The great Ocean Beach escape allowed me a day to rest while Teena worked, her daughter studied for exams and husband went on a free-dive course. I also had the pleasure of watching my trail friends come off the gnarly hike I had ahead of me. Feet up on the deck I waved them through. The Bach hospitality was wonderful. Relaxed and restorative. The following morning Teena dropped me back to Oceans Beach with a day bag (hooray) to conquer the Bream Head Track. A beast I had been eyeing every step of Oceans beach two days prior. It was a slow exposed grassy ascent followed by a full on climb with ropes and frantic footing. So grateful not to have more weight on my back, to make these climbs simplified and sticks to steady the climb. I slipped on a tree root on a narrow section reminding me to concentrate. The views from the glimpses between the forest canopy stretched north to my yesterdays and south to my tomorrows long hike and Marsden Pt and Bream Bay. I was on the hunt for the lost ye
Having farewelled the community of Teal Bay, Sue and I set off on the Helena Bay Ridge walk through the El Chaparal gate and along private land. The forest was a nice change to the beaches and forest roads I had walked this far. Through nīkau and tōtara and brushing through our forever ferns. The Ridge was steep in parts and small glimpses of the coastline and the surrounding forest came through the canopy. Sue soldiered on as I dawdelled uphill, which meant she missed a spectacular face plant up the hills as I miscalculated my footing. Howling with laughter I twisted onto my back and slide 3 metres back down hill so I could bush bash around the mudslide that had seen me kiss it! Initiation of Te Araroa complete. The path lead onto farm trails sparingly marked with Orange markers but with plenty of curious cattle in adjacent paddocks. Leading onto a quiet and partially shaded gravel road twisting down the Valley. I was given a hitch with 2km to the main road to avoid a rouge bull, who