Ahipara – 90 Mile Beach

I am in Ahipara now, in the very North of NZ. I had chosen Ahipara because it has access to this super long beach, called 90 Mile Beach, in reality I think „just“ 68 miles long. In the beginning of my travel planning I had considered to walk some parts of the so-called Te Araroa, a long distance trail through the whole of NZ, starting on the northern edge of the North Island through to the South of the South Island. Looking at that made me aware of this beach and I found it tempting to walk for 3 days along the beach. But I changed my mind and will stay at different places for a few days and go on day walks.

Things turn out a bit extreme these days, so access to the beach was not possible this morning due to a very high high tide. I started with some inland walking and then closer to low tide I went for a walk on the beach. The beauty and wildness is nearly bewildering. Mixed with the intensity my practice seems to bring, I am often in tears. When I consciously take in the heaven and try to connect parts of it through me to the earth I feel my heart expand and then I feel sadness, somehow beautiful sadness, in a depth I have not known before. Or it is just feeling very touched, washed by a wave of love.

There is something about the sea, which seems to be a third force. And of course it is, particularly on an island. I don t know yet how to include the sea in my practice.

Yesterday it rained the whole day. My friend M., I had stayed with for two days, drove me to the starting point of my NZ walking adventure. We shared a picknick in the cabin that I booked, as sitting in my tent in this weather felt a bit daunting. So glad that I did, as it is also colder then I thought and I am happy to have my extra down jacket, even now wrapt into my sleeping bag.

In the sun it can be very hot, but the air is cold. Very extreme country this. Very comforting to be accompanied to my „real“ starting point.

Yesterday after M. had left, I put on my rain gear and went to the beach. The rain gear did indeed keep me dry, but my shoes dont seem to be waterproof. Hmm. Well, good thing, that I brought 3 pairs of socks and not only 2.

And I am still dealing with some jetlag symptoms, my bodys fluid system still thinks that my now night time is a good time to get rid of fluids, otherwise I sleep ok.

The Earthquake, mostly on the South Island two days ago, was a bit of a shock. As far as I know most people are ok, one village has been hit hard and there were land slides on the major road to Christchurch.

Next morning, now Nov 17 here. The night was very windy, so glad to have my cabin. Today the forcast is for thunder storms. I hear rain drops on the roof of the common area where I am sitting. With the help of another traveller I connected my tablet to the internet, will try to add photos from my smart phone later.

Today I will go out for some short walks, trying to get the dry spells for that. I have some issues with my left leg so will take it easy, maybe indulge in some Maeve Binchy reading on a sofa in this common area. Kitchen for hot drink cooking not too far away. some new comfort zone building possible.