TA Day 62, Waitewaewae Hut to Waikanae, 34 km
It’s a sidling nightmare past a landslip, up to Mount Pukeatua, and down a clear cut to road.
TA Day 61, Dracophyllum Hut to Waitewaewae Hut, 13 km
On a spectacular day, Blissful summits Mount Crawford before steeply down to the Otaki River.
TA Day 60, Makahika Outdoor Pursuits to Dracophyllum Hut, 25 km
A 2-day weather-window means fast walking over muddy, tussocky ridges and goblin forests.
TA Day 59, Kahuterawa to Makahika Outdoor Pursuits, 40 km
It’s a muddy slog through bush with many crossings of swollen rivers and streams.
TA Day 58, ‘slackpack’ Palmerston North to Kahuterawa Park, 21 km
Blissful slackpacks in rain to the road’s end then returns for more Christmas with her Kiwi family.
TA Day 57, Mount Lees Reserve to Palmerston North, 31 km
Blissful walks roads mostly to Palmerston North where she shares Christmas with new friends.
TA Day 56, Koitiata to Mount Lees Reserve, 37 km
A bit of beach walk then river cross leads through pine forest to Bulls and finally a lovely reserve.
TA Day 55, Whanganui to Koitiata, 33 km
It’s road from Whanganui to Koitita beach, massive driftwood on black sand and a magical sunset.
TA Day 54, Hipango Park to Whanganui, (30 km) + 7 km
It’s a short paddle into Whanganui where Blissful meets George and Rob, her ‘guardian’ trail angels.
TA audio narrative: best birthday present ever
Good weather and good friends add up to one of the best birthdays in memory.
