DATE

9/11/2008

Dinner in KeriKeri on Thursday night went really well!! Over $4,000 was raised! We were picked up and dropped off at the Landing. I was a bit shocked to find the car park FULL, with people spread around the grounds - a professional photographer was even there waiting for us to arrive!!! The whole place had been booked out for the dinner, so everyone there was there to support CF. A buffet dinner was served (I still wasn't eating too much at that stage), and a band donated their time to entertain throughout the night. They were a cool 60's/70's band, and a number of the guests dressed appropriatley! I must admit, I felt VERY young when the band began, and people started dancing - I haven't seen (dance) moves like that since I last saw an Austin Powers movies. CF Northland did a really awesome job of putting that all together! Thanks Sarah, Jane, Mike and everyone else involved!!!! Friday, I was woken at 5am (annoying as I had set my alarm at 530!!), by Kim. Sharon was sick!!!! Looks like the virus is doing the rounds (Kim has since become sick too - Just waiting on Paul to succumb now!!). Sharon spent the day in bed, Paul stayed with her, while Kim and I began our day. I was really lucky to have a group of 5 walkers join me for a few km early on (Hi Stan & Maisey!!). Also, a woman stopped her car, and ran over to meet me. She very kindly handed me a cheque, and said that she had hoped to see me during my walk. Her daughter in law has CF, and has been keeping her updated on my progress. It was a great boost. As I approached Whangarei, Mike and the team from LJ Hooker joined me, and helped with a bucket collection. We raised quite a bit of cash, however, the comapny was the best part!! Mike and Jacinda continued walking the last 20km with me. We (Kim and myself - Sharon & Paul were still back at Haruru Falls!) spent the night at Mike's house in Kamo. I was really pleased to see Kamo, and see where (former All Black) Ian Jones grew up - Mike even pointed out the street where he lived (Jealous Dad?!). Saturday (Election day), Kim and I began at 740am. Sharon & Paul joined us later. We walked until we came across a polling station. The crew cast their votes (I voted before I came away), and we were off again. Sam Warriner (NZ Triathlete), joined me for about half an hour, as did Mike and his 5yr old daughter Gemma. Gem did a great job, and even lead me some of the way!! Kim got sick later that afternoon, so Paul and I continued, while Kim and Sharon went to our nights accommodation. I climbed the Brynderwyn Hill, and made it home in time to watch the election coverage. Rest day today. I have been working on my book, and reading the paper. Big day tomorrow. Lots organised, a few walkers to join me, and a presentation of a quilt!! I will try to update again tomorrow! I have also just recieved an email from a CF family in Jacksonville, Florida. I now have people in 2 American States (Utha & Florida), Chille, and the Netherlands following my progress. Emma.