Long-distance hiking is addictive. For me, it became a lifestyle.
Halfway through my northbound walk of the South Island section of Te Araroa, I heard of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). I already knew I didn’t want to stop walking when I reached Ship Cove, so at my next resupply stop I investigated the PCT.
The stars aligned in my favour. The following day was PCT permit day, and without hesitation, I secured a permit for a mid-April start just three months away.
Reality struck a few days later. I had just started a new job; my employer had hired me fully aware of my upcoming hiatus to walk the South Island of Te Araroa. They even contributed $1500 to the charity I was supporting. Reluctantly, I cancelled my permit.
I lasted a year before calling it quits and hitting the trail again. This time, the North Island section of TA, followed immediately by the PCT. Then, a year later I was walking the Appalachian Trail (AT).
TRAILS FOR EVERY TRAMPER
Experiences on these trails were diverse yet also
