25 Aug 2008
Day Eight - Atiamuri Village to Taupo
We woke up to a clear crisp Taupo day this morning…the sun was shining and we had the t-shirts out for the morning start. Today marked the fifteenth anniversary of my sister Louise (and two other young girls’) passing at a level crossing in Rolleston. In honour of the girls we had a minute silence prior to departing for this morning’s start point.
The terrain was extremely steep today which tested our legs, but the crew powered through it and took turns keeping me company. Our crew leader Patrick was a little under the weather (he is Australian so I prescribed a glass of tough-en-up and he is on the mend!) however we were one crew member down….so as any good team would do the remaining guys pulled together and the job got done.
We had the pleasure of walking with the honourable Mayor of Taupo, Mr. Rick Cooper who also invited us over to his local Hyundai dealership to show the group a few of his little beauties (i.e. a brand new Shelby Mustang and his prized Harley Davidson!).
We are back to the motel tonight for a big spag bol and round of poker or two….the team are talking about bungy jumping after tomorrow’s walk so it may make for an interesting day!
Cheers,
CC
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