auckland: the second time around

hi friends! bryan and i are pleased to announce that we have made it back down to auckland, having walked 358 miles along the te araroa trail from cape reinga in 31 hiking days, an average of about 11.5 miles a day (that doesn't sound very impressive, does it?). i haven't felt quite as much elation as i expected to, but that's probably the way it should be, leaving the celebrations for those who finish more than 20% of the trail. having arrived in yet another downpour may have affected my mental state as well.

we have zero idea where we're going next. zero. we'll spend tonight and tomorrow night in the latana lodge in parnell (just east of downtown auckland), perusing the internet and lonely planet guidebooks for suggestions. we'd like to continue hiking, preferably in the south island, if we can work out a good long-term route, but it's still a bit chilly there and the money isn't as endless as it once seemed. two days ago we were sure that we'd stop for a few months and get a job in some small town, but now we're not so sure...check back soon for an update!

rachel