Day 36 - 41.

Friday:Was really fortunate to have my friend Ferg along for the walk today. He managed the whole distance - more than a marathon!!! We also managed to keep up a pretty good pace. Nathan Guy met us along the way, and we spent a few minutes taking photos and catching up. Thanks once again Nathan, for all your support! Most of the day was spent playing 'car cricket', and we had a really enjoyable time. Drove back to my parents place, where Paul and I are spending the next few nights.
Saturday:Early start this morning. My Dad walked with me for the whole day. Nat & Fi joined us from Otaki to Paekakariki. Hot day, but good fun walking with friends. We played 'car cricket', and various other games to pass the time. Stoped for lunch at Subway in Waikanae. Thank you to Ross, for the free sub vouchers, they will be put to good use! The afternoon passed quickly, and we finished in paekak just before 5pm. My Aunty joined us for the last few km. Arrived home, and was out to dinner at the roundabout pub in Tawa (one of my 'locals'). The Wellington CF community invited Paul, my parents, and myself out for dinner (Dad was too stif to make it!!). It was a great night, and I enjoyed meeting the members. Thank you to Lisa & staff for the donation. After dinner, myself and a few frineds went into town, to visit the Welsh Dragon Bar. Mike & Jo (owners) have been very supportive of me and my efforts, and have rasied quite a bit of money for the cause. It was great to visit them again, the free drinks were also a bonus!!!
Sunday:Went to my church this morning - Paul came with me. Was really nice to be back there, and to catch up with friends. After church I came home and helped Mum prepare food. We had a BBQ and invited a few friends and family around. Really neat to catch up with the people who have really supported me througthout the many months of planning, and walking!! Thanks to Mum, Celeste, and Fiona for organising it - much appreciated!!!
Monday:Today has by far been the best day of the trip so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I picked up my friend Steve in the morning, and we drove up to Paekakariki, to start todays walk. Mark Blumsky, former MP and Wellington Mayor, was there waiting for us. Mark had committed to walking this section of the trip many months ago, so I was really pleased to see that he had remembered and followed through. We began walking and talking. The morning went really quickly, and I appreciated walking familiar roads (the route I had done most of my training on). At 11:30, I arrived at my former high school - Tawa College. I was really shocked to see all of the students and teachers lining the driveway, clapping and cheering as I walked up. It was an awesome moment!! My parents and friends turned up and saw the whole thing - it was amazing! I arrived in the hall for the assembly. Steve had done a fantastic job of organising a slide show. Mr. Lucas the Principla introduced me, and I began my speech. It went well, up until the question & answer segment. One student asked where I slept. I basically said that The CF association contacted their members around the country, and I just sleep with them... The students started to laugh, and then I realised what I had said!!!! Atleast they were listening!!! I had to laugh, especially as L J HOOKER is a major sponsor!!Had lunch in the staff room, and left the school to start walking again. Was met by my OXFAM trailwalker team mates (Hannah, Mike, and Jane), Paul and Brian. Mark also continued walking.We had quite a following through Tawa, and even picked up a few people who didn't intend to walk with us (thanks Celeste & Jase!).L J Hooker Johnsonville did a fantastic job! We had 2 cars and Mr. Hooker bear follow us for about 7km. We also had a few of the staff at MWH walk with us.Final stretch in to Wellington was a bit tough. My shin began playing up. We eventually arrived at Parliament. I was really excited to see my parents, friends, and supporters waiting for me. Katrina Shnaks, an MP in my electorate, also turned up. It was really neat to see everyone, and to finish 1 island. We all headed over to the Backbencher Pub for dinner and Drinks. Thank you to Paddy and the staff at HVWS for shouting dinner. Thanks to Brian & Katrina, the people who met us at Parliament. Mark - you did well!! And finally Steve. Thank you for all the effort you put into arranging the assembly and slide show. It has been the most memorable part of the trip, and I had a great time. You are a star!!!
Tuesday:Caught the ferry across to Picton. I met a lovely staff member, Veronica, who asked me all about my trip, and even offred me free coffee. Arrived just before 12 and had an interview with the Marlborough Express newspaper. Met my Nana & Grandad in Picton. Grandad walked with me. I only lasted about an hour and a half. My shin has been playing up for the last week, and today it became so sore, I was nearly in tears. We decided it was a good idea to stop for the day, and get it checked out. I went to the Picton Dr.s surery, then on to A&E in Blenheim. Afterwards, I got some accupuncture, and went home to RICE my legs.
Wednesday:Unfortunately, my shin has not improved. I went to see a specialist sports Dr. this morning. He has told me to rest for a few days, continue to RICE, change my shoes, and gave me a prescription. I am gutted. I will talk with CFNZ today, and make a plan from there.... Hopefully, if I do all the right things, it will improve.