Day 32 - Jo’s Funny Farm

Today is the 32nd day on the trail marking 1 month of thru hiking behind me. So far it’s been a great adventure. The views and people have been incredible; The weather … less incredible lol. It’s a rewarding lifestyle, living on the legs. The constant onslaught of new experiences every single day is almost addicting. Everyday a challenge, everyday a reward. Looking forward to the next 3 months. 

For now I have to climb my first ‘mountain’. Mt. Pirongia is only 1000m high, but it’s the highest I’ve been so far on the trail. The North Island does not really have dramatic Mountains, but I will be passing over one of the few next week. 

Met some wild goats in the early morning. 

A wet day climbing in the clouds.

The view from the peak, didn’t stay long in the rain. 

11am picture coming up on Pahautea Hut where I took first lunch. 

Moss covered trees

Yes, this is the track, what it looked like more often than not. Meant for frogs by the looks. Ankle deep for most of it, sometimes closer to the knees.

 

I reached the trail angel we were staying at for the night, Jo’s Funny Farm. She is an absolute legend. A group of us stayed her garage. She cooked us a meal, including icecream! Legend. It was a very wet rainy day and trail angels like Jo are an absolute saviour. Their generosity and willingness to put up wet dirty hikers for is critical for many sections of the trail. 

Spent the evening sewing together a rip in my rain pants. It was a messy job, but hopefully it will do the trick. I’m sure my mom would have a thing or two to say about it.