20 Nov 2017

Blue and Fortunate Water

From The Long Way Home, 2:00 pm on 20 November 2017

Bruce Hopkins wants to take the ashes of his dad and brother home to Rakiura/Stewart Island. He’s just taking the long way to get there. The long, long way. 

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Geoff Chapple on Te Araroa

Trail Founder Geoff Chapple. Photo: Supplied

It’s been two weeks since Bruce Hopkins injured his left leg and had to come off Te Araroa – New Zealand’s Trail.

While he recovers, Bruce takes us back to an interview with Te Araroa founder Geoff Chapple that he recorded before he began walking the trail in October.

Geoff offers his hard-won wisdom as well as some good advice but the question is; did Bruce listen?

Bruce Hopkins Trail Diary - Week Five

11 - 17 November 2017

Auckland

“A bloody long time walking The Long Way Home has become even longer. By the time I restart I will have spent as much time off the trail as on it.

A closeup of Bruce's left leg. His cellulitis infection is nearly healed.

Despite appearances, Bruce's cellulitis infection is nearly healed. Photo: Bruce Hopkins

“Still heaps of colour where my left shin kissed my hiking poles, but I’m confident it is now bruising not infection. Walked for about  two hours today, now icing it, but felt like it is doable.

“Still two days of medication to take, but looking at restarting Friday on Te Araroa from Marsden Point.

“Starting to feel as nervous as I was when I first started on October 14….looking forward to stepping off into the unknown once again.”

The Long Way Home - whenua, whakapapa, whānau. Follow us.

Produced by Bruce Hopkins and Justin Gregory. Executive Producer Tim Watkin.

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