I’ve lost all blog notes for this section! But I’ll find time to recreate them best I can!
Thanks to all those following along.
To Paihia
All the people I was traveling with had moved on to Paihia for a day off there. I decided to stay with my friends in Kerikeri, who were very welcoming! Thanks again Ellicott family. So I set off reasonably early for Paihia, well rested and fed. It’s a beautiful walk through well maintained trails and a bike park. With a bit of a walk through Waitangi to Paihia along the roads. Now if you’re following my social media. You’ve already seen this. But I’ll share it again.
This walk is not taken lightly, although I intend to enjoy every step I can. I’m doing it to help ensure people can access help when they need it most. If you’d like to see more of my trail adventures and video updates follow my Instagram @agoodkeendan.
I hope you all enjoyed the first weekend of summer! Kia Kaha.
Mud, Sweat, and a Beer
After a much needed rest day, chatting with other hikers mostly!Where I met the lovely Elana, who helped patch up all the holes in my feet. We decided to attack the northern forests together!
The Cape and 90 mile beach
It’s really here!
Im really doing this!
I spent the night in Kerikeri, with friends. Who were very generous to house and feed me! Big thank you to the Ellicott family, I’ll see you in about 10 days time as I pass back through Kerikeri.
The cape to Ahipara
Day 1
I took a ride up to the Cape on a Fuller’s bus, our guide was brilliant, and loved what I was trying to do. So much so, he decided to add it to his tour commentry for the day. Turns out I’m not so keen on being the center of attention! But the other passengers were very supportive of my plans and all sent me off on the trail with best wishes and hi-5s.
A few of them were kind enough to take my picture too!
The trail wraps around the coast, from Cape Reinga towards Cape Maria Van Diemen, then along to Twighlight beach, a wild environment with some great views. You’ll never capture how this place makes you feel in a photograph. Daunting dunes and distances, sand draing your effort, and not a soul to interrupt it.
Except my new friends from stateside! Dan and Emma. They’re also walking Te Araroa.
Day 2
We spent the night at a campsite in Twighlight beach. It was quite comfortable, however we did have to put up with a thunderstorm overnight. And my tent slightly collapsed on me. Our 28km hike to the next camp at “the bluff” started pretty nicely, until we got our first taste of 90 mile beach. I’ll admit, other people’s blisters I blamed on their own failings, but once that sand gets into your shoes it’s difficult to avoid. My feet are very uncomfortable.
Day 3
Another very wet night spent at “the Bluff” campsite. Where I briefly met Hannah and Rob, the readheads from California who I’ve been chatting to on Instagram, and Val, a Te Araroa walker from France.
Another big 30km day to the wonderful Utea park, where I splashed out for a cabin and a shower after hearing about the winds coming in the morning.
Day 4
I had intended on a real early start, and trying to push all the way to Ahipara, another 30km day but I woke from a broken nights sleep with very swollen and painful feet. Deciding a late start was in order. Instead taking the easier option of 16km to the next camp. And then a second short day with time to resupply, Planning ahead to be better rested and ready for the now very wet northern forests.
But nothing went to plan, with my feet still very swollen I set off and trudged slowly through the driving wind and rain to my destination at Waipapakauri.
Day 5
Waipapkauri was quite disheartening, I struggled to reach it. The weather was grey and my mood reflected it. Luckily I met a lovely German man, Tim, who was just such a pleasure to talk to that I couldn’t stay so gloomy.
I picked up a trashy book to past the time and ended up delaying leaving in the morning to finish it. – thanks Jack Reacher- but I still made it to Ahipara very quickly! And got to see a few Orcas chasing sting rays along the beach. Once in town I made my first hitch for the trip. A big thank you to Norma-Jean and her 7 dogs! Who went out of her way to take me to the supermarket. Another West Auckland legend. Tonight I’ll stay in Ahipara Yha, and probably tomorrow night too. My blisters won’t heal on the trail and one appears to be quite infected, rest is very important!
Sadly the beach didn’t photograph very well. And I would say I did not enjoy it. It was painful at best.
This is it
A real bed and tomorrow the trail! I am not nervous, or even excited. I’m ready now. Maybe in the morning I’ll realize.
But till then. Sleep. And hopefully a clear day.
See you out there.
A Milestone
Thank you.
Thank you all so very much! To all those who have started following my blog, my journey, welcome, and thank you for believing in me and my plan!
Especially to those who have seen the article about my plans in the North Shore times!
To those who have donated to my cause, THANK YOU! I’ve reached my first goal of raising $1 for every km of trail, $3000.
Now its time for me to do my part.
A week from now, I’ll be taking my photo with the signposts at the cape. And getting sand and trail underfoot.
I’m strangely calm about whats happening. I’m nowhere near as prepared as I would like to be. But now it is time to say my farewells to my family and friends.
I hope throughout my journey you take note of why I’ve chosen to do this.
To spread awareness of mental health, and the work the Mental health foundation do.
I’m doing this because nearly 50% of New Zealanders will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime, and I don’t want them to face it on their own.
ITS THE FINAL COUNT DOWN
Less than a month to go! And it’s going to be bonkers!
Last weekend past, I’ve managed to move house, volunteer at a beer festival, and catch up with some friends. All done and dusted with a nasty head cold.
The rest of the month before I leave I have a wedding, some extra work, and tough mudder to run! (Walk – I don’t want to injure myself before I leave!)
I thought moving to Dad’s place, seeing all my hiking gear and belongings in one pile, this would start to feel real. Instead it feels even more like it’s not happening, as if it’s just still an idea floating around in my mind.
BUT I need to get real! I NEED to get my gear all layed out, I NEED to practice pitching my tent, I NEED to sort out my paper maps and trail notes. This last month is going to be a challenge. (And my employment situation…)
I’m pretty confident in my gear, I’m a little concerned about my fitness, about map reading, about resupplies. But I’m very good at winging it, it’s gotten me this far!
I’ve invested some time building map overlays of trail notes and important information. While the paper maps are only my back up. It does mean I’m quite familiar with the route, I already know what towns I can resupply in.
I had planned on sharing the resource I built with the Te Araroa community, but it’s very dependant on my existing knowledge of New Zealand, so I think I’ll sleep easier at night if I keep them to myself. Just in case someone makes an error because of my notes.
25 Days till trail.
36 days to go
The time before I leave is ticking away very quickly! It’s pretty nerve racking now!
I’m still in a bit of disbelief, it doesn’t quite seem real.
But I’ve broken the halfway point on my fundraising, and hopefully will continue to raise some money once I hit the trail!
I don’t have anything particularly worth blogging today, but felt the need to write something. Seeing posts from people on the trail is keeping me going for now!
Come at me Te Araroa! I’ve got this!
Progress report: 48 days left
Howdy readers!
This week my has fundraising reached $1200! I’m super grateful to all the fabulous friends, family, and companies who have already donated to my cause, and to the businesses and strangers who have heard my story!
Mental Health Foundation
A big thank you to all those who have donated to my cause so far. Weve still go a long way to go! At $1 per km I’m just passing by Auckland airport! (At least untill the new track updates in Northland get released)
So this post is reaching out to my hospitality friends, and their friends. Owners and managers.
This is an open letter, which I’m going to be spamming out to a bunch of hospo groups and the like.
To whom it may concern!
Kia Ora, my names Dan. And this Summer I’m walking Te Araroa, Cape Reinga to Bluff, 3000kms.
(Sorry not available to cover the bar this summer)
As part of my journey along the country, I’m raising funds and starting conversations about mental illness.
I’ve decided to approach the hospitality industry as its one I know.
Hospitality is an industry where those suffering from mental health often find them selves, with the combination of easy access to alcohol and drugs, long hard hours, and an antisocial schedule. It can be easy to spiral into a pretty bad place.
So with this email, I’m seeking sponsors, donations, and asking management to look out for your team throughout the silly season!
If you would like to contribute to the fundraising,
here’s a link: https://events.mentalhealth.org.nz/fundraisers/dansanson
I’ll also be setting up some charity auctions, if you would like to contribute with something other than a cash donation.
If you’d like to know more about my plans, or have any questions, check out my blog. Or don’t hesitate to message me.
(PS anybody hiring come March 2018 – that would be rad)
Cheers,
Dan
Hopefully there’s a few people out there who would like to contribute so I can stop only bothering my friends!
Thanks for reading.
Dan
A Good Keen Man 