Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Day 47.

Good day walking today. Shins not as sore as they have been over the passed few days/weeks - (at least now they don't hurt when I breath!!). The weather is not typical south island weather... Overcast, wet, and windy for most of the day (good 'walking' weather). Came across a couple I met while walking in Foxton, they are travelling the south island at the moment. They pulled over and donated some more money which was good. Also had a few people wave and toot as I walked - good encouragement. I am spending the next 2 nights in Hanmer Springs. Am about to get some dinner and head to the hot pools. Paul & Sharon have gone ahead to Christchurch, so I am enjoying a few days by myself.
I am looking forward to arriving in Christchurch on Friday / Saturday, and catching up with friends. There is a BBQ on fri night with some of the members of the Chch CF community. I am also really excited about having lunch with Bob Parker (Chch's Mayor), on Sunday and walking with Nicky Wagner, and Aaron Gilmore (2 Chch MP's), on Saturday.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Day 46.

Pretty non-eventful day today. Day began with an interview / photo shoot with the Marlborough Express Newspaper. It started to rain quite heavily during the photo shoot, so ended up hanging out with Scott, the photographer, in the car for 10 or so minutes. Eventually we got the photos, and I began walking for the day.
The day was overcast with showers, but still quite muggy. The Marlborough scenery is awesome, and I passed plenty of vineyards!! We came across a police officer, who spent a bit of time chatting with Paul. I was initially concerned when I saw him pull up, but it turns out he and Paul had a good conversation, and the officer learnt a bit about CF (good job Paul).
The new shoes (kindly donated by Robin Mitchell, of Mitchell Sports Power, Blenheim), were fantastic. No trouble at all. Thanks once again to Mr. Mitchell and the staff for their generosity and expertise.
Arrived back at our hosts house. Wayne turned up with today's edition of the Marlborough Express - on the front page was a MASSIVE photo of me (jumping in the air to display my new shoes - unaware that my shirt had ridden up!!). Along with the photo was a really well written article (complete with fundraiseonline website), Thanks Claire. True to form, I don't take good photos (Sharon made the comment that I look 5 months pregnant...).
Also heard that there is an article about the walk in today's herald, and apparently something on 3 News recently??
Spent the afternoon R.I.C.E'ing my shins - No improvement, and VERY painful!!!
Thank you very much to the Young's - Wayne, Jo, Liam, Caleb, and Hannah - for hosting us (for a bit longer than expected!!). It was lovely to meet you all, and the dinner table discussions will be a lasting memory of this trip!!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Day 45.

My first day walking again after a few days rest... I (almost) did everything the Dr. said, and the shins are feeling slightly better.
Wet day today - not typical Marlbrough weather - but it was good to walk in the rain. I enjoyed the walk today, as I have spent a bit of time in the Marlborough region, it was good to be on familiar roads....My Grandad walked (the whole way) with me today, and at 71, is the oldest walker I have had along the way. I was also joined by Paula. Paula heard my interview on Classic Hits (thursday) and decided to join me for the day also.
The highlight of my day was meeting Blair. Blair's wife recently passed away from CF. Blair walked with me for 10 or so minutes and we talked about CF, his wife, kids etc. Meeting Blair reminded me of why I began this walk, and encouraged me to continue. Over the last few days, lying in bed resting my shins and not doing too much else, I got a bit frustrated and (selfishly) thought about all the other things I could be doing, particulalry at this time of year. I had lost a bit of enthusiasim for the walk, and lost sight of the reason I was doing this. Thanks Blair, for reminding me why this walk is so important.
Another highlight was recieving a FREE pair of shoes!! ADIDAS have not come through with shoes, and I was without an alternative pair - The pair I brought in Hamilton have finally worn out, and I am now on to my third pair. A big thank you to Robin Mitchell, of Mitchell Sports in Blenheim, for your support.
Something I forgot to update last monday.......
Unfortunately, Kim (one of the physio students), decided that she wasn't enjoying the trip. She rang me on Monday night to tell me she had quit, and would not be meeting us at the ferry terminal early the next morning to begin the South Island leg of the trip. I was pretty annoyed at the late notice, as this also left us without a driver/crew member. I also have a thing about commitment (as the soccer team I coach knows!!), namely, if you commit to something, you see it through and give it your best... Luckily, I was able to arrange substitute drivers for the last few weeks of the trip. My parents & 3 Grandparents will join Paul & I from Timaru onwards. I'm lucky to have such a wonderful family who will drop everything to help out. I feel a bit sorry for Paul, as it has turned into a bit of a family roadtrip!!
Looking forward to walking again tomorrow - hopefully the shins hold up. I am also looking forward to spending my next rest day (thurs) in Hanmer Springs.
Off to ice my Shins..Emma.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Day 42.

Had morning tea with the Mayor of Blenheim this morning, followed by an interview on classic hits.

Have been told I can begin walking again on Monday - pretty frustrated.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

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.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Day 35.

I was really fortunate to get an invite to the Mayor's Christmas Party, in Palmerston North last night. I wasn't expecting it to be as big as it was, there must have been at least 350 people (a bit more than the 20-ish I imagined!!). I was introduced by the mayor, and spoke a little about the walk and CF. I was caught a bit off guard, as I didn't know I was required to speak!!!
We did a bit of a bucket collection, and pulled in just under $500. Thank you very much, Mayor Naylor, for the invite. I had a wonderful time, and am really pleased I had the opportunity to meet you, your wife, other city councilors. and guests.

I then drove to Levin and got some dinner. Nathan Guy, MP for Otaki, very kindly organised accommodation for myself and Paul, during our time in Levin. Nathan turned up with ice cream sundaes, and hung out with us for a while. Thanks once again, Nathan, for all your support - It is much appreciated!!!

I began walking this morning just before 9. I was really lucky to have my friend Ferg drive up from Wellington, to join me. We set a very good pace, and managed to maintain that for most of the day. We had a great time playing 'car cricket'. Ferg gets a special mention, as he walked with me the whole day!! Good effort.

Early start tomorrow. I have a dinner in Wellington to be at, and turning up late is not a good look. My Dad and some friends are joining me tomorrow, which will be good.

It is really great to be back in Wellington, and at home with my family!! Busy few days ahead...

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Day 31, 32, 33, 34.

Day 31:
Early start this morning with a visit to the Central FM station for a radio interview. Really good interview, spoke for aprox. 10min. Thank you to Simon for the interview, and Craig and Susanna for organising it.
Next, it was off to the Waipawa clock tower to begin the walk. I was met by Sue, Possum, and Jack (Possum's dad). Had a newspaper interview there (Sorry Susanna, for insisting you join us in the photo!!). Sue & I walked through Waipawa and collected a bit of $$. We continued on to Waipuk, and collected EVEN MORE!!!! Thank you very much to Sue, for all your help over the last few days!! I really appreciated your help, and all the money you single-handedly raised (in excess of $500). Thank you also for plying me with lollies! Finished the day in Norsewood. Traveled through to Danneverk where we spent the night.

Day 32:
Late start this morning (I needed a bit of a sleep in). Walked through Danneverk, Bill & I did a bit of a bucket collection through the town. Continued on to Woodville. VERY windy day, and was a real struggle walking into the wind. On the positive side, it did remind me of home (Wgtn). Caroline (CF 'project manager') flew up for the day and joined us. Spent the night in Palmerston North, at the Kingsgate Hotel. Enjoyed a very nice dinner in the restaurant, and returned to my room to watch HOUSE.

Day33:
530am start this morning. Had breakfast at the hotel. Caroline & I drove out to Woodville, where I was to start my walk for the day. The Army was supposed to meet me there, and walk through the Manawatu gorge with me (on the bush track). Unfortunately, this fell through. I was pretty disappointed, as I was really looking forward to it. As a result, I wasn't able to walk the bush track (unsafe by myself). I had to begin my walk at the other end of the gorge. I was really excited to have my friend Bianca (and her friend Susie) join me for half an hour. I made it into Palmerston North in good time, and was met by Angela and her daughter Maddie. Angela & Maddie walked into the 'Square' with me, where I was met by my friend Mandy and a few others. The 6 of us did a bucket collection around the streets. Unfortunately, this bucket collection was probably the least successful, and a lot of people were quite rude. Thanks to Maddie, Angela, Darren, Mandy & co. for helping with the bucket collection. It was great to meet you all!! I continued on walking, and finished around 530. I decided to drive back to Wellington, and spent the night at home.

Day 34 - Rest Day:
Went and got some acupuncture this morning, and caught up with a friend of mine (thanks for the coffee Graeme!!). About to drive back up to Palmy. Am catching up with Bianca, Andrew, and Jax before heading into a Christmas party for the staff of the Palmerston North City Council. Paul & I are staying in Levin tonight, as we have an early start tomorrow (just outside of Himitangi).
Thank you very much to Nathan Guy, MP for Otaki, for arranging our accommodation for tonight!!
Tomorrow I am walking from Bainesse to Kuku, and am really looking forward to having my friend Ferg walk with me.
Saturday, is Kuku to Paekakariki. My Dad has said he will walk that section, as will another friend, Nat.

Apologies for the lack of updates over recent days - Internet access has been hard to find!! I am stying with my parents fri - Mon, so will be on the ball re: updates.