2011-2012 has been an emotional 12 months for us

We became kiwi citizens. Our kids, Ben and Beth survived the Christchurch earthquakes. I lost my mum and brother, Brian, to cancer in the same week. We sold our outdoor activity business in Hanmer Springs that we had run for ten years. We ran the Forest Camp as managers and we will celebrate 30 years of marriage.

It has been a time of intense emotions and hard work but a great network of friends and family has supported us.

Losing Brian at the age of 60 has convinced me that we have to “live life for today”. With that in mind Steve and I have decided that the best way to celebrate surviving, being kiwis and the “life of Brian” is to walk the length of New Zealand. Now here is the irony, Brian would be convinced that we are finally, totally and unreservedly barking mad!

Thanks to Ben and Beth for their support to let us go, to Sharon and Serge our Hanmer backstops and to Shalane for inspiration.

Follow us on our journey – meet us on the way with tea and scones, walk a section with us, join us for a beer or just support our cause and donate to Cancer research!

Feel free to add comments to our blog below, just click on "comments" below the blog entry and write in the box then add your name or be anonymous!!

Thursday 27 September 2012

It can certainly rain in Northland! The poor farmers are having a tough time with the wet pastures and all the mud. We have been hauled up in Kerikeri with Sally and Peter Burgoyne, who have been so generous to help us with drop offs, pickups and accommodation as a contra deal to support Cancer Research. Many thanks guys, we feel we have know you for years !!
After a couple of treatments at the Physio my sore shin has recovered well. Not sure that I should actually thank Daniel as the treatment was so painful. But Andrew Oh, may donate more money now that I have had trigger point dry needle therapy and lived through the ordeal !!
Thanks to everyone for your emails and encouragement, I am sure you chuckle each time you see it is raining, but next week is a good forecast as we walk down the coast towards Whangarei.
We are thrilled that we will have Sally to join us tomorrow, our first drop in walker as we head to Waitangi.

1 comment:

  1. I remember those early days of the trail and loved the forests. Part of my motivation to walk the trail was also the lose of sister. Life is too short and and you have to make the most of if while you can. Enjoy the Te Araroa - its wonderful!!

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