North of Glenavy to south of Makikihi (15.13 miles/24.36 kms)

Woke up to clear asky, but it was 48 degrees, and I didn’t want to get out of my warm sleeping bag. On those cold mornings I find myself dragging a bit and I didn’t head out until almost 8:30 today.

I had thrown together a quick breakfast of scones and cheese so I wouldn’t have to cook oatmeal, which is usually my last choice.

Traffic already seemed busy, and it got worse throughout the day, and it is still is heavy now. I understand that it’s partially because it’s Friday, but from what several people have told me it’s because the Eagles are in Dunedin and everyone is going to see them. Timaru only has a population of around 43,000, so even if a small percentage of those people were going to the concert it would be a large crowd on the only two lane highway going to Dunedin.

The temperature was close to seventy degrees and still fairly good for trekking. I didn’t really have the same energy level that I had yesterday and I found myself stopping to rest more today. I try not to set a standard or try to hit good day mark because no day is ever the same. Even throughout a day my energy level usually fluctuates.

I had stopped to eat my lunch, and had been sitting on a fence, when the homeowner, Lisa Small, drove out of her driveway. She asked if I was ok and I told her what I was doing, and then the next thing we were having a nice long conversation. Had it been closer to the end of the day I would have taken her up on her nice offer to stay there, even in the house. A ride to town was talked about, but obviously I rather not use other transportation besides my feet. She told me a little about herself and her husband. She being from Auckland and he taking over his family farm there. She had also been a police officer for ten years, so we had something in common.

After starting back up there were the continuous honks of the horns, thumbs up, and waves of the hands, from passing cars, but no one stopped. Yesterday three people stopped and talk to me. Sometimes there are apologies for taking my time, but I always thank people for stopping to talk to me as it breaks up my day and it encourages me.

I had used up most of my water by the afternoon and was a little concerned that I wouldn’t have enough for dinner and then all day tomorrow. However, I found a nice cafe bakery in the middle of nowhere, where I picked up a nice vegetable rice dish for dinner, and filled up all my water bottles. Oh yes, I need some calories, so I got a banana shake too.

It was about 3:00 and I was ready to stop and began looking for a place to camp. I knew there weren’t any motels or motorcamps close by, when I noticed a big green, nicely manicured, grassy area that looked like a park or rest stop. If it was a rest stop, I was going to camp there! Then I noticed that there was a house connected to it on a side street. I was tired and decided I’d just ask the owner if I could camp there since it was a big property.

I found one of the owners, Carolyn, and asked her. She had to ask her husband, Murray, but she couldn’t find him. She went in the house and all over the yard and finally he just showed up. He introduced himself to me, and before I could finish my request he said, yes, why surely. Then she said that maybe I’d be better off walking a little further to the hotel. He said, no, he can stay here. Sensing a little tension I told them that if she was uncomfortable with me staying there I’d just keep walking. Murray said, no, you can stay here! Then she went on again about the traffic noise, it being cold, and the hotel would be better. She also said she was uncomfortable with me staying. I had already found a spot and had unhooked the Wheelie, but I when I heard her last comment I decided that I would just sneak off when they walked back to the house. Murray must have sensed what I was going to do and just stood there and told me it was ok and to put up my tent.

I was a little frozen because at that point I did not want to stay, and I said I think it’s better if I leave. That’s when Murray told me his wife had Alzheimer’s. Wow, it all made sense! Having been a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association for nearly four years I immediately realized why she was feeling and talking that way. It is natural for some people with dementia to be confused, and also uncomfortable and even fearful of someone they don’t easily recognize. I did notice she asked me twice where I was from. She also had said several times that she wasn’t feeling well and feeling like herself. Fairly normal traits of someone with dementia.

I immediately felt comfortable recognizing the situation, and knowing that Murray really wanted me to stay. He showed a lot of kindness in how he actually talked and dealt with his wife. It’s a rough disease and I feel for him and what he has to go through.

Murray showed me a better place to set up my tent and I set it up there. He later came out and asked if I wanted to join them for steak dinner, but I had already eaten. He also asked me to come in for breakfast in the morning. I am grateful again, and I have to say it again, more kind Kiwi hospitality!

It is very interesting that just a few days ago I sent a message to two of my friends, who I met through the Alzheimer’s Association, about doing my next trek as a fundraiser. I had considered it for this walk, but put it all together more or less at the last minute, so the timing wouldn’t have worked. I would say that at least half of the people who have approached me here have asked if I was doing my walk as a fund raiser. Interesting, maybe what happened today was karma or a sign?

I was hoping to make it closer to Timaru so I could get there by tomorrow. However, I am still about 22-23 miles from Timaru, and I may not make it in one day. I had also hoped to make it to an Al Anon meeting there tomorrow but it starts at 10:30 am. All I can do is take it one day at a time, so I’ll see what happens tomorrow.

Best wishes,

Ted

Please excuse the typos, spelling, grammar, etc., as I am typing this on my phone, and I am probably pretty tired.