Day 28: The Kiwi Summer Has Arrived

November 7, 2019

Kilometers: 620.1-660.1

Puhinui Creek Track to Trail Angels House at kilometer 660.1

We were pretty quick to pack up our nomad camp today. In addition to the breakfast bars I had an apple and an avocado. We eat a lot more nutritious and delicious immediately following a resupply. Unfortunately, most of our day was spent walking through the Auckland suburbs, which lacked the views and wilderness we have become used to. These pictures sum up our first couple hours on the trail. 

We walked further away from Auckland, all on busy roads. As Ethan mentioned yesterday, the heat has become a factor here. The first few weeks we were hiking in 50-65 degree weather. It was perfect for hiking, keeping you cool even when working hard. However, the summer is now officially here. Today it was almost 80, which was amplified by the blacktop roads and the 30 pound packs. The heat waves across the pavement hung around from about 11-4. 

Every 8 or so kilometers we would stop and take a break in the shade. The last 6kms started with a 300 meter climb while low on water. The brutal climb made us take our last break of the day in the shade near an elementary school. Charlie and Peter suggested walking into the school and asking to refill our camelbacks. To my surprise the school let us right into the kitchen to refill as a counselor asked us about the hike. No locked doors, no security guards, no turning us away for not having a scheduled visit. These are all things that are commonplace in American schools. Charlie pointed out, as he never fails to, that the American way is far from the norm for most other places. 

As we wrapped up the 40km day we met Glenn, a TA trail angel, outside of his house, which was right on the track. A trail angle is someone who goes out of the way to help and support those hiking the TA. Earlier in the morning we had found him offering for hikers to pitch their tents at his place free of charge on the TA trail angle Facebook page. We texted him and quickly replied letting us know we were good to go. 

He welcomed us with a cold beer, offered us hot showers, and even cooked us a dinner of sausages and roasted potatoes. The generosity of people here amazes me beyond belief. We watched the sunset from his porch as we shared our trail stories with him. The sunset was up there for the nicest one yet. Huge thank you to Glenn. 

In the last two days we have walked 80kms. My phone says we’ve taken over 105,000 steps in the last 48 hours. So when Ethan proposed we hike 43kms tomorrow I was a bit surprised. I was completely down for that but had to question his motives. Turns out he’s done his research and one of the best pie places in all of New Zealand is 43km away. The owner let’s hikers camp out back for free. If our bodies allow it we will be camping within a stones throw from unlimited pie tomorrow night. 

Also, sorry for all the typos, both past and future, in the blog. It’s not exactly easy to run a blog from your phone. Please just bare with us (that one was on purpose!). 

-Alex