Day 25 in Te Araroa

I left Kerryl and Tom’s house this morning. He was woken up by roosters and greeted by ducks.

Tom walked us down his neighbor’s driveway. But not before introducing us to their goats; Floppy, Sunny Bumhole and Matariki.

Floppy got his name because his testicles were large and flexible when he first got them. Once they were cut off, it began to fall over the fence. So it seems the name worked in more ways than one.

Sunny Bumhole was named after the previous owner (who was a boy) and they kept him.

Matariki, for the time of year when stars come out in Aotearoa.

This morning’s climb was great, Sam and I enjoyed being on a trail again and not on the road. That didn’t last long…the maps showed walking paths, but I didn’t click on the construction sites until it was too late. From now on, if the legend on the map is red, I will try to hitchhike. Walking next to huge logging trucks is not my idea of ​​fun…

We walked some farmland before having to cross a stream. There were people on the other side shouting that it was too high, which meant we had to detour. Before taking their word for it, we needed to determine for ourselves whether yesterday’s torrential rain really made it «too high.»

I got ready to get wet, I went into the river. One step, good. Two, good. three, this is a little deep Four, I’m swimming. Okay, I’m swimming across and I can’t go back now. The current goes in one direction and the wind in another. The initial reaction was panic until I calmed down and knew I was going to be okay. My bag had everything sealed in a waterproof bag and I was still afloat.

As we crossed, Sam yelled that I had lost my water bottle. I literally didn’t give a damn. It wasn’t until later that he discovered that I was swimming through it and not walking. He thought I could just turn around and grab it.

Sam ended up swerving as I continued down the overgrown path. I met one of the three people who run Te Araroa. We talked about our shoes and how in many places boots would be ideal but not practical in the long term. I also explained that I had to tell myself that this section is “the shitty part.” And it will get better. Once all the road works have been completed.

I said that I Find twisted New Zealand. Everything about it, climate, terrain, landscape. I told him I found it super technical compared to the PCT. He said «you’re walking, not walking.»

I arrived at Mercer. I saw some hikers who told me about a place they were going to look for to set up their tent. I thought it sounded like the perfect distance and I intended to join.

Sam and Arnis caught up later. Finally wild camping, it feels good to be back on the trail properly and I hope there are more nights like this to come.

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