Monthly Archives: February 2011

Wandering on from Wanganui

Posted on February 26, 2011 by Stuart Fleming

It’s been great spending a couple of days in Wanganui. Standing ovation to Dianne (Scout name: Ruru) and Bill (Karu) for their outstanding hospitality and hot shower – makes it very hard to leave 😉 When I first came in … Continue reading →

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Walking on shaky ground

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Stuart Fleming

Bussed to Auckland from Wanganui? Check. Spent an enjoyable evening catching up with friends and their new kittens? Check. Tried to find a replacement pair of shoes for my trek in downtown Auckland, yet felt overwhelmed by the noise and … Continue reading →

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Three months in

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Stuart Fleming

On the 21st of November 2010 I started this adventure – today is 21st of February. When I kicked off I thought this wee walk would take me 3-4 months. I guess I was wrong. When I kicked off I … Continue reading →

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Man versus Mountain and River

Posted on February 20, 2011 by Stuart Fleming

A detour from Te Araroa’s suggested path saw me continue ‘around the mountain’ from Whakapapa Village to Mangaturuturu Hut. This was a big day – probably in the Top 5 most physically strenuous days I’ve had. As far as walking … Continue reading →

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Valentine’s Day? I’m in love!

Posted on February 20, 2011 by Stuart Fleming

February 14 was not a traditional day of chocolates and flowers, yet it contained both. A super-early pickup by AdventureHQ had me dropped to the northern (Ketetahi) end of the Tongariro Crossing. We drove through heavy showers and the sky … Continue reading →

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Friendly people everywhere!

Posted on February 20, 2011 by Stuart Fleming

As much as this adventure has been about seeing the fabulous countryside, the people I’m meeting along the way are certainly helping make it a memorable journey. Here is a selection of the friendly folk I’ve had the pleasure of … Continue reading →

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A wrong makes two rights

Posted on February 13, 2011 by Stuart Fleming

It was with a resigned air I left my fabulous ‘holiday’ accommodation and stood at the trig overlooking Te Kuiti. Within a short space of time I was sitting in the Waitomo News offices, being asked by Todd all about … Continue reading →

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King Country heat

Posted on February 6, 2011 by Stuart Fleming

Yesterday was a bit warm to be walking really. But walk I did. And walk… and walk… Ken, Michelle and Sharnae kicked the day off by showing me the awesome Otorohanga Scout hall. Perched high on a ridge it’s surrounded … Continue reading →

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Mixing it up in Pirongia

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Stuart Fleming

Yesterday I decided to continue my trek from Hamilton Airport (close to Mystery Creek, where I finished up at Jamboree) and cut across to Pirongia, rather than backtrack and tackle Mount Pirongia. This proved a good decision, because I’m still yet … Continue reading →

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A man in uniform

Posted on February 2, 2011 by Stuart Fleming

‘Women like a man in uniform’ is a widely-held belief. Therefore, I’ve never understood why my current Scout uniform has not had the same appeal to the fairer sex as the crisp ‘Officer and a Gentleman’ Navy whites, ‘Top Gun’ … Continue reading →

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