20 December
The Caversham Harriers Walking Group (11) met in Green Island at 1pm and walked through Sunnyvale, Fairfield, Waldronville and back to Green Island. WE got back at 3.20pm and would have walked 12 km. Craig and Martin were part of the group.
21 December
As Craig was unable to walk Denise joined me for an 8am walk starting at the Esplanade, St Clair and walked to Normanby and back. It took 3 hrs and 40 mins and estimate it was a 20km walk. It was longer than I thought.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Some Interesting Walks
Friday 5 December
After school at 4.15pm Danny Knudson and I walked from school to Tomahawk and back.
Saturday 6 December
The Caversham Harrier's Walking group (10) left the Woodhaugh Gardens at 1.05pm. We went along North Road to Buccleugh Street. It was a steep climb up to Pinehill Road. We detoured down Truby King Road.We went up Campbell's Road until we came to the end of the road. We then walked back to the Gardens via some alternative roads. The walk was about 10km
Sunday 7 December
Craig and I left his house around 8.40am and walked down to Tunnel Beach. It was very blustery when we got to the end of the track. We went through the tunnel to the beach. We were lucky enough to see a sea lion. The track was quite steep with the whole walk being around 5km return.
Friday, December 5, 2008
To Airport and Back
Gosh it has been a while since I last did a blog. With school being very busy I have just done my daily 5km walk with the occasional day missed.
Last weekend (28-30 Nov) I was in Christchurch and stayed with my sister in Sockburn. On the Sunday I decided to walk up Yaldhurst Road for 25 minutes and return. When I got to the intersection with Harewood Road it was only 3km to the airport. I decided to go there and return to my sister's place. The 15 km round trip took 2.5 hours. It was very satisfying as the trip always seemed so long by car.
I have finished the Hill City Spring Series of 5km walk over six consecutive Thursdays starting at 6pm. There were not a lot of walkers but was pleased to record a PB for one of the walks.
Times were:
Walk 1 37:45 mins
Walk 2 37:07
Walk 3 37:35
Walk 4 36:35 (a PB)
Walk 5 37:54
Walk 6 39:50
Last weekend (28-30 Nov) I was in Christchurch and stayed with my sister in Sockburn. On the Sunday I decided to walk up Yaldhurst Road for 25 minutes and return. When I got to the intersection with Harewood Road it was only 3km to the airport. I decided to go there and return to my sister's place. The 15 km round trip took 2.5 hours. It was very satisfying as the trip always seemed so long by car.
I have finished the Hill City Spring Series of 5km walk over six consecutive Thursdays starting at 6pm. There were not a lot of walkers but was pleased to record a PB for one of the walks.
Times were:
Walk 1 37:45 mins
Walk 2 37:07
Walk 3 37:35
Walk 4 36:35 (a PB)
Walk 5 37:54
Walk 6 39:50
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Roslyn - Whare Flat Road
On the morning following the General Election, Craig and I met at Roslyn around 8.30am. There was a stiff breeze so was glad I had my gloves and beanie. We walked up Taieri Road and onto Three Mile Hill Road. A short way up we turned right onto the Flagstaff - Whare Flat Road. (4.5km) We initially planned to go to the Bullring but decided to turn back after we almost got there. I was amazed at the number of cars going both ways on this gravel road. The breeze had subsided on our walk up and most of the way back.
We walked back to Wakari and turned left onto Helensburgh Road then Balmacewen Road (it started to rain here) onto Highgate and back to Roslyn. The walk took 2hrs 20 mins and we think this would be around 12km.
We walked back to Wakari and turned left onto Helensburgh Road then Balmacewen Road (it started to rain here) onto Highgate and back to Roslyn. The walk took 2hrs 20 mins and we think this would be around 12km.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Mount Cargill to Signal Hill
Sunday 2 NovemberOn this day Craig and I met at the Gardens at 8.30am and walked along North Road and up Mount Cargill Road until we came to the Cleghorn Street walkway. We had to wait until this month as the track is closed in September and October because of lambing.
The first part of the walk was alonga road until we reached the farm land. We had to look carefully for orange triangular markers. On the steep walk we looked back to some impressive views of the harbour looking down to the "heads".
When we got to Signal Hill we went down a road which bypassed the monument. We got back to our cars at 11am.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Old Soldier's Monument
Since my last blog entry I have had the 150th School Reunion celebrations which has taken up a lot of my time.
Today the walking group (of 13) started off from the Anderson's Bay shopping area and headed off to Tomahawk. Once at Tomahawk we followed the Walking track sign to the lagoon. From here it was up hill to the monument. It was a gradual climb. It was a strong tail wind to the top and once there it was very blustery and cold. From here it was all downhill into a head wind along Highcliff Road. The 10km walk took exactly two hours.
On the last two Thursday nights I have taken part in the Hill City Super Six 5km walks. On both occasions I did PB's - 37:45min and 37:.07 min which were very satisfying.
Ross Creek - Yesterday Danny Knudson and I walked through Ross Creek whic was a nice way to end the school week.
Today the walking group (of 13) started off from the Anderson's Bay shopping area and headed off to Tomahawk. Once at Tomahawk we followed the Walking track sign to the lagoon. From here it was up hill to the monument. It was a gradual climb. It was a strong tail wind to the top and once there it was very blustery and cold. From here it was all downhill into a head wind along Highcliff Road. The 10km walk took exactly two hours.
On the last two Thursday nights I have taken part in the Hill City Super Six 5km walks. On both occasions I did PB's - 37:45min and 37:.07 min which were very satisfying.
Ross Creek - Yesterday Danny Knudson and I walked through Ross Creek whic was a nice way to end the school week.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Kelly's Canter
Saturday 18 October 2008
The first of the club's summer walks was held starting from Port Chalmers. 15 members turned up. Craig picked me up from St Leonards and we met the walkers opposite New World. Rain was threatening and it was quite windy.
We walked over Back Beach, the opposite way to the half marathon, then onto Carey's Bay. We went up past the cemetery coming out on Mount Street. From here it was the back road to Sawyer's Bay and along SH 88 to our cars. A walk of around 10km.
The first of the club's summer walks was held starting from Port Chalmers. 15 members turned up. Craig picked me up from St Leonards and we met the walkers opposite New World. Rain was threatening and it was quite windy.
We walked over Back Beach, the opposite way to the half marathon, then onto Carey's Bay. We went up past the cemetery coming out on Mount Street. From here it was the back road to Sawyer's Bay and along SH 88 to our cars. A walk of around 10km.
Sunday 19 October 2008On Friday night Craig suggested we do the Kelly's Canter (4km return) walk up to Puhetapi starting from the Palmereston Railway Station. We left at 2pm with mainly runners but a number of the participants finished up walking as it is a very steep walk. The first part was a steady climb but the last stretch to the Cairn was almost on knees to get up. Once at the top we had to come down the other side of the hill. It was equaly steep and I had to be carefully not to slip or fall. On two parts I had to crouch and slide down almost on my bottom. Once that section was over Craig and I were able to walk at a steady pacee to the finish. My time was 51:26 minutes. My goal was to do the walk in less than one hour. It took 29 minutes to get to the Cairn.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Outram Hill Free Walk
It was a beautiful day with warm weather for the Outram Hill Free Walk. There were big numbers when the 1okm walk and run left at 9.30pm. My aim was to do under 8o mins and I managed 78:52 mins. Not a PB but a sescond best PB. I beat the time I did last year of 83:16 mins.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Rock and Pillar Range Trek
Shortly after 7.50am I drove to Middlemarch to Noel and Rebecca Matthews' B&B called "Rose Cottage" arriving at 9am. After a catchup Noel drove to the start of our entry to the Rock and Pillar Range which was 5km north of Middlemarch near the McKinnon Road Junction. The Department of Conservation call it Access point 4 on their brochure "Rambling in the Rock and Pillar Range". We started out trek at 10.25am.I had this image of a very long gradual climb along the ridge but soon learnt we were going up the face of the mountain. We followed orange marker pegs up a steep and winding course. We stopped regularly to catch our breath and admire
the view. We climbed at a steady pace with the marker post at the start saying it would be a 2-3 hour walk. The brochure said 3 hours. When we hit the snow line you could feel the cooler temperature. As we got well into the unthawed snow region and closer to the top the wind became stronger and cooler. However we reached Big Hut in 2.5 hours. It was decidedly chilly. My tee-shirt was soaked in sweat from carrying my backpack. I changed into a polyprop and it felt good.Big Hut (1300m) is not quite at Summit Rock (1450m) and maybe one day we could do this. Big Hut is 1.2kn SE of Summit Rock
We had lunch inside the hut. While in the hut I noticed the colour on two finger tips of my left hand were going white. Then very quickly they went numb which was an odd sensation. I had never experienced this before. I put on my gloves but the numbness became more pronounced. We did a wee bit of scouting around and started our descent at 1.37pm. We made wonderful progress through the snow line and then it was hard work after that. I found it very slippery and landed on my back
side a number of times. My shoes kept slipping on the Marrem Grass. The jarring on my knees made stops necessary. We got down in exactly 2 hours.
It was a wonderful experience doing this walk (trek) but I felt knackered afterwards. I thought I was reasonably fit.
Once at the B&B it was a couple of beers and then into a shower with fantastic pressure. I could feel the stiffness ooze out of my body. I spent the night at Noel and Rebecca's home and left early in the morning. The heavy rain put a halt to my plans of walking to Ngapuna on the Rail Trail.
We had lunch inside the hut. While in the hut I noticed the colour on two finger tips of my left hand were going white. Then very quickly they went numb which was an odd sensation. I had never experienced this before. I put on my gloves but the numbness became more pronounced. We did a wee bit of scouting around and started our descent at 1.37pm. We made wonderful progress through the snow line and then it was hard work after that. I found it very slippery and landed on my back
side a number of times. My shoes kept slipping on the Marrem Grass. The jarring on my knees made stops necessary. We got down in exactly 2 hours.It was a wonderful experience doing this walk (trek) but I felt knackered afterwards. I thought I was reasonably fit.
Once at the B&B it was a couple of beers and then into a shower with fantastic pressure. I could feel the stiffness ooze out of my body. I spent the night at Noel and Rebecca's home and left early in the morning. The heavy rain put a halt to my plans of walking to Ngapuna on the Rail Trail.
As I type this 24 hours later I feel a wee
bit stiff but nothing major.
bit stiff but nothing major.Sunday, October 5, 2008
A Great Week for Walking
It has been a wonderful week weather wise for the first week of the school holidays. I managed to walk over 100km for the first nine days of the holiday break. Two walks of significance were on Monday when I did the Home - Logan Park - Mt Cargill - Roseneath - Home loop and on Friday I walked up Stuart Street and Taieri Road from the Hocken Building. On the way back to my car I went along Helensburgh Road - Balmacewen Road - Driver's Road - Frederick Street.
On Saturday morning Ruth, Craig and I assisted the Caversham Club with marshalling at the National Road Relays. We stsrted off at the Outram Hotel at 8am and marshalled from 9.30am. It was not the most pleasant of experiences as we had to marshall for two legs which meant we did not finish until 1pm. As one of the roads we controlled was closed we had hassles with people wanting to go down the road. However as I had been in a number of walking races it was my turn to do my bit.
On Saturday morning Ruth, Craig and I assisted the Caversham Club with marshalling at the National Road Relays. We stsrted off at the Outram Hotel at 8am and marshalled from 9.30am. It was not the most pleasant of experiences as we had to marshall for two legs which meant we did not finish until 1pm. As one of the roads we controlled was closed we had hassles with people wanting to go down the road. However as I had been in a number of walking races it was my turn to do my bit.
Monday, September 29, 2008
First Day of September/October Holidays
I wanted to do a substantial walk at the start of the holidays. I opted to do the circuit of Home - Logan Park - Gardens - Mt Cargill - Upper Junction Road - Roseneath - Home. A distance of 21km taking 3:30 hours.I took note of the following milestones.
2km Maia
3km Ravensbourne Store
6km Logan Park
8km Gardens/Leith Street
10km Normanby Hotel
14km Upper Junction Road / Mt Cargill Road intersection
18km Roseneath
21km Home
Although this is the same distance as a half marathon I cannot work out why I get no blisters as I do when competing in a half marathon. It must have something to do with my speed.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Two Years On
25 September
On this date it has been two years since I started my daily walking programme.
Stats for the last year from 25 Sept 07 - 24 Sept 08 are:
Distance 2434 kms
Days walked 312
My aim was to walk 200km per month which was achieved. I had spells off after the Rail Trail and while visiting the States. A spell of tendonitis saw me miss eight days.
27 September
Today we had our final club walking day. I cannot believe we have finished the season as I never get tired of club walks. I enjoy the variety and meeting the other walkers. Keiran Columb, our leader does a great job organising the walks. It cannot be easy juggling the different abilities of the walkers.
The rain was teeming as I woke up but cleared for a 1.15pm start. 23 walkers roamed the Corstorphine, St Clair and Forbury suburbs. We started by walking through the new Westgate suburb. We went down Aberdeen Street past the top of Jacobs Ladder. We strolled through Corstorphine School back to the clubrooms. The walk took 70 mins.
Following afternoon tea there was a prize giving ceremony.
Once home I decided to walk to Ravensbourne and back. Once at Maia, I walked on the new track from Maia to Ravensbourne. The last 300 metres has yet to be completed.
28 September
Daylight Saving starts today so Craig and I met at the Railway Station at 8.30am. It was my turn to choose the route. From the station we headed to Maclaggan Street and walked up to Maori Road. We turned left and had a wee detour to look at Jubilee Park. From here we walked almost to the end of Maori Road when we walked up a zig zag pathway onto Russell Street. We followed this street onto York Place and turned left into Braid Road and right into City Road. We followed the Town Belt past Otago Boys High School and Moana Pool. We turned left by St Hildas, past Carrington Hall and onto Park Street. We walked down Park Stret onto George Street, along to the Gardens. It was back on the one way North turning right at "Harley's Bar" and left onto George Street. We had breakfast at Governor's (pancakes). To conclude the walk we walked along George Street to the Octagon. From here it was a stroll down to the Railway Station and then to our cars. We got back at 11.10pm and estimated we walked 11 kms.
On this date it has been two years since I started my daily walking programme.
Stats for the last year from 25 Sept 07 - 24 Sept 08 are:
Distance 2434 kms
Days walked 312
My aim was to walk 200km per month which was achieved. I had spells off after the Rail Trail and while visiting the States. A spell of tendonitis saw me miss eight days.
27 September
Today we had our final club walking day. I cannot believe we have finished the season as I never get tired of club walks. I enjoy the variety and meeting the other walkers. Keiran Columb, our leader does a great job organising the walks. It cannot be easy juggling the different abilities of the walkers.
The rain was teeming as I woke up but cleared for a 1.15pm start. 23 walkers roamed the Corstorphine, St Clair and Forbury suburbs. We started by walking through the new Westgate suburb. We went down Aberdeen Street past the top of Jacobs Ladder. We strolled through Corstorphine School back to the clubrooms. The walk took 70 mins.
Following afternoon tea there was a prize giving ceremony.
Once home I decided to walk to Ravensbourne and back. Once at Maia, I walked on the new track from Maia to Ravensbourne. The last 300 metres has yet to be completed.
28 September
Daylight Saving starts today so Craig and I met at the Railway Station at 8.30am. It was my turn to choose the route. From the station we headed to Maclaggan Street and walked up to Maori Road. We turned left and had a wee detour to look at Jubilee Park. From here we walked almost to the end of Maori Road when we walked up a zig zag pathway onto Russell Street. We followed this street onto York Place and turned left into Braid Road and right into City Road. We followed the Town Belt past Otago Boys High School and Moana Pool. We turned left by St Hildas, past Carrington Hall and onto Park Street. We walked down Park Stret onto George Street, along to the Gardens. It was back on the one way North turning right at "Harley's Bar" and left onto George Street. We had breakfast at Governor's (pancakes). To conclude the walk we walked along George Street to the Octagon. From here it was a stroll down to the Railway Station and then to our cars. We got back at 11.10pm and estimated we walked 11 kms.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Outram Glen
Saturday 20 September 
For our second last club walk for the season we met at the Mosgiel New World carpark (after picking up Craig from Moana Pool). We took Diane with us to Outram Glen. We (22 walkers)followed the track beside the Taieri River up to the intersection with Lee Stream. It was quite a step climb taking almost an hour. Only 9 walked the entire distance with the slower walkers turning back with the returning walkers. It took just over an hour to get back. A distance of
around 10km.
Sunday 21 September
I walked to Port Chalmers and back leaving home at 7.45am.
Monday, September 15, 2008
2008 Moro Half-Marathon - Sunday 14 September
I am truly amazed at doing a PB of 2:53:50 which is 13 minutes better than my previous best time. I did the first 5km in 40 mins and the 10kms in 80 mins.
I had no shin splints problem as Denise dropped me off at Strathallan Street and I did a 10 minute walk to warm up. Craig and I stated off together in a field of 556 walkers. We were jammed in so it took quite a while to hit an open space.
As per normal my feet got hot at Port Chalmers and the blisters started. When I finished I felt exhausted but thrilled to do my last half marathon as a PB. It was great the way Cavershan club members shouted encouragement as I walked the course.
Some stats
Overall 79th out of 556 or 16th / 66 (55-59yrs)
Men 30th out of 117 0r 9th /20 (Men 55-59yrs)
8:14 mins per km
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Eight Days Until the 2008 Moro Marathon
Saturday 6 September
What a magnificent day. The club met at Logan Park at 1pm. A group of 2o walkers walked along the path beside the harbour on the way to Ravensbourne. We saw a sea lion basking in the sun on the way. We walked up the hill behind the hotel, along the top and back down Athol Place to the main road. We walked along the main road back to Logan Park - a walk of around 8kms.
Sunday 7 September
Met Craig at North Ground to walk to the Mt Cargill summit leaving at 8.24am. It was a chilly breeze and quite unpleasant in places. When we got to Cleghorn Road we decided to go up and see where it went. Sadly you cannot use the farmland as it is lambing time in September and October. We explored all the little side roads in the area before descending back to the flat. We decided not to go to Upper Junction Road as I wanted to get to the Edgar Stadium to watch the girls play mini-ball. We got back at around 10.50am and covered 13 kms.
What a magnificent day. The club met at Logan Park at 1pm. A group of 2o walkers walked along the path beside the harbour on the way to Ravensbourne. We saw a sea lion basking in the sun on the way. We walked up the hill behind the hotel, along the top and back down Athol Place to the main road. We walked along the main road back to Logan Park - a walk of around 8kms.
Sunday 7 September
Met Craig at North Ground to walk to the Mt Cargill summit leaving at 8.24am. It was a chilly breeze and quite unpleasant in places. When we got to Cleghorn Road we decided to go up and see where it went. Sadly you cannot use the farmland as it is lambing time in September and October. We explored all the little side roads in the area before descending back to the flat. We decided not to go to Upper Junction Road as I wanted to get to the Edgar Stadium to watch the girls play mini-ball. We got back at around 10.50am and covered 13 kms.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Back Into Walking
Having spent 8 days not walking I have slowly got back into it doing a daily 5k walk either from school or home. I appear to have no more pain which is great as it is only 2 weeks till the Moro 1/2 marathon.
30 August
I did the club walk down Green Island Bush Road and up Blackhead Road which was around 10km. It was hosted by the Vice Presidents and Club Captains. There were 23 walkers in the group. When I finished, my left sole felt sore with a blister feel without the blister. I decided to go and buy some socks and shorts from Stirling Sports.
31 August
The "Marafun" is meant to be a fun event of either a 10k run or 5k walk as a prelude to the "Moro Marathon" in 2 weeks time. We`left the Donaghy's Tennis Centre" in Logan Park Drive at 10am. The 5k walk was two circuits around the streets slongside the Logan Park/University Oval complex. My time was 45:37 mins and was the 15th walker back out of 120. Craig had to pull out with his troublesome calf muscle again which is very frustrating for him.
To avoid shin splints I parked my car at Ravensbourne and walked to the race start. I walked with April from the Caversham club and we completed the course in just over 45 mins. There is a feeling among the competitors that the race was longer than 5k's. I also felt this. There were 300 participants and I was the 40th walker home. April got a spot prize`with her 41st place.
30 August
I did the club walk down Green Island Bush Road and up Blackhead Road which was around 10km. It was hosted by the Vice Presidents and Club Captains. There were 23 walkers in the group. When I finished, my left sole felt sore with a blister feel without the blister. I decided to go and buy some socks and shorts from Stirling Sports.
31 August
The "Marafun" is meant to be a fun event of either a 10k run or 5k walk as a prelude to the "Moro Marathon" in 2 weeks time. We`left the Donaghy's Tennis Centre" in Logan Park Drive at 10am. The 5k walk was two circuits around the streets slongside the Logan Park/University Oval complex. My time was 45:37 mins and was the 15th walker back out of 120. Craig had to pull out with his troublesome calf muscle again which is very frustrating for him.
To avoid shin splints I parked my car at Ravensbourne and walked to the race start. I walked with April from the Caversham club and we completed the course in just over 45 mins. There is a feeling among the competitors that the race was longer than 5k's. I also felt this. There were 300 participants and I was the 40th walker home. April got a spot prize`with her 41st place.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Eight Days of Non-Walking
Saturday 23 August
Having spent 8 days of not walking and missing the Clyde-Alexandra 10km walk it was a relief to do two walks this weekend. The soreness has gone from my foot so I walked from town to home after watching the Batman movie "The Dark Knight". I took it carefully and used by old running shoes.
Sunday 24 August
I took Denise to the airport for her to start a 3 week holiday in Perth with Ian, Janice and Shirley. We picked up Craig on the way. Having said goodbye I drove onto the Momona-Henley Straight and parked past the barrier arms. Craig had finished the Clyde-Alexandra walk yesterday so we decided to take it quietly. There was a frost at the airport with the temperature about 1.5 degrees. After half an hour, Craig felt his calf muscle tighten up so we headed back doing around 5kms. I walked in my newer walking shoes.
Having spent 8 days of not walking and missing the Clyde-Alexandra 10km walk it was a relief to do two walks this weekend. The soreness has gone from my foot so I walked from town to home after watching the Batman movie "The Dark Knight". I took it carefully and used by old running shoes.
Sunday 24 August
I took Denise to the airport for her to start a 3 week holiday in Perth with Ian, Janice and Shirley. We picked up Craig on the way. Having said goodbye I drove onto the Momona-Henley Straight and parked past the barrier arms. Craig had finished the Clyde-Alexandra walk yesterday so we decided to take it quietly. There was a frost at the airport with the temperature about 1.5 degrees. After half an hour, Craig felt his calf muscle tighten up so we headed back doing around 5kms. I walked in my newer walking shoes.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Tendonitis
How frustrating. I went to Urgent Doctors a week ago as my left foot hurt while walking. The female doctor had my foot x-rayed to eliminate a stress fracture. She diagnosed tendonitis which means 10 days on anti-inflamatories.
This means no training and missing out on the Clyde to Alexandra walk with my Harrier Club. I was so looking forward to travelling with the club to Clyde for the walk.
I am not so sure about tendonotis as I am wondering about my newer walking shoes. I did a 2.5km walk tonight without too much pain.
This means no training and missing out on the Clyde to Alexandra walk with my Harrier Club. I was so looking forward to travelling with the club to Clyde for the walk.
I am not so sure about tendonotis as I am wondering about my newer walking shoes. I did a 2.5km walk tonight without too much pain.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
An Icy Sunday Morning
Saturday 9 August
The walking group met at Moana Pool at 1pm just after a rainshower. 11 of us walked along Arthur Street to Maori Road. Half down this road we went up some steps to City Road. We walked a wee bit up Preston Crescent by Direen's home and on the grass to Lonsdale Street. Next it was along Beaumont, Napier and down Kenmure Road. We came back up Kenmure Road to Belleknowes. We went down Ross Street to the back of Arthur Street School. We went along City Road to Stuart Street and back to the Pool carpark. The walk took 90 mins and we walked around 8 kms
Sunday 10 August
What an icy morning! I had to de ice the car with water but it had re frozen by the time I got to Burkes Drive. It was a cautious trip to meet Craig at the Railway Station.
It was treacherous for our walk to St Clair Beach and back. We had to constantly look out for ice, particularly black ice. We walked along the one way south, over the Oval, and up King Edward Street to Cargill's Corner. Next it was Hillside Road and along Forbury Road to our destination. We then walked beside the beach, along a track to the end of Kettle Park. We walked along Victoria Road, Prince Albert Road to Cargills Corner. It was along Hillside Road, Orari Street, Portsmouth Drive, Thomas Burn Street to the Railway Station. The walk took us 2 hrs and 10 mins and I think we did 10 kms.
The walking group met at Moana Pool at 1pm just after a rainshower. 11 of us walked along Arthur Street to Maori Road. Half down this road we went up some steps to City Road. We walked a wee bit up Preston Crescent by Direen's home and on the grass to Lonsdale Street. Next it was along Beaumont, Napier and down Kenmure Road. We came back up Kenmure Road to Belleknowes. We went down Ross Street to the back of Arthur Street School. We went along City Road to Stuart Street and back to the Pool carpark. The walk took 90 mins and we walked around 8 kms
Sunday 10 August
What an icy morning! I had to de ice the car with water but it had re frozen by the time I got to Burkes Drive. It was a cautious trip to meet Craig at the Railway Station.
It was treacherous for our walk to St Clair Beach and back. We had to constantly look out for ice, particularly black ice. We walked along the one way south, over the Oval, and up King Edward Street to Cargill's Corner. Next it was Hillside Road and along Forbury Road to our destination. We then walked beside the beach, along a track to the end of Kettle Park. We walked along Victoria Road, Prince Albert Road to Cargills Corner. It was along Hillside Road, Orari Street, Portsmouth Drive, Thomas Burn Street to the Railway Station. The walk took us 2 hrs and 10 mins and I think we did 10 kms.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Goodbye to 12 days of Rain
It has been a fortnight of rain and dampness so it was a relief to get 2 days of walking in without the inclement weather.
Saturday 2 August
The club did an 8km walk to Green Island and back, going down Mulford Street. I wanted to do a 10km walk so I did the remaining 2kms by walking to the Mulford Street intersection and back.
Sunday 3 August
Craig and I met at the Railway Station and walked along North Road, up Mt Cargill Road to the Upper Junction intersection. We came back down Mt Cargill Road for 500m and turned right into Norwood Street. It was very steep. It was back onto North Road, onto the one way to our cars. It took 2hrs 55mins which we estimate to be 18 kms.
Saturday 2 August
The club did an 8km walk to Green Island and back, going down Mulford Street. I wanted to do a 10km walk so I did the remaining 2kms by walking to the Mulford Street intersection and back.
Sunday 3 August
Craig and I met at the Railway Station and walked along North Road, up Mt Cargill Road to the Upper Junction intersection. We came back down Mt Cargill Road for 500m and turned right into Norwood Street. It was very steep. It was back onto North Road, onto the one way to our cars. It took 2hrs 55mins which we estimate to be 18 kms.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
A Wet Drizzly Weekend
Saturday 26 July
A group of 17 walkers left the clubroom shortly after 2pm on a wet drizzly afternoon. We walked along Aberdeen Street, down Jacob's Ladder, Forbury Road, Hillside Road, Law Street, up the Glen, up to Hayward Street, Eglington Road, Mailer Street, Glenpark Ave, Lancefield Street to Caversham. It was a steep Cole Street, Sydney Street back to the clubrooms. The walk took 1 hour 45 mins or around 10 kms. There were a number of steep hills on the course.
Sunday 27 July
Craig and I met at the Railway Station at 8.30am. We walked around the back of the Railway Station, Portsmouth Drive, Portobello Road, up Doon Street, Scobie Street, Larnach Road, McKerrow Street, Highcliff Road, Aytoun Street, Somerville Street, Marne Street, along the track beside the ecstuary, Shore Street, Portsmouth Drive, back of the Railway Station. We walked for just over 2 hrs 20 mins or 14kms. There was a steady drizzle for the entire walk.
Last Thursday (24 July) Wayne Morris told me my cholesterol was at 5.7 so I have agreed to stop eating sweet stuff rather than go on medication. Weight 185lbs or 95kgs
A group of 17 walkers left the clubroom shortly after 2pm on a wet drizzly afternoon. We walked along Aberdeen Street, down Jacob's Ladder, Forbury Road, Hillside Road, Law Street, up the Glen, up to Hayward Street, Eglington Road, Mailer Street, Glenpark Ave, Lancefield Street to Caversham. It was a steep Cole Street, Sydney Street back to the clubrooms. The walk took 1 hour 45 mins or around 10 kms. There were a number of steep hills on the course.
Sunday 27 July
Craig and I met at the Railway Station at 8.30am. We walked around the back of the Railway Station, Portsmouth Drive, Portobello Road, up Doon Street, Scobie Street, Larnach Road, McKerrow Street, Highcliff Road, Aytoun Street, Somerville Street, Marne Street, along the track beside the ecstuary, Shore Street, Portsmouth Drive, back of the Railway Station. We walked for just over 2 hrs 20 mins or 14kms. There was a steady drizzle for the entire walk.
Last Thursday (24 July) Wayne Morris told me my cholesterol was at 5.7 so I have agreed to stop eating sweet stuff rather than go on medication. Weight 185lbs or 95kgs
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Sullivan's Dam
Today the club (18 walkers) walked up to Sullivan's Dam from Woodhaugh Gardens. It was a misty rain but not cold. We did the 6.7km in 1 hour 20 mins and the return walk in just over an hour. I decided to walk with the slower paced group and enjoyed catching up with Martin.
Sunday 20 July
Craig and I met at the Railway Station at 8.30am on a crisp morning. We walked along Leith Street through the University, across the St David hen hen Street bridge and along Castle Street to the Gardens. We continued along North Road to the Normanby Tavern. The temperature gauge on one of the buildings said it was 1 degrees. Ths section took 50 minutes.
We walked back to the Gardens and up the hill to Opoho. We travelled along Lovelock Avenue and onto a track down past the cemetery to Butts Road. From here we walked towards the Caledonian and back along a track to a field beside the "Cale". We walked down Logan Park Drive and onto Anzac Avenue to our cars parked near the Railway Station. The total time was 2 hours and an estimated 11 kms.
Sunday 20 July
Craig and I met at the Railway Station at 8.30am on a crisp morning. We walked along Leith Street through the University, across the St David hen hen Street bridge and along Castle Street to the Gardens. We continued along North Road to the Normanby Tavern. The temperature gauge on one of the buildings said it was 1 degrees. Ths section took 50 minutes.
We walked back to the Gardens and up the hill to Opoho. We travelled along Lovelock Avenue and onto a track down past the cemetery to Butts Road. From here we walked towards the Caledonian and back along a track to a field beside the "Cale". We walked down Logan Park Drive and onto Anzac Avenue to our cars parked near the Railway Station. The total time was 2 hours and an estimated 11 kms.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Whare Flat / Longridge Road
Today (Thursday) John Aldis and I did a 2hr 20min walk starting at the Bullring and down the Whare Flat Road and back up Longridge Road. John is recovering from a mountain accident and was keen to give his injured leg a workout. We`walked non-stop at around a 5km/hr rate. I estimated we covered around 12kms.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Middle Weekend of the July School Holidays
Saturday 12 July - Rugby Test tonight - NZ V South Africa
The day got away to a great start by having a hot drink with mate Lynn McConnell at the Mannequin. Lynn is in town working for "Sportal" to cover the test. We had a 2 hour catchup.
For the weekly club walk the Leith Club joined us. I walked with the fast pack (25 walkers) and Craig went with the slow pack (8 walkers) as he is still getting treatment for his leg injury. Our pack went down Playfair Street to the Caversham Reserve. We then went past Carisbrook, along Bridge Street onto a track beside the Motorway. We walked up the South Road and down to Concord. At Concord 5 of us went up Emerson Street while the remainder went up Mulford Street. The walk took 90 mins. We had a superb afternoon tea at the clubrooms. Craig commented the slow pack was too slow for him.
Sunday 13 July
Craig rang at 8am that he could not go for a walk with me as his car broke down last night and he had to go back into down to collect it. I decided to do the loop from home - Logan Park - Gardens - Mt Cargill Road - Upper Junction Road - Roseneath and back to St Leonards. This time I walked along Blanket Bay Road missing out a section of the Port Chalmers Road. The walk took 3 hrs 50 mins or 22-23 kms.
The day got away to a great start by having a hot drink with mate Lynn McConnell at the Mannequin. Lynn is in town working for "Sportal" to cover the test. We had a 2 hour catchup.
For the weekly club walk the Leith Club joined us. I walked with the fast pack (25 walkers) and Craig went with the slow pack (8 walkers) as he is still getting treatment for his leg injury. Our pack went down Playfair Street to the Caversham Reserve. We then went past Carisbrook, along Bridge Street onto a track beside the Motorway. We walked up the South Road and down to Concord. At Concord 5 of us went up Emerson Street while the remainder went up Mulford Street. The walk took 90 mins. We had a superb afternoon tea at the clubrooms. Craig commented the slow pack was too slow for him.
Sunday 13 July
Craig rang at 8am that he could not go for a walk with me as his car broke down last night and he had to go back into down to collect it. I decided to do the loop from home - Logan Park - Gardens - Mt Cargill Road - Upper Junction Road - Roseneath and back to St Leonards. This time I walked along Blanket Bay Road missing out a section of the Port Chalmers Road. The walk took 3 hrs 50 mins or 22-23 kms.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Rosebank Half Marathon
Saturday 28 June
It was a dreadful day weatherwise for the club walk leaving from Bathgate Park. 13 hardly souls left in rain but it soon disappeared. We headed for Forbury Road and the to St Clair to head around to Second Beach. We came back via Kettle Park, Victoria Road, Prince Albert Road and finally Macandrew Road to Bathgate Park. Distance around 7km.
Sunday 29 June
I picked up Ruth Harley from Strathallan Street at 9.30am and we headed off for Balclutha to walk 10km as part of the Half Marathon event leaving Rosebank Lodge. As we got there at 10.25am we quickly registered, had a bite to eat and then did a warm up walk down to Rosebank School, past my old flat in Naish Street, up Lewin Street back to Rosebank Lodge. (around 2 kms).
60 competitors left Rosebank Lodge at 11.45am. It was down the hill, along the heavy truck detour and across the bridge. We went up Cromer Street and left into open country. We went down to the road beside the Clutha River, back across the bridge, going back along the streets we started on. Time 1:20:07. The weather was brilliant considering the awful weather forecast.
Mid Year Statistics
1251 kms
150 days
32 missed days
It was a dreadful day weatherwise for the club walk leaving from Bathgate Park. 13 hardly souls left in rain but it soon disappeared. We headed for Forbury Road and the to St Clair to head around to Second Beach. We came back via Kettle Park, Victoria Road, Prince Albert Road and finally Macandrew Road to Bathgate Park. Distance around 7km.
Sunday 29 June
I picked up Ruth Harley from Strathallan Street at 9.30am and we headed off for Balclutha to walk 10km as part of the Half Marathon event leaving Rosebank Lodge. As we got there at 10.25am we quickly registered, had a bite to eat and then did a warm up walk down to Rosebank School, past my old flat in Naish Street, up Lewin Street back to Rosebank Lodge. (around 2 kms).
60 competitors left Rosebank Lodge at 11.45am. It was down the hill, along the heavy truck detour and across the bridge. We went up Cromer Street and left into open country. We went down to the road beside the Clutha River, back across the bridge, going back along the streets we started on. Time 1:20:07. The weather was brilliant considering the awful weather forecast.
Mid Year Statistics
1251 kms
150 days
32 missed days
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Queenstown
Friday 20 June
I got up at 5.30am to do my 5km walk around St Leonards. The reason for the early start, I was leaving for Queenstown with fellow principals Brent Caldwell, Whetu Cormack and Michelle to do a recci for the proposed 2010 NZPF Conference in this town.
Left at 8.00am after picking up Whetu (Kilgour St) and Brent & Michelle (Middleton Rd). Had morning tea at Succulence in Roxburgh. We had lunch at a cafe in Frankton.
We met Pat Johnston and her daughter at Lakes Leisure Centre the suggested site for the conference. We then had a look at the Pentecostal Church close to the Leisure Centre which was impressive.
We checked into the Millennium Hotel where we had a complimentary night's stay. We were then given a guided tour of the hotel. At 4.30pm we went up the Skyline Gondola to have look at the venues for the "History Alive" show. We had a complimentary afternoon tea.
At 5.30pm we met Emma from History Alive at the Copthorne Hotel for a run down about the show over a nice wine. Following this, we were given a guided tour of the Hotel.
We walked to Queenstown to have entree at "The Boardwalk", dinner at Dux de Lux and dessert at "Surreal". On the way home we had a drink at "The Bunker". After getting home at midnight we had a debrief for almost an hour.
Saturday 21 June
At 7am Brent and I did a 5km walk going into town, through the gardens and along the lake front back to the hotel. At 9am I had a delightful buffet breakfast. We went to the Kingsgate to have a look around and then our last meeting at the Millennium to meet a person from In 2 Food. We said goodbye to Pat and Lydia and shot downtown to have a look at the Market.
We drove back to Dunedin and when I dropped off everyone I was home just before 5pm
Sunday 22 June
At 8am I walked to Port Chalmers and back
I got up at 5.30am to do my 5km walk around St Leonards. The reason for the early start, I was leaving for Queenstown with fellow principals Brent Caldwell, Whetu Cormack and Michelle to do a recci for the proposed 2010 NZPF Conference in this town.
Left at 8.00am after picking up Whetu (Kilgour St) and Brent & Michelle (Middleton Rd). Had morning tea at Succulence in Roxburgh. We had lunch at a cafe in Frankton.
We met Pat Johnston and her daughter at Lakes Leisure Centre the suggested site for the conference. We then had a look at the Pentecostal Church close to the Leisure Centre which was impressive.
We checked into the Millennium Hotel where we had a complimentary night's stay. We were then given a guided tour of the hotel. At 4.30pm we went up the Skyline Gondola to have look at the venues for the "History Alive" show. We had a complimentary afternoon tea.
At 5.30pm we met Emma from History Alive at the Copthorne Hotel for a run down about the show over a nice wine. Following this, we were given a guided tour of the Hotel.
We walked to Queenstown to have entree at "The Boardwalk", dinner at Dux de Lux and dessert at "Surreal". On the way home we had a drink at "The Bunker". After getting home at midnight we had a debrief for almost an hour.
Saturday 21 June
At 7am Brent and I did a 5km walk going into town, through the gardens and along the lake front back to the hotel. At 9am I had a delightful buffet breakfast. We went to the Kingsgate to have a look around and then our last meeting at the Millennium to meet a person from In 2 Food. We said goodbye to Pat and Lydia and shot downtown to have a look at the Market.
We drove back to Dunedin and when I dropped off everyone I was home just before 5pm
Sunday 22 June
At 8am I walked to Port Chalmers and back
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Two Good Winter Day's Walks
Sat 14 June
The club met at Wingatui Race course. Our 9 km course involved a loop of the race course. We turned left when leaving the main entrance and walked until we reached Puddle Alley. We continued onto Stedman Road and then onto Wingatui Road. It took around 90 mins. After the race I had a couple of beers with Martin. at his house.
Sun 15 June
Craig and I met at Moana Pool at 8.30am and went along Queen's Drive. Somehow we ended at the bottom of John McGlashan Collge onto Tanner Road and then Leith Valley Road. It was a jaunt along George Street, up Park Street, Cannington Road and back onto Queen's Drive. The walk took just under 2 hours
The club met at Wingatui Race course. Our 9 km course involved a loop of the race course. We turned left when leaving the main entrance and walked until we reached Puddle Alley. We continued onto Stedman Road and then onto Wingatui Road. It took around 90 mins. After the race I had a couple of beers with Martin. at his house.
Sun 15 June
Craig and I met at Moana Pool at 8.30am and went along Queen's Drive. Somehow we ended at the bottom of John McGlashan Collge onto Tanner Road and then Leith Valley Road. It was a jaunt along George Street, up Park Street, Cannington Road and back onto Queen's Drive. The walk took just under 2 hours
Monday, June 9, 2008
Snow Was In the Air
We had to dress warmly as snow was promised during the weekend along with cold winds. Two walking packs left the clubrooms at 2.05pm. The fast pack including me had 21 walkers and the slow pack had 10 participants. It was agreed we would stay together for 2/3 of the walk and then we could go for it on the last leg.
We walked down to Caversham, past Carisbrook to Gillions, Funeral Directors. Here a faster group (8) walked towards Cargills Corner, turned left and went up to Bayview Road. We headed towards Forbury Road and up Jacobs Ladder, turned left up Aberdeen Street, past St Clair golf course until we got back to the Ckubrooms. I estimate about 8-9 kms getting back at 3.25pm. I managed to climb Jacob's Ladder without stopping.
Stayed for two beers and left for home when a snow flurry came.
We walked down to Caversham, past Carisbrook to Gillions, Funeral Directors. Here a faster group (8) walked towards Cargills Corner, turned left and went up to Bayview Road. We headed towards Forbury Road and up Jacobs Ladder, turned left up Aberdeen Street, past St Clair golf course until we got back to the Ckubrooms. I estimate about 8-9 kms getting back at 3.25pm. I managed to climb Jacob's Ladder without stopping.
Stayed for two beers and left for home when a snow flurry came.
Monday, June 2, 2008
A Statistical Review five months into 2008
120 days walking
32 missed days (8 while in the USA)
1059 kms
32 missed days (8 while in the USA)
1059 kms
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Pineapple Track Walk - a tough 15kms
The walking group met at the Wakari Union Church in Centennial Avenue. 22 keen walkers left at 12.37pm and only 17 finished the tough circuit. We walked towards Tanner Road and then up the Pineapple Track. I found the going hard. I did not need to stop but my chest was burning and legs felt heavy. However I did not stop until the group did.
The whole group met at the Swampy Creek intersection for a photo and then we were able to walk at our own pace. We did meet briefly at the summit. I stayed in touch with the group until I hit 3 Mile Hill. I had to slow down to my own pace and walked by myself for the last 3-4 kms. The walk took 2 hrs 50 mins but probably had 20 minutes with stops. I estimated the distance was 15 kms.
I caught up with Martin who walked with the other group around Ross Creek. We had a beer at Cableways and then went home.
The whole group met at the Swampy Creek intersection for a photo and then we were able to walk at our own pace. We did meet briefly at the summit. I stayed in touch with the group until I hit 3 Mile Hill. I had to slow down to my own pace and walked by myself for the last 3-4 kms. The walk took 2 hrs 50 mins but probably had 20 minutes with stops. I estimated the distance was 15 kms.
I caught up with Martin who walked with the other group around Ross Creek. We had a beer at Cableways and then went home.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Fraser's Gully Again
After the club met at the clubrooms, car pools went to Fraser's Gully. Twenty walkers went up Fraser's Gully, along Dalzell Road, Mt Grand Road and Townley's Road. Once we reached Kaikorai Valley Road it was a walk along K.V. Road back to our cars. I estimated it was about 10kms after we walked for 1 hour and 40 mins not including the stops.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Caversham Vice President's 5000m Walk
After a three week break with the trip to the States, t was back to the Harrier Club. On Saturday it was the Vice Presidents handicapped race at Forbury Park. I was on a 5 minute handicap and did the walk in 38:37 minutes. I did my first lap in 7min 40sec.
I was quite please with my pace considering only two people passed me with a longer handicap.
This race was notable for losing my car key but thankfully someone found and handed it in.
Today (Sunday) I walked to Port Chalmers and back in wintry conditions.
I was quite please with my pace considering only two people passed me with a longer handicap.
This race was notable for losing my car key but thankfully someone found and handed it in.
Today (Sunday) I walked to Port Chalmers and back in wintry conditions.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Walking Manhattan - 30 April 2008
I did it. My second goal completed and the good news, not one blister.I left 1 Broadway in south Manhattan at 7.15am and finished at the Harlem River Bridge at 1.15pm. It was very cold and my hands felt like ice. The trouble is the sun does not rise higher than the skyscrapers as you walk along in shade and cool conditions until you get to 95th Street where the sun is higher and the buildings, lower.
The last cross street was 215th but I crossed the river and stopped at 225th Street. I will write about this in full detail later on.
I did one side trip to the "Apollo Theatre" on 125th Street. This is right in middle of Harlem.This theatre is well know for the concerts performed by numerous African American performers.
On the way back
Here is a run down of the day's travels.
6.19am - left Kamdyn's apartment in Brooklyn
7.15am - left 1 Broadway - an Office Building (Cars are travelling one way south)
7.20am - Wall Street (hands are freezing holding a camera and dictophone)
7.22am - Ground Zero (World Trade Centre site)
7.29am - City Hall
7.30am - Chambers Street
7.38am - Canal Street
7.47am - Houston Street
7.52am - 3rd Street
New York University - Washington Square
7.58am - Union Square
8.02am - Union Street - a market area selling shrubs flowers, plants and food
Noticed a number of school buses
8.12am - saw Empire State Building for 1st time. Flat Iron Building (22nd St)
8.15am - 23rd Street - 5th Avenue intersects with Broadway, Madison Square Park. Needed to be careful did not take wrong street.
8.18am 1124 Broadway
8.21am 27th Street noticed the shops are more upmarket
8.24am - 32nd Street - pedestrian traffic is increasing significantly - very slow walking through this section of Broadway - one block away from Empire State Building
8.29am - Macy's - the World's largest store as it is advertised - Herald Square
8.38am - 42nd Street - Times Square
8.42am - Watched the "God Morning America" breakfast show - Guest was Gordon Ramsay
Queue of people waiting to purchase tickets to a Madonna show. They had camped on the sidewalk overnight.
9.07am - 57th Street
9.12am - Columbus Circle
9.15am - 63rd Street - 1881 Broadway
9.18am - Lincoln Centre that houses a number of organisations like Ballet, Opera, Philaharmonic and Jazz
Noticed two way traffic, apartments, wider sidewalks
9.25am - 9.50am Breakfast at Cafe 71 on 71st Street
9.57am - sunglasses on - Skyscrappers not as tall (less than 20 storeys) - upmarket shopping - called Upper Westside
10.15am - 96th Street - 2553 Broadway
10.19am - 100th Street - lots of phamarcies, supermarkets
10.25am - Strauss Park
10.34am - 116th Street Colombia University - lots of students - construction evident
10.40am - 3062 Broadway
122nd Street - see train lines above ground level
10.47am - 125th Street - took detour to see the Apollo Theatre in Harlem
11.01am - Apollo Theatre - area very busy with shops and traffic - energetic place - saw an African Amrican being interview on TV lamenting the way progress is changing Harlem
11.15am - 125th Street
11.22am - back on Broadway
11.30am - 136th Street - shops are more run down
141st Street - Mexican neighbourhood - a lot of people milling around speaking Hispanic - Shop signs also in Hispanic as are the newspapers
150th Street - the street is rising slightly - can see the water
12.03pm - 3959 Broadway - a New York Hospital and an Emergency Room
168th Street - 4005 Broadway
12.15pm - 175th Street - Plaza America - stalls selling goods like souvenirs, sunglasses
177th Street - legs are starting to feel the walk
12.30pm - Gorman Park The streets with numbers are replaced by names. I have to check the street signs to make sure I am still on Broadway.
No shops - park on one side, Job centre, then apartments on the other side.
12.43pm 4744 Broadway - very windy - come across a store now and then
Noticed a number of schools - elementary and middle school
12.48am - 204th Street
1.00pm 215th Street - 5037 Broadway
1.06pm 220th Street
1.10pm - 225th Street - stopped at McDonalds do a thickshake and fries
I was uncertain where to stop for my trip as I continued over the Harlem River to 225th Street. I decided the end point was Harle River which I reached at 1.05pm.
Neighbourhoods walked through included Financial District, Tribeca, Soho, Greenwich Village, Gramercy, Garment District, Theatre, District, Midtown West, Upper West Side and between Morningside Heights and Harlem.
I stopped at the Empire State Building to go to the Observatory on the 86th floor. The views are magnifcent. However Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan were not there (a scene from "Sleepless in Seattle"Sunset Boulevard Walk - 21 April 2008
Set the cellphone alarm for 4.30am and headed away at 5am to Irvine to catch the 5,29am Metrolink to Union Station in downtown LA. The trip took an hour and 10 minutes. A quick look around the station and away to find Sunset Blvd. We had to find Cesar Chavez Avenue that merges into Sunset Blvd. The distance was 1.5 km. We got there at 7.20am and walked a steady pace through areas like Echo Park, Silver Lake, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, Westwood, Brentwood and the Palisades. We stopped in the Hollywood area at a McDonalds for a comfort stop and a McFlurry (cream freeze with Oreos). It was nice and cold.
We hit Sunset Strip where all the nighclubs are, like "The Viper Room" (was owned by Johnny Depp and where River Phoenix died of a drug overdose, "Whiskey-a-Go-Go" (where The Doors played in the sixties) and "The Roxy".
As soon as we left the "Strip" we came to Beverly Hills. The transformation was amazing - green manicured lawns and no sidewalks in some places. Bel-Air was the same. This is where the wealthy live, especially from the film industry and the Middle East.
Around 2pm we had a sub from "Subway" in Brentwood (or is it Westwood). From here we kept going until we hit the Pacific Coast Highway at 5.20pm.
We were met by John, a friend of Oliver's who would later drive us back to Irvine Station to pick up the car.
We soaked our feet in the Pacific Ocean and then had dinner at "Gladstones 4 Fish". Denise you would have loved it. I had "Fish and Chips" plus a glass of champagne and a Corona with John to celebrate the walk. Oliver does not drink alcohol.
When we got home it was straight to the jacuzzi for 30 minutes. I have no sore limbs and just one blister on my small left toe. Oliver feels very sore snd stiff but nothing major.
So the 40kms took us 10 hours less 40 mins for lunch and stops for drinks.
One thing that worried us was finding toilet stops on such a long journey. Not an issue. Once we ran out of fast food places there were always portaloos along the way on construction sites, that we used. In each case there was no one there so we took full advantage.
If interested here is a summary of the walk as recorded on my dictophone
5am Left Oliver's place, Picked up train at 5.29am. Arrived Union Station in LA at 6.40am. Walked along Cesar Chavez Avenue until we reached the start of our walk. Passed Chinatown.
I tried to record where we were at hourly intervals (in bold)
7.20am Started walking on Sunset Blvd
7.44am Echo Park
8.07am Silver Lake
8.20am 3912 Sunset Blvd
8.30am McDonald's for a comfort stop and a McFlurry's (snow freeze with Oreo biscuits broken up through it).
8.45am Intersection of Hollywood and Sunset Blvd's. Saw the Hollywood sign on the hill in the distance.
9.20am KTLA Studios (Hollywood)
9.43am Sunset Blvd and Vine Street
10.04am Sunset Blvd and Highland Street
10.20am Guitar Centre with a "Rock Wall" where handprints of musicians are put in concrete.
7425 Sunset Blvd. Spent 5-10 minutes here.
10.49am Start of Sunset Strip (at Crescent Heights)
11.35am End of Sunset Strip (at Doheny Drive)
11.41am Start of Beverly Hills
12.05pm 9580 Sunset Blvd (my estimation of half way)
12.20pm Rodeo Drive intersection
12.35pm Leaving Beverly Hills (just before 10000 Sunset Blvd) - ran out of sidewalk
12.58pm Passed Bel-Air east gates
1.09pm UCLA University
1.20pm Westwood Plaza
1.33pm Passed Bel-Air west gates
1.53pm Passed over I-405 freeway
2.00pm Westwood Village - Subway for lunch 11500 Sunset Blvd
2.20pm Having meal at Subway
2.28pm On the walk again
3.30pm San Remo Drive intersection
3.33pm Palisades at 13652 Sunset Blvd
4.17pm 15000 Sunset Blvd
4.20pm 15140 Sunset Blvd
4.31pm Watched a high school baseball game briefly. Saw a double play.
4.40pm 16000 Sunset Blvd
5.00pm The Lake Shrine, 16963 Sunset Blvd, contains the ashes of Mahatma Ghandi (so the research shows!!)
5.20pm Pacific Coast Highway - our destination, Crossed over highway to soak our feet in the Pacific Ocean.
I used the internet to research the walk. In two articles I read, Victor Margolin did it in 11 hours starting at 8.30am while Jeremy Rosenberg did it in 10 hours 5 mins starting at 7.45am. In his blog, William Campbell did his walk in 9 hrs 45 mins starting at 6.30am.
There were not as many cars on the Boulevard as I had thought apart from around 2.45pm. We suspect people are finishing lunch and possibly going to pick up children from school.
The highlight - completing the walk with only one blister and the feel of the cool ocean over some hot and tired feet.
We hit Sunset Strip where all the nighclubs are, like "The Viper Room" (was owned by Johnny Depp and where River Phoenix died of a drug overdose, "Whiskey-a-Go-Go" (where The Doors played in the sixties) and "The Roxy".
As soon as we left the "Strip" we came to Beverly Hills. The transformation was amazing - green manicured lawns and no sidewalks in some places. Bel-Air was the same. This is where the wealthy live, especially from the film industry and the Middle East.
Around 2pm we had a sub from "Subway" in Brentwood (or is it Westwood). From here we kept going until we hit the Pacific Coast Highway at 5.20pm.
We were met by John, a friend of Oliver's who would later drive us back to Irvine Station to pick up the car.
We soaked our feet in the Pacific Ocean and then had dinner at "Gladstones 4 Fish". Denise you would have loved it. I had "Fish and Chips" plus a glass of champagne and a Corona with John to celebrate the walk. Oliver does not drink alcohol.
When we got home it was straight to the jacuzzi for 30 minutes. I have no sore limbs and just one blister on my small left toe. Oliver feels very sore snd stiff but nothing major.
So the 40kms took us 10 hours less 40 mins for lunch and stops for drinks.
One thing that worried us was finding toilet stops on such a long journey. Not an issue. Once we ran out of fast food places there were always portaloos along the way on construction sites, that we used. In each case there was no one there so we took full advantage.
If interested here is a summary of the walk as recorded on my dictophone
5am Left Oliver's place, Picked up train at 5.29am. Arrived Union Station in LA at 6.40am. Walked along Cesar Chavez Avenue until we reached the start of our walk. Passed Chinatown.
I tried to record where we were at hourly intervals (in bold)
7.20am Started walking on Sunset Blvd
7.44am Echo Park
8.07am Silver Lake
8.20am 3912 Sunset Blvd
8.30am McDonald's for a comfort stop and a McFlurry's (snow freeze with Oreo biscuits broken up through it).
8.45am Intersection of Hollywood and Sunset Blvd's. Saw the Hollywood sign on the hill in the distance.
9.20am KTLA Studios (Hollywood)
9.43am Sunset Blvd and Vine Street
10.04am Sunset Blvd and Highland Street
10.20am Guitar Centre with a "Rock Wall" where handprints of musicians are put in concrete.
7425 Sunset Blvd. Spent 5-10 minutes here.
10.49am Start of Sunset Strip (at Crescent Heights)
11.35am End of Sunset Strip (at Doheny Drive)
11.41am Start of Beverly Hills
12.05pm 9580 Sunset Blvd (my estimation of half way)
12.20pm Rodeo Drive intersection
12.35pm Leaving Beverly Hills (just before 10000 Sunset Blvd) - ran out of sidewalk
12.58pm Passed Bel-Air east gates
1.09pm UCLA University
1.20pm Westwood Plaza
1.33pm Passed Bel-Air west gates
1.53pm Passed over I-405 freeway
2.00pm Westwood Village - Subway for lunch 11500 Sunset Blvd
2.20pm Having meal at Subway
2.28pm On the walk again
3.30pm San Remo Drive intersection
3.33pm Palisades at 13652 Sunset Blvd
4.17pm 15000 Sunset Blvd
4.20pm 15140 Sunset Blvd
4.31pm Watched a high school baseball game briefly. Saw a double play.
4.40pm 16000 Sunset Blvd
5.00pm The Lake Shrine, 16963 Sunset Blvd, contains the ashes of Mahatma Ghandi (so the research shows!!)
5.20pm Pacific Coast Highway - our destination, Crossed over highway to soak our feet in the Pacific Ocean.
I used the internet to research the walk. In two articles I read, Victor Margolin did it in 11 hours starting at 8.30am while Jeremy Rosenberg did it in 10 hours 5 mins starting at 7.45am. In his blog, William Campbell did his walk in 9 hrs 45 mins starting at 6.30am.There were not as many cars on the Boulevard as I had thought apart from around 2.45pm. We suspect people are finishing lunch and possibly going to pick up children from school.
The highlight - completing the walk with only one blister and the feel of the cool ocean over some hot and tired feet.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
2nd Walking Day for the Season
27 walkers left the clubrooms and headed down Blackhead Road. turned onto Bushy Road and kept going towards District Road in Green Island. We walked along until we came to Concord School, turned up Emerson Road and back to the clubrooms. Around 9km covered in just under 1 hour 40 mins/
It was good having Martin George there. Ruth and Jan have committed to the club by buying club tee shirts.
It was good having Martin George there. Ruth and Jan have committed to the club by buying club tee shirts.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Caversham Harrier's Club 2008 Opening
It was a lovely warm day to start the opening day which started at 1.30pm. There appeared to be a good turnout, including 45 walkers, with lots of new faces. The walking group set off at 2pm and headed down to St Clair Beach. From here we walked along Forbury Road, David Street, Thorn Street and up Corstorphine Road. We got back at 3.10pm having walked around 7km.
It was a slower pace as the walking group wanted to ensure everyone was able to keep up. Once we hit Corstorphine Road we opened up the throttle.
It was nice that Jan, Ruth and Craig turned up. I enjoyed catching up with Warren Tweedie once again. I had two beers with Kieran and set off for home.
It was a slower pace as the walking group wanted to ensure everyone was able to keep up. Once we hit Corstorphine Road we opened up the throttle.
It was nice that Jan, Ruth and Craig turned up. I enjoyed catching up with Warren Tweedie once again. I had two beers with Kieran and set off for home.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Two Longer Weekend Walks
On Friday I had a YAG Laser Capsulotomy on my left eye. Four years ago I had a cataract removed but the operation was not overly successful. In recent years I had blurred and hazy vision. My optician David Bridgman referred me to David Peart, an Ophthamologist from Marinoto Clinic. He proposed to do the YAG on my eye at Dunedin Public Hospital.
The problem is that the capsular bag that holds my lens produced cloudy cells.
Firstly I had a drop put on my eye to dilate the pupil. 20 minutes later David used a laser to create an opening in the centre of the cloudy capsule. The procedure took 3 minutes.The improvement in my vision has been remarkable.
As I knew I had the surgery coming up. I elected not to do the 15 km King of the Mountain event. Instead on Saturday I walked from Vauxhall Yacht Club to home which was a 11km walk taking exactly 2 hours.
Today (Sunday) Craig and I were taken to Waitati by Denise and we walked back to St Leonards via Mount Cargill. The 17km walk took 3 hours and 20 minutes. It took longer than I thought. When I finished I felt a bit jaded but no muscular aches or blisters. I think the walk yesterday and the steady upward climb took its toll.
Assuming I do a 5 km walk tomorrow I would have covered for the first 3 months of 2008, 692 kms over 73 days. I have missed 18 days so far this year.
The problem is that the capsular bag that holds my lens produced cloudy cells.
Firstly I had a drop put on my eye to dilate the pupil. 20 minutes later David used a laser to create an opening in the centre of the cloudy capsule. The procedure took 3 minutes.The improvement in my vision has been remarkable.
As I knew I had the surgery coming up. I elected not to do the 15 km King of the Mountain event. Instead on Saturday I walked from Vauxhall Yacht Club to home which was a 11km walk taking exactly 2 hours.
Today (Sunday) Craig and I were taken to Waitati by Denise and we walked back to St Leonards via Mount Cargill. The 17km walk took 3 hours and 20 minutes. It took longer than I thought. When I finished I felt a bit jaded but no muscular aches or blisters. I think the walk yesterday and the steady upward climb took its toll.
Assuming I do a 5 km walk tomorrow I would have covered for the first 3 months of 2008, 692 kms over 73 days. I have missed 18 days so far this year.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter Walks
I drove to Craig's place and he then drove us both to the start of Big Stone Road just out of Brighton on the Taieri Beach side. This is a forestry road which climbs steadily. We walked for an hour and the came back covering an estimated 11 kms.
On Easter Monday I left home at 6:06am and did the Logan Park / Gardens / North Road / Mt Cargill Road / Upper Junction Road / Roseneath / Home circuit. I got home at 9:53am having completed 22 kms.
A bit tired but no aches or blisters.
On Easter Monday I left home at 6:06am and did the Logan Park / Gardens / North Road / Mt Cargill Road / Upper Junction Road / Roseneath / Home circuit. I got home at 9:53am having completed 22 kms.
A bit tired but no aches or blisters.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Karetai Challenge
I have just completed the Karetai Challenge, which was the second part of the Southern Coastal Series. The first part was the Papotowai Challenge.
We left outside the Shiel Hill Tavern and walked up to the Centre Road turn-off which was 3.2km. I mangaged this, in just over 28 mins. Lots of people passed me down this road including Craig. He took off as we headed towards the Tautuku Fishing Club. This was 7km away from the start.
I was pleased with my stamina going up the Karetai Hill. Only one person passed me and I was able to pass around 10 people including Craig. The Karetai Road Hill climb was 4.3km.
The last part of 5.2km was virtually downhill. I came in at 2:18:40 which was just under 4 mins slower than Papatowai but one kilometre longer.
Had a shower at school and came back for the prize giving. I won socks for the Karetai Challenge section and a Speights towel at the Southern Coastal Series section. We were given a certificate if we competed in both events.
We left outside the Shiel Hill Tavern and walked up to the Centre Road turn-off which was 3.2km. I mangaged this, in just over 28 mins. Lots of people passed me down this road including Craig. He took off as we headed towards the Tautuku Fishing Club. This was 7km away from the start.
I was pleased with my stamina going up the Karetai Hill. Only one person passed me and I was able to pass around 10 people including Craig. The Karetai Road Hill climb was 4.3km.
The last part of 5.2km was virtually downhill. I came in at 2:18:40 which was just under 4 mins slower than Papatowai but one kilometre longer.
Had a shower at school and came back for the prize giving. I won socks for the Karetai Challenge section and a Speights towel at the Southern Coastal Series section. We were given a certificate if we competed in both events.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Fairfield - Saddle Hill - Waldronville - Fairfield
Seven club members met on the footpath opposite the site of the former Fairfield Tavern. We went in two cars to Saddle Hill. From here we walked to the top of Saddle Hill and then down hill to Waldronville. We walked along Brighton Road to Green Island. We continued pass Sunnyvale to where we parked our cars in Fairfield.
The walk took 2 hrs and 3 mins - 12 kms by my calculation.
Jan and Ruth took the drivers of their cars to pick them up from where we started the walk.
8 days until the Karetai Walk.
The walk took 2 hrs and 3 mins - 12 kms by my calculation.
Jan and Ruth took the drivers of their cars to pick them up from where we started the walk.
8 days until the Karetai Walk.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Papatowai Challenge
Today was the day of the 15.5km Papatowai Challenge. It rained overnight and the weather forecast was not very encouraging. I met Jan Stevens and Ruth Harley in Strathallan Street at the NZ Post Centre at 9am. 5 minutes later we picked up Craig and headed south. It took an hour and 20 minutes to reach Owaka where we stopped at the 4 Square supermarket for a hot drink. Next was a toilet stop and then off to Papatowai getting there before 11.30am. We registered and waited until the 12 noon start.
There were 195 walkers and the weather was overcast with no serious rain. I was pleased with my walk from the start and along the bush track. Next was the beach which was much firmer than I thought. I was passed by a number of walkers. Once I got onto the track through the sand dunes and onto the 4WD track, I felt good. We then walked up a gravel road until we reached the summit. I wanted to get under the average time of 2:15 and realised I was behind the pace. I stepped it up and finished in 2:14:59 which was satisfying considering the terrain we walked over. Jan and Ruth finished in just over the two hours. Craig found the terrain tough but did well to finish in 2:19:59.
I was soaking by the time I finished with sweat and the light rain. The good news is that I had no blisters.
We hung around for the prize giving and spot prizes. It was raining heavily so we decided to miss the spot prizes and leave just before 4pm. I finally got home at just over 6pm.
There were 195 walkers and the weather was overcast with no serious rain. I was pleased with my walk from the start and along the bush track. Next was the beach which was much firmer than I thought. I was passed by a number of walkers. Once I got onto the track through the sand dunes and onto the 4WD track, I felt good. We then walked up a gravel road until we reached the summit. I wanted to get under the average time of 2:15 and realised I was behind the pace. I stepped it up and finished in 2:14:59 which was satisfying considering the terrain we walked over. Jan and Ruth finished in just over the two hours. Craig found the terrain tough but did well to finish in 2:19:59.
I was soaking by the time I finished with sweat and the light rain. The good news is that I had no blisters.
We hung around for the prize giving and spot prizes. It was raining heavily so we decided to miss the spot prizes and leave just before 4pm. I finally got home at just over 6pm.
Some statistics
195 walkers - 42nd home
360 walkers and runners - 78th home
Next event - Karetai Challenge - Sunday 16th March at 9am
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Preparation for Papatowai
Next weekend is the Papatowai walk in the Catlins. In preparation for the 15.5km walk I did an 8km walk on the sand with Denise from St Clair to the head at John Wilson Drive. I found it quite challenging.
Today the walking group met at Sawyer's Bay, went up the Graham's Bush walk to Mt Cargill Road. We walked south to Upper Junction Road, back to Sawyer's Bay. The 12km walk took 2 hours. A number of walkers commented on my fitness.
The next day (Sunday) Craig and I walked up Leith Valley Road to Sullivan's Dam. We walked around the circumference of the reservoir and back. The 11kms took around 2:20.
Today the walking group met at Sawyer's Bay, went up the Graham's Bush walk to Mt Cargill Road. We walked south to Upper Junction Road, back to Sawyer's Bay. The 12km walk took 2 hours. A number of walkers commented on my fitness.
The next day (Sunday) Craig and I walked up Leith Valley Road to Sullivan's Dam. We walked around the circumference of the reservoir and back. The 11kms took around 2:20.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
First Summer Walk in 2008
Our walk started out with wind and rain but finished in dry conditions. Four of us braved the climate to complete a 10km walk. Jan Stevens from Rotary Park School joined us.
We left the Logan Park bus stop and walked along Butts Road to Logan Park School. We followed a track up through the Northern Cemetry onto Lovelock Avenue. We went down Opoho Road until we came to Knox College. We followed this street until we came to Evans Street. We turned left somewhere off Evans Strret and followed a step street down to North Road. We walked around Palmer's Quarry, back along North Road, through the Gardens onto Dundas Street. From here is was onto Harbour Terrace, Union Street and back to the bus stop.
On the following day Craig and I met at the Rotary Park Lookout and walked up Highcliff Road, turning left at Centre Road, down to Tomahawk Road. It was extremely windy at the beach and the walk back along Highcliff Road. The walk took 1 hr 50 mins. At times we were confronted by a horrible odour like a dead sheep.
We left the Logan Park bus stop and walked along Butts Road to Logan Park School. We followed a track up through the Northern Cemetry onto Lovelock Avenue. We went down Opoho Road until we came to Knox College. We followed this street until we came to Evans Street. We turned left somewhere off Evans Strret and followed a step street down to North Road. We walked around Palmer's Quarry, back along North Road, through the Gardens onto Dundas Street. From here is was onto Harbour Terrace, Union Street and back to the bus stop.
On the following day Craig and I met at the Rotary Park Lookout and walked up Highcliff Road, turning left at Centre Road, down to Tomahawk Road. It was extremely windy at the beach and the walk back along Highcliff Road. The walk took 1 hr 50 mins. At times we were confronted by a horrible odour like a dead sheep.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
A Bronze Medal for the 10 km Walk
Well what a surprise. After I finished the 10 km walk in a personal best time of 1:16:11, I felt very satisfied and went home. I received two phone calls telling me I had won a bronze.
The walk started at 8.30am with a big field. There was a slight drizzle but perfect conditions for walking. I was worried about my feet as they were in a bad stape after the 1/2 marathon walk and I had done no training apart from a walk to Port Chalmers and back yesterday. I also had new trainers and they were not properly broken in.
I was delighted to do the 5km in 36 minutes and sensed a PB. If I had done the 5km in the Master's Games I would have secured a medal for my age group. A friend, Craig Currie came and offered support during the race and at the end.
At the 8 kim mark I had no pain and was able to step up my pace.
I am disappointed to miss the medal's ceremony.
The walk started at 8.30am with a big field. There was a slight drizzle but perfect conditions for walking. I was worried about my feet as they were in a bad stape after the 1/2 marathon walk and I had done no training apart from a walk to Port Chalmers and back yesterday. I also had new trainers and they were not properly broken in.
I was delighted to do the 5km in 36 minutes and sensed a PB. If I had done the 5km in the Master's Games I would have secured a medal for my age group. A friend, Craig Currie came and offered support during the race and at the end.
At the 8 kim mark I had no pain and was able to step up my pace.
I am disappointed to miss the medal's ceremony.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Master's Games 1/2 Marathon
I completed my second 1/2 marathon today in the time of 3:07:11. It was a nice warm day with 99 competitors completing the course. Although just outside my PB I was pleased with the result. My feet were still recovering from thr Rail Trail walk but no excuses.
The course was on the Taieri starting from Memorial Park. Lots of long straights. Craig Currie was place 2nd for his age group at 2:55:00 which is a fine effort for the 40-44 age group.
The course was on the Taieri starting from Memorial Park. Lots of long straights. Craig Currie was place 2nd for his age group at 2:55:00 which is a fine effort for the 40-44 age group.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Rail Trail Achieved
This is a very late blog informing the reader tahtb I completed the 150km Rail Trail walk on Saturday 12 January at 11.10am. It was a wonderful sense of achievement as there was only one other walker (from BC, Canada). My feet were a mess at the end as the blisters kicked in on day three of the six day walk. One great innovation was the passport that could be self stamped at the old stations.
Sun 6 Jan - caught the Taieri Gorge train to Middlemarch. It was a two and a half hour journey in a train packed with tourists. A highlight was going over the Wingatui viaduct. I stayed with my friend Noel and his wife Rebecca at their newly established B&B. Noel took me for a walk to the Sutton Salt Lake which w
as a 4km loop.
Mon 7 Jan - Middlemarch to Hyde - Noel accompanied me on the first leg to Hyde of 30km. The day was overcast but warm. We saw the Cairn to remember the 21 people who died at the Hyde Railway accident in 1943. It took six and a half hours to treach Hyde. My body felt great. We met Rebecca at the Otago Central Hotel where I stayed overnight. I met Claire and her son Tim whom I would meet often on the trail. They were biking at a very leisurely pace.
Tues 8 Jan - Hyde to Ranfurly - The longest walk of 32km taking six and a half hours.. Enjoyed going through the Price's Creek tunnel and over the Price's Creek viaduct. Felt my first pain in one of my toes. Had a drink at the Waipiata Hotel. Stayed at the Ranfurly Lion Hotel. Comfortable but no atmosphere. Only place where I had to pay for my breakfast. I worked out I would cover 6km an hour in the first part of the morning until it got hotter.
Wed 9 Jan - Ranfurly to Oturehua - 7 hours - 26kms - feet are hurting with blisters appearing on both my feet. It appears as the day heats up, the gravel that I walk on, becomes very hot making my feet hot as well. Had a beer at the Wedderburn Hotel. On the way I passed the Rough Ridge summit of 618m. Also crossed the 45 degree lattitide markers, twice. I counted 73 riders in this section. Stayed at the Oturehura Hotel in a very comfortable room at the back of the hotel. At my accommodation I met Suzanne and John from Holland. Had a wonderful three sociable hours with them. Otureua has a wonderful general store "Gilchrists".
Thurs 10 Jan - Oturehua to Lauder - 5 hours - 23kms - a shot leg but my feet are sore. This is probably the most popular section with lots of day walkers. Walk through the two Poolburn tunnels and over the Poolburn viaduct. Lots of cuttings and great vistas to see. The Lauder Hotel is owned by a female gay couple in their late fifties. They were very hospitable and I enjoyed staying there.
Fri 11 Jan - Lauder to Galloway - 7 hours - 30 km - feet very sore. Today is the hottest day - 32 degrees. Made fantastic progress to Omakau doing the first 3kms in 31 minutes. Feet are feeling good but as the day heats up they become painful. Had a beer and hot chips at Chatto Creek. At Galloway met by Werner van Harselaar, By Board of Trustees Cahirman. They were holidaying at a house owned by Kate's (Werner's wife) sister and husband. Went to the Shakey Creek for the family to swim while I soaked my feet. Had dinner at a nearby cafe. Once back in the house Kate (a doctor) bled my blisters.
Sat 12 Jan - Galloway to Clyde - 4 hours - last 15 kms. It was a cool day to walk the last section. Uneventful trip. Pretty boring with long straights to walk. Denise and friends met me at the Clyde Railhead.
Sun 6 Jan - caught the Taieri Gorge train to Middlemarch. It was a two and a half hour journey in a train packed with tourists. A highlight was going over the Wingatui viaduct. I stayed with my friend Noel and his wife Rebecca at their newly established B&B. Noel took me for a walk to the Sutton Salt Lake which w
as a 4km loop.Mon 7 Jan - Middlemarch to Hyde - Noel accompanied me on the first leg to Hyde of 30km. The day was overcast but warm. We saw the Cairn to remember the 21 people who died at the Hyde Railway accident in 1943. It took six and a half hours to treach Hyde. My body felt great. We met Rebecca at the Otago Central Hotel where I stayed overnight. I met Claire and her son Tim whom I would meet often on the trail. They were biking at a very leisurely pace.
Tues 8 Jan - Hyde to Ranfurly - The longest walk of 32km taking six and a half hours.. Enjoyed going through the Price's Creek tunnel and over the Price's Creek viaduct. Felt my first pain in one of my toes. Had a drink at the Waipiata Hotel. Stayed at the Ranfurly Lion Hotel. Comfortable but no atmosphere. Only place where I had to pay for my breakfast. I worked out I would cover 6km an hour in the first part of the morning until it got hotter.
Wed 9 Jan - Ranfurly to Oturehua - 7 hours - 26kms - feet are hurting with blisters appearing on both my feet. It appears as the day heats up, the gravel that I walk on, becomes very hot making my feet hot as well. Had a beer at the Wedderburn Hotel. On the way I passed the Rough Ridge summit of 618m. Also crossed the 45 degree lattitide markers, twice. I counted 73 riders in this section. Stayed at the Oturehura Hotel in a very comfortable room at the back of the hotel. At my accommodation I met Suzanne and John from Holland. Had a wonderful three sociable hours with them. Otureua has a wonderful general store "Gilchrists".Thurs 10 Jan - Oturehua to Lauder - 5 hours - 23kms - a shot leg but my feet are sore. This is probably the most popular section with lots of day walkers. Walk through the two Poolburn tunnels and over the Poolburn viaduct. Lots of cuttings and great vistas to see. The Lauder Hotel is owned by a female gay couple in their late fifties. They were very hospitable and I enjoyed staying there.
Fri 11 Jan - Lauder to Galloway - 7 hours - 30 km - feet very sore. Today is the hottest day - 32 degrees. Made fantastic progress to Omakau doing the first 3kms in 31 minutes. Feet are feeling good but as the day heats up they become painful. Had a beer and hot chips at Chatto Creek. At Galloway met by Werner van Harselaar, By Board of Trustees Cahirman. They were holidaying at a house owned by Kate's (Werner's wife) sister and husband. Went to the Shakey Creek for the family to swim while I soaked my feet. Had dinner at a nearby cafe. Once back in the house Kate (a doctor) bled my blisters.
Sat 12 Jan - Galloway to Clyde - 4 hours - last 15 kms. It was a cool day to walk the last section. Uneventful trip. Pretty boring with long straights to walk. Denise and friends met me at the Clyde Railhead.
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