My Old "Haunts"

It was my pleasure to lead the walking group from Moana Pool today as Kieran our leader was not avaiable. I decided to do a practice walk on Wednesday morning with Danny just to be certain I knew where I wanted to walk. The practice walk took 90 minutes and was just over 8kms. The course took in a lot of my "haunts" from when I was a youngster.

13 members headed off at 1:05pm. We went along Arthur Street and then turned right up Russell Street. Where Russell Street meets York Place we enter a pathway through the bush until we hit Queens Drive. We turned right until we reach Braid Road. We turned left to walk up a path beside Bellknowes Golf Course. Once we reach Ross Street we cross over to a narrow lane that comes out at Scarba Street. We head up City Road until we turn left onto Charlotte Street.We cross the road into Hereford Street which is downhill and included steps. We reach Kaikorai Valley Road and then walk past Cableways Tavern onto Taieri Road. It was then up Taieri Rd, along Helensburgh Rd. At Maori Hill we go down Drivers Rd and onto Queens Drive back to Moana Pool.

It was a lovely warm day and it took 1hr 40 mins but this included a lot of stops.

The course was:

Summer Season Begins Earlier

Our fortnightly summer walks are due to start on 30 October but Katherine organised for interested walkers to meet in North East Valley. I had no idea what to expect. Katherine arranged for a couple to escort us up a rising Watts Road until we came to a farm. We followed a surveyed road over the farm land until we reached the road. We followed the road a short distance to a t-intersection at Campbell's Road. Two of the walkers opted to turn left heading into Pinehill for a quicker 4km walk in total.

The remainder turned right and walked up Campbells Road and walked until we came to a gate that we had to climb. We had an interesting walk along the farmland track climbing over fallen trees and through a swamp. We then had to go down a marked track until we reached the track that heads down to Bethunes Gully.

It was a lovely day for the remainder of our walk back to our cars. Distance 7kms. Time 2 hours

End of 2010 Walking Season

9 October was the closing day for the Caversham Harrier's Club meeting at 3pm. The walking group did a similar walk to the previous week except we went along Riselaw Road and back down Waimea Street.We merged onto Sidey Street, then Cole Street until we reached Caversham. We strolled through the Caversham suburb and along David Street onto Forbury Road. We climbed the steps up to Francis Hodgkins Retirement Village. From here it was a quick walk along Easther Crescent onto Middleton Road, back to the clubrooms.


We got back at 4.15pm and waited around for a club barbeque just after 5pm. An hour later was the prize giving ceremony and I was fortunate to win the Walkers Aggregate Cup over three events - 1500m (2nd), 5km handicap (3rd), Brighton- Green Island 9.6km (10th). A pleasant surprise was to be given a $150 voucher for running shoes as well.

Marathon Walk

23 September

I reached Marathonas at 6.45am by bus from Athens. It was too dark to read my map so I backtracked the route the bus did until I reached south of Marathonas. I started the walk at 7.20am averaging 5km per hour for the first half marathon.

I had to detour from the Marathonas Avenue to walk around the "Tomb of the Marathon Warrior" which was the 5km mark. At 10km it was through Nea Makri and at 15km I hit the first hill near the Rafina Junction. There were a number of hill climbs, some quite long.

When I reached half way at Pikermi I stopped at Baronburger for an orange and water. I was feeling great, fitness wise but my feet were beginning to become sore especially the heel of my left foot.

It was quite a boring course with few interestung features. There were an abundant number of car sales. I decided to drink lots of water because I did not want to become dehydrated or suffer heat stroke. I was walking by myself although there were lots of people around once I reached halfway. I had to be innovative in finding appropriate toilet stops.

My first challenge came at 30kms when the two laned highway became four lanes. The two inside lanes went to Athens while the two outside lanes beside the footpath I was walking on detoured to the left onto a major highway "642". I had to cross the busy road onto the Athens lanes and then walk along a concrete lip about a metre wide. I was not sure if I was breaking the law or not. It was a relief to see the street sign Mesogeoin Avenue. As I neared Athens I had to do a similar thing again.

At the 30km mark my feet were very sore and I lacked enthusiasm to take photos or stop. All I wanted to do was finish. I should point out the temperature was the coolest we had struck over our three week stay in Greece. It was around 23 degrees and it became hotter once in the main part of Athens (27 degrees).

As I walked through the suburbs of Chalandri and Chalargos the intensity of the traffic was noticeable. At the 39- 40km mark Mesogeoin become Vas. Sofia Ave. After 41.5km you turn into Irodou Attikou which is a narrow street behind the Greek Parliament and where the Greek President resides. The street was blocked off to traffic and there was a high police and military presence. This may be due to recent civil unrest regarding the new austerity measures put in place by the government.

At the bottom of this street Denise was waiting for me. We walked together through the Panathenaic Stadium and on the track to the end. It was a great feeling to have completed my first marathon and in particular the original marathon course. I finished the walk at 5.10pm

Fairfield

Today the walking group met at the clubrooms and carpooled to Fairfield where we met outside "Fulton Hogan" on the Old Main Road. I am not sure how many walkers set off in the fast group but I suspect close to 30 members.

We turned into Flower Street and a fast pace was set as we climbed a hill until we reached a farm property. We climbed over a stye and continued walking uphill on the farm property. We climbed another stye and entered Chain Hill Road. When we came to a T-intersection we turned left onto the unsealed section of Chain Hill Road. We walked until we came to a dead end and walked back over the unsealed road. When we came to the T-intersection we walked on the sealed part of Chain Hill Road. Parts of this road were hilly. Some of the faster walkers set a cracking pace of which I was not part.

When we came to the Old Main Road we followed it until we hit the south of Fairfield. We ended the last section through Fairfield to our cars.

The 9km walk took 1:40 hrs. It was a great course and one I had not done previously.

Clyde to Alex Walk, Second Year

Each year the Caversham Harrier's Club hire a bus and travel to Clyde for this annual event. The club also pays the entry fee for all those that participated.

We all met at the Otago Road Services Bus Depot in Green Island at 9am. I think there were around 36 on the bus with 50% of them being walkers.

The race starts on the Clyde Dam at 1pm and heads down the by-pass road through the historic township of Clyde, past the hospital, along Muttonbird Road to the main highway until reaching the outskirts of Alexandra.

I got away to a good start being in the first group off the dam. By the time I got into Clyde I was in the first 10 but as is usual I was passed by 4 walkers to finish in 14th place. Caversham had its own walking race within the main race and so I was the 4th Caversham walker home. The three club walkers ahead of me were Tom, Gordon and Colin. My friend Danny was fourth home.

My time was 1:13:01 which compares to 1:12:18 last year. My goal is to break the 1:12:00 mark.

The prize giving at the end of the last race dragged on and we left the stadium at 5:15pm with the bus heading to Shingle Creek Hotel for a lovely buffet meal. We left the hotel at 7.30pm sharp and arrived back at 10pm.

A great day of club fellowship.

Mt Cargill for 2nd day in road

I left home at 7:05am to walk the Mt Cargill loop, the reverse route from yesterday. It was much cooler with a tail wind into town. Logan Park was drier as the sodden ground was firmer to walk on. It was an icy breeze through North East Valley.

The head wind up Mt Cargill Road was strong and almost icy. It was head down and I looked forward to reaching the turn-off into Upper Junction Road. Once out of the wind it was an easy descent to Roseneath. The last section along SH 88 (Port Road) had a tail wind.

I managed the walk 15 minutes faster than yesterday in 3:45 hrs.

Marathon Walk Preparation

In less than 3 weeks, Denise and I head to Greece and the Greek Islands for a holiday. While in Athens it is my intention to walk the original marathon course from Marathon to Athens which is over 42kms. I have decided to step up my daily walking kms to prepare for this special walk.

This morning just before 7am I did the Mt Cargill loop of 2okms. I left in the dark with mild weather. The pleasant temperature continued until I reached the top of Upper Junction Road and a cool breeze could be felt. The Mt Cargill transmitter could be seen poking through some low mist. As I descended the Mt Cargill Road I could feel a change in the air to a frosty feel. However when I crossed the road at the Normanby Hotel the welcome sun felt good on my back. There was a heavy dew (or rain) on the grass at Logan Park but I enjoyed looking at the second of two trusses just put in place at the new stadium.

For some reason I kept getting annoying little stones in my shoes and had to stop 3 times to rid the discomfort. When I hit Ravensbourne the sun disappeared and it was very overcast with inclement weather threatening.

I got back home exactly 4 hours from when I started. I was trialling a new pair of trainers and had no blisters or tired feet.

If inspired in the morning I may do the route in reverse.

Leading the Walking Group

As our walking club leader Kieran was at a wedding I was asked to lead the fast walking pack and to come up with a course.

I clicked on to www.mapmyrun.com and worked out a 9km course (In fact the site said 8.83km). It involved walking along the following streets - Isadore, Aberdeen, Ravenwood, Cliffs, St Clair Esplanade, Kettle Park, Prince Albert, Bayview, Kircaldy, Macandrew, Easther and Middleton.

On Thursday my friend Danny and I walked the course to see long it took and it was 1:40 hours. I reasoned the walking group would take a shorter time.

Around 20 walkers headed off from the clubrooms at 2:05pm in conditions ideal for walking. It was interesting that two club members asked me to keep the pace up as they felt it was cool for walking.

We did keep up a steady pace. The only area of contention was when we reached the steps at the top of Macandrew Road. Some members wanted to go up the steps as they felt it would be quicker and afternoom tea was being served at 3:20pm. As it worked out the Easther Crescent option was just as quick as we all reached the clubrooms just after 3:30pm, in time for afternoon tea. Time taken was 1:30 hours

When Kieran organised our walks they just happen and I do not think we give due recognition to him for the work he does.

A Wet Winter's Day

The club met at the clubrooms for its weekly walk/run yesterday afternoon. The problem was the weather. It just poured and it was very cold. As a result there were less than 20 participants with only 9 walkers.

We headed down Corstorphine Road onto Playfair Street and then into Thorn Street. From here it was along David Street, along Forbury Road until we hit Jacob's Ladder off Valpy Street. Once at the top of the steps we walked up Aberdeen Street into Isadore Street and back to the clubrooms.

The 4.8km walk took just under an hour. I was soaked so I took off home immediately for a shower.

Hamilton's Diggings

Saturday 24 July

This morning I left Dunedin at 9am by car to travel to Middlemarch to spend most of the weelend with my mate Noel Matthews. Noel had rung earlier to report that I would encounter ice on the road probably past Lee Stream. I was not in a hurry and enjoyed a leisurely drive. I met an extremely slow SUV so had to overtake as the driver was irritatingly slow. However I reached Noel's B&B before 10:15am. His family were in Australia so we were going to enjoy a Boy's weekend.

Noel drove us in his Hi-ace to Daisy Bank about a 45 minute drive north of Middlemarch which is past Hyde. Our plan was to walk to the top end of the Rock and Pillar Range followed by undulations to Hamilton's Diggings and Cemetery - a distance of 20kms return.

The air still had an icy feel and as we walked up the farmland hill I could feel a chilly breeze on my face. My initial thought was how was I going to cope in this cold weather. We had lots of layers and spare clothing in our backpacks. My finger tips were cold even though I had gloves.

We walked casually up the hill with the sun making an appearance. Once we hit the summit the warm sun made it a lovely stroll along a plateau until we came to two buildings on our left. From here it was a slippery walk down to the diggings and another short walk to the cemetery. It took 2:45 hrs to reach the cemetery from the start of our walk. The weather was perfect while we had a 30 min lunch.

The distant hills of the Maniototo Valley had a deep white snow and provided a magnificent back drop for our rest. We looked at all the gravestones in the restored cemetery. Gold was first discovered here in 1863 and had over 40 stores and 25 liquor outlets in its heyday. There was a James Howell tombstone which is my mother's maiden name. I was also surprised at the age of the people when they died. Many were late seventies and early eighties. I would have thought that because of the tough lifestyle that people would have died earlier.

We walked back at a faster pace and managed the slippery initial hill easily. We reached Noel's van in 2:15hrs and we both felt pretty good. Noel had a bit of dis comfort from a toenail that needed cutting. My soles felt they had been on a 20km walk.

For tea we walked to the Middlemarch pub for a few jugs and tea. It was home in time to watch the Australia v South Africa Tri-Series rugby game. A few more beers and a port saw the night out nicely at midnight.

Sunday 25 July

I was keen to walk the first leg of the Rail Trail from Middlemarch to Ngapuna. The start of the Rail Trail is 1.5km from Noel's home. It was a cold frosty morning with lots of fog. We started out at 9.15am and before we reached Ngapuna the fog had lifted and the sun was very warm causing us to unlayer our clothes. It was a gentle 6km stroll each way. We got back to Noel's B&B at 11:45am. Had a bite and then it was a lovely drive back to Dunedin in the warm sun.

A wonderful, satisying and physical weekend. Thanks Noel

Brighton - Green Island Walking Event

Saturday 17 July

Each year Caversham members compete in a running and walking races from the Brighton Domain to an area opposite the landfill. Once every five years the event is open to members from other clubs. 2010 was the time for the open event.

The walking race was a sealed handicap when the competitors all start at the same time and your handicap is not known. Once the race is over, your time is adjusted taking the handicap into account.

It was a cool day with a slight head wind. 30 walkers started with 7 from outside the Caversham club. At the end of the race the 2nd and 3rd place getters were dis qualified for running. I managed 3rd place and 10th when the sealed handicap was applied. My time was 1:12:29 (1:10:17 last year)

200 Consecutive Days of Walking

Today signifies 200 consecutive days of walking without missing a day which started on 23 December last year. In that time I completed 1474 kms or 7.37 kms per day. My grand daughter, Daneka accompanied me to Blanket Bay and back.

Organ Pipes and Mount Cargill again

Today Noel and I met at the Normanby Hotel at 10.30am. We walked to just past the summit to the entrance to the Organ Pipes walk a distance of around 5km. It was a steep climb to where the boulders and rocks make up the Organ Pipes. From here we did the final trek up to the Mt Cargill transmitter.

It was a very cold at the top with low lying mist so could not see the harbour which is normally a great view. We made good time walking down the track to Bethune's Gully

We reached our cars at 2.20pm and headed to the "Mannequin" for a beer and Nachos.

Walking and Carisbrook

Yesterday saw the final test at Carisbrook between New Zealand and Wales. There was a tremendous build-up and anticipation. My day started when I walked from Ravensbourne to the new stadium along the cycleway. I met Craig and we attended the open day to see progress on the building of the new stadium. We were told it is around 30% complete. After the walk around the new stadium I walked back to my car. Distance 4km.

The club walk started from the clubrooms with the Ariki Club as our guests. All the walkers left together and we walked down Corstorphine Rd, Sidey St and Cole St to Barnes Drive. We walked along the track beside the motorway until we came close to Carisbrook. We walked down to Neville St and looked through the gates. From here we split into two packs - a fast and slower pack. I was asked to lead the fast pack along Burns St, Hillside Rd, Forbury Rd, up Jacobs Ladder and then into Aberdeen St before reaching the clubrooms. Distance 7km.

I had to park in Melbourne Street and walk to Carisbrook. Distance 2km return. The game was brilliant with the All Blacks winning 42-9. There was a ceremonial digging up of some turf by past All Black Jeff Wilson and the soil was picked up by helicopter which landed on the ground.

Pineapple Track Again

It was a perfect day, weather wise to walk up the Pineapple Track to Flagstaff. As it was a testing walk, only fitter walkers were encouraged to participate. An alternative walk for slower walkers was arranged through Ross Creek.

15 of us met at the Wakari Union Church carpark at 1pm. We headed down Helensburgh Road and then onto Wakari Road. This took us to the start of the Pineapple Track and took 30 mins.

The walk to the Swampy Track took another 45 mins.
The walk to Flagstaff Summit toook a further 20 mins (45 mins stated on sign).

The walk back to the Union Church took an additional 1 hr 10 mins.

The 15km walk took 2hrs 45 mins. It was cooler between the Swampy Track turnoff and the summit. Once on the flat it was noticeably warmer.

The picture included with this post was taken by a person who was with his family. He took it with his cellphone and emailed to Kieran our group leader.

Mt Cargill Summit - 4th attempt

Over the past two years I have tried on four occasions to reach the Mt Cargill Summit via Bethines Gully. For a variety of reasons I have had to turn back. It is an eight kilometre return walk climbing to around 630 metres. The various websites state the walk will take 3-4 hrs.

My friend Danny Knudson and I did the return trip in 2hrs 30 mins. It was a frosty day when we started from the Bethunes Gully carpark at 9.45am but the sun was out and conditions were perfect for walking.

We followed the Lindsay Creek and later crossed a bridge over it. We walked through a pine plantation and then a native bush area. We ascended to a gully with a small waterfall. We then came to a small loop track with a view of Mt Cargill. We continued to follow the uphill track to Mt Cargill. Our track meets another track that goes to the Organ Pipes. We met the AH Reed track to the summit. We paused to look at a plane table.

The views of Dunedin were striking.

Another Milestone

Since starrting my campaign to walk at least 5kms every day. I have managed to walk the last 160 days without missing a day. This beats the record set when I did the first 150 days without missing a day when starting this journey at the start of 2006.

So far I have completed 1099 kms in 2010.

41 hours in Cromwell

Denise was required to work in Cromwell for her company. They were holding a seminar for nurses from Medical Centres throughout Central Otago. My job was to look after registrations and set up her "Powerpoint" presentation. I also stayed around in case I needed to troubleshoot (which I had to on 3 occasions). Once that was finished I did walks on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday

I had not been to Cromwell's Old Town for a long time. It was only two kilometres away but I had to walk there in the rain. Although there was low cloud cover it was great looking at the Kawarau River. The Old Town was well preserved but there was no one around even though two businesses were open. Distance walked 5km

Sunday

I left our accommodation at the "Golden Gate Lodge" and walked through the Mall onto Waenga Drive. I followed this curved road around to Gair Avenue, then into McNulty Road and ended up on Barry Avenue. I walked along Barry Avenue past the Golden Gate Lodge till I reached, Highway 8B. I turned left until I reached the interseection at the Wanaka - Queenstown highway. From there I walked back to the hotel. Distance 6 km

Green Island Bush and Blackhead Roads Walk

The Caversham Harrier Club Walking Group met at the clubrooms and started on our walk at 2:05pm. There was a great turnout and two packs started out. The slower pack did a walk on the flat. Our group of 25 headed down Blackhead Road and turned right into GreenIsland Bush Road. We turned left at the bottom of the hill into Blackhead Road. A great pace was set from the start. Once we did the ascent Idecided to really go for it. Kieran our pack lead set a tough pace and when we got to the Tunnel Beach turnoff he decided to wait for the rest to catch up.

Our club has a number of newer walkers who are fit and fast and they will set the standard for the rest of us. People like Nicki, Tom and Donna. A club identity Dave who rarely walks was the first home with Nicki and Tom. I was the 4th walker home.

I get pissed off when people behind you decide to run part of the way to catch up with the front walkers.

I did the 10-11kms (estimated) in 1hr 40 mins.

Bethune's Gully

I have walked up the Bethune's Gully Track three times including today and have not reached the summit for a variety of reasons. Today Danny and I left Chingford Park at 10am and we decided to walk for an hour and return as I had a commitment at Sawyer's Bay School at 12.30pm. I am not sure how far we were from the top when we had to turn around.

It was a cool, misty day but great for walking.

Vice Presidents' Walking Race

Today the club's annual 5km handicapped race was held at Forbury Park where we do five loops of the track. 28 walkers participated and I was given a handicap of 6:30 minutes. Three other walkers had longer handicaps. I was very pleased to come in 3rd although two walkers with the same handicap as me were only 4-5 seconds behind.

Portobello

Saturday 24 April

The Caversham Harriers and Walkers met outside the Woolworths carpark at 1pm to carpool to the Portobello Domain. The walkers split into two groups - Fast Pack (20 walkers) and Slow Pack (4 walkers). The Fast Pack left at 1.50pm and walked along Allan's Beach Road to Hooper's Inlet. We folllowed this road and crossed a bridge. We ten turned left up Cape Saunders Road which led to the Papanui Inlet Road. To complete the loop to the bridge we walked along Sheppard Road. On the last hill climb, one of the club's faster walkers, Gordon Cameron was keen to do a fast walk back. We did the estimated 10km in 1hr 40 mins

Pedometer Trial

This afternoon I walked to the walkway between Maia and Ravensbourne. There is a 1km stretch that you can time or measure yourself against. To walk 1km takes 1279 steps or one of my walking steps is 0.78km. I did the stretch both ways and there was only one step difference so I feel confident with the accuracy. I can set this into my pedometer and it will calculate my distance in kilometres.

Flagstaff

Yesterday Danny and I climbed to the Flagstaff summit from the Booth Street end. When we reached the top we walked down to the Bullring. Once there we went around the track that comes back to the track heading to the summit. We reached our starting point 2hrs 45 minutes after beginning our walk. I used a pedometer that was given to me. I did 16,857 steps which equates to 13.99 km based on 1200 steps to a kilometre. I am not sure if I have the steps/km right so will test again later today.

A Weekend of Walking

Saturday 17 April

Caversham Harrier's Club Walking Group

The club met at the Caledonian at 11.30am so the walkers could compete in the first leg of the "Walkers' Cup". We had to walk in a 1500m race and your time reflects the handicaps for the remaining legs. 18 walkers competed and I managed 2nd for the entire race. I was a minute behind the winner Colin Dick in a time of 10:02 minutes which was 3 seconds slower than my time last year. In that year I was also the bidesmaid.

As soon as we finished the race we then did a 7o minute jaunt through the Northern Cemetery, Knox College and the Gardens.

Sunday 18 April

The Leith Valley Club held their inaugural "The Three Peaks" walk of 12kms. I like doing different walks and so looked forward to the challenge of this one. A good number turned up and the day was brilliant. We left Chingford Park and headed up Bethune's Gully. We were met by a marshal who directed us off the main track to another track. At this stage I was in 5th place and felt great. The woman behind me felt we had been directed along the wrong track. Sure enough about 5 minutes down the track the front walkers were coming back. The gate was locked. As we headed back to the main track we kept meeting walkers who turned back in front of us. It was a slow grind to pass them.

We were directed to the correct turn off through a steep bush area. The track was not clear as there were a number of different markers. Once out of the bush we met a cow which intimidated some of the women. I came to a clearing with two gates and worked out the markings to take the correct entrance. The track was undulating, muddy and steep. We had to scale a half dozen gates on the way down. At one point we came to a standstill as the gate was not marked so we reasoned this had to be the only way. Once at the bottom at Dryden Street I was surprised we were virtually home.

My time was 1:17:54 and I feel this was not a 12km course. I suspect it would be nearer 10kms

A great course but more marshalls needed.

King of the Mountain

I have always wanted to do this walk but other commitments in the two previous years has deterred this. It was a brilliant day weather wise when 13 walkers started the 15km walk starting from Whare Flat. We walked on the flat for 2km and then did a slog up a 5km hill (to the start of the Flagstaff walk near the bullring). From here it was a 6km downhill walk followed by a 2km flat stretch to the finish.

I found it to be a tough course especially the uphill climb. I managed to complete the walk in 2:10:00 and was the 11th person home. At the end I had no blisters but felt a bit sore.

Easter Walking

Thursday 1 April

A sextet of friends descended on Ian Hollebon's crib in Arrowtown for the long Easter weekend after driving up from Dunedin. We all arrived prior to 7pm and went to the New Orleans Hotel for a superb Bistro meal. The gang included Ian, John and Janice, Shirley, Denise and myself.

Friday 2 April

I decided to walk from Ian's crib to State Highway 6 leaving in the dark at 7.45am. The 10km return trip took just under two hours. I enjoyed walking towards the Remarkables mountain range. The weather was cool and overcast with the sun reluctant to come out. As it was an early start, Arrowtown and the road seemed dead. When I got back the girls were having a champagne breakfast. I certainly enjoyed the croissants.


Saturday 3 April

Millennium Track: I met Kieran, a friend from the Caversham Harrier's walking group at 7.45am. We did the 4-5km loop around the Millennium Track and then ascended Tobins Track. Once at the top I took a few photos, soke to some ex-parents from Anderson's Bay School we then walked to the bottom of the track. We did another loop of the Millennium Track. Kieran set a blistering pace which I struggled to keep up. We did the 11km in just under 2 hours. I came back to the crib drenched in sweat.

Lake Hayes Loop: This afternoon I was dropped of at Lake Hayes to walk the loop. The weather was ominous but I got around without getting wet. The sign said the loop would take 2-3 hours and I managed it in 1 hr 40 mins. If I did not do the fast paced morning walk or stop to take photos I could have achieved it in 90 minutes. It was a great flat walk. The loop looked longer than what it really was.

Sunday 4 April: As it rained heavily overnight, Kieran and I abandoned the idea of doing the same walk as yesterday. Instead we headed down Centennial Avenue towards SH 6. We turned right onto McDonnell Road and walked past "The Hills" golf course entrance. We reached the Lake Hayes Road intersection. We continued along the road that Millbrook is on and took the first right on a back road that comes into Arrowtown via the Arrow River. We wandered through Butel Park a new subdivision on the way. We also walked through the Chinese Village. The walk took 90 minutes and I estimated we walked 9 kms.

2010 Caversham Harrier Club Opening Day

After a wet morning, the sun came out for the opening day of the walking season. We left the clubrooms at 2.10pm and walked for around 45 minutes down Emerson Street to Concord and back up Stevenson and Corstorphine Roads. I counted 33 walkers for the first walk of the season. As per normal we had a great afternoon tea.

City2Surf 2010

My sister Lyn and I walked in the City2Surf event yesterday morning. We commuted by bus arriving in the Square 30 minutes before the walk started. We managed to get close to the start, unlike last year when it took ages to feel the open space. It was a cool overcast day which were perfect conditions.
The Mayoress of Christchurch started the race off. We did the first three kilometres at a rate of just under 9mins/km which was great. We reached halfway (6kms) at Porritt Park in 55 minutes but had to slow down for the 6km walkers who were starting. We continued the steady pace finishing in 1:53:24 which is terrific for Lyn who did no training. She had one blister and was stiff at the end.
15000 participants took part in this annual event.

Rotary Park in blustery conditions

Yesterday the Caversham Harriers Walker's group (all 5 of us) met at the Woolworths carpark at 1pm with a strong south westerly wind blowing. We headed along Portobello Road until we headed up Doon Street. We climbed the hill and turned right into Connell Street. Near the end of the street we came to a track that took us to Rotary Park.

It was a head wind down Highcliff Road and Every Street. We walked across Bayfield Park and stopped at the Rongo memorial for Maori prisoners. It was a short walk back along Portobello Road to the carpark where we started.

The 9km walk took aroung 1:45 hrs.

Karetai Challenge 2010

This is the 3rd consecutive year that I have participated in the Karetai Challlenge. It was a 9am start from the Shiel Hill Tavern. I was very pleased with my time of 25 minutes to the Centre Road turn off. It was a downhill walk to Tomahawk and then a left turn to the Tautuku Fishing Lodge. The Karetai Track was dry and had all the ruts filled in. I was pleased with my ascent to the gravel road. From here I seemed to slow down. I had no blisters to worry about. The walk back along Highcliff Road was slow for me with a number of walkers passing. However I finished in 2:15:00 which is my second best time.

Peninsula Summer Walk

Nine members from the Caversham Harriers walking group drove to Company Bay. The weather was very hot with a slight breeze. We walked up McTaggart Street and then across some private farm land. The track merged into Camp Road and then it was up past the entrance to Larnach's Castle. We then reached Castlewood Road and it was all downhill. The 7km took just on 90 minutes.

Chisholm Park Golf Course

Last Thursday (24 Feb) my mate Geoff Lee (on his bike) and I went along the track through the Chisholm Park Golf Course. I had never walked on this track before. It winds alongside the various greens and behind the Crematorium. We then arrived at the start of Tomahawk. We went onto the Tomahawk Lagoon and went to the start of the track that goes up to the Old Soldier's Monument. We then went back to Geoff's house via the same route. It took 1:20hrs and I emtimate between 6-7kms. I particularly enjoyed the views of the sea

Papatowai Walk 2010

Yesterday I competed in my second Papatowai Walk in the Catlins. Four of us met at the Mosgiel New World carpark at 9am and we did the two hour drive to the walk. We stopped at Owaka for a stretch and to have a quick bite to eat.
Once at Papatowai we registered. Keiran Columb and I did a 2km walk to the township so I would prevent shin splints.
The recreational race started 15 mins late as there were a large number of late registrations. The weather was beautiful. I enjoyed this race two years ago for its diversity of terrain and scenery.
I managed to get away to a great start and was up with the leaders until we reached the bush. I was keen to get in the front bunch as it is single file along the bush track. When at the beach the gap widened between myself and the lead bunch. It was difficult finding solid footing initially on the beach. I felt I was making great progress along the sand.
We came to a goat track up a hill and once again I made great progress. When we hit the gravel road up a hill the blisters started to kick in. However few people passed me. While at the summit I hit the wall and the blisters deteriorated. However I stuck in there and got back in a PB (by 5 mins) of 2:09:26. The weather was ideal with a strong tail wind along the beach.
At the finish I could not believe the number of people I knew who had an involvement in education i.e. teachers, principal, ex-parents and pupils.
We left just after 3pm getting home at 5.30pm

NB The image was printed in the Star Community Newspaper, 26 Feb, 2010

3rd Completed Calendar Year of` Walking

The total kilometres are as follows:

2006 - 155kms
2007 - 2013kms
2008 - 2449kms
2009 - 2480kms

The missed days are as folllows:

2006 - 0
2007 - 49
2008 - 55
2009 - 27

2009 was a great year for walking. As I finished work mid year I was able to walk through the days. I did not do as many streets of Dunedin as I would have liked but am ticking a number of streets off. Highlights included competing in the Caversham Club walks and doing the Christchurch half marathon in a Personal Best time.