Two great tales of adventure and challenge in this issue have inspired me.
In the first, Anna Watson writes of her visits to every hut in Tararua Forest Park (all 50 that appear on the topo map at least), and has rated them so you know which to add to your bucket list and which might be best avoided.
The second is about Herbie Jarratt who, with his parents, completed an A to Z of hut bagging (see p16). Herbie started when he was two and finished at age four.
After reading these stories, I couldn’t help but think of missions I might set myself. I’ve settled on something much smaller: walking every track in Hunua Ranges Regional Park. It’s local, and combined with Walk1200km it’s the perfect challenge within a challenge. It’s motivational, and as it will take several weekends to complete the roughly 16 tracks, I will get to experience the area over time and through all seasons.
It will also be fun, which is the main ingredient for all missions.
I wonder if you will feel similarly inspired to challenge yourself after reading these stories?
In the January/February issue I outlined why Wilderness needs to move from a base of 5000 subscribers to 5900 to ensure the magazine can withstand rising costs and falling advertising revenue. A net gain of 343 subscribers in the past seven weeks has been heartening, but we’re still a long way from our goal. If you’re not already a subscriber, please join us. We have some great stories in the pipeline that celebrate and showcase New Zealand’s unique outdoor culture – stories you won’t find anywhere else.
It’s never too late to join the Walk1200km challenge! Perhaps the following comments from participants will encourage you to commit time to improving your health this year:
The Walk1200 challenge gets me out the door on days I’d otherwise stay put. It’s my most important daily ‘pill’.
– Jason Gurney
Achieving my 1200km goal gave me the fitness and confidence for multi-day hikes and even a week-long 154km Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Walking keeps me healthy and opens up new ways to explore the world.
– Mary Quin
Whether walking nearby or in scenic spots, it improves health, reduces stress and gives a sense of pride. Walk1200km is simply a brilliant idea – get out, move and enjoy!
– Linda Keesing-Styles
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