Having taken a Zero Day in Ahipara (non walking day) at the end of 90 Mile Beach and my left hip rotation continuing to be tight I really needed a Physio. I had decided before leaving home that I would skip the Northern Forests. The forests are mostly closed due to Kauri Dieback and road walking was the alternative and the one forest which is open had recently had 100 trees falled in a storm so I reasoned I can do them another day.
I headed straight for Kerikeri on Labour Day and a new experience - Hitch hiking.
Hitch 1. Murray in his Hilux. Murray neighbours the camp ground and asked if I wanted a lift as I ambled past his truck. He dropped me into Kaitaia minutes later on his way to go peacock shooting.
Hitch 2. Rex took me from Kaitaia almost immediately after Murray dropped me off, in his Toyota twin cab to Awanui to link up to State Highway 10 to Kerikeri. Rex offered me prayers for my hip. I was happy for them!!
Hitch 3. Robyn and Mike in the Toyota twincab Hilux and their mega caravan from St Heliers were a delight. Much better than the chap with Dr Evil number plate directly in front of them! Taking me all the way to Kerikeri.
Hitching was easy....(I'm careful not to use present tense, as I expect this might change).
I enjoyed a bunk in a backpackers with other hikers and some fruit pickers from Vanuatu. The following day I secured a physio appointment at 9.30am and had my lower back and lazy left glute (not my hip afterall!) worked on. The 2 days of rest was great for my leg mobility and my feet.
I also sorted out my food after overpacking in Auckland and stocking up on first aid supplies. The blisters needed sorting...as did my mega tan! I appreciate my legs look like a Belted Galloway, but the beach frying was isolated.
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| 90 Mile Beach tan! I was adamant I didn't want the backs of my knees burnt so this is my fashion choice result! |
Day 5-8 rest, restocking food and recuperation
That is a CRAZY tan line!
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