The whine of mosquitos outside the tent was incredible last night. Thankfully, they stayed out and we stayed in!
As we eased our bodies into action and over to the reception / kitchen area, Yumi from the Taranaki and KC from West Auckland were already in breakfast mode.
Yumi is a section walker and has been doing parts of the Te Araroa over the past 3 years.
KC was tramping the section through to Auckland. KC confessed to not realising that yesterdays walk had created a blister on her pinky toe. It was only when she removed the sock last night that there came the shock for her, of a monster red blister, on her left pinky toe.
Following the morning feed and farewells it was an easy stroll through the sand dunes and out onto ninety mile beach.
Weather was again in our favour, with a pleasant head breeze and an overcast sky. Thirty kilometres later and were approaching the beachside settlement of Ahipara. Vehicles were far more prevalent at this southern end of the beach and we witnessed two bus loads of tourists cruise by, along with a multitude of 4WD jeeps, utes and quad bikes.
Ahipara was like walking into an oasis. The sky was clearer and the sun was sizzling anything and everything. We were glad to find our way to the YHA hostel nestled amongst bamboo hedgerows and tropical banana styled plant life.
After the tent was pitched we enjoyed a Wellingtonian apa beer at the bar. We quickly recoiled enough energy and motivation to walk the 1.2k to the local fish’n’chip shop named “Bidz”.
It’s been great to hear Karl talk about his future plans to pursue becoming an electrician and describe the kind of lifestyle he’d like to develop in the future.
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