Paekakariki to Porirua

2/11/21, Day 25,
Day No: 25, 30km, Total 730km
Elevation Gain: 857, Loss: 816m
A cruisy day with a light pack (no food in it).
Got away at 7.30am as usual and after a couple of kms stopped at the only cafe in Paekakariki that was open. Unfortunately they didn’t cook breakfasts and only heated up their cabinet food, in this case a large piece of bacon and egg pie. It sure didn’t fill me up and I was hungry most of the day.
A very short distance to the start of the escarpment track that went for 10km. A lot of up and down as well as stairs and 2 impressive swing bridges. The views of the coast and out to Kapati Island were impressive.
From the end of the escarpment track at Pukerua Bay the track followed State Highway 1 all the way to Porirua. It was a good track mostly set back from the road a bit.
The wind was really strong when I crossed the motorway bridge into Porirua. Like nearly blowing my over.
I was trying to rebalance my food deficit in a café in Porirua when I saw Phil and Jackie walk past. They left Levin a day ahead of me.
Discovered this morning when I put my shoes on that one of them is falling apart so will need to replace them before I hit the Tararuas. They will get me to Wellington okay.
Staying at Camp Elsdon in Porirua tonight. It’s right on the trail and they only charge $18 for a room in an old public works type building from the 60s. The bed and shower is fine. I don’t need much. Drew a blank finding a trail angel to stay with tonight.
Met another hiker today. First NOBO I’ve met. She was Emma from Tauranga.