walking from Glendhu Bay to Arrowtown was an absolute blast.
Thank you all for your wonderful donations ...you have helped the fund reach the $4000 mark for the Graham Dingle Foundation.
On our way to queenstown and only 400k to go. Yay
400k doesnt sound so bad. But I couldnt do it! Keep up the good walk.
We are in beautiful Wanaka and on our way to Queenstown. What a beautiful country we live in
Look at how great you look! I say this journey has agreed mightily with you. :-)
500Km to go and then we wine and dine, I hope. Can’t wait to see you. Miss you loads. Nic xxxxxxxxxxx
RICHMOND RANGES ACCOMPLISHED
After years of hearing about how hard they are I have completed this part of the journey. Finally I admit how proud I am of that achievement, squashing down my inbuilt kiwi humilty.
The terrain is mountainous, making the tracks arduous almost every step. We walked up steep rocky tracks, down sides of cliffs, across narrow slippery scree slopes, clambered around rocky outcrops, jumped over huge boulders for half an hour, trundled through dangerous water crossings and the final insult was down the narrow shoulder of a busy highway into St Arnaud.
The days were long as we wanted to be out as the forecast was dismal. I was particularly slow downhill as I had fallen again on my bruised leg adding insult to injury.
But the excitement and exhilaration of being on top of Mount Rintoul and Mount Ellis made it all worth it. I was so lucky to have Rhydian Lewis with me most of the time. He is an intelligent guy who is so interested in the trees and birds and seems to have an innate knowledge of terrain and navigation. He often had to wait for me and he helped me up those rocky cliffs. Thanks Rhydian.
We are all having a day off today as heavy rain was forecast but off tomorrow down the Waiau valley and through the Nelson lakes district. Apparently also a difficult week to come, but after one has accomplished the Richmonds there's a confidence and resilience built in so I'm looking forward to the upcoming challenges.
The Hematoma is healing but still quite nasty so am doing all the right things with ice, drugs etc.
Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments and interest. It means so much to me as I do miss family and friends.
Hey you! What a wonderful achievement. I am so very proud of you and can't wait to catch up when you arrive home. I always knew you’d make it, you are so courageous and determined. Nic xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Marian, Great effort. Those Richmonds have a justafiable reputation so you have done well. Keep up the good walk!
Steve
You are an absolute inspiration Marion - go you! Thank you for doing this for our tamariki and rangitahi - you're a legend!!!
1250k's to go...How exciting.
I am in the South Island and have completed 90km. I walked the Queen Charlotte track and now I'm in my way to walk the Richmond Range. Weather looks great and I'm building a group of friends to walk with..
Since starting the Te Araroa trail on the 29 September I have been able to finish walking the North Island. There is a small segment that I need to go back to do due to an injury to my knee but that is exciting because my family will be able to join me.
The journey has been one of self discovery, things that I did not think I was capable of achieving,especially tramping in those remote areas all alone. I have made many new friends and have been outside of my comfort zone almost the entire time but I am loving this journey.
I am incredibly proud to be walking the Te Araroa Trail, raising funds for the Graham Dingle Foundation because their charity empowers our youth to feel the elation that I am feeling each day I overcome my daily challenge. Your donation will be greatly appreciated as I embark on the South Island on the 29 December.
