Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

‘You Two Are The Craziest People I’ve Met’ said Mark from Benneydale. Walking from Cape Reinga to Wellington on Te Araroa. 1700kms. Crazy? Well maybe he knows something we don’t!   At 65 and 64 we are older than most TA trampers we’ve met, by about 35-40 years. Has this trail, this adventure been more … More ‘You Two Are The Craziest People I’ve Met’ said Mark from Benneydale. Walking from Cape Reinga to Wellington on Te Araroa Trail, NZ. 1700kms. Crazy? Well maybe he knows something we don’t! 

​​ ​ Video taken by John from Mt Pirongia Summit Our Te Araroa trail journey continues in the beautiful Waikato Region taking us over our highest summit so far, varied and trying weather and some minor discomforts to body and soul…testing the Comfort Zone!   The Good: Panoramic views, beautiful bush, lovely campsite, the joy … More The Good, The Bad, The Ugly…Waikato King Country, Te Araroa Trail, NZ

Apologies to the Proclaimers!  “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”  Lao Tzu.   This signage;  one of many on the beautiful Hakarimata Walkway, Ngaruawatia in the Waikato.  These sayings lead our achievement so far.  In Hamilton, John and I reached 800kms…500 miles on the Te Araroa Trail, the long pathway in … More ‘I would Walk 500 Miles and I Would Walk 500 More’, Te Araroa Trail, NZ

Shelter from the storm for Monarch butterflies and for we two fortunate Te Araroa trail trampers. Not as Bob Dylan sang; maybe more as in ‘Willow’, (Shelter in a Storm) a Joan Armatrading favourite. Trees were felled, as were power lines, interrupting power to thousands throughout the Auckland region, cars and homes damaged as an … More Shelter From The Storm, Te Araroa Trail, NZ

Breathtaking, breathtaking and breathtaking. Te Araroa Trail, NZ Ruakaka to Dome Forest Beautiful beaches, stretching for kilometres have been our pleasure to walk. Some of the forests have been breathtaking too…tiring! Leaving Ruakaka beach for Waipu Cove, junior life saving championships, all activity and crowds, slowed our receding high tide way. Further on, entertainment of … More Breathtaking, Breathtaking and Breathtaking, Te Araroa Trail, NZ

400kms walked from Cape Reinga – Ruakaka Beach past Marsden Point On the road again! Back On Track – Te Araroa Trail Wonderful to be back on the TA trail. Wonderful to be back walking with intent, one step at a time, to Wellington. Wonderful to be fresh having enjoyed respite from the backpacks over … More Back On Track – Te Araroa Trail, NZ

Two kiwi expats  Who call Australia home Touring by car with two Canadians Auckland to Whangarei, New Years Day 2017 Day one of three sixty five dawns Draws hues of pastel blues Pale in shades in a white washed sky Is artistically beautiful Backdrops Rangitoto and hotel view of Auckland harbour Toward Devonport, just a … More New Years Day in Aoteoroa

I feel so spoilt. Talk about ‘In The Comfort Zone’,  (not Stepping Out Of…).  Travelling Business class first time ever. (John has decided that it was about time I experienced an upgrade in travelling niceties).  In the Qantas Lounge it IS quiet, stress free and Comfortable with help yourself to the nice food and drinks of … More Heading To The Start Line