“Tender” the word that came to mind this morning when I didn’t want to get out of bed,
Yes, my feet felt better after the night’s rest, but they were still tender… and my mind too if I have to be honest. Yesterday was tough on both of them and I had to seriously try remember why I was doing this again. I made it out of bed, drove to the Paremata train station and began my walk for the day. My notes said “mostly flat and ocean” plus with 20km ahead today, the windy weather was going to make things rough. I remembered that there were two things that can make any TA section extremely hard: 1. The weather and 2. My state of being.
So, with all this in mind, I set off on a gentle pace, warming up the body and changing my state of being. Feeling generous, living in the present moment and feeling the love and gratitude from my surroundings as I passed under the bridge below trains filled with passengers on their commute to work on a Monday. I passed the yacht club / marina and off on the road-ish sections.
Soon I was next to the beach and almost through the village of Plimmerton before hitting the highway. The sun was out in full force and the wind picking up, but I combat the sunburn with some clever clothing and put some good tunes through my earphones when I started the highway section. I had a good pace and loved it… before suddenly I found myself filled with all sorts of feelings… Caught a little by surprise at first to be honest but I remembered that the pain brings out the emotions. I have written about this previously in FP-80 from a long time ago. I remember that day all too well.
Paid a quick visit to a cemetery… yes, it is me and I like cemeteries, the atmosphere and the emotions they bring to light in me. (<-I am also proud to say all of that) And then… we started to climb… to my surprise.
The last 10km of today’s track was indeed running very close to the railway, but not with regards to elevation. Wow, what a spectacular track… (<-wait, didn’t I say this yesterday as well). I kept climbing and the view kept on improving. Truly spectacular and my shoddy photos don’t do justice.
What a rewarding day in the end… after a piece of highway walking you hit this beauty… Wow. Dropping down to my destination, Paekakariki train station. (<-Try saying that name quickly three times in a row).
Waiting at the train station, I was feeling better. Today’s section was actually shorter then expected (18.5km) and I am feeling okay-ish… much better than yesterday. An emotion filled day… full of surprises… everything to be expected of the TA.
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41.1606 – 174.8665
25 November 2024
FP-319
6 responses to “Mana, Plimmerton and Pukerua Bay – Day 53.”
Paekakariki.. tried it 3 times.. 1st time I was already tongue twisted.. LOL 🤣
Yes, not an easy one… in fact, most of these P-named towns are not easy. Don’t sweat it though.
Happy to read that your day ended off well..
And happy to read that you are going to take a rest day..
Pictures never justifies what one see wit the eyes..
But definitely not shoddy “-)
The views still took my breath away..
Take care of your “tendernesses” “-)
Ps..
Also love visiting Cemeteries, as also mentioned a long time ago..
Love that eerie mystical something about it..
It was a great day, fine weather and awesome views. What more can one honestly want.
Well it looks like that after today and tomorrow’s rest day you have much shorter distances to cover, but I haven’t overlaid your route on a map with contours. This is so much tougher than ‘galavanting’ around the world, but ‘you’ve got this’.
Yes, one big day ahead on the beach (hopefully) and then I get a day off… to prepare for the mountains. Looking forward to less distance, even if it comes with elevation. Thanks for the encouragement… I sincerely do hope that I got this. LOL