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Walking Te Araroa for Crohn's and Colitis

  • And we're back!

      1 February 2023

    It's been real Wellington.

    After nearly two weeks' recovery I'm picking back up in Arthur's Pass for the next leg of the Te Araroa.

    It's fairly safe to say things didn't quite go according to plan. Even now I'm shell-shocked over the Richmonds, and my knees still haven't forgiven me. With all this in mind I'm making some changes to keep the podiatrist away:

    - No more 12 hour days. Fairly self-explanatory, and much easier to manage now my infusion's done.

    - More rest stops.

    I'm also adjusting the itinerary:

    - Skip Mingha-Deception Pass: I'd originally planned to begin things here but will instead overnight in Bealey due to poor weather.

    - Lastly, I'm aiming to finish up in Queenstown rather than Bluff. I hate to pass up Greenstone and the Routeburn, especially this time of year, but I simply don't have enough time before uni resumes in late February. I will return for the final third as soon as I can.

    All up this section will take just under 3 weeks. The track winds through central Canterbury, past Lakes Coleridge, Takapo, and Ohau before crossing the Ahuriri River and into Wanaka. From there it's a steep four-day trek over the Cardronas into Arrowtown and a short stroll into Queenstown.

    Thank you all again for donating to the cause. Spread the word, keep the funds flowing, and I'll keep on walking.

    Follow my TA Instagram for updates as I go along: @sheen_got_away

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  • Raising the bar

      12 January 2023

    Thank you to everyone for helping get us over the $2,500 mark so soon! I never thought word would spread this far, and am blown away by your support and encouragement. Let's go bold and shoot for $5,000!

    Right now I'm resting up in Christchurch before heading back to Hanmer on the 14th. From there I'll pass through Coleridge and Geraldine before arriving in Tekapo in roughly two weeks' time.

    For more updates check out @sheen_got_away on Instagram

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  • Made it to Hanmer!

      11 January 2023
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    Three nights out from St Arnaud and I'm in Hanmer! Long days on the road, but was rewarded with some truly unforgettable sights along the way (see insta: sheen_got_away). For the next few days I'll be resting up, restocking, and getting an infliximab infusion before continuing on to Lake Coleridge and Arthur's Pass. Thank you all for donating so far! Every dollar will help CCNZ to make NZ a better place for everyone living with IBD. I hope this journey will show everyone the difference that effective treatments and proper support can make. So keep it coming, and I'll see you on the trail again in a few days :)

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  • UPDATE: Thank you!

      6 January 2023
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    Kia ora and thank you to everyone who has donated so far! I've just crossed the 250km mark and into St Arnaud, the first major town since Havelock and last until Hanmer Springs. The Richmonds were tough going but an incredible experience nonetheless. Follow @sheen_got_away for pics and more details.

    I realise I probably set the donor target too low so I'm pushing now for the $2,500 mark. Spread the word!

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  • Made it to Havelock!

      29 December 2022
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    88km from Ship Cove, Queen Charlotte Sound to Havelock. Utterly knackered, especially after today's mad dash along Linkwater Road, but glad to be here. The Sounds put on a real show. This is Anakiwa this afternoon. For more pics follow ig @sheen_got_away

    Thank you to everyone who has donated so far!

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