It is going to be an interesting and long one today,
I started off just before 7am and tried to make the most of the cool conditions. It was set to be a scorcher, but it didn’t look the part just yet. I slept again at private “homestay” accomodation for the night, and the lady was kind enough to reserve the cabin for me. Thank you for a great night of rest, such a cool place and glad not to had wrap up a tent this morning.
I made good progress, covering the road kilometers while the Saturday traffic was still calm… except for the bit to the golf course. I had to dodge a rain shower, standing in some stranger’s barn for 15min to remain dry, but I am sure he/she didn’t notice. The day soon improved and I had the music switched ON while the cellular coverage lasted.
I was very emotional today, to a point where it was almost annoying. I don’t understand it, speaking to anyone or thinking deeply about anything in particular suddenly sets me off into tears. Tried to work it all out today, pin pointing it seemed difficult, and didn’t help with my walkig pace. Perhaps because today was, and tomorrow looks like they might be long and tough days, and maybe that is a little intimidating. Anyway, made good progress, hitting the beach (halfway mark) after a lunch stop at 11am.
From here onwards, it was 15km on the black sand beach, with the high tide making things interesting at the start. There weren’t a lot of beach to walk on, and picking the best and firmer sections always came with some risks… I got caught once, stepping onto what I thought was firm sand, and ending up in knee-deep quicksandy ish stuff, that took some calm thinking to get out of… with my shoes intact.
It was actually not a bad way to spend a day. The sound of the ocean is so calming and repetitive white noise over time, even with earplugs in (to quiet things down) and keep the wind out of my ears. I even managed to escape some sunburn and had time to try my hand at artistic photo-y stuff using the driftwood.
I made it to my tent-campsite, hot shower (thanks to a two dollar coin I picked up on the grass) and a well deserved (late afternoon) nana nap. Caught the sun going down, while sitting on the viewing platform… waving my phone around for some signal. Allergies aside… I am so privileged to be doing what I am, seeing what I see, sleeping where I sleep and for this whole experience. A true glimpse at what NZ really is and the people that calls it home.
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40.0729 – 175.1390
14 December 2024
FP-338
4 responses to “On the beach to Koitiata – Day 70.”
In reverse order, I have to say the texture of the wood is almost mesmerising. I could look at it for ages.
Not much to say about the emotions because maybe it’s a good and natural thing that happens to others on the TA.
It’s the first time I have heard about private homestays which looks ideal, and so typical of this great nation to have people opening their homes to complete strangers.
I can’t help but wonder how you will feel this time next year, where you will be and what you will be doing and your reflect on the final outcome of the TA and how it will have changed you.
Yes, I looked at many pieces of driftwood along the way and some are really impressive.
Most New Zealanders are awesome people, including you… even if you haven’t been on a bus.
Interesting thought, maybe I will wonder too where I will be this time next year, and how I will look back at the TA. How crazy I was… what was I thinking 🤔?
The black sand beach – WOW!
So mystical …
“knee-deep quicksandy ish stuff, that took some calm thinking to get out of” – GOLLY GOSH!
You’ve had a rough few days – and as you mentioned before “pain” bring emotions – the TA on it’s own is an emotional journey and will most definitely bring out all kinds of emotions on all levels –
I even got teary eyed – just reading this now.
Beautiful Sundown!
Your artistic photo-y stuff using the driftwood – Love IT!
Yes… emotions are running wild. The TA is not for everyone, and to each their own.
Thanks on the art-y stuff… I walked back to take that photo.