• Official kms: 25.5km
• Garmin kms: 26.22km
• Total time: 8.42
• Calories burned: 4166
• Body battery: 7/10.
• Accommodation: Tent at campsite.
• Tent nights = 5

I was dreading my sleep in the tent last night. Surprisingly I slept fairly well, my air mattress did go down a bit but was still comfortable! I woke at 5.20am & just cruised the morning enjoying a flat white that you can purchase here at the farm for $5.

I received a text from my wife this morning about 6am wishing me happy birthday, I hadn’t realised it was until this point. I’m really missing Antonia the puppies & home. But need to keep focusing on the ‘why’ with this adventure!

The ‘why’ is because this is something I’ve always wanted to do & that I’m trying to make a difference & raise funds & awareness for mental health! #iamhope

It was just after 8am & Nici & I took off into the hot sun ready for an 18km road walk to Helena bay where we would then do 7km of track to our campsite.

It was 18km of tar seal roads at times with piglets running across the road, cows wandering road side & the occasional dog running out. We walked 14km before we stopped for our 1st break, where we were joined by Frank & Leah.

Once we got just over 18km we were at Helena bay & stopped & joined most of the crew for a leisurely lunch of just under an hour. For the 1st time I took my shoes & socks off & aired out my feet.

After lunch it was the 7.5km actual bush track walk to our camp spot. This was probably the slowest & toughest part of the trail for me so far & I am so glad I tackled it today & not as the start of my day tomorrow, as that 7.5km & then a 23km of road walking would’ve wrecked me!

After getting to camp 305 (just after the 300km 10% mark!) I set to filtering water as I had run out about a km before arriving & it was a hot strenuous day. At this point my water filter bag sprung a leak & Matt was kind enough to lend me his to fill up all my water supplies.

I called my wife Antonia at around 7am and chatted for a good half an hour & she was also able to order a Katadyn water filter for me & have that delivered to my dads as I plan to be there Friday night.

Dinner was had, a couple of games of Skip-Bo & then bed just before 9. I’m really looking forward to get to Whananaki early tomorrow, get washing done & go for a swim! Also have a nice cold beer with some of the crew.