Grab-a-seat with Air NZ.

So next time you hear from us will be from the deep south somewhere.  We will then be classed as North Bounders (NOBO).

Below is my diary to date:

Day 8

Road End – Captains Creek Hut – 8.5 km

Not sure this is such a good idea, sitting outside at the wooden table recording today’s activities – as I’m being eaten by sand-flies here at Captains Creek Hut. Which is located on the banks of the crystal-clear waters of the Pelorus River.

This morning brother Ben & Fran (his wife) meet us at Havelock for coffee and then drove us to the end of the Maungatapu Road. This very kind offer saved us at least two days road walking.  If you have driven along State Highway 6 between Havelock and Nelson, you’ll understand why we gladly accepted Ben’s offer.

My heart was a flutter of nerves when Ben dropped us off, why I’m not sure, partly because we were venturing into the unknown and possibility the 12 – 14 days of “slog” –  I guess you could say.  But then what did I expect – tracks like the Queen Charlotte?  Ha ha – those are a distant memory now.

It took me a good 30 minutes before I settled and concentrated on putting one foot in the front of the other.  Today was a day of full concentration with every foot placement checked because of all the exposed gnarly tree roots to negotiate through and over, along with rocky outcrops to sidle around.  Making sure to stay focused on the track and not look down! This makes for a slow journey for us – but better slow and be safe! At least the track was dry, would hate to hike it when it was wet!  The track more or less followed the Pelorus River which is clear and beautiful.

And thankfully we were mostly under the shade of Beech trees, as it was a hot day out there.

The time guide for this track was 4 hrs, we took 5 hours.  We felt mainly because our packs were heavier, which is taking the body time to adjust to and Yvonne and I have dodgy knees. This sure slows things down, but that is OK as long as we get where we intend to go.

Arriving at Captain Creek Hut, we downed our packs and Yvonne went straight down to the river for her daily swim.    I enjoyed soaking my legs and having a much need wash – as we sweated plenty today.

We all know NZ is such a small place, well this afternoon I had a very bizarre experience.  Two young men, high school age arrived here at the hut with big packs on and full of enthusiasm.  They too immediately went for a swim.  Afterwards we got chatting to them and one of the young men is Gae & Craig’s neighbour from North West Bay in the Marlborough Sounds.  What is interesting about this is that I’ve only just got back in contact with Gae (we were in Laos together back in 2006-8, and I had lost contact with her and Craig).  That is until I meet my house-sitter Kathy couple of weeks back who knew Gae really well back in Gisborne many years ago. So Gae, your neighbour’s name is Piripi.

A bit later a French guy also arrived at our hut, he is NOBO – heading North and also has a huge pack and was quite difficult to understand speech wise.  After cooking up some food the two young men carried onto Middy Hut, another couple of hours away.  Neither of these young men were at high school, one was doing correspondence and the other home schooled in Havelock.  Great to see young people out enjoying the wild

The sand-flies are really bugging me, time I went inside and probably thought about bed.  We will have an early start tomorrow – hopefully getting to our destination in early afternoon.  It is nice to have the chance to have a chill out/power nap at the next hut after that much anticipated cup-of-tea and something to eat.

So night night from me, looking forward to getting stronger thighs and knees!!

Day 9

Captain Creek Hut – Rocks Hut – 10 kms

The stars were shining brightly last night when I got up to go to the toilet – most notability in The Southern Cross – very special.

Yvonne and I were on the track by 7.15 am with 5½ hrs of hiking ahead.  It’s been a day of ‘out of comfort zone experiences”, swing bridges (my favourite activity – yeh right), long steep climbs over exposed tree roots – virtually all day, rocks and scree sections.  We both have learnt you don’t look down!  As we walked it is so peaceful.  All we could hear was the cicadas’, click clack of our walking poles and my pack’s squeaking with each movement.

As we were slowly climbing our way up another hill and sweat dripping down may face, I heard my phone alarm go off, and remembered, it’s my Tuesday cycling group day.  I thought of all my cycling boyfriends and girlfriends and wondered where you’d be riding today and what the weather was like?  I realised while I missed you all, I was very happy doing exactly what I’m doing.

NZTopo50

Before our adventure Maureen (cycling & hiking friend) showed us how to use NZTopo50.  This app enables us to get our exact location via satellite without cell phone coverage along with landscape contours etc.  This is proving invaluable and very reassuring – so thank you Maureen.

Arriving at Rocks Hut was a welcome sight. We were the first so we get to choose where to sleep. I always like to choose a location close to any windows – at least then you can get some fresh air.  It’s a very nice hut containing 16 bunks and believe it or not “flushed toilets x 2”.  That is a first, never have I seen flushed toilets in any DOC huts, but they are appreciated.

 

After our regular “power-nap” it was a quick walk up to the Lockout where we were could see the Richmond Range mountains, quite stunning and beautiful.  We were able to get cell phone coverage – so had a quick check of my emails and must say thank you for your post comments.  I don’t have much battery life to respond but be rest assured your comments are appreciated.

Tonight, we are sitting around a large steel top table chatting with three other hikers.  Sharing stories, experiences, and general chit chat. All very interesting people – one male and two females.  What I did notice that they also went and had a ‘power nap’ soon after arriving at the hut after their day’s hike.

It’s off to bed, the body needs the rest.  Tomorrow we are meeting up with Sari, as she is bringing in extra food for the coming days.

Day 10

Rocks Hut – Hacket Hut – 16 kms

Today was a hard day 9 hrs, much longer than predicted 7 hrs.  More of the same – gnarly tree roots to navigate over, some pretty steep downs, which both Yvonne and I are very slow at. And much brushing aside of over-grown bracken to just see the track let along where to put your feet.

While we had a little break at Browning Hut, Yvonne had a swim.  For me, I soaked my feet and just as I was pulling my shorts up (from soaking them), we heard this loud American voice say “hello girls.”  We both got quite a fright as we hadn’t expected to hear or see anyone this afternoon.  Anyway after a short conversation he asked if could walk with us.  Well, that only lasted about 20 seconds before he disappeared down the track and out of sight – never to be seen again.

Just when we thought we had it made coming along the last couple of kms on what we’d define as a “normal” track surface (no tree roots or rocks) we were confronted with two major washouts!!  These had us thinking for several minutes before we managed to successfully negotiate both slips – very carefully.  This certainly got our hearts pumping and we had to have a little sit down afterwards to gather ourselves togetheragain.

When we arrived at Hacket Hut Sari had been and gone.  She left our food bag well-hidden, but hadn’t wait around for us and I can’t blame her as it took us much longer than anticipated.

This evening we managed to give ourselves a good wash down at the river and even rinsed my smelly clothes.  The heat of the sun soon dried our clothes which we draped over the wooden outdoor table.  We have the hut to ourselves tonight, which is nice, it is small and cozy with 6 bunks.

We spent much of the evening sorting what food we still had, what food we needed for the coming days and what distances we needed to cover.   After completing this activity I could feel a little apprehension building up in my mind!

We are being eating again by sand-flies, so will finish this and go to bed.

Day 11

Hacket Hut – Rest day

I didn’t have a good sleep last night as I was visited by Mr Self-doubt, Mr Fearful, and thank goodness Miss Common Sense joined the mental chatter.  I feel this was all brought on after revising our travel plans over the Richmond Range.  With our walking times taking longer than predicted, packs heavier again after sorting out our food (which Sari dropped off) my confidence and ability in us completing this section was in doubt.  I guess it’s mainly the steep descents that bother me most with our doggy knees and balancing heavy packs.

So at about 6 am this morning Yvonne and I discussed our options.  We decided to have a rest day today and then walk out to Nelson tomorrow and re-assess the next stage.  Yvonne has a son and soon to be daughter-in-law living in Motueka.  This is not what we had planned but feel for our safely and health it is for the better for the time being.  We will be back to complete the Richmond Range but not just yet.

I couldn’t believe how mentally tired I was this morning; the past three days of concentration have certainly taken its toll. Yvonne and I spent all morning lying in our sleeping bags reading and dozing – just what the Doctor ordered.

In the late afternoon two other older hikers, Robert and Allan arrived.  Allan was completely shattered, Robert in a better state.  They like us are re-evaluating their options. Perhaps start at Bluff and walk north, like so many other hikers are doing.

We had a fun evening chatting together and discussing lots of different topics. All in bed by 8.30.

Feeling at peace with our decision to head south and re-start from Bluff.

Day 12

Hacket Hut – Aniseed Valley car park 7 kms

Today we enjoyed a leisurely walk out to the car park.  This track is very popular with mountain bikers, trail runners and people taking their dogs for a morning walk.

Enjoying time in Motueka

It has been years since I visited this part of NZ.  The countryside is looking very dry, it’s hot and very busy traffic wise.  We enjoyed catching up and having a coffee with long time friend Sue (always referred to as “paddling Sue”) at T.O.A.D Hall.  What an interesting business and they serve great coffee.

As mentioned earlier we are currently staying with Yvonne’s eldest son and family, enjoying time together.  Thank you Chris and Louisa for your wonderful and generous hospitality at such short notice.

Neville and Diane of Wanaka, Les and Carol you can expect to see us much earlier than originally planned, but will give you plenty of warning.  Look forward to catching up with you all.

In the mean time, take care out there and stay safe.  GoldCard Gal 🙂

Additional scenes

Firstly, thank you all for your encouraging responses to my last post, it’s appreciated.

As I write up part 2, I’m sitting outside under the dining area shelter in Havelock Holiday Park. Which is very clean, tidy with good facilities. Havelock is surrounded by hills covered in regenerating bush.  It is another hot day here – no idea of the temperature but I can feel little droplets of sweat running down my spine.

Well, our first small goal has been successfully achieved – we have hiked the Queen Charlotte track and what a spectacular hike it was. As the days on the track progressed, we enjoyed meeting and creating friendships with other hikers.  They have all added value to our journey and will be remembered.

We have no blisters and no injuries. But enjoying a rest day here in Havelock before heading off into the Richmond Ranges on Monday 10th.

This next section – The Richmond Ranges will be a tough challenge both physically and mentally. I spent a fair amount of time last night worrying about the water supply up there. Thankfully today, Sari has offered to lend me her 5 ltr water bladder to tide us over.  Meanwhile my mind is thinking “that’s an extra 5 kgs of weight I have to carry.” At least we have surety of life saving water.  Let’s hope the weather stays fine with overcast days – not that we’re asking for much!

Note:  I’m not sure how best to record this journey.  It can make tedious reading but then again it is my diary – so you will just have to bear with me.  Part of the reason I write this blog is because when I return home, I won’t bore you with the details!  Instead, you can skim read through my posts or not read them at all and I’m none the wiser!  Happy all round.

Day 1 – 4 January, 2022

The day has finally arrived.  The day we start the Te Araroa trail.  The days and months of imagining, anticipation and organisation has finally arrived.  Over the coming days we’ll soon learn what is working and what is not.  When I hauled my pack on this morning, I knew it was heavy. I think I’ve packed a few too many luxury food items.  Why?  Because I hate the thought that I may get hungry, or I might need that quick sugary energy fix.  I guess hiking the Queen Charlotte track will enable me to get an idea of my food requirements and hopefully reduce the amount of food I’m carrying.

What a day – day one has been.  Firstly, Sari called in to see us at Piwaka Backpackers (so good to see my valued cycling friend) and collect some of our food for the Richmond Range. (She will hike in on Wednesday and meet us at Hacket Hut and hand over the food and water bladder.)  Then my brother Ben and sister-in-law Fran meet us for coffee and a great catch-up.  Always thoroughly enjoy catching up with family.

Next up our water taxi trip with e-ko.nz.  This was an unexpected bonus for us both.  We saw a Little Blue penguin swimming in the ocean, a King Shag preening himself in a majestic manor which apparently, they’re known for.  A beautiful group of fluttering shear water birds and a pod of dolphins very close to our boat, it was quite magical.  What an opportunity to see these species in their natural environment.  As expected this came with a running commentary of the wildlife and their history and current status etc.

While the rest of the group visited Motuara Island which is predator free, Yvonne and I were dropped off at Ship Cove about 3.30 pm.  Paul the Captain of the boat strongly recommended that we spend time here and absorb the history.  This boat trip was exceptional and well worth it, so if ever in Picton and want a treat to local endangered wildlife I highly recommend this company.

Queen Charlotte Track

Day 1

We did spend a short time at Ship Cove reading the various information boards and enjoying just being in that location and reflecting on the history of the area.

Our plan for this afternoon was to hike over to Schoolhouse Bay camp in Resolution Bay, which we did – only 6 kms, 3 kms ascent and 3 kms decent – not a difficult hike but stunning scenery often getting glimpses of the Sounds from a variety of viewpoints – always a good excuse for a short breather.

We meet many other people also walking the track. On the descent into School House Bay I had the company of a delightful 10 year old girl called Priya, she walked with me for the last kilometer of today’s hike.  She was very confident and as ease chatting away to me, a complete stranger.  It turned out her whole family are walking the track, Mum, Dad and her three siblings.

The camp site is located on the shore of a small bay. Short walk over small pebbles to the sea.  After erecting our tents we enjoyed a quick swim in the bay to cleanse ourselves of the sweat, and rinse our clothes.  We consumed a delicious meal of fish, couscous and peas, followed by dark chocolate and peppermint tea and then into bed.

Day 2

School House Bay to Camp Bay Campsite – 22kms

Getting on the track early is important for us as the heat has been pretty intense.  We visited Furneaux Lodge (beautiful building and location) with the anticipation of eating fresh muffins and sipping a good flat white coffee.  Unfortunately, there were no fresh muffins or scones, and the coffee was OK! But the surroundings were beautiful – you can’t win them all!

We were lucky to be mainly hiking along a shaded trail of regenerating bush. No major ups or downs.  And often when we came around another yet another corner, we were cooled by a gentle sea breeze.  At one of the many freshwater streams we had to cross we stopped and gave our feet a well-deserved cold water soak!  It also seemed to help lower our body temperature.

There were many minor and major slips on the track (as a result of that major storm they had here last year) that have been cleared. An impressive amount of hard work has gone into re-opening this track for the summer.

Arriving at Camp Bay was a relief, we were hot, and my feet were a bit tender.  After finding a suitable tent site Yvonne took her pack off and headed straight down to the sea for a swim – she loves water.  I preferred to erect my tent. It was a full camp site.

A couple we had meet on the track previously had informed us there was a bar at Punga Cove (5 minutes on from our camp site) where we could have a drink and get food – Boatshed Café & Bar.   It wasn’t long before we visited it for a well-deserved cold drink.  The service was excellent, and food was delicious, finishing off with a Magnum ice-cream.  Both Yvonne and I are into ‘supporting local business’ – well that is our excuse for treating ourselves.  I’ll add here it does nothing for reducing the weight of our packs though!!

It will be early to bed this evening, as we have a big day tomorrow and our bodies need the rest.

Day 3

Camp Bay – Black Rocks Campsite (15.7 km)

What a way to be woken by a very loud morning bird song – very special.  Today we walk along the top of the Kenepuru Peninsula often getting spectacular views of bays below to both Queen Charlotte Sound and Kenepuru Sound.

We hiked many steep ups and downs today, it was quite a tough day.  Thankfully it was overcast with a chilly wind.  The track was well marked  – mostly easy under foot, and walking through beech forest, under large pine trees and regenerating bush.  We meet our first mountain bike riders today.

I love the camaraderie that has developed between us hikers who started on the track on the same day.  Groups of young people, couples and Priya’s family.  Priya’s family seem really special, both parents are teachers and they have four children, all of whom are very communicative and seem to be enjoying the hike.  They along with majority of other hikers have their packs shipped between camp sites, which must make their experience so much easier, therefore more enjoyable.  But not Yvonne and I, we need the toughening up!!  Not that the idea didn’t cross our minds!!

We arrived at Black Rocks campsite, about 3ish very much in need of a cup of tea, sugar fix, and a rest.  We weren’t sure whether to push on another 8kms to the next camp site but soon decided against that idea.  It had turned very cold, with strong southerly wind, and showers of light drizzle.  We spent rest of afternoon/early evening snuggled up with our sleeping bags keeping warm and recovering from the day’s effort.

As I finished this update I can see in the distance through various shades of grey clouds and mist the lights of Picton.

Favourite time of the day:

• Breakfast – anticipating what adventures we will have today.
• End of day hiking – taking my pack, boots and socks off, then slipping my bare feet into my open toe sandals and boiling the billy for that anticipated cup of tea and something to eat.

It’s time for bed 9.10 pm – looking forward to 9 hrs of bliss and relaxation.

Days 4

Black Rocks campsite – Mistletoe Bay 16kms

It was a windy night with the odd cold shower of rain.  This morning we were a bit slower getting going but on the track by 8 am.  We shared this camp site with another couple, both from Wellington.  We have been surprised at the number of Wellingtonians we have meet on the track. Their general response has been “it’s so convenient, and who knows with this Covid thing”.

The track from Black Rocks to Torea Bay Road is mainly down-hill and easy under foot.  Again, the glimpses of the Sounds on both sides (Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru) were spectacular.  You get an appreciation for how vast the Sounds are in area and how many people have batches/homes with only boat access and how many own yachts and other sea worthy vessels – another world for me.

It was another day of steep climbs and descents with plenty of views to encourage us to stop and take a breather.  We meet our little family again and had the pleasure of walking with them for short time.  The kids chatted away to us and that helped pass the time.  They have made our trip more enjoyable and this evening we touched base with them again to say our farewells. They are staying in a cabin as a treat at Mistletoe Bay.

This afternoon after setting up our tents in this eco village and having that long awaited cup of tea we had something very special – a shower with hot water.  The first on the track and very much enjoyed, even washed my hair with a cake of soap.  My hair felt light and smooth again.  Yvonne and I were in heaven – even had the facilities to hand wash our clothes.  We are getting used to wearing the same clothes day after day.  Never in my life have I worn a pair of socks for five straight days!

We also meet up with Matt and Lalu again, these two guys started the track on the same day as us, but it’s only been over the last couple of days that we’ve started to chat with them.  They also have their packs water taxied to the next camp site.  So, what happens is that Yvonne and I leave camp early and these two guys pass us on the track.  We chat a little and they disappear into the distance and we catch up again with them at the next camp site.

After dinner we meet Phil (from Christchurch), who is also walking the Te Araroa.  Today he hiked 30 odd kms, but he wasn’t carrying a pack – he had his pack water taxied to Mistletoe Bay. He was keen to hear how far we had walked.  We informed him we were like “tortoises – slow and steady” not sure he understood that comment.  We will not try and keep up with him or match his mileage.  Over the past few days we’ve come to realise it’s is our journey and we can do what we like.

It was into bed early this evening 8.15 pm.

Day 5

Mistletoe Bay – Anakiwa 12 kms

After a good night’s sleep we were up and packed early, partly because it’s our final day but also because of the good night’s sleep.  Today’s walk was beautiful with few ups and down – in other words an easy hike.  We hiked mainly in the shade of regenerating bush and beech trees.  There were quite a few mountain bikers on this section of the track, so one needed to be very aware of them approaching from either way.

You would walk happily along the trail and then suddenly there would be an opening between trees and  there is another breath-taking scene of the bays and inlets.  It is such a stunning location.

As we hiked along the trail this morning, we meet Frank a North Bound (NOBO) Te Araroa (TA) hiker, as opposed to us we are South Bound (SOBO) .  We had a long chat with him about his experiences etc. He said he hitch hiked all the road sections as he felt the road walking didn’t enhance his back country experience at all.  He is nearing the end of his adventure and both Yvonne and I commented later about how fresh and clean he looked.  He was a delightful young man and informed us that many NOBO hikers were coming through.  We are looking forward to meeting them along the trail and hearing about their experiences.

Again we meet up with Matt and Lalu a couple of times this morning.  At the end of today’s hike they were heading back to Wellington on the ferry.  It’s been great meeting and chatting with these two guys.

Arriving at Anakiwa was special, as I’d never been here before. Good to see where Outward Bound is located.  We enjoyed a bite to eat and then spent time trying to decide “do we start walking to Havelock or do we hitch a ride?”  Yvonne was onto it and saw this couple putting a kayak into the back of their ute so asked them nicely if they were going to Havelock and if so would they mind dropping us off.

So, instead of having to walk along the road in the heat we arrived in Havelock about 3pm ish – what a treat! It wasn’t that easy to get accommodation, which was a bit tough for us but great for the accommodation businesses here.  We have ended up at the Havelock Holiday Camp, cabin tonight but sadly back into our tents for Sunday evening – they’re fully booked out.

We ventured out last night in Havelock to have a well-deserved meal to find we could not get into either of the two restaurants that were open – they were fully booked.  The fish and chips we finally got tasted pretty good (at the time), considering neither Yvonne nor I hardly ever have brought take-aways.  Later that night my body reacted to all that fat etc, hence today my stomach is not it’s normal self.

After our meal we sat down and planned our next 10/12 days hiking – pretty daunting to say the least especially when water supplies could be running low.

Rest day tomorrow – yippy 😊  Sari is meeting us for a lunch of mussels and my brother Ben is meeting us Monday morning and will drop us off at the end of Maungatapu Road, saving us two days of road walking.  Thank you Ben 😊

What have we learnt over the past five days?

• I didn’t carry anything unnecessary
• Food choices about right
• I need to learn I can be hungry, and I won’t die
• Early starts are the best
• A good night’s sleep is priceless for mental and physical well-being
• Communication with other’s adds value to our lives
• Feel the fear and do it anyway
• Embracing the unknown

That is it until St Arnaud, hopefully 10 – 12 days away, but who knows.  Take care GoldCard Gal 🙂

Additional scenes

It is 2.30 pm on Monday, 3^rd January 2022. Yvonne and I are seated around a small wooden table, sipping a cold ginger beer, with a cool ocean breeze blowing on our backs, shaded by a black and white umbrella outside Dock Side Bar (Wellington harbour waterfront).  Our ferry crossing isn’t until 8.30 pm this evening  – so a little time to fill-in, what better way than to start a post.

As we walked to catch the bus from the Wellington airport to train station this morning, I asked Yvonne “what are your feelings today?”  her response was “excitement, anticipation, apprehension, fearful.”  Her feelings are very similar to mine – quite a normal response before any major journey I would say.  What would you say?

I thought back to what John (Yvonne’s husband) said on the way to the Hamilton airport this morning:

“You really start living when you are out of your comfort zone.”

John having been a pilot (top dressing pilot in earlier days) no doubt had many “out of comfort zone” experiences. That quote resonated with me and a good reason to embrace the journey ahead hence the title “One step at a time”. As this is the only thing I feel I can have control over that is besides my mental state.

Thank you all for your kind and encouraging words in texts and emails. Thank you Sue for your banner, it made us feel special – bit of celebrity status if you get the gist!  By the number of recent subscriptions to my blog – the pressure is on to both physically perform and write enjoyable blogs!

Start of journey

As you know a journey starts months and sometimes years before it comes to fruition.  Reading other people’s stories and adventures always inspires me and gets the mind and imagination stimulated.  I can partly blame my cycling friend Sari for me getting back into hiking.  Last year Sari and I hiked the Timber Trail and while I had dreadful sore feet (mechanical issues) – no blisters, I realised I too can do longer hikes.  It also ignited a spark in my mind for more hiking like adventures.  Being away from ‘from it all’ with everything you need on your back gives me a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment, something I strive to experience more and more on my world.  What brings you that sense of contentment?

I have spent hours preparing my body and mind for this journey – giving it my best shot.  Went on a map reading course (twice), have given dehydrating food a go, will let you know whether that has been successful or not later. Experimented with different types of footwear, ended up needing orthotics which have proved to be a success.  Updated my sleeping system which now weights 1.7 kgs.   The list goes on, but all I can say and do now it to approach this “long walk” with positively, flexibility and be “in the moment” (bite of cliché) and embrace “the out of comfort zone” moments.

Below is a view of my basics, which comes to 8.125 kgs.  No food, water or pack weight included. Never in my life have I worn the same clothes for weeks on end, I will not be making any fashion statements.

Thank you Winston Peters

Neither Yvonne nor I have a need to travel much on local public transport so today catching the bus into the city was an interesting experience.  Fortunately for us the bus driver was young, very helpful and understanding of two old gals with packs on.  We had completely forgotten that because we are Goldcard holders we didn’t need to pay, that was after much conversing.  As I made my way down the aisle and sat down at on a vacant seat, another older person said “you two are Goldcard holders aren’t you, of course you travel for free.”  It was said in such a tone that – everyone knows that sort of thing.  So, thank you Winston for this little piece of legislation.

Storing backpacks

Thank you for Waterloo Backpackers for providing the facility to store our packs safely until we needed to catch the ferry.  That was another incident that the poor male receptionist must have thought “what have we got here???”  But what we’re finding is interesting how “patient and polite” these young people have been towards us. Silver hair and age has some real positives!!

Tomorrow morning, we are looking forward to catching up with my old cycling mate Sari. She will be meeting up with us later in the Richmond Range area and bringing in some of my home made dehydrated food along with some other goodies.  And catching up with my brother Ben and sister-in-law Fran for coffee and a chin wag.

In the afternoon at 1.30 pm we catch the water taxi to Ship Cover, start of Queen Charlotte track.  I know many of you have either cycled or walked it, but for Yvonne and me it’s a first.  So, it is the beginning of our “long walk – with one step at a time.”

Till next time, enjoy this wonderful summer weather and make the most of each day.  Take care – GoldCard Gal 😊

PS.  I must remember to take more photographs!