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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50 rivers crossings in one day? That's nothing to Bruce Hopkins. Photo: Bruce Hopkins
Bruce Hopkins is in Te Wai Pounamu, on the second leg of Te Araroa.
Bruce Hopkins Trail Diary - Week 27
2 April– 10 April 2018.
Topp Lodge, Ashburton - Tekapo
"50 river crossings in one day…wet shoes and feet are a given down this way.
"Even relatively shallow crossings can have unpleasant endings.
"Lynda Topp loaned me her river pole and it definitely came in handy on this stretch.
"But when I climb out of a river valley and cast a glance back it invariably allows me a moment of quiet satisfaction."
Trail angel Wayne Keenan. Photo: Bruce Hopkins
"I met one of the most on to it providers to Te Araroa trampers, Wayne Keenan - brilliant local knowledge and so aware of what is entailed in this odyssey."
A starry night on the Two Thumb track Photo: Bruce Hopkins
"Emilie took an amazing pic of the heavens when she visited the long drop one night. She also has the best story I have heard thus far on the Trail and it involves a long drop, a poo mountain and her mobile phone.You can guess the rest!"
Snow in Tekapo. Photo: Bruce Hopkins
"The snow came down in Tekapo in gentle styles. I shall enjoy the beauty before having to negotiate another delay!
"Just keep following the river. Onwards, upwards and ever forwards."
