Tag: Mangaokewa Reserve

hike blog

TA Day 38, Mangaokewa Reserve to Mangaokewa Road – 17 km

Lambs greet me in the front yard of my trail angel hosts.
Lambs greet me in the front yard of my trail angel hosts.

What an extraordinary place to wake up to. I have a virgin forest, thick and impenetrable, across the river. Soothing rapids run all night. Birds are everywhere and the sun is finally beginning to show itself down the canyon.

I love that I pushed myself and came here, even if my clothes are damp from yesterday’s sweat and some things are getting a bit of a funk from the lack of sun. There’s time for drying later today, and I’m loving this cool campsite all to myself.

I adore being alone. Am I an introvert? A little. It feels a natural fit talking on the radio and to audiences. I enjoy time with friends and family, but there’s nothing like sitting here dirty and damp, but feeling mostly ok and enjoying this magical place on my own terms – and my own schedule. It’s the quirkiness of the chairs, tables, poop-shovel and even a fully inflated inner tube contrasted with the natural wonder of the NZ bush.

A very kind farmer leaves a sign when the crossing and the surrounding river bank is impassible.
A very kind farmer leaves a sign when the crossing and the surrounding river bank is impassible.
The beautiful bright green hills of King Country with cabbage tree and the Mangaokewa River.
The beautiful bright green hills of King Country with cabbage tree and the Mangaokewa River.
An old fashioned bit of hardware that still holds the gate in place. We were asked to ensure we closed all gates when passing through private land.
An old fashioned bit of hardware that still holds the gate in place. We were asked to ensure we closed all gates when passing through private land.

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Chairs awaiting campers at a bend in the river.
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TA Day 37, Waitomo to Mangaokewa Reserve – 31 km

Crossing a narrow swing bridge, barely big enough for one and her over-stuffed backpack.
Crossing a narrow swing bridge, barely big enough for one and her over-stuffed backpack.

It rains at night, a constant, loud volley of water bullets on the alicoop. I’m dry and snug as the morning begins, bird song and fog. I feel nervous of the weather. Will I get downpours today? Will I be warm enough? There are many hikers behind me, so I feel safe.

It is important to have options, a bailout. I hope to go further, but if rain inundates, I can stay in the next town about 10 miles away. For now, there’s just wind and no rain.

I enter very wet muddy farmland with hard to follow track leading into a field with an ‘intimidating bull.’ I hear some loud mooing and grunting and hope he’s distracted.

No bull, but Dutch Tom shows up and we use two heads to navigate this mess. I step ankle deep in mud.

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