Our first day in the North Island we lucked out by finding some woods to camp. Our second night hiking in the North Island was a complete failure. After a long day of road walking we came across Queen Elizabeth Park. From June of 1942 to November of 1943 20,000 US Marines trained here to prepare for fighting in the Pacific during WWII. It was then turned into a park. Shadow and I thought that if 20,000 troops could camp here, 2 more Americans couldn't hurt. We sat at the picnic area like a stakeout then decided to make our move to the North side of the park. Once there we found no more picnic areas or flat spots, only sand dunes. Just outside the park and just before town was a spot on the beach with remnants of a campfire. This was our last option. I convinced Shadow not to put the tent up till closer to dark. We sat on a log watching the waves and watching people pass with their dogs. A gentleman with his dog approached us. It turned out to be the husband of a couple we spoke to earlier in the day. We chatted while we ate a snack. He lingered...and lingered. Shadow asked him about camping on the beach and be said that we couldn't. He told us about a hostel 3 miles up the beach, but neither of us wanted to go. He continued linger until I caved and started packing my stuff up. With a code eye movement to Shadow, he did the same. We thanked the gentleman for the information and began walking again. He caught up with us and offered to take us. We must have looked desperate. We hadn't planned to spend money at another hostel for a while but we were urban living losers.
We said our goodbyes and walked in. Luckily they had not only a room, but was a pot luck for dinner. We scraped up some salami, cheese, and crackers for our share and a feast was served. The owners family, neighbors, and guest gathered outside. What a treat! Good conversation and food with the official New Zealand dessert to top it off, Paplova.
We had heard that the North Island part of the trail was for the people and the South Island was for the landscape. So far that saying is spot on. Every time we sit to take a break or eat we are approached by someone that is curious about what we are doing and where we are going. April 2nd-
Today we were walking on the local greenway when a guy riding a bike past us, stopped, and started to chat. The second we pull out a map or look confused and there is someone around they will stop what they are doing to help. I love the conversations we have and hope welcoming the citizens are. Before heading out this morning the couple that owned the hostel gave us big hugs and wished us well.
Country Mouse and Shadow
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