• Te Araroa kilometres done: 1407km
• Official kms: 34km
• Garmin kms: 34.26km
• Total time: 9:19
• Calories burned: 3459
• Body battery: 8/10
• Accommodation: Tent at campground
• Tent nights tally: 14

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

This morning the alarm went off at 4.30am. We need to leave around 6am to get to the tidal crossing by 2pm today. It’s about 34km from here to that point.

We left right on time at 6am & started walking alongside the Whanganui River before crossing over it at the main bridge.

Once across it was a steep ascent up many stairs to get up & onto the hill. The views back down seemed amazing!

After leaving the streets up here it turned pastoral & was sealed road, about 10km in Nici realised she had left her pack cover back in the motel, she called the motel & managed to get it located, she then rang the lovely people who she had been staying with who picked it up, bought it out to us with a pie & an L&P each! Such a nice morning tea!

We then headed west after this & it was about 13km later we got to another milestone! 1400km of the TA done. Only 1600km to go!

After taking a few photos we walked about a kilometre to find a nice shaded spot for lunch. My legs & feet were aching at this point so as I sat down I took my shoes off to air my feet. Standard lunch today, wraps with crushed up crackers, tuna & aioli.

It was only 7km to go from this point, so we set off to get to the tidal crossing. I have never felt so slow as I did at this point, it’s amazing how 7 days off the legs (due to 5 days rowing & 2 zero days) does to your hiking fitness.

We finally reached the crossing & it was 3 hours after the low tide. It was easier than we thought, being shin deep, but very muddy soft bottom, I sank in knee deep at one point.

It was great to get to the camp site at just after 3pm, get set up. Have a hot shower for only $2 & have a cruisy evening. My body needs this after today!