BEGINNING THOUGHTS

A year ago, I would have never guessed I'd be the one telling you I'm about to hike the length of New Zealand. No way, no how. But it's about two weeks away + couldn't feel more real. My thoughts? Everywhere. I'm excited + happy, yet panicked + anxious, all at the same time. Those who know me probably wouldn't have guessed I'd be doing this either. It's a big commitment, a long journey, a hard feat.

But people change and that is what this is all about-- a change of pace, a breath of fresh air (literally + figuratively), a chance to grow. We'll be experiencing a new part of the world from the depths of the mud, to as far + as high as our eyes can see. It'll be a long path of learning, strategizing and working as a team. Everyone keeps saying this will be the true test of our relationship (eek). We'll be together, mostly just the two of us, all day + every day. We'll either go crazy, or have the best time of our lives + learn more about each other than we probably want to. I can only hope for the latter, but it might be a healthy mix of the both. I'm okay with that.

So, how did we choose the Te Araroa? It started with a phone call between the two of us while at college. I was graduating in May (2016) + Devon had another year left. We talked about the near future, how I wasn't ready to sit in an office + how he didn't feel his college was the right fit, he didn't want to go back. The Appalachian Trail came up. He had hiked it a year ago + wanted to try something similar. I agreed to look into things + after a week we had a list of long trails: Pacific Crest, El Camino + Te Araroa. Due to Devon's summer/fall job on a schooner at home (Camden, ME), we could only do the Te Araroa based on the season (it would be summer in New Zealand). Soon after that, this trail became our life for the winter/spring. We started researching, planning + trying to convince our parents this was a good decision (surprisingly, we were successful). That was the easier part. 

Now comes the more difficult part. The waiting, wondering, wishing it was sooner, but also that we had a bit more time to prepare. The actually doing it. With these two short weeks left, we have to get everything together + make sure our checklist is complete. Are we all packed? No. We're both last minute people so that's no surprise. However, we have almost all of our gear (the picture of mine is featured) + somewhat of a plan for when we arrive in Auckland.

That's all I have for you now, but you'll hear from one of us again soon with more of the details for our trip. We'll be posting often along the trail so that you can follow us on our journey. We hope to show you what life can be like when you're, well, willing to roam.

xo 

Marina 

P.S. We are so thankful for L.L. Bean and their amazing staff who guided us when picking out the perfect gear for our trip. They really couldn't have been more helpful.