I snagged a lift from Kaitaia back to 90 Mile Beach, to about where I think I stopped at Kevin and Denise’s fishing spot. I stepped out at a slow pace, my hip was still dodgy. I tried to not focus on it but that wasn’t easy. The beach is pretty but it is also pretty hard going, with not a lot of change in scenery to keep my mind off the aches and pains.
I took a break and turned my phone on. I had reception so sent off a quick message to my son, telling him everything was fine and the trip was going well. He replied saying all good at home, just keep walking. I carried that message with me all afternoon. Just keep walking. Just keep walking. Just keep walking.
Thanks mate. You didn’t know it at the time but I needed to hear that.
Made it to the campsite before dark, and went into set up mode. Tent up, bedroll out, unpack my ‘kitchen’ from my pack, shoes off, socks hung up to dry, change into thermals, and have a quick wash with a wet wipe. Cook dehy meal, make a cuppa, watch the night sky change, wash up, sort water supply for the next day and then into bed, read the trail notes for the next section and write some notes.
Day done.
I think this was the place I stopped
Wild horses on the beach just past the bluff.
At the 68km point, I’ve reached Hukatere. It was a big push today, 30km.
It felt big too.
I was up early and onto the beach.
Today, I really tried hard to remember how blessed I am and how lucky to have this opportunity. This seemed a better option than keeping a running mantra of ‘left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot...’.
Short day tomorrow to Waipapakauri (17km) or another big push to Ahipara (another 14km on top of that).
I’m undecided at this stage but more than likely I’m going to have boots off at Waipapakauri!
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