Wednesday 15.02.2023

• Te Araroa kilometres done: 1871 + 56km
• Official kms: 26.9km
• Garmin kms: 27.21km
• Total time: 5:56
• Calories burned: 2404
• Body battery: 9/10
• Accommodation: Aunty Briars.
• Tent nights tally: 14
• Zero days had so far: 17

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Got to have a nice late start today. Aunty Briar cooked an amazing Breakfast of bacon & eggs, always a good start before a hike! Cuzzy Zhan picked me up at 8:30am & drove me to today’s start point on his way to work.

It wasn’t until about 9:15am that I started walking. Today’s target is 27km but I may not make that, it all depends on what time Zhan will drive past again on his way back from work.

Todays detour is completely on tar seal road, I’m glad I have good inner soles! The first 5 or so kilometres was pastoral before turning into forestry.

My plan is to pump out 15 kilometres before stopping for a quick lunch, the more kilometres I get done before I’m picked up the less I have to do Friday.

I found a nice shaded spot to sit & have lunch, drink & reapply sunscreen. After this I want to get as much of the 12 kilometres left done.

I stopped at one point to filter some water from a nice clear looking stream. I also took this as an opportunity to dip my feet shoes & all in as it was another fairly hot day.

It wasn’t long before I finished off the last few kilometres & to my surprise I got there before Zhan was ready! I’m so glad I got it done. This leaves me with just 26 kilometres on Friday.

I sat on the side of the road, relaxing as I waited. We had been in communication via my Inreach so I knew he wasn’t going to be long.

On the drive back I noticed how the dark clouds have now covered the ranges, this is the tail end of the cyclone & there is a bit of wind & rain expected on the hills tonight.

Zhan dropped me back at Aunty B’s where I had a shower a nice cold beer & then we went up the road to the local Indian restaurant for dinner.

After returning back to the house I called Antonia & whilst on the phone we had an earthquake, it felt quite strong. Nothing fell over or was damaged so that’s a bonus.

The rest of the evening we watched tv & now I’m ready for bed & a sleep in. Zero day tomorrow!