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, 29 January 2013

Queen Charlotte Track

Looking out over the Sounds.
Benched tracks rule ok!!  What a pleasure to walk with no mud and roots and to be able to look at the views. It was great to have Dee and Pippa with us for company - for their story - a 4 year voyage to New Zealand in a 31 foot yacht, and an interesting read go to:  sula blog.

The Queen Charlotte Track is a 3-4 day walk in the Marlborough Sounds and a great introduction to multi-day tramping. A variety of accommodation options are available, you do not have to camp! Even better you can send your packs ahead on the water taxi - Luxury!!!!
We are now basking in the sun in Havelock having done the link tracks and are poised to set off on the 9-10 day crossing of the Richmond Hills tomorrow. Our heaviest packs yet and hopefully enough food , just part of the Te Araroa weight loss programme!!   
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1 comment:

  1. Hanmer Springs Forest Camp2 February 2013 at 14:06

    You guys are doing an OUTSTANDING job! Well done - hope to see you when you are in Hanmer, always a cuppa out here at the camp for you both!!

    Kellie & Duncan

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