I stayed at Ariki backpackers, there are two bars downstairs, one was doing karaoke until at least 2 am. I did not sleep well. Of course the surf looks crappy now, so it doesn’t look like I’m going to get out, I probably should have stayed on the mountain, but it was worth the shot.
I left my pack at the hostel and walked around town a bit. The night before I saw a sushi place that was closed and the hours were listed with the disclaimer “or until we run out”, so I went back for lunch and wow, they had some amazing selections!
I got a haircut so I look more like a hiker and a little less like a homeless person, ran some errands, bought new trekking poles (I managed to somehow break the tips off both of the black diamond poles I brought with me).
Then I took a nice long walk along the coast, the waves were small but the weather was good.
When I got back the guy working at the hostel said “hey another TA walker showed up, some Swiss guy”, I walked out on the balcony and sure enough there was Robin. He hurt his legs and had to get back to town before finishing.
I switched to another hostel and treated myself to a private room. I was in bed by 9 pm and slept like a log.
Day 52
Woke up to a message from a surf instructor I contacted about a possible lesson saying we could go out that day, but I had already booked a bus ticket back to Whanganui and planned to meet up with Malween. Maybe they knew a spot that would have been better, but I got on the bus.
On last view of Mt Taranaki on the bus ride.
In town I grabbed lunch, supplies and a polarizing filter (for my camera, no idea how I lost the one I brought). Then went to the holiday park where I met up with Malween and Amber, we stayed up late drinking and playing cards with a couple American guys; Thomas and Austen.
Day 53
Super lazy day, might have drank a bit much last night and stayed up a little late, just hanging out, I actually watched a bunch of Netflix.
Day 54
More zeros than I’d like, weather is crappy but the bulk of the storm is actually going north and south of us. Malween, Thomas, Austin and I took the bus to Palmerston North where I sent my bounce box on to Wellington. I’ve debated if it’s worth taking the tent out and bouncing my hammock again, if nothing mostly for space, but also I haven’t used it as much as I’d like, but I think I’ll keep it for the next section.
We stayed with a family that Austen and Thomas met on the trail and they made us a delicious dinner. I can’t wait to get back on the trail!