Iain's Great Adventure - Te Araroa

Garmin Connect I was beginning to think I was running out of great days walking the Te Araroa trail, everyone seems to be dreading the 25km beach walk from Riverton to Otatara. I was certainly keeping an open mind and once again was blessed with a beautiful blue sky day with not a breath of wind. Leaving the Riverton/Aparima harbour at the mouth of the Aparima river it was pond like. The sun slowly rising above the beach. I could barely see the destination at the far end of the beach, but it didnt matter to me. I knew the distance, know my pace and therefore knew how long it was going to take me. I felt possibly more content with the prospect than on any other day. I knew what lay ahead and all I had to do was walk and enjoy. I had downloaded Billy Connolly's autobiography 'windswept and interesting' audio book for this trip. Chapter 1. 'do what makes you happy' was a great way to start the day. Billy, clearly struggled with happiness, des...

Garmin Connect I get to really enjoy the coast this morning with a short 12km walk from colac bay to riverton. Starts with a short road section until it disappears due to sea erosion, then down onto the beach. Fortunately the timing it good and the tide is out so most of the pebble beach is walkable. Then finished with an up over a small hill into Riverton. From the hill top I could see tomorrow's walk, 26km of beach, as far as the eye could see.