I've had a fire in my belly to embark on a crazy adventure for a while now- and I've decided that Te Araroa is it. I'll be hiking the bulk of it, running some no doubt, and recording it here. This is going to be a trial by this same fire - I can't call myself a writer, photographer, trail runner OR a seasoned hiker by any means, but I can tell you we are in for quite a journey. I'm writing this from my Gran's house in Japan, having found out on the plane here that I had three days left on my passport. Yes, that is the type of seat-of-the-pants traveller.. ok.. person I am. Some parts of this blog may read like an episode of Fawlty Towers, but hopefully it will also contain some humorous tales, some triumph, some trials overcome and some learnings too. Help me know I'm not alone - that you're out there through your comments. I'm going to be turning 36 this year - I feel like I've been dormant for too long now and it's time I got off the couch and got some real outdoors action started. I've bought the official guide book, downloaded the maps and have started on a gear list. There are post offices I can send fresh gear and supplies to - Just like that chick in Wild! Now I have to get myself a camera, teach myself the basics of SLR, how to read the weather maps and deciphering the clouds - among many many other things...! <Googles how to write a blog> October 2016, I'll pack my pack, lace up the boots and hit the trail at Cape Reinga. Anyone wanting to join me for parts of it are welcome, otherwise come with me through this blog - it may make you glad you're still on the couch! But it may also make you see New Zealand the way I hope to see it, like a huge and beautiful playground. Bring it on, Kooooooowweeeeeeeee! :D
18 Comments
Alice
8/6/2016 08:47:06 am
Wow!! Go big or go home!! I look forward to following your adventure through the blog!
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Shelley
12/6/2016 05:36:45 am
Haha! Thanks!
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Guy
8/6/2016 09:13:28 am
I'm here. Safely watching from the couch :P
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Shelley
12/6/2016 05:36:10 am
Can I tempt you to join me??
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kacie stetson
8/6/2016 04:57:52 pm
You go grrrrl!
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Shelley
12/6/2016 05:38:37 am
Thanks Kacie
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Shelley
12/6/2016 05:39:39 am
!! :D
Lawrence Marceau
9/6/2016 02:44:30 am
Don't go until after the Rotorua Ekiden, okay?
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Shelley
12/6/2016 05:39:13 am
I'll go before, but be back for that!
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Ash
10/6/2016 05:51:10 pm
This is amazing. Go with your fire. Good luck and God bless.
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Room 9
22/8/2016 02:29:30 pm
"Wow, that is actually quite old for your age to walk that much.... said one of the boys in my class...." we will be watching your progress.
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Anonymous
22/8/2016 03:40:23 pm
Hahaha! That's great, I'll show them! :P
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Room 9 and Deanne Ellis
22/8/2016 04:02:25 pm
We are studying challenge this term for our inquiry. Sorry about the last comment - I thought it was kind of funny that one of the kids thought that 36 was so old and incapable!! They were excited and in awe of the fact that someone was going to walk the length of NZ and they want to follow you virtually! Want a group of year 3 and 4 kids plotting and watching your every move? Will your blogs be kid friendly?!!
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Shelley
22/8/2016 04:17:35 pm
Love it! Um - is the 's' word ok :P I want to be candid - maybe you should vet the posts. I'm sure I'll have some choice words after particularly long days, and cannot promise sanity at all times :P but that is so fun! It would be great to have your class follow me! and yes, I'm very old in the eyes of 8 year olds ;)
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Deanne Ellis
22/8/2016 07:31:16 pm
Yes, remain candid and defo no editing for the sake of room 9! I will vet the posts for sure! V exciting! Are you doing it with anyone?!
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Shelley
22/8/2016 07:37:38 pm
Mainly solo - starting the first 10 days with a friend, Pete. I'm sure I will meet people on the way and some other friends are joining me for bits of it :) I could come see you guys in class when I've done Cape Reinga to Auckland?!
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