New Zealand - April 2009 - Week 1

After one of the best flights we’ve experienced (not a full plane so were able to stretch out and actually catch a few zzzzz’s as well as a couple of really good movies (Slumdog Millionaire & Benjamin Button) we arrived at 5.30am. Of course we were greeted by Blake’s beautiful smiling face and then drove back to their new house and met the latest family addition “Power”, the very energetic spoodle! Blake & Jonno’s house is really nice and the location is amazing – very close to a spectacular beach in one direction and a boat ramp and jetty in the other which is where they launch their boats, yes they have a small yatch and a power boat – seems the way in NZ. Later that day Josh arrived and for the first time in 6 years we were together – yay! Blake & Jonno had spent several days and lots of $’s on ‘special’ ingredients to make us the most amazing ‘raw’ meal. It was to be a once in a lifetime fare and one we really enjoyed and very much appreciated. Josh however was looking for the “real” meal to arrive and thought he might pass out without a decent piece of protein!!! Dessert was to die for - regardless of your eating preferences - just check the photos.

24 hrs later we headed south to the beautiful Lake Taupo, the scene for yet another 100km epic walk. We had rented the same house we had last year – it’s a great place – magnificent views (this photo was taken about 7.30am Saturday morning), 5 bedrooms – just perfect!

Waiting for us at the house were my brother Wayne and his wife Sandra. It had been a long time since John & I and Josh & Blake had seen them so it was a very exciting time catching up again. Jonno’s parents, Ann & Bernie, arrived later that evening to once again help in the support team – they kindly volunteered their time last year and we really appreciated that they returned to do it all again – thanks heaps. Finally Mike & Shelley arrived, the 2 remaining team members. They are Blake & Jonno’s neighbours and were about to attempt their first 100km walk. Our walking and support teams were now assembled - all very excited, some nervous, but most just wanting the event to start!

This was John’s 5th 100km event and I know it was his most memorable. For the first time he was walking with his daughter and the support team was a family affair with myself & Josh, Wayne & Sandra and Jonno & Ann & Bernie.

Team “Owl Prowl”, decked out in owl hats and owl shirts set out at 6.30am for a 7am start on a freezing / foggy Saturday morning with the Support Team also decked out in “Owl Prowl” paraphernalia. We all quickly became known as the “OWLS” and were a hit with comments like “here come the owls”, etc etc. Everyone seemed to recognize our team ‘cos we really stood out.

At the half way mark all was looking good to do the predicted 24 -25 hour finish and spirits were high. It needs to be said that Blake, who had been training for 12 months sustained a knee injury and some serious feet blistering only 6 weeks earlier so she was “suspect” to handle the distance and soon after the half way point got into knee trouble but her determination took her through to the 64km mark where amidst high emotions, tears and some sound decision making she withdrew. (This was checkpoint no. 4 and Blake smiled for us to take the photo below – she held her 4 fingers down – it was a touching moment!) By this time the pace had slowed and stoppage time increased. The team of 3 got underway with 36kms remaining but soon after Mike started to experience feet blistering problems and required St John’s attention to drain and bandage him up. John and Shelley were travelling well and supported Mike who was determined to soldier on. After an incredible 28.5 hours (the longest time John had ever walked!) they crossed the finish line with emotions running high. Blake joined them for the last half km and they all were presented with a well deserved medal.

It was now Sunday lunch time so after some feeding and showering – walkers and others suffering sleep deprivation crashed for a few hours. We then farewelled Mike and Shelley, and Bernie and Ann as they had work waiting for them bright and early Monday morning. The rest of us were so thankful to stay on Sunday night and just share the experience. Blake rebounded quickly and was already talking about doing it (the whole 100km) next year – so guess where we will be April 2010?

Leaving Taupo Monday we visited some very special sites – Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon, magnificent places. Another 100km was behind us and as we drove back to Blake and Jonno’s we knew there would be many more to come - even Josh and Jonno made noises about joining the team next year!! Stay turned for that…….

Monday night we had a special farewell dinner at Blake & Jonno’s to say goodbye to Wayne & Sandra and Josh – they were all flying back to Australia early Tuesday morning. Jonno & Josh had been out in the boat that afternoon and caught some fish which Jonno bbq’d and smoked for the occasion.

It was just the best long weekend and one we will remember forever. Thanks to everyone (including Power the wonderdog who enjoyed every minute with us) for helping to make it so great – what a team, what a family!