Tihei mauri ora!
After nearly two and a half months i have made it to Ship Cove and the end of the Te Araroa in Te Waipounamu South Island! I have had the most amazing experience which i cant truely express with words, only the smile on my face, the sense of achievement and feeling of serenity can slightly reflect the emotions im going through right now. The queen charlotte sounds was a wonderful way to cap off this epic adventure, a simple and beautiful track with yummy kai moana and spectacular scenery.
7 April 2017 - Kia ora everyone :) i am in Havelock only 4 days from Ship Cove and the official end of the South Island. Wow it has been an amazing journey, with the last leg through the Richmond Range being the most challenging but relaxing again after joining the Pelorus River. I had a wonderful day of luxury with Dad Calvin Astwood and Susan Wanoa-Astwood in Nelson last Saturday, hot shower, clean clothes and lots of yummu yummy food. Now i have bought my last supplies and am off to the Queen Charlotte track tomorrow for a nice 4 day stroll to end this incredible adventure through Te Waipounamu.
Kia ora everyone! I am relaxing in St Arnaud after crossing through the Waiau Pass and Travers Saddle.
The weather was not the greatest and i have been sick the last section with the flu so resting up today and feeling better :) There were a couple of challenging climbs in the last section and they were really rewarding to get to the top of. The trail was beautiful next to stunning rivers and lakes, and the huts were top class! off to the Richmond Range tomorrow and to Nelson to meet dad Calvin Astwood and Susan Wanoa-Astwood. Yay, I cant wait! Im quite excited to be close to home too, not too long now :)
The wonderful people at Alpine Lodge, St Arnaud, allowed my mother to post much needed food to me at their address. Yum.
Tena koutou katoa !
I am in the wonderful Hanmer Springs after 6 days walking through the beautiful Arthurs Pass. Wow, it was amazing with lovely forests full of birds singing, walking through gorgeous mountain valleys, cool huts to stay in and loads of rivers to cross and walk down, including the Deception River which was fun! Having a rest day before heading back to the trail and into the Waiau Pass to climb some serious mountains on the trail to St Arnaud.
I cant believe how far I've come, looking at a map just baffles me thinking I was down in Bluff and now I am in Hanmer Springs just shy of walking 1000km of the South Island! Looking forward to the next two weeks of mountain climbing, I've been waiting for these sections. Super psyche and ready to roll!
Onwards and Upwards!
Kia ora whanau, On my way to Arthurs Pass today after a lovely rest in Christchurch. Had an awesome time here with cuzzy Angela Collins and her partner Luke, was great to catch up and they looked after me really well :) they even helped me get phone! Now its back to the trail into the mountains and fording the rivers :) aroha nui whanau.
Kia ora whanau, I have made it to the Rakaia river after 7 days of hiking from Lake Tekapo and am now in Methvan.
Yay! But disaster has struck and i dropped my phone and now the screen is broken :( i have maps but no coms so i have to go to chch to fix.
To all my CHRISTCHURCH whanau and friends, I'm coming! Hopefully I'll be there by Saturday, can any wonderful person pretty please put me up for the weekend? Would be awesome please msg me if ya can :) i will need to find a phone shop or a cheap replacement if anyone can help too. i will be in Methvan one more day tomorrow before heading back to the track as the weather is supposed to be bad.
Aroha nui everyone
Kia ora whanau, today I leave lake tekapo and enter a long stretch passing two powerful awa of the south island; Rangitata and Rakaia. I will be out of contact for the next week or two.
Big shout out to all my whanau and friends for all your supportive comments, they mean a lot to me to know your out there all over the world and at home cheering me on and sending me love. Half way up the South Island now and still got a massive smile on my face.
Tihei Mauri Ora!
On the Phone: Jenna-Rose "Mum I stood in front of the mirror, I thought it was one of those ones that make you look skinny, but it wasn't, I am skinny, I've lost 8kg. "
Mum: 'Oh for God sake go and eat something, a pie, ice-cream, eat three ice creams.'
About to start my climb up the Breast Hill track and joining the East Ahuriri track. 6 days in the mountains to get to Twizel. Met this amazing trail angel Amanda this morning who picked me up, bought me a coffee and some yummy trail food, and also a wonderful conversation. I had a great time in Wanaka and Hawea flat, now onwards and upwards to the trail. Aroha nui whanau
On the phone...Jenna-Rose. 'I got to Wanaka a day and a half early. ' Mum, 'Wow, what did you do? Run all the way.'
The 12-bunk Roses Hut is an tramp across the open flats.
