Taranaki Falls Sign
I am a little slack in posting this, as a did the walk a few weeks back now on Saturday 6th February. Once again this was at the Tongariro National Park, but only a short walk really of a couple of hours. What made this walk unique is that I had some quite painful blisters. I accumulated these particularly blisters on the Thursday before. I had been pushing my walking quite hard because I had got some mad idea into my brain about knocking off 2000 km in total before I did the Milford Track, which would necessitate a 12 km per day total every day until the walk.
My feet had other ideas.
So come the Saturday morning, I was quite sore. This however did not deter me. I put on my Compeed® blister thingies, strapped my feet with adhesive strapping tape, and stuffed my socks with hiker’ wool, and double socked it all – then proceeded on my merry.
Above Taranaki Falls
Today I was walking once again with my sister and walking buddy from previous posts. The Taranaki falls is actually a loop track starting at the Chateau / Whakapapa Village, and heads to a nice water fall, and loops back around. Most of the track I had actually walked before. The first bit was the end of the walk I did on Boxing Day, and the end of it was the beginning of the walk I did at Queen’s Birthday Weekend. So there were no surprises.
Down to Taranaki Falls
The walk was actually well worth it. I pushed myself through the pain as this is what I will have to do on the Milford Track, I can’t bail out just because I get a few dozen blisters. Although at the end of it I was starting to question my sanity. I was also happy that it didn’t slow me down too much.
And the scenery was really quite stunning. So I am just posting this to show off some more photos really.
Taranaki Falls
Me at Taranaki Falls
Joking aside, I am beginning to worry about this whole walking thing. My feet, knees, and everything seems to be protesting at the moment. It could quite possibly be the dumbest exercise I have ever embarked on. There is really only 5½ weeks left until the walk. I don’t think I can improve my fitness markedly in those weeks, and I don’t think I am fit enough to get to the “I enjoy it” goal I was shooting for. And I only have myself to blame. I was doing well, but the past few months I have been slackening off. Now i am in a holding pattern just trying not to hurt myself and to take care of my feet.
Little Waterfall
Speaking of which, I will have a special “Foot-centric” post coming soon. That will be something for you to look forward to . . .
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