Bruce Hopkins is in Te Wai Pounamu, beginning the second leg of Te Araroa.
Bruce Hopkins Trail Diary - Week 21, 17 February - 25 February 2018
Ship Cove - Anakiwa
"This stunning experience of walking New Zealand's long pathway, Te Araroa, continues to reveal the beauty of the human spirit. Thank you Mathea, Keran, Hannah, Hadley and Harry for sharing your Garden of Eden at Endeavour Inlet in Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui with me.
"I'm starting to meet north bound Te Araroa trampers. So many families from overseas take their little kids bush walking, bloody brilliant. The French family with two young boys on Queen Charlotte track were super cool . They had already done three days on the Abel Tasman track. Their boys were four and seven years old but I've seen babies in back packs even! These peeps from offshore know how to get out and into New Zealand's beauty.
"I had a most excellent welcome at Smiths Farm Holiday Park with a warm muffin and a glass of cold water. I have to soak up the luxuries while I can, the Southern Alps and associated ranges await!!!
"I miss my family but glory in this experience of life."