I’ve grouped this section in my notes because a lot of it is the same - hiking across suburban Auckland, and it is not much different to any other city, including a longish walk through the industrial area, although to be fair, the beginning of it was quite nice with coastal views, some of it along a path that was right next to the back lawns of big houses overlooking the coastline. This felt a bit weird and stalkerish and I tried to not be a big dorrie and check it out too closely.
I didn’t relax completely along here. There have been recent news reports of women being attacked on this stretch.
I have strong self preservation skills and I am armed with pointy ended hiking poles but this is serious; three women have been assaulted. All of us, men and women, should be able to live in the world and be safe from violence.
But... it can happen anywhere. NZ is probably safer than a lot of other countries. The reality is I am probably in more danger of causing myself an injury than being hurt by someone else!
It feels weird being being back among a) lots of people and b) lots of people who smelled clean!
I was acutely aware that I looked very scruffy and everything... pack, clothes and my body needed a good scrub.
And some of the looks I received from people out on their daily walk confirmed this!
I stopped for a yarn with a local whose dog, a staffie called Roxie, loved me and hung around my legs for a cuddle. Given what I’ve been walking through, I reckon my shoes must have held some tantalizing aromas for little dog noses.
I took a zero while I was in Auckland and stayed at a great BnB in Ponsonby (yeah I know, I’m off trail by heading to this suburb but hey, I earned this!) I stayed at a place I've overnighted at before on a previous NZ trip with my sister. The Great Ponsonby Art Hotel; comfy bed, great amenities and a terrific cooked breakfast. It’s decor is eclectic but viva le difference!
It felt great to just... stop for a minute. I had planned to stay a couple of days and catch up with someone from Aus (hi Kaz) except her travel plans took her to Wellington instead of Auckland, so I pushed on.
When I planned this trip, I anticipated taking a zero every week but as time has gone on, I’ve found I’m less interested in staying put. I was wrecked when I started and needed regular breaks but im going ok now. I had also planned to hang around and see a physio but it is the weekend and I’m keen to keep moving.
Katie will have to wait until Wellington. Although she does mess with my day, she hasn’t gotten worse, so I reckon she can wait. If not, there are some bigger towns coming up where I can stop for a while if I need to get her seen to.
The Great Ponsonby Art Hotel
Coastal walkway
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