June. Mid year, midway through my goal to run the Great Walks. I had fallen right off the training bandwagon, after a rock climbing holiday caused me to forget to use my legs. Yet I found myself in Nelson, so the temptation to try to tick another off my list was high. In my usual style, I impulsively booked a water taxi after a brief glance at the tide table, and drove out to Marahau. The day dawned bright and frosty, the sunrise gracing the hills of the Abel Tasman with a rosy blush. As I packed my backpack, I had a fortuitous yarn with a local DOC worker. As it turned out I had misread the tide table in my haste and my planned run from Totaranui back to Marahau was not to be. I adjusted my expectations and caught a lift to Awaroa instead, shortening my run by seven kilometres. It was truly the most beautiful morning to be on the water. The ocean was still and calm, the skies cloudless. The water taxi skipper took us on a detour to Shag Harbour to see the seal pups, dozens of them playing in the calm waters. It was a pretty neat experience, as they dived and turned, breaching the water and looking back at me with big doe eyes. My heart melted a little bit. Eventually we tore ourselves away and I was deposited onto the golden sand beach at Awaroa. My body was slow to warm up from the brisk start, but as I found my rhythm I felt a growing happiness. To be frolicking in such a paradise, free and easy, all the time in the world and nothing but pristine beaches, bright blue water, and lovely native bush, fantails flitting around my feet. What a privilege. As the sun warmed my face, I breathed deeply, savouring the sweet scent of the honey dew, growing on the beech trees. From Bark Bay to Torrent Bay was just pure stoke. Gentle hills, an ever-changing view of scenic bays. Gorgeous, perfect running terrain. Soon enough my luck began to run out, and my lack of training became apparent. I took a break on the hill above Observation Beach to rest my legs and enjoy the moment, before the final ten kilometres. They were tough, as I really hit the wall. But it was just so pretty, it was a cocktail of pain and happiness.
The final strides, I emerged to the tidal section at Marahau, unable to wipe the grin off my face. I sat in the sun and demolished chips and a beer, soaking up the experience. Mmmmm. Halfway. Life is good.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
I am a conservation field worker in New Zealand. I love mountains, sunrises, river swims, barefeet, cold beer, campfires, live music and whiskey.
Archives
April 2020
Categories
All
|