6 Sep 2008

Day Twenty - Levin to Waikanae

Big thanks from the start for my man Selwyn Bain, my massage therapist. The body continues to feel great but the feet are a bit of a concern as I continue to get blisters on my toes.

The start at Shell Levin was a bit brisk this morning but the morning was helped along by the girls from the Levin joggers and walkers club. Great group of ladies and although their ailments ranged from a hip replacement and knees (and in fact the girls said that they are thinking of dropping the jogging from their name) they stuck it out for a good 4 km’s.

Anita Smith from Shell joined us and as much as crediting an Aussie with being a good sort, she was a champion for us today! I was alarmed at the rate that my team was dropping off during the walk. We normally have two people walking with me with one carrying the two way radio, but shin soreness was the demon for everyone today. If we had not have had Anita with us we would have been in serious trouble. I am giving the entire group a big portion of “toughen up” tonight and I know they will bounce back tomorrow as they always do!!

Nathan Guy, National MP, stopped off to wish us well, and we all thought that his white HQ Holden emblazoned with the Nat party logo and his name, was an absolute ripper.

There was a lot of traffic today. As we get closer to Wellington this will increase and our safety will be even more important. The police were again brilliant.
The finish line was the Waikane Hotel and this was also the sight of the best blister seen on the walk to date! This non enviable accolade goes to Anita from Shell and it really did look like she had grown another head on the side of her foot. Selwyn took to it with glee and sorted it for her and I think she may well be a bit sore tomorrow.

Sausage’s and mash are on the agenda for dinner and then only two more days for us to be in the North Island before we head to Picton on Tuesday. It’s amazing how quickly the time has gone...

CC

 

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