16 Nov, 21km ride, 4km walk

Driving rain, strong winds.

Another comfortable bed and good advice provided as I prepare for the Tararua Ranges. We had a lovely meal with good humour before the family began their evening functions.

I had to wait outside for a couple of hours earlier keeping dry under the eves before the family arrived from their work and school. Here was my spot greeting neighbours from my planter. The espalier apple was out the back and a lovely view at dinner time.

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John and Rhonda and their two children lead busy lives. Here they are coordinated in their matching work attire.

The rain was heavy through the night and continued up to the time John was to leave to go to work and also drop me off at the track where I left it in Feilding. Instead I accepted the offer to be dropped off in Palmerston North near John’s office. I then had a 4km walk along part of the track to my host for tonight.

John drove the route the track takes explaining the development and future track plans. As he came to the paper road shared with a farmer who uses it to move cattle I’m glad to be in a vehicle and not in that mud, sludge and rain. I’m comfy accepting a lift today!

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John dropped me outside Bivouac near a familiar café frequented during my work in Palmerston North a couple of years ago. Here I ordered my breakfast and coffee and made contact with my host tonight Maddie.

I arrived at my hosts place just in time to be let in before Maddie went to work at midday. I found my resupply box and spent the afternoon planning the Tararua Ranges.

The walk was very pleasant through tree lined streets. A car pulled up and John and Michelle interviewed me about every aspect of the TA route.

I just love the organisation in student flats. Here is the job board. There were a few other notes around to remind people of the standard of cleanliness and other healthy tips to cohabit together.

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Here’s my room before my pack was emptied, cleaned and restocked for 8 days.

Tomorrow I have to organise to send stuff home that’s not needed and surplus to requirements. I also have to book ahead for my next resupply since nga tararua won’t have any reception. If the weather is not good enough when I get to the ranges I will exit at Levin and return later.

It appears all walkers are having to jump around the weather due to the wind and rain at the moment.