Yes, that’s right. You read correctly. Without fanfare, without fuss (eyeroll from my family), I’ve slipped off to the Te Araroa trail in beautiful New Zealand. Sadly, not to walk the whole thing, but to spend a month toiling and traipsing from north to south.
For those unfamiliar, the Te Araroa (or TA as it is affectionately called) runs from the tip of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island. Cape Reinga to Bluff. Or vice versa if that’s your jam. By reputation alone, it is definitely not for the faint of heart. And for most folk, if attempting the mammoth feat of walking the whole trail, it will devour four to five months of your life.
Man, I would love to try that! However, work committments, the fact I had 3 incredible months off last year to walk the Heysen, and, well, life in general, means that length of time is out of the question. The compromise – one month a year for the next few years, until the trail is completed. Seems a pretty good compromise to me. I know from experience that one month is definitely a challenge, a fitness extravaganza, and, an incredible adventure.
And…..the best part is that the head of the support crew (perhaps I’ll start calling him Aubs from now on…or HOSC perhaps??) has the ability and motivation to come on this adventure with me! For the first time in a long time, I will not be walking solo, but as a dynamic duo!
Is now the time to say that I’m slightly scared about that? Well, I am. I worry for Aubs. For us. I worry that I have become so in love with walking by myself, and so used to self reliance that I’m going to find it really hard to compromise on things. To make decisions together. To let go of my own goals and turn them into mutual ones. In short, I’m worried I’m going to be a supreme bossy boot. And most likely, a pain in the arse.
A challenge within a challenge! That’s the way I need to look at it! That, and being able to share something I love with someone I love. I guess an ideal outcome is that I never want to walk solo again!
We are due to start tomorrow. My wonderful mum and dad travelled to my place on Norfolk Island to look after Bronte the wonder-dog for me. And of course, house renos – months in the planning- have just started…no doubt, on account of my being away. So my legendary parents are valiantly taking care of that business as well!
Last night was spent sauntering the city and enjoying some people watching down by the harbour. Today we have travelled on the Intercity bus to Kaitai, from where we will get a a shuttle to the start of the walk tomorrow.
I have another little worry…it’s the people. Arriving at the bus terminal this morning to see what seemed like one hundred and one hikers jostling for position on the coach made my skin slither slightly. No offence against anybody, but I find groups of hard core hikers somewhat overwhelming. On board the coach, I had the choice of listening to hikers talk about their plans, and gear, and what they’ve accomplished previously…..or, to listen to a couple of Maori girls with terrific voices and a rollicking sense of humour bantering and singing behind me. I know what I prefered….
I need to get over these things. And I will. Despite my experience, those first step nerves are there…can I make it? Will I make it? And can I overcome some of my personal idiosyncracies (yes, I think that is a nice way of describing it for myself) to just enjoy the ride?
Only one way to find out. And we are off tomorrow.
