July 2022

Adelaide awakening!

This picture was taken from one of the high points in Morialta Falls at at approximately 0630 am.

July 2022 - Progress and Thoughts

 Hello Everybody

62 days to go!

I have started this Blog earlier than usual, the winter Solstice has gone and the days will slowly get longer although they are still crisp and cold. Last month I mentioned that I had gone to Melbourne to play in a Ice Hockey Tournament, well 8 out of the 11 players on my team caught Covid-19 and it did put back my training a little however i am back in full swing.

Something new for this month is, My word of the month and how it applies to this adventure:

Apprehension: At this point in time this word is most apt at describing how I feel, The Thesaurus includes words such as:

a. Uneasiness

b. Trepidation, and

c. Angst amongst others.

I have looked back at some of the Tampers that I have followed and this feeling is not totally un common, I understand that it will be followed by excitement as I get closer to my start date.

Start Date: My start date remains the 07th  October, most of my preparation is complete now.

a.       Flight to Auckland

b.       Accommodation in Auckland

c.       Bus to Kaitaia

d. Motel in Kaitaia has agreed to pick me up at the Bus Stop when I arrive.

e.       Accommodation in Kaitaia

All that remains is to get from Kaitaia to Cape Reinga on the 7th, this is still an un known

 Progress:

·         Web Site: Pages Published

o   Equipment: Back Pack

·         Facebook Pages that will be used

o   Te ARAROA 2022-23 (704 members)

o   Te ARAROA Trail angels (Public 5.1k members)

24 Trampers Registered thus far

Equipment:

First of all, to anyone that is entertaining the idea of completing the Te ARAROA this coming season and you don’t have all of your gear by now then I would suggest that you get a wiggle on as it appears that equipment suppliers that do not manufacturer the items them selves i.e. Z Packs, are keeping minimum quantities of stock on their shelves or are having difficulties getting stock.

I purchased 2 pair of Salomon shoes, 1 Pair at a time, over 2 months. When I went to purchase the second pair I found I couldn’t get the same pair. This has turned out to be a positive as I found that I have upgraded as far as comfort and weight goes each time.

· Training:

o   Grounds used – 4

o   Kilometres – 71.07

 Thoughts:

At this point I am trying not to over complicate things, my equipment preparation is good however the Tech Items I am taking will keep me on my toes. My food preparation is also good, today I will be bagging up 2 kilos of Beef Jerky to be included in my re supply boxes. I will be taking a single 200gm pack into NZ on our holiday to see if I can get it through customs.

The Excitement continues to build !