The whanau met us at the end of the road section (24km), where we started the final 7km walkway around the outside of the Bluff coast. They had spotted Ed walking a wee way behind us, so left him a message and a peanut slab to spur him along. Meg joined for us the last 7km section...and Nicki and Anthony met us about 1 km from the end. How wonderful it was to finish with family. Despite having each other, it likely would have felt quite anticlimactic without others to share it with.
In the build up to finishing Hannah often pondered on what it would be like. She joked that she expected a crowd of people cheering, waving pompoms, cameras flashing, awards provided, the real fame stuff. Well there was none of that. No big momentous finale, but the whanau did an excellent job at the enthusiastic crowd. We were sprayed with bubbly, littered with party poppers, and seriously cheered on like champions. Thanks so much to the de Reus whanau.
Our feet were so painful by the end, the type of pain we haven't felt for months. A fitting end for the trail. A journey which has pushed us to our very limits, mentally, emotionally and physically. There were definitely times where we considered stopping, overwhelmed by the task before us. At these times the blog viewing and comments, and contact from friends and family spurred us along. Thanks so much to those who have encouraged us, it kept us going.
For now, we will remain in our hiking bubble. The end of this adventure...