D-Day

Well, the adventure has begun, at least, the prologue to the main adventure.

This morning I lingered in bed, savouring my pillow and blanket and the warm furry purriness of cat asleep in my arms (and sharing my pillow!). For a brief fragment of a second I considered whether Bard knew I was leaving and was savouring cuddles as much as I was...then my common sense kicked in and I realised it was cold last night and I was serving my purpose as a human hot water bottle...

Finally up I had a lovely long shower, before bidding farewell to my shampoo bottle and gloriousnesd that is hot water flowing under pressure...

Then it was only to dress, toss (heft?) my pack into the car and head to the airport.

Mum drove (she'll be glad to have her car back at last!) and we breakfasted on bagels at the airport cafe before it was time to go through security (if not board...oi...). I think we both suddenly realised it'll be the first time I've properly been 'gone' since Dad passed away...hang in there Mum! At the very least enjoy not having someone messing up the place!

I met a nice lady on the plane to Auckland, Trish from Kerikeri. She said to stop by her shop if I need any help when I get to there. Stoked I thanked her very much...is this the rumoured trail magic beginning before I even get on the trail? (NB: 'trail magic' is the term describing good fortune and generosity bestowed upon hikers by random nice people encountered along a trail).

So here I am, sitting in Auckland airport awaiting my next and final flight to Kaitaia. Flying as far as possible saves me a day (and one of two long bus rides) to get to the start of the trail (thank goodness!). Now that I've left home I'm keen to start walking, and find myself impatiently fidgeting while filling in the time between flights.

Is this nerves? Is this excitement? Is this the beginnings of technology withdrawal? No it can't be...I'm typing this on my phone after all.

It may be interesting to see what it's like though, out in the semi-wilderness, and not having an iPod, tablet, Kindle, computer or TV to hand to distract me. I'll probably be so knackered I won't even notice. If I'm not walking I'll be cooking/eating, and if not that then sleeping (I hope)...but one cannot help but wonder how easy it will be to refine to a thread (if not sever altogether) one's passive dependence and preoccupation with technology. I hope I won't be fidgety. I hope I won't be bored. I hope I'll relearn how to sit and savour the here, the now and just be...

Right enough philosophy, it's lunchtime!

See y'all in Kaitaia!