Iain's Great Adventure - Te Araroa

Garmin Connect Hot day of ups and downs, vertically, not emotionally. Good group at camp, Mike and Melou, family and couple doing section hike. A bit exposed on the ridge and gusty throught the night, found a little spot in the trees. Tent held up well.

Garmin Connect Woke early from a vivid dream. I was in the cellar of Corrie Grove the house I grew up in..there was a wooden box full of rats...with scary white eyes and teeth. Then one jumped out the box at me and I woke. Perhaps I have been subconsciously worried about ship rats from captain cook's endeavor. So up and early breakfast and hit the trail just after 8am..good to try to beat the heat of the day. Another hot one ahead. The first 10km was nice and easy. Only about 10am so pressed on. Missed Marsden campsite. Not a good sign for things to come...so figured could make camp for lunch. The pack was definitely getting heavier after 4hrs of tramping. The last couple of kms was a struggle...but made it, setup then off to Cafe for a spot of lunch.. where i am writing this.  Suspect a sleep this afternoon then another early dinner, read a bit more of Outlander. Then off to sleep.

Garmin Connect Well the first day was certainly a success. Early start, early flight to Blenheim, Anna arrived in perfect time to collect me from airport and drive me to picton. A quick coffee before she left for return trip.  I wandered around picton town picking up some last item, including water, salami, cheese and scroggan. I neatly forgot the gas.  Visit doc office to pay for my campsites on queen Charlotte, then some lunch (2nd breakfast) before catching the boat.  Beautiful day out on the water, cruised up the sounds, past the salmon farm and into ship cove. Phil the skipper was very informative and must be a dad with those jokes. 6km to first night camp. Up and over the hill, about 200m climb. Pack felt heavy and heart rate was up over 170 at one point. I think it was more adrenaline from finally starting this adventure. Picturesque.campsite on the waters edge, with a couple of yachts sharing the bay. 2 couples and a family of 4 shared the camp... F...

A Christmas gift from the beautiful young adults I am so proud to have as my children. The pounamu (green stone) will help protect me on my journey ahead. Thank you both so much for being you. Will miss you lots.

The Awesome Team at Davanti Consulting has blown my target out of the water by genoursly donating over $4000 towards the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, resulting in over $7000 in donations. A final review of my pack weight has resulting in some items being discarded in an attempt to get under 20kg, but not by much. Still feels too heavy, although I do need to carry enough food sustain me on this journey. Feeling good about the first stage, the Queen Charlotte Track, I can review the pack content again over the first couple of weeks depending how the body copes.

Massive shout to everyone that is supporting me and mental health through donations.. just ticketed over $2000 which is awesome.  1 weeks to go.. by this time next Saturday I will be in tent for first night on trail.

I have realised it's going to be easier to reduce my weight, than the weight of my pack.. Lockdown has not been good to my tummy. Should be able shed 6kg off ME. That will make my knees happy. Happy Knees .. Yes Please!