Well, my final day of walking on this stint,
I was up (not before) but pretty close to “with the birds” this morning. I didn’t set an alarm but trusted in the universe to wake me up early… and it did. Low tide was at around 4:30am this morning, and I wanted to cross the river as soon as possible afterwards, avoiding a lengthy detour. It worked, without getting too wet I watched the sunrise from the far side of the river while putting on my dry socks and shoes. A great start to the day and it wasn’t even 6am yet.
The ocean and the beach were different this morning and I really enjoyed being out and about. That is the thing about life… you never know when you are about to have a pleasant or mystical experience. I fell in love all over again with the trail this morning, knowing that it won’t last for long.
I took so many photos and before I knew it, my affair with the beach was over.
Time to head inland and soon I was back on (and next to) the roads. Had to find a bridge to cross the next river and unfortunately it was on State Highway 3.
The day kept on going, the kilometers kept on coming and the weather was fine. Looking out not to get sunburnt, not to get run over by cars and not to run out of water. I walked a little detour (the four streets in Fordell) in the hope that the shop might be open for a cold Coke, but it was dashed by a sign reading “Closed on Sundays”.
Eventually I did find a nice place to sit down for some snacks and it even had water from the rain water tank. The bench said “Rest – Reflect on the stone in your heart” so I did… taking off my shoes and staying a while.
Not before too long, I made it to Whanganui, stopping at the first shop for a (well deserved) cold Coke. At that point, the log said 34km (10hours) and I thought I would be clever and take the bus to my accommodation. But no, “Closed on Sundays” remember… so I grabbed my pack and walked another 7km (1.5hours) to my accommodation on the other side of town. Thats it, 41km (11.5hours) and I was ready to call it. What a day… what a very looong day…
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39.8946 – 175.0887
15 December 2024
FP-339
6 responses to “All the way to Whanganui – Day 71.”
When you have completed the TA, a hike & fly from somewhere like Mt Herbert will seem like a walk in the park. We are both (Urvi and me) in awe of what you are achieving on your own.
LOL, a walk in the park indeed… but I am sure I will lose my fitness quickly. I miss flying to be honest.
ps – happy to read you finally got your well deserved Coke – Sunday muchness ‘-)
Vitamin C… and I actually had another one further along the way.
Early start – Sjoe
I could also start my day with a Sunrise and beach like that
Like you said – The ocean and the beach were different this morning and I really enjoyed being out and about – one can really see it through your eyes
I’m just in absolute awe of this black sand beach! – WOW again!
41km (11.5hours) – OUCH! – Looong Indeed!
Everything must have hurt!
Hope you have a rest day tomorrow! “-)
the bench said “Rest – Reflect on the stone in your heart – glad you did “-)
I have more than one tender spot to be honest. I am not meant to walk that far anymore.