Te Araroa. Q&A #9

[@veronanicholson5951]

Thanks so much Kurt and Ritchie...I will miss your updates! A bit like coming to the end of a well loved novel and missing the characters ☹️

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Aw thanks for that.

[@BlackPete...]

Well, that was a great series. Thanks Kurt. Thanks Richie. Can't wait to see your future online adventures.

[@stmattschannel]

Have loved these chats you have had for us. Can’t wait for KZbin and editing one

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Coming soon!

[@SarahParson-o5y]

Wonderful! Thank you Kurt and Richie for all your videos and thoughtful insights. All I have listened to carefully for my own preparation for next seasons attempt on the TA. All the very best to you both wherever life's adventures take you. Sarah

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thanks so much Sarah. Go well and have a great time on the Trail!

[@damianaday4658]

A big thanks for the information... I will be working though your videos from the trail over the next few months.. (taking notes as I watch) I'm planning on a no lift walk from September onwards (as much as possible) and from bluff walking back up to cape reinge on a different route : )

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

That sounds pretty exciting. Reach out if you have any questions

[@pj3635]

Robin was a great watch

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

One of my favourites

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

Congratulations on getting to 1,000 subs 👏👏👏

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Thank you!! 😁. Now what?! 😂

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

@@freedom_on_the_trail funny you say that, if it wasn’t for UTer Barry Watson pushing me along I was prepared to stop there too, (had >4000 watch hrs, do you?) he’s stopped now along with three others that I started out with. What no# were you on when you began the TA please?

[@ElaynasBobs]

Thx for the memories team. I would follow your vlog James, even if its lame AF, I just enjoy you as a person

[@robfirmin8388]

Absolutely! Establish and create YOUR OWN PACE - is 100% essential. Everybody needs to make and create their own TA. There is no one way to do TA. No cheats! No failures! DON'T punish yourself for lack of flexibility. I call it "mental gymnastics" when trying to juggle so much. Find your chill and comfort zone ... and know what that is. Pace and space. Balance of solitude and being with yourself, and when to be with others. DON'T make a significant decision on a bad day. Most importantly ENJOY the experience. Find the best in EVERY DAY. Kia ora!!! 👋

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

"DON'T make a significant decision on a bad day." Rob's variation of "Never quit on an uphill or a bad day". I can't remember how many times a bad day was followed by a great day!

[@rossmackay9819]

Number 6: Make sure you use your Hat strap to stop it falling off in the River

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

😂😂😂

[@Gonethelongway]

Thank you so much for the memories and mid October it will be this year

[@pj3635]

TA hut system needs updating. Martin’s hut etc are shocking for hiker safety.

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Yep. Something will have to happen because the TA is only going to get more popular. They're either going to have to limit how many people go each year (No one wants that except maybe some farmers who were told only a few hundred a year would be crossing their land), or do a staggered start system like the PCT does, or build infrastructure to support more trampers. No easy solution there but something has to be done

[@pj3635]

@@freedom_on_the_trail the short weather window makes it tricky for a large scale staggered start. Some walk it in 99 days, others 165 days. There will always be overcrowding. I feel the quality of some of the huts is fairly poor, then some are new and are amazing

[@johnjordan4647]

$$$$$$$ Too much Macca’s Thanks for the videos Old Mate

[@robinsteararoadiary]

1% is ok. I was abit pedantic with my "every possible step" decision. I understand the "hike your own hike" But if I wanted to be able say to people " I have walked Te Araroa Trail ", Then I better do so and not pretend. 🫤 But thats just my thoughts, some will happily do 75% then pose for a photo at Sterling Point and accept congratulations on completing a 3000km thru-hike. 🎉👍

[@damianaday4658]

I'm planning on doing a no lift walk (as much as possible) starting later this year on the te araroa trail from cape reinge to bluff... And then walking on a different route back up from bluff to cape reinge : )

[@freedom_on_the_trail]

Absolutely. Everyone has to be at peace with what they've done when they get to the end. No one could be more at peace than you were! 🤩 When you going NOBO?!?!

[@robinsteararoadiary]

@freedom_on_the_trail I haven't thought about doing a NOBO, I felt satisfied with what I've done. Short trips to different places with tasty food for now.