Days 4 and 5
Time to enjoy a little time in some Northland townships. Ahipara is tiny, with a gas station, dairy, holiday park and a very pleasant and unexpected coffee shop. Kaitaia is 15 kms walk away, and has everything including a McDonalds, a supermarket, a camping store and a backpackers or hostel. With the storm coming, I decided to stay only one night in Ahipara and two nights in Kaitaia, which was the right decision.
I woke up and could feel the beginnings of two little blisters on my little toes. Could not see any blisters, but I felt them. So, added some blister plaster as a preventative measure. Normally I would not worry, but on this trip I promised myself not to get blisters. A few days on, I can hardly feel the potential blisters. So, maybe that was a smart decision.
With my feet taken care of, I headed to the common room in the Holiday Park to watch England beat Argentina in the Rugby World Cup third place match. Then time to hit the road for the short walk to Kaitaia. The path was along a busy road, which is not ideal. But some fine countryside and orchard land to enjoy between stepping aside for fast moving traffic. I was glad to get to Kaitaia.
After getting a room at the hostel, I headed straight McDonalds for a late lunch. I really wanted a chocolate milkshake, and it did not disappoint. Once back at the hostel I started to meet other walkers, all staying until after the storm. I had seen some of them on the October TA WhatsApp group, and it was nice to meet them face to face. Everyone is trying to work out how best to tackle the trail after the storm. I did a little shopping and bought regular food and needed to learn how to make a decent meal without dehydrated foods. I later found a camping shop that sold dehydrated food, so scrapped plans of real food and back to the ‘cook in a bag’ food. Much easier and probably more tasty.
The next morning, my first rest day, I woke up early to find a pub to watch the Rugby World Cup Final. Another walker from the USA joined me, and met a few more walkers at the pub. Was fun expect then the All Blacks lost by 1 point. More shopping for food and more McDonalds after the rugby.
Spent the afternoon looking at the trail for the next 4 to 6 days. Some have done it in 4 days, but I might take 5 days and try and enjoy it more. Still taking food for 6 days, just in case. There are two resupply points in the first half and hitch hiking and bypass options in the second half if needed. So, all good. The weather forecast after the storm is not great, but very doable, with a little rain and light breeze. Excited to be on the trail again tomorrow after this very sensible rest/weather day.
