Bruce Hopkins wants to take his dad and brother's ashes back home to Rakiura/Stewart Island. He’s just taking the long way to get there. The long, long way.
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Bruce meets the locals at Bulls. Photo: Bruce Hopkins
Bruce hunkers down in Te Kuiti for a few days to recover from some health issues and stays with a couple who have a fascinating tale to tell. Obeying medical advice - mostly - he hops a bus to Whanganui, skipping an isolated section of the trail, and then walks to Palmerston North. But he’s not cheating, honest; Bruce will come back and fill in the missing section in the New Year.
Bruce Hopkins Trail Diary - Week Nine
10 December – 17 December 2017
Te Kuiti – Palmerston North
Koitiata Beach, south of Whanganui. Photo: Bruce Hopkins
“I find myself in the company of more fascinating fellow trampers.
"When asked what is the the best or the highlight thus far, I really think it is the people, both fellow #TAers & #trailangels .
James and Bruce pose with the statue of Colin Meads in Te Kuiti. Photo: Bruce Hopkins
“There is mighty competition from some of the stunning scenery and locales one finds oneself in but the people are consistently a highlight and a delight.
“Briefly we meet and all too soon must part; such is the life of a Te Araroa Trail Walker.”
The Long Way Home - whenua, whakapapa, whānau. Follow us.
Produced by Bruce Hopkins and Justin Gregory. Executive Producer Tim Watkin.
