Planning is crucial for the father-son duo's epic journey
Father-Son Duo Completes Epic 3000km Te Araroa Trail Hike
Dave and Baxter Murray, a father and son team, have successfully completed a 3000km hike on New Zealand's Te Araroa Trail, a feat that is not commonly achieved by young families and children.
The pair, who started their journey at Ninety Mile Beach in October 2020, ended in Wellington in March 2021, covering a distance that would take most hikers several months to traverse.
Dave Murray, the father, carried the alpine tent, gas cooker, food, and a Personal Locator Beacon during the hike. His son, Baxter, who is 14 years old, carried the technology and a spare cannister.
The Te Araroa Trail, a multiday tramp that spans the length of New Zealand, was not without its challenges. The pair encountered Covid-19 during their hike, which caused a delay in completing the last two weeks of the trail. They had to wait until the most recent school holidays to resume their hike.
Despite the setbacks, Dave and Baxter persevered, completing 2000km of the trail before the delay. They only walked in five days of rain during their hike, a testament to their resilience and determination.
Mark Weatherall, the Executive Director of the Te Araroa Trail, was excited to follow Dave and Baxter's journey. He believes the memories they made on their walk will be something they always reflect on.
Baxter Murray expressed his privilege at seeing parts of New Zealand few people get to see. "It was an amazing experience," he said. "I'm so glad I got to do it with my dad."
The hike took the father-son duo five months to complete, a significant achievement considering the impact of Covid-19 on the number of walkers on the trail. This season, the Te Araroa Trail had 1200 completions, significantly lower than the usual 1800.
Despite the lower number of walkers, Dave and Baxter were not alone. They encountered three fellow Kiwis during their hike, making their journey a little less solitary.
As they reach the end of their epic adventure, Dave and Baxter can look back on a journey filled with challenges, resilience, and unforgettable memories. Their story serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with determination and preparation, even the most daunting of challenges can be overcome.
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