And just like that….we are on our way! After an uneventful evening (aside from the town’s air horns blasting at 12.30am), the loquacious Greg picked us up, as promised, at 10am sharp.
It was quickly determined that he had a mate who was living on Norfolk Island, and just like that, the rapport was established.
Arriving at Cape Reinga, cultural bohemoth of the north, was a sureal moment. Foggy mists scudded across the sky, obscuring much of the view of the surrounds. After a few happy snaps, both for Greg and for us, we donned our packs, smiled big, and took off. In the wrong direction. Yes, in a not so audacious start we found ourselves in another carpark. Had we kept going we would have ended up back in Kataia! It’s the fogs fault.
Back on track we inspected the lighthouse and thought about the beautiful Maori custom of the area. Then, the main game. The big event. The setting off on the trail. I was excited, nervous, worried and more than anything, happy. A 12 month plan in the making was finally coming to fruition. And it felt golden.
The day was absolutely fabulous. Glistening beaches, dazzling blue surf, islands, creek crossings, stark red earth and massive sand blowouts. It is a fantastic way to get the legs moving, the heart pumping and the eyes seeing.
It was a short day. A nice relaxing way to get back into it. I felt really good. At times it almost felt like my body could remember what it was supposed to do with a pack on. I am still in love with love distance hiking.
And the HOSC and I had a great time! It was so nice to discuss what I was seeing and feeling. It’s especially nice now we are in camp and there are so many people about. Ordinarily I would feel really out of place, but we have our small corner of the campsite and are about to cook up our dinner together. Perhaps watch the sunset. Life feels good.
Hopefully it will last! Tonight a pretty major storm is predicted. And more than that, we have a massive 30km to try and get through tomorrow. Little steps. Let’s just get through dinner and we’ll see how we go…
Glad that you started on a great day with a relatively easy distance. I can identify with the distance – it’s about 6 times around the local golf course!