We've spent a good part of this month parked up outside some very nice little self contained helpx sleepouts while up north. So rewarding to know we have made a contribution to make these electrically safe and more functional for generations of helpxers to come.
Only a short 1.8km walk but well worth the effort. Feel really guilty we didn't jog it but oh well next time.
Only a very small DOC site but it does have its benefits. Hot showers and cooking facilities. The walk was only a short 1.8km but it made a good jogging track. Our jogging fitness isn't up there at the moment, as it can be quite hard finding appropriate routes when you move around so much. Still I was pleased we managed to loop it 3 times, covering about 5.4km by my calculations.
It always pays to walk the track and check the terrain/route the day before you jog. In this case it was handy to clear a few branches that had fallen down in the storm. Other times it's saved us costly detours when we've missed a sign going one way to see it clear as day going back the other way. Or even helped us make the decision that the route might be too slippy/steep to jog. Good idea to check the tides too because if part of your route is down the beach it can be pretty hard on your legs running in the soft sand at high tide.A lovely, cool couple of hours walk from Rainbows Falls, Kerikeri NZMCA Park to the Stone House in the shade of the trees. Some nice swimming spots on the way and if you are brave you can even explore behind the waterfall. Next time maybe!
Somebody told me there were 500 steps on the 2hr walk from Matai Bay to Bland Bay. They just neglected to tell me that they are all up hill if you walk anticlockwise. It goes without saying that I'll be going clockwise next time.
I'm sure I've told you before, but I now love you even more. Your great locations and facilities just got better the further north we went. First it was a cold showers at beautiful beach locations then just as the weather changed and the storms began to brew. A sheltered spot, hot showers and cooking facilities too.
Our last promised helpx electrics are completed and we are making our way north. It has been good to meet new people and gain an appreciation of their lifestyle choices, while at the same time helping them with their electrics, but it is now time for us to spend some time exploring our lifestyle of choice which is to travel. I'm not saying we won't be doing anymore helpx electrics, just maybe only small/short jobs with plenty of time to explore in-between.
