View from Waorahi Camp.
I am writing this in the shade of a shelter at Waorahi Camp in the Brynderwyn Hills Scenic Reserve. Located along kilometer 452, this campsite has an incredible view of the coast we have been traversing from Bream Head to Marsden Point, and past Uretiti Beach. There are also great views of the nearby hills and Gallina and Pollo Islands.
Preparing breakfast on Uretiti beach.
My day started around 6am when I left my tent to prepare breakfast on the beach. I was awake for some time and was very hungry. I definitely got the best view of the breakfast; watching the sun rise from Bream Bay around 6:30am.
Sunrise over Bream Bay.
I also called my mom and showed her the sights before heading back to pack up my tent for the day.
Sleepy selfie on the beach.
Today was an easy walk, with a few kilometers along the beach and plenty of walking (some along the shoulder of the road and other sections on an adjacent path). In Waipu we ate at a bakery and ran some errands.
The road to Waipu.
Flowers along the path.
In addition to sore feet and a possible callus or blister on my heel, I’ve been battling extreme wrist pain for the past week. Texting (or typing on my phone, like I do now), taking photos, trying to write, or grabbing anything with my right hand has been excruciating. I’m not sure if I pulled a muscle or pinched a nerve, but the injury is definitely from kayaking on the TA section between Paihia and Waikare last week. I hope it heals soon. Meanwhile, a tiger balm from Waipu Pharmacy is providing much-needed relief.
One of the roads on the way to the scenic reserve.
I’m a bit of a “purist” when it comes to technical support. This means I’m walking through each section; including all roads. Many walkers hitchhike on these stretches. Sure, it’s not always the most picturesque or pleasant, but you never know what you’ll encounter. For busy roads, I use one of my luxury items (i.e. my old phone with music downloaded). With headphones on and music blocking out the sound of traffic, I hit the cruise control with my stride.
Starting the Langview Track in the Brynderwyn Hills Scenic Reserve.
Another thing about me is that I really like hills. Get to the top as quickly as possible. If I’m suffering, going faster means less time to suffer. When we hit the road after Waipu, I hit the turbo and ended up walking alone to camp. It was nice to be away from people so no one could hear my breathless (and off-key) singing as I sped down the highway.
It feels good to be on a forest trail again.
As I reached Brynderwyn Hills Scenic Reserve for the last few kilometres, I swapped the tunes for birdsong; enjoying the sounds of nature. There were some steep and muddy hills, but overall it wasn’t too bad. It was nice to get to camp first and select a flat spot to set up and dry the gear.
The Waorahi Record Book.
Another great day on the trail and 22 km closer to Bluff (only 2598 km to go)!
Hanging some things to dry next to my tent.
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