I woke up at 6 and snoozed till 6:30. But there are benefits of getting up early, like beating the heat, getting to take a long break, and reaching the next camp at a reasonable time. So at 7 am, I left the campsite ready for the upcoming day.
After Puhoi you can canoe the river, but only at outgoing tide. This wasn’t early in the morning and I wasn’t willing to wait till 4 pm, so I actually chose the road walk. As it is the old highway, it wasn’t too bad. And before I knew it, I was at the junction. If I stay true to the trail, I take the exit, walk a few kilometers including a small climb or I could follow the road circa 200m further and ‘save’ the kilometers (like I did last time).
Today I chose to stay true to the trail. Also with the knowledge that the road walk into Stillwater is dangerous and that I might hitch that, because as much as I love TA, I don’t want to risk my life for a stupid road section. So if I can safely walk the trail, I would.
I’m happy with my decision, it was gorgeous and really not a difficult trail as the day before yesterday. After that, I did the low tide route, which was also a stunning part and was a new part because last time the water was too high.
In Orewa, I ate 2 burgers ms and 2 portions of fries at MacDonald’s. This is the last time I did that because I didn’t feel full at all.
When I continued I could feel my hiker’s legs starting to come back. As I didn’t feel any complaints while I had already done 20km.
I was however right about the road section, the beginning was already uncomfortable but was mostly straight. Once I reached the curvy bit of the road, I tried to hitch but didn’t have the patience. So I did start and boy it was seriously dangerous, with blind corners And absolutely no shoulder. If two trucks would pass, you’ll be pushed off the road.
I was very fortunate that a lovely woman named Julie stopped on the road and offered me a ride. I was so relieved!!
At the campsite, the lady was very ‘pleased’ with me as I was apparently the first hiker in days to use the word ‘please’ when I asked her if I could camp. So, Mom and Dad, you can be proud of me!
I cooked dinner tonight, otherwise, the budget would go crazy, but we still did go for a drink and the boot club.
Currently, I‘m in my sleeping bag in the TV room which costs the same as a tent, but it saves you from packing a wet tent in the morning.
Now for tomorrow, although with low tide at 11 am, and only 45min to get to the estuary crossing, I can sleep in. But I just can’t stay awake. Night night.
Zilla-in-the-wild 