9 Apr 2018

Reaching the Topp

From The Long Way Home, 1:00 pm on 9 April 2018

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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Reaching the Topp - well, one of them. Lynda with Paul and Bruce ready to do the chores

Reaching the Topp - well, one of them. Lynda with Paul and Bruce ready to do the chores Photo: Brue Hopkins

Bruce Hopkins is in Te Wai Pounamu, on the second leg of Te Araroa.

Bruce Hopkins Trail Diary - Week 26

29 March – 2 April 2018.

Arthurs Pass – Topp Lodge, Ashburton

"  What's the most dangerous situation you've ever found yourself in?

"I had one in the Tararuas - I took a tumble off a little rock face and was ever appreciative I came out of that alive.

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Photo: RNZ

" I never expected that I'd be at Lake Coleridge Lodge this evening ... and it's very cool. I'm having a beer and sitting in front of the fire ...

"1966?  Your parents hauled you out to Milford Track, at 14? Wow!

" You guys (the Topp Twins) are like ... adhesive that brings people together. .. You cross the whole spectrum. My parents, you know, my dad, a hard-arsed commercial fisherman. They just loved the Topp Twins!  Anything to do with the Topp Twins. ...

"A live hedgehog?  I thought it was a toy one! ... Look at that! Imagine being able to coil yourself up like that?"

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