they made it - after 62 days and 3,200 of paddled kilometres
justin jones and james castrission waded ashore at new plymouth
to a huge welcome from an estimated 10,000 people on shore
including a traditional maori welcoming party performing a haka
and a spontaneous rendition of waltzing matilda by the crowd
some people say there were downright stupid for attempting the feat
i reckon they were incredibly brave taking on the cruel sea
i get nervous in daylight in perfectly calm seas close to shore
imagine the feeling at night in a storm in the middle of the ocean
they must have known the risk, calculated their chances and went for it
and it has all paid off - totally impressive for sure
made me feel downright lazy - so time for an adventure
consulted the list of walks in the region and decision made
drove to the twin bridges over the rakaia gorge
parked the car, strapped on the bumbag
donned sunglasses, hat and headphones
with the lifeline attached to the iriver mp3 player
and set off on an estimated 3 hour return journey
the track works it's way up the northern side of the rakaia river
the departure point also marks the start of the gorge
so at times the track was close to the swiftly running water
or following a trek through trees and occasional tussock
the track would be hundreds of metres above the river
with impressive views of the river, gorge and nearby mt hutt
variety is the feature of this walk as it works its way to the end point
one minute out in the scorching sun in the tussock and dust
next minute squelching through mud in forest cover
the destination after 1.5 hours is an exit out on to the riverbed
where a wade into the water is tempting but ill-advised
for it runs fast and deep and demands respect
so instead a sit down and lunch break is taken
along with a few photos of the impressive gorge walls
then decision time - take a jet-boat ride back (the quick way)
or re-trace the steps via a lookout point (the slow way)
no choice really so back to the track and the climb to the lookout
the sign said 15 minutes which would be accurate for a cross-country runner
30 minutes later and i was above the tree-line and taking it all in
followed by a steady descent to join up with the track
this time taking a bit more interest in the flora and fauna
some pretty wild flowers, flax, toi-toi plants
flutter-bys, frolicking fantails, a dive-bombing bumble bee
no chance of snakes, goannas, lizards in this part of the world
as i was thinking just as i come across the local nasty creature
a baby hedgehog right in the middle of the track
stared me down (up) and went on the attack
bit my shoe with all the strength it could muster
soooo cute, even it's prickles were soft - laugh out loud indeed
made my day really and on with the return journey
close to the end point i found a private spot high above the river
did my newly discovered and enjoyable tai chi chi kung exercises
which had a jet-boat way down in the river stop and investigate
probably thought i was in some kind of pain or trouble
but really just soaking up the sense of the moment
before heading back to the car for a 4 hour round trip
a blip compared to the kayakers who inspired me
but a great little adventure anyway
to be repeated for sure
