Thanks to Sportsmed.

It is all about our feet !!!!

Having successfully moved Beth back to Hanmer Springs we took the opportunity to call in at Sportsmed Podiatry in Christchurch to try to sort out our sore feet. A new set of orthotics was a simple solution for Lynne. However Steve needed substantial strapping to carry on ....(Thanks to Kate and Adela for their help and the generous donation by Sportsmed of 12 rolls of tape to keep us going). Although the tape was just for his foot I have been tempted to use it over his mouth at times !!!



Final resting place for our first pair of boots.

We left our old boots behind at the Trampers Rest and said a fond farewell to Shona and Bruce at the Karamu Valley Lodge and tramped over the Kapamahunga Reserve and up to the Pahautea Hut in the Pirongia mountains. The first North Island hut on the trail, which was spectacularly located and gave us the view of a tremendous sunset.

We carried on through the Limestone country, through Waitomo and on to the centre of the universe - which as you all know is Bennydale, close to the Te Miringa Te Kakara (the temple of the four winds).


Hihikiwi summit 900m, Pirongia Mountains

We have also completed the Wanganui River Journey with friends Sally, Peter, Janet and Jeff and will tell the story in the next blog entry. So we have travelled over 1000k now, only 2000 to go. The next section includes the Tongario Crossing - which may have to wait as the volcanoes are being temperamental at the moment!!!

Please feel free to add comments to the site in the box below, no need to login or sign up !!

The Waikato Region - the home of dairy herds.
We have spent the last 6 days heading south through the Waikato. A diverse section of paths, alongside the mighty Waitako river on stop banks and paddocks. Past the Huntly power station whose orange towers could be seen from a long way off and on to Ngaruawahia the home of the Maouri King.

Huntly Power Station

We then traversed the Hakarimata Range - a great DOC tramping track with a huge look out tower at the end so that at last we had a view from the bush!!
We must say a big thank you to the Huntly Golf Club for the free drinks and whip round donation of $90.
We then followed the City to Mountain track through Hamilton. A wonderful route along the river, past Lake Rotoroa and onto the Arboretum, then heading for the hills.
We have now completed 804 kilometers - that is half way down North Island and have raised $3450.
Now taking a 4 day break to move Beth back to Hanmer.