114 | Paekakariki
3 February 2023 | 22km
My hair has been bothering me for a while already. When it’s warm my ponytail now touches my sweaty neck. So while sitting at a picnic table having my morning coffee, I get out my little scissors and simply cut off a bit from my ponytail. Once I have it in my hand, it’s a bit more than expected, still I am pretty happy with my hair cutting skills.
It’s an early Sunday morning and the sun starts peeping through the clouds. I met joggers, dog owners and people enjoying a morning walk in the park while I leave Porirua towards Plimmerton.
Nothing spectacular, just an easy walk with many good options (eg. cafes, service stations) on the way. No need to carry food really during the next couple of days. It gets more interesting in the afternoon when I reach the so called Escarpment Track: steep up along the coast with great views on Kapiti Island. A lot of day hikers on (in 😅) the way, yes it’s a Sunday!
Just before Paekakariki before the last downhill, I pause for a while to listen to the ocean. What a lovely moment!
I have no idea yet where to stay tonight but the first thing in the small beach town of Paekakariki is getting a big fruit juice from the small store. While I sit on a bench to pour it down within a couple of minutes and dig into my food bag, someone passing by asks me if I have just hiked the Escarpment Track.
It turns out Paul who lived here years ago and is now back for a vacation, has never done that track so far. We get into a longer conversation about hiking, breathing techniques and open water swimming. I get offered tea, a delicious vegetarian dinner and a place to sleep.
The trail provides!
