Day 40: Civilization, the Great Motivator

November 19, 2019

Kilometers: 1006.3-1031.6

Ngakonui-Ongarue Rd Campsite to Kelly’s Motel in Taumarunui 

Both Ethan and I each set personal records for quickest out of camp this morning. I was up at 5:45am and on the trail by 6. Ethan was up at 6am and on the trail by 7. After five days in the woods without phone service, hot showers or greasy foods we were keen to get to town as soon as possible. 

The walk was 26km on one road from the campsite into the town of Taumarunui. Starting at 6am was eerie as everything was covered in fog. Visibility was at an all time low. 

Soon into the walk I regained cell service and this caused both Ethan and I to walk at a bit of a slower rate than usual. At 10:30am I rolled into town and met Charlie, who had hitched there, at the McDonalds. I usually don’t like McDonald’s but I crushed a couple of hamburgers and was very happy. As I waited for the others to get to town I ran over to the post office to pick up our bounce box. 

At about noon Ethan, Henry and Peter arrived in Taumarunui. Ethan went straight to the motel we made a reservation at across the street from the McDonald’s. The rest of the day was spent relaxing, buying food and getting more propane for our stove. 

Around 4pm Charlie and Peter walked over from their motel across the street. After a bit we all decided to walk to the nearby Thai restaurant. The food was super good and after we all came back our room to play cards. Peter and Charlie absolutely smoked us in euchre, 100 percent due to how the cards were dealt of course. 

After they left we turned on the TV surprised to see that Stephen Colbert was interviewing the Prime Minister of New Zealand. It was cool to learn about her and more about the country we’ve been traveling through. 

Tomorrow is our first zero day since Auckland but it will be a busy one as we need to set up our canoe trip section, which we will start next week. We may also have some time to play a quick nine at the local golf course. 

-Alex