- Te Araroa Day 39
- 6 km around Huntly
By far and away the highlight of today was that all the stars finally aligned and I had a rest day, in accommodation with great unlimited WiFi, so that I could watch the White Ferns v Australia ODI pretty much live. Chatting to the retired campers over morning tea I was stoked to hear they now enjoyed watching women’s cricket just as much as men’s, and could name players easily.
It was optimal weather for washing so I got that done, then when it dried I could put on the shorts and go into Huntly to get some lunch. Fruit King was open and I got avocados, multi grain bread, passionfruit, feijoas and apples. I could vaguely feel a sore throat coming on so was trying to load up on vitamins! Plus avocado on toast was the best 😍
I’ve figured out that the local bus service makes it possible to do the next section called the Hakarimata Walkway from here, so it’ll be nice to stay one more night. Constantly unpacking and repacking is beginning to feel tiring. I hope the Hakarimata Forest will make me feel more positive about Te Araroa…
In the late afternoon I walked around Lake Hakanoa for a bit of active recovery, and because it is the other top tourist attraction (with the DEKA sign). It really is a beautifully done walkway with lots of nice gardens and features along the way. Alas there wasn’t an amazing sunset, possibly just as well as the power plant chimneys would have marred it.
Nothing much changed in my outlook today, and if anything I was feeling worse. Future logistics were feeling overwhelming, I was really tired of googling stuff, and was struggling to see the point of it all after skipping the chunk a few days back. I can no longer say I walked the length of the North Island so why am I even doing this?
Adventures of Nic 
Huntly is that kind of place that has a bit depressing vibe, although it is good they still have the old DEKA sign up on display. Waikato is not the most scenic part of the country but I am sure when you will make it closer to the Centeal plateu your drive going forward will return back. Its ok to allow yourself some break, you are doing great, just hang in there!!
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Thanks Zuzana 😊 I’ve got to focus on the Timber Trail from the tea towel! Things improved today and I did something you would have enjoyed.
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You are doing so well! I guess just like everything else in life, doing a massive walk has its emotional up and downs. Ride the wave, know it will pass, and you have the ability to keep moving forward even when it doesn’t feel easy. Proud of you! xo
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I can’t believe there are no Huntly postcards, who would have thought?? Missed opportunity for sure 😉 it looks like you got all the highlights in your railway overbridge photo (don’t forget Fruit King)… Maybe that’s the postcard shot right there. Love your fruit buying excursion… Reminds me of that night in BKK when we bought all the tropical fruit we could find and watching the UCI downhill. Good times 😁
Hang in there… I’ve got a feeling the best is yet to come. You’ve got this 👍
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Lol, Fruit King was a personal highlight and yes it was a bit like that great evening in Thailand – watching cricket instead! Thanks matey!!
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Thanks Helen! Yes you’re so right, that’s a perfect description. I’ll come back to that next time things get tough, and I’m glad this wave has passed. Thanks again 😊
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