Day 35: Auckland Halloween Walk

Greetings from Conifer Grove at kilometer 666.6 of the Te Araroa trail! Coincidentally we are camping at this distance marker for Halloween.

Tonight I set up my tent in the backyard of an angel trail. The sun sets and the birds sing their chorus before going to sleep. There’s nothing creepy about that.

Touring the botanical gardens.

Despite it being Halloween, the scariest thing I’ve seen today are my blisters. Don’t worry, I won’t post a photo.

Mud baptism with new shoes.

After limping into Auckland on Monday afternoon with a calf strain, foot pain and huge blisters on both heels and the big toe of my right foot, the rest was very welcome. I spent one night in the center, before traveling 630 km, where a friend picked me up.

TA route through the botanical garden.

With two days of great rest and a trip to buy some bigger shoes; Yesterday I did it again. My blisters hurt when I reached the camp, 21 kilometers from the highway.

In the rose garden.

Today I took it even easier; Only walking 15.5 km. I’m still recovering so the low mileage helps. It was also nice to spend time exploring Auckland Botanic Gardens rather than having to rush around.

Just some beautiful (and delicious) artichokes.

Not a typical Halloween, but a quiet one, enjoying the flowers and slowly moving south of Auckland on the TA.

Flowers in the garden.

We hope you delight yourself on the road this Halloween! Enjoy the scenery and eat some chocolate for me. See you there!

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