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!!

Tuesday, 6 November 2012

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.
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1 comment:

  1. Helena6 November 2012 at 05:30

    Great progress, with such an interesting mix of terrain! Things good here. Still doing wedding stuff (!), and rapidly moving into Andy's wardrobe selection. Love, the Cascade crew.

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