Gear Update

Hi All - It's a lazy long anniversary w/e here - happy 175 Auckland. I'd love to be tramping, but the back is still keeping me 'grounded', a bloody nuisance! So I spent some time today on my blog putting links into my gear list. This will help you with your gear research.

I also posted some new photos of the Xmas trip on TA Trail

Christmas 2014 - Canterbury Section of the TA Trail

Donald, Lynda, Kathy and I knocked off the Canterbury Section of the Te Araroa Trail. I started with a bad back and was fortunate enough to survive the first two sections from Cora Lynn car park through to the Ragitata River, albeit scoffing 'vitamin i' tabs all the way!

We had great weather except one day. Missing the Two Thumbs Range was a blow. Don, Kathy and Lynda went on. After I left at Potts Bridge they crossed the Rangitata OK. Their confidence boosted by meeting Carol and Matt who had just crossed. Brent drove in with our re-supply and to pick up Matt/Carol. I was very lucky in being able to get a ride through to ChCh airport with Matt.

I am sorry to report as of today, the back is no better and I have the ATC trip on Great Barrier to lead in two weeks!