Te Araroa. Day 64-Whanganui Top 10 Holiday Park to Whanganui Kaitiaki home

[@robfirmin8388]

Ngā mihi kia koe ngā hoa mā Kurt raua ko Richie. Gee, we scrubbed up rather well. Again, thank you Kurt for allowing us to speak to your questions, and maybe provide a voice for hosts to speak to TAs. Our response by no means is reflective of all hosts, but I know it will stand for many. Let it long be an ongoing privilege for hosts to continue to meet and experience wonderful spirit that is each and every TA. Having said that, I also acknowledge that with every season there comes 'a bad apple' ... this season has been no exception, and on all accounts we have dodged a bullet or two (as attested by other TAs) ... but not enough to deter us from continuing to be kaitiaki, and offer kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga, and awhinatanga. We are the richer hosting such wonderful people as yourselves. Truly a blessing and an honour. Kia ora 🫂

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

I’ve been looking forward to this episode coming online. What you two had to say is so important for the TA community to hear. Thank you for being willing to share your thoughts!

[@granttool7617]

The TA?? Just TA, otherwise you are missing his point.. (Americanisms) The The Long Pathway is what you are saying every time you say the TA.. Should just be saying important for TA or even better, important for Te Araroa, because TA is also very much an americanisms

[@mikemurtha1333]

Rob and George are amazing guys, I’ve seen them in plenty of videos. I hope I get to meet them next year when I do my TA walk.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

you won't regret it at all. But make sure you reach out to them and get to know them well before you arrive. They do add a lot to your knowledge way before you ever get to meet them in person.

[@GeorgeBeck100]

Loving the new Hat, really suits you. Rob & George are legends. One word for people doing the TA towards their hosts "Respect".

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks for the compliment. I genuinely felt privileged to be able to stay with them. Respect is certainly the word

[@JanisTilyard]

Wonderful korero with the kaitiaki. Thank you.

[@kerrywilliams8100]

Definitely the best video you have done so far. Lovely to hear the thoughts of this wonderful couple. Hope to meet them when I do my own TA next year. 👍

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

They are superstars of Te Araroa!

[@jefaug5320]

good to see you off the river, and getting to meet up with some special friends. Cool new hat as well! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas with the family - congrats on the new addition. Praying for you all

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much for that. Merry Christmas to you all as well

[@CindyDurber]

This is a very interesting video. Love the hat and have a super super Xmas to you both.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks and same to you!

[@Upsidedownorangejuice]

Cool hearing from the people who provide support to the trail. Nice hat!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

I really enjoyed hearing what they had to say

[@UrbanKiwiana]

I really really enjoyed that sit down and chat with Rob and George what beautiful souls, It really eye opening not only watching your journey but hearing from the host's here.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Two fantastic gentlemen!

[@UrbanKiwiana]

@@freedom_on_the_trail +They most definitely seem as such, they look like they'd be most interesting to have a yarn with .

[@roadyx1957]

Great hat mate!!!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks!

[@honeybee592]

Great to hear from George and Rob! I've seen them talk a couple of times. They're wonderful people ❤

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Couldn’t agree more

[@MckayGeoff]

Back on the 'horse' again, so to speak! Nice hat and a great interview!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks. I really enjoyed talking with Rob and George.

[@paulinemcalpine7503]

Great explanation of kaitiaki, we should adopt that version, not Trail Angel.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

I agree. My experience so far has been that most “trail angels” fit the definition of “kaitiaki” better.

[@OddManAndTheSeaUK]

Solid ground! Is your Kuiu top Peloton 97? I don't remember it from the load out video. I rooting for ya. I want to do TA at some point and I'm similar age as you and carrying a bit of timber. You've leaned out nicely!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

It is the Peloton 97. A solid mid level. I have a non-hooded version too that worked really well to keep me warm on a very cold trip in the Kawekas. As of day 70, I have lost 14kgs! That's the weight of my backpack when filled with a 5-day food carry!!!

[@OddManAndTheSeaUK]

@@freedom_on_the_trail Nice one. Nothing improves your endurance more than losing fat! You look so different from your videos a year ago.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

@@OddManAndTheSeaUK I feel so much better too!

[@bobbyb124]

Nice hat! The Stetson might have been a bit ambitious.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

😂😂😂

[@veronanicholson5951]

Noice Hat!

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks!