• Te Araroa kilometres done: 0
• Official kms: 0
• Garmin kms: 0
• Total time:0
• Calories burned: 0
• Body battery: 7/10 Antonia has gone home.
• Accommodation: Motel in Whanganui
• Tent nights tally: 13

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/walking-te-araroa-3000km-for-the-key-to-life

Day 62: Saturday 14th of January.

This morning Antonia & I walked down to Mud Ducks for breakfast, checked out the local markets & then walked back to the accommodation to collect Antonia’s pack before walking back to the bus depot.

Antonia’s bus left at 11am. I definitely feel low now that she has gone. I started missing her within minutes.

After the bus left I walked across the bridge to Riverview Foursquare to resupply for the next 4 days. An old work mate use to own this but sold up a few years back.

After resupplying I caught up with Nici who is staying back to walk with me, I am so grateful to have a walking buddy! And also caught up with Tim.

Nici went to look at some art gallery’s & Tim & I went to a local pub & played a few games of pool before heading back to the Motel where we had a few beers & still managed to be in bed by 9pm.

Day 63: Sunday 15th January.

Slow day today, just hung around the Motel sorting & organising before heading into town to catch up with Nici. I managed to call Antonia on Eves phone, it was so good to hear her voice! I needed that phone call today. I also spoke to my dad & to my cousin Lester who will try & join for some South Island sections of the journey.

Tim is going to hitch to Wellington today as he’s going to fly home to Australia. With his feet & knee playing up he has decided to go home & come back next season to do the South Island.

Tim & I walked into town & had lunch with Nici, then we said our goodbyes to Tim as he’s hitchhiking to Wellington.

Nici & I went to the cinema & watched Avater which was on from 2pm & finished after 5pm. We then walked back to the motel, had an easy dinner of wraps & I took off to bed early ready for a 6am start tomorrow.

We have a 34km day which includes a tidal crossing on the last Km low tide being 12pm. Hence the early start.

Looking forward to getting back on trail & closer to home!