Again my legs will be chasing my mind and my dreams; following a winding path that heads along beaches, through dense forests, over high mountain passes, through rivers and valleys, mud and marshes.
Again I will wake up, pack up, walk, make camp, eat, sleep then do it all again for about 3 months. My life will become simple.
In a few days I will be heading to Bluff, at the very bottom of New Zealand to start walking the South Island part of Te Araroa. I will be heading North so I will be a NOBO this time and walking only 1,300km. https://www.teararoa.org.nz/
Two years ago I walked Te Araroa 3,000km from Cape Reinga to Bluff south bound (SOBO) so the idea of long thru hike is not new to me.
I have spent the last couple of years in lockdowns, doing some short term Accounting contracts and spending lots of time with my latest lot grandchildren, Indie – 3yrs and Finnley, who is just 14 months old. I will miss them very much as the time I have been able to spend with them has been precious. I hope they don’t forget their Granny!
However the trail will be different this time. Most of the time the sun will be in my face, rather than at my back, I will struggle up the tracks that were easy downhills last time and I may spend more time on my own as most people walk SOBO. I think this will be the biggest challenge for me. Last time I had a sense of security knowing there were other walkers ahead and behind me most days. But Covid has changed the way people do Te Araora so I may be surprised.
Kay, a lady who walked most of Te Araroa last season, is planning on joining me from Queenstown for 2 or 3 weeks as she missed that section. Also my daughter, Cara, is coming to walk with me from Nelson to Havelock in March. And my friend Jan may pop in somewhere for a bit as well.
- This time my aspirations are:
- to lose all the weight I put on since finishing TA last time
- not have to use my PLB to call a helicopter to rescue me
- meet interesting people
- and not get lost.
I have given Garry orders to buy the Weather Gods a few more drinks to ensure I get good weather like he organised for me last time.
So for those of you who can’t or won’t ever do a long walk like this you are very welcome to come along for the ride virtually. I will only post once a week or so and hopefully I can brighten your morning tea break! Last Te Araroa I found that knowing you were all out there waiting for my next update sometimes was the thing that kept me going on a hard day. So keep up the comments and encouragement as this old Granny sure needs it!
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Fingers crossed Gary will look after the weather for you. Take care looking forward to your weekly posts
Forget the old granny call. You are absolutely marvellous. Shall keep all fellow members updated.
Kevin Curd
Happy hiking and may the great summer weather continue as you make your way north Karen.
Looking forward to your weekly updates.
Go well Karen – I’ll be following your adventures step by step. Photos of the rain skirt/dress in action, thanks 😊 Fingers crossed I can walk with you for a few days at some stage – Buen Camino!
Let me know where you are as I’ll be hanging around the South during those months with the Netball
I will be right there with you “virtually” Karen, you have totally got this! Will be looking forward to the updates, fingers crossed Gary gave the weather gods the top shelf stuff! Get back safe and sound so we can go on another flat tramp together!
Wow can’t believe you are heading off again. Looking forward to hearing more of your story. Go well, keep safe, and enjoy.
Best wishes for a great start to the new year.
Good luck girlfriend Keep safe an happy Live your best Life. Love you lots and look forward to reading about all your adventures x
Nice to know one of us has dad’s adventures spirit. Not sure if is appropriate but have fun and keep safe. Sorry too many wines but sentiment is heartfelt ❤️❤️❤️❤️
All the very best, and Garry, do as you are told and keep the weather gods happy. Don’t forget – when checking which way to turn – it’s opposite to what the app says. Lots of love and enjoy.
Yes You are correct I hope I get it right
All the best Karen. Keep safe and may the track roll out in front of you. I’m looking forward to reading your posts.
Thanks I am quite excited niw
Best of fortune Karen. I hope everything (at least most things) go exactly as you would wish. Enjoy the moments and thanks for sharing…..just a tiny bit envious….I look forward to your updates as this adventure unfolds.
You have provided me with such inspiration as well as practical advice Karen thank you. Your feet will find their pace and your mind its space as you enjoy the daily routines and simplicity of just walking the walk. Go well…I so look forward to your updates.
Looking forward to all the awesome photos – will join you virtually 🙂 Stay safe & fingers crossed the weather behaves.
Safe travels. Enjoy the beautiful South Island and views from the other direction. Give us a call when you get to Welly. I’m happy to be a taxi and provide a bed, food and washing machine
Thanks
I love your updates Karen they always make me smile. Enjoy every moment, you are amazing and I am very envious of your fitness❤🥰❤.
I met some people Dennis who worked with you at Methanex at a hut last week. His wife is following him in their motor home..she worked at Kiwi Outdoors. What are you up to these days?
Good luck Karen. Hope it goes well,looking forward to seeing how you go.
Oh so exciting – already looking forward to the updates. All the best and safe travels.
Thanks Judy.
Great to hear you are lacing your boots again- excited to follow your journey – loved following your last TA. Be safe and hoping the trail and weather is kind.😀
Good luck old friend, keep yourself safe, look forward to the weekly updates and hope Gary comes up trumps with the weather, he usually does. X
Happy and safe trails und a Happy New Year…looking forward to reading about your trail stories
Glad to hear you’re off on another adventure. Best of luck!
Hey Karen! Congratulations on making the decision to embark on another adventure. Your combination of wit, charm and pure kiwi gold attitude always has me smiling and I can’t wait to follow along on this one also. Kia kaha, all the best, and may the wind be ever at your back xo