Saturday May 10th
A keen group of people gathered at de source of de Riwaka for to walk, planting trees and chanting peace. De fire ablaze, children were making aquaintance while songs were sung, drums drummed and digeridoos hummed. Very magical, the muses around dis special location. De chickpea dish which was meant for dinner became supper as de music took predominance.
Ai Ai Ai Jee, Ai Ai Ai Joo (dere is sunshine in de music) got it's first - improvised - airing.
A horse and cart were awaiting de dawning of a walking day as were a bicycle cart and numerous prams. Prams do make excellent handcarts. Mi fav'rit 's de mountain buggy but de old style four wheelers wid' suspension are also worth looking out for. Walking without heavy rucksacks is definitely advisable. A few of us have developed a crate stacking system which allows for a remarkable amount of communal and personal stuff to be wheeled about.
O de feel of anticipation on de eve of yet anodda adventure of adventures.
Sunday May 11th
Uisce and I had quite some catching up to do due to my sticking to football coaching commitments which took me to Nelson for Pure Gold's Sunday morning game. We got back to start walking from de Riwaka source in de aftanoon, catching up de rest of de crew who'd left dere by midday. It was Uisce who set de pace. Her stride impressed me as did de colour display of de trees along de Riwaka river. I brought many snacks for de road which helped encourage Uisce for to keep going. Uisce responded really well to my safety instructions on de main road. Heading towards Brooklyn Reserve she was remarkably consistent while I was bursting out in enthusiastic giving thanks for Peace Tree Walking again enhanced by my dawta walking along. What joy!
Tomaash came to meet us on de bicycle to check we were alright, joining us for de last stretch. To reach camp was a relief. Uisce was getting tired and de sun had set. To be greeted by de rest of de crew, seeing de tents all set up an' de fire lit, de vegetables being chopped an' de horse tethered, O what a feeling! De meal was yummi, pumpkin plus, an' afta I'n'I sat by de fire making ribbons out of fabric dat was blessed by Riwaka rain. Uisce - as wid last year's ribbons, which had been blessed by a Buddhist nun - was a very keen participant in de creation of de peace ribbons. I'n'I chanted songs of peace in different languages, de crew being truly representative of worldwide nations.
Monday May 12th
We packed up camp in de very cold and were joined by Nature Kindi to visit Brooklyn school. Introducing ourselves and our instruments - many made of wood - took a while as dis is de largest group I've Tree Walked with.
For some reason dat I reckon de "tree walking spirit" accounts for we were - again - an extremely intanashanahl bunch, and, 'pon top a dat, Rastafari was chanted very keenly by a lot of de walkers.
I'd introduce de group, explaining we're into peace globally, praying wid every step locally, as well as practicing peace in our little walking United Nations, harmonizing naturally and using de talking stick for in depth communication with a good deal of good will from each.
We were truly a whanau, extended family on de move.
Trees, because we love trees.
We carry native trees to acknowledge de land as it was before humans came.
We carry fruit trees to express de living hope we have for de future.
We know children love trees too - and dey'd raise deir hands to respond wid a whole heap a reasons why dey love trees. We asked dem to tie peace ribbons around de branches of trees wid a prayer for peace. I told 'em "Adults might be bigger in size but a child's wish is very magic" and dat de earth needs all it's people to work togedda on dis.
Walk, because we like walking, because it's simple, one, two and off we a go. Walking is kind to de planet and 't makes dreams come true.
Den we introduced ourselves individually:
I, as a Belgian born, Scouse rooted, Irished an' now living in Motueka.Den Lugh, a Mexican Rasta who told de kids trees are respected highly by de people in his native land, considered as brothers and sisters.
Tomaash, our Czech fire man told de kids of his dream of walking worldwide from garden to garden, orchard to orchard, forest to forest.
Paul, from Motueka, would introduce de trees we'd plant or leave for de school to plant later. He'd also rumble de Marimba from Africa, made of wood.
Vanessa, also known as sista Jah bless ya, wove in an' out, peace dancing, as always.
Ken, de Jahpanese Binghiman, would keep his speech simple and to de point expressing his determination to Peace Tree Walk inna Jahpan one day, a dream shared by various walkers, wishing to take to deir homelands de seed of Peace Tree Walking.
I'n'I are encouraging eachodda to stay in touch, to reinspire and inform one anodda itinually.
Emily, from Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, North Island, Aotearoa, a very peaceful and loving woman, would tell de children she's traveled extensively and dat dis was de best week in her life, walking togedda, planting trees and chanting peace.
Brooklyn, a Canadian sista, she'd smile hugely and tell de children - wid shiny eyes - dat she loves nature.
Disa, a woman from Sweden, would play de Hang, a bell sounding wonder instrument from Switzerland, and she would dance given de slightest chance.
John, Hawaiian born though his parents are Greek and Portugese, is a very sensitive guitar (made of wood) player. He's very enthusiastic to keep Peace Tree Walking, dreaming of de next one already.
Dana, also known as Banana Tree, from Australia but happily embraced by Motuekans, would remind de children dat he'd heard of John Crossan dreaming up de Irish Tree Walks and how awesome it was to witness dat seed sprouting up, branching out and bearing fruit in Aotearoa. A very good song singer and guitarist and champion child-carrier on de bicycle cart.
Moema, from Jahmany, joined us when she saw us busking and her eyes paused on de initial 'dis is too good to be true' button, she remained positively gobsmacked throughout.
We all experienced a string of highlights upon highlights day in and day in and smiled from ear to ear, kilometer after kilometer, school after school, talking circle after talking circle.
Hone Heke, from Aotearoa, horseman and granddaddy, wid his concious use of Maori, magic tricks to share wid de children and inherent good nature and wisdom.
Jessica, his good woman, an honourable Peace Tree Walk granny wid keen observation and witty comments.
Guinevere from England, a homeschooling mum who brought her t'ree children. De twin girls China and Cleopatra and de boy Jahvis. Dese children proclaimed their love of trees at de introductions as did Uisce, Jahwata, Irish born and original Tree Walk descendant, now on a huge home schooling field trip of her own which she helped organise. She was involved in de planning, de scouting, colouring in posters, making maps and schedules and putting dem up aroun' town. She also pushed her own mountain buggy though she was keen to have a go on de horse and cart whenever her turn came up - de children were rotating.
After de introductions de children went on deir own playground discovery trips, though dey also took photos, shared out peace ribbons, sang and danced along and joined us for de finishing circles.
After our introductions, extended at times when we had de added presence from more Swedes, a Brazilian woman, a Polish yout', anodda Jahpanese man - Chai master Gen, a South African dreadsman, Aotearoans, ...
We would sing a few songs such as;
Give peace a chance, Give trees a dance
We're gonna walk in peace (children respond)
We're gonna plant some trees (children respond)
- wid added actions taking de volume up and down as appropriate.
De children would tell us what dey like about trees, ask questions and sing us songs of deir own. We'd finish de visit wid a huge circle, holding hands wid de native trees and de magic apple tree in de middle.
From Brooklyn we walked to Atet where we had a more informal session and chat wid local youngsters. Next door to Atet is Montesory Preschool, Horizon, very young children wid big eyes. We grew from seeds into trees togedda, awakening to de raindrop sounds of de Hang, gently joined by de odda instruments (Ken used his mystery bag of percussions to great effect as a soundtrack to de initial stages of growth, before celebrating a bigger breath of life wid his digeridoo) and, from our starting, embryo-like position we den reached up and up and up, lifting our branches to de sun, swaying in de breeze. We den grew more seeds, dropped dem, den returning to de beginning posture.
Having come full circle - and leaving de children calm for de teachers to continue de rest of deir day - we den tiptoed out delicately continuing de music. O de wonder!
Crossing de bridge over de Motueka river to reach Motueka town is a very special feel and we soon had de chance to celebrate when reaching Motu Idea, where de different abled, big hearted people welcomed us and joined in our enthusiasm. We all introduced ourselves and I sang songs wid fluorescent orange vest - as a Peace Tree Walker - and without - as one of de Motu Idea crew, we know eachodda from our regular music and drama get togeddaz.
This little light
May de long time sun shine 'pon ya
Swing low
One Love
T'ree Little Birds
Dese songs and more got an irie airing as well as taking turns enacting what we see in de forest. We planted trees togedda and den rejoiced some more.
For I, one of de higher highlights.
Back on de road again, not far to go now to Ian's to stay de night dere.Unfortunately Ian and Julian couldn't be part of dis walk as much as last one due to de flu (which caught most walkers de week after de journey). It was a blessing so to connect in dis way. We uploaded more trees from here, Ian's garden (h)arbouring de Peace Tree Walk nursery. Paul had arranged Titoki Nursery - native trees specialists - trees to be brought here as well as Heritage Apple trees. Dese ones were rather big and impressive, and magic.
Music spontaneously erupted, de food got cooking, de vibes right.
Tuesday 13th May
Tuesday morning we added facepaint to our already colourful presence, Uisce being keen and Emily displaying her extraordinary artistic skills with simple effectiveness and very beautiful strokes.We were ready to take on de town.
Uisce and I had contacted many places in advance, inviting ourselves wid heralding cards we'd made togedda and alot of places were happy to have us though they expressed preferences for such and such a time. Though my personal preference would be - by far - to just walk and knock on doors as dey come, being in de right time and place every step of de way, I like to see de advantage of every situation. In dis case dat is dat most of de schools brought out all de classes for our visits so by arranging it in advance we reach more children (a major plus). Also, our booked schedule kept us well on our toes, sticking to de mission, focusing on Jah works. Although we ended up rushing through, missing out on spending more quality time and onto de next jahpointment there was also a deserved sense of achievement at de end of dese extremely busy days inna Motueka.
Wid de facepaint on we set off from Ian's chanting "Ai Ai Ai Joo, Ai Ai Ai Jee, dere are trees upon our handcarts, music is de food of love."
We chanted 'nuff more improvised adaptions of reggae classics (as well as pop and rock songs) dat escape my memory radar right now. Dey were very effective in de moment, though.
Walking was safer now, on de pavements which liberated more energy to sing. Traveling as a group on de main roads takes a lot of focus for safety's sake.
First stop - Greenwood Kindergarten.
We sat wid de children under a huge, autumn coloured oak tree and did our t'ing including de t'rowing in de air of red, gold and green leaves.
From dere to de Motueka Community Hospital, at de odda side of town. Dis meant more walking but also increased our visibility factor. We got 'nuff smiles, nods, waves and beeps from all sorts of bypassers. Dis being our third walk locally, many people recognise us. We've had some good write-ups in de newspapers too, accompanied by bright photos.
In de schools it was much easier to settle down de kids. Dey would await us in full anticipation, ears keen on what we had to say.
On de initial Irish tree walks I really enjoyed de chaos factor, bringing wildness into de schools, often leaving de children very hyper. I don't regret dat either as I see dese events t'rough de eyes of de kid dat I am, rejoicing in de children's rebelution. It is fun to have fun and go over de top. Although wildness still has a crucial part in what we do, I am a parent now myself and I am aware of de good works alot of teachers do wid deir classes and de increased environmental and cultural awareness dat even principals nurture so I happily use de tricks up my sleeve for settling down a crowd after a wild chapter. It works and it's respectful towards de schools.
A lot of kindergartens and schools have welcomed us for a third time, now, so dere must be somet'ing right in de 'formula'.
At de Community Hospital, de man from de Motueka Golden Bay News took notes of our presentation. He ended up writing a good article under de heading 'Peace Tree Walk Branch Out'. Dis was well done, I thought, as we have moved from mainly schools to include more kindergartens, youth education centres, rest homes and cultural places - indeed 'branching out'.
We played a song for de elderly patients and den Bernie, de nurse who's facilitated my regular visits to de hospital and who hosted de walkers last year (and dis year again), sang us a song in response being 'Te Kahikatea'.
Afterwards, de man from de press took a picture of de walkers t'rowing up leaves under a ginko tree which accompanied de article dat week. I'm chuffed de lion of Judah which walked wid me in red, gold and green thus made it to de front page.
Not far from de hospital is Motueka South School. Here we set up under anodda big tree. Amazing how we managed to settle such a huge group of kids, I thought, our call and response t'ing working well. We answered some questions, shared what we like about trees, witnessed de 'whanau class' performing de Motueka haka and formed a formidable circle around some native trees and a 'magic' apple tree which we gave to de school. Singing and swaying went on in dis circle. We sang "we are a circle, we are a circle, with no beginning, and never ending..." A few of us went around wid peace ribbons. Next stop - Motueka High School.
We met up wid de science class in dier class room where we proudly introduced ourselves. By dis time more people had joined us, including young ones not long out of high school so it felt like de half circle of walkers and de half circle of school kids joined up seamlessly.
We then planted more trees amongst de ones we planted last year. De teacher organised trees on top of de ones we brought and since dey'd already planted additional ones after our visit last year dere's now a significant stretch of natives at de high school. We dug holes, planted trees, meandered in and out wid instruments and finished off wid anodda circle. De students sang us a tree song to de tune of "I'm a little teapot" which I thought was hilarious.
Afta dis we had some time for a busking session outside de museum on High Street.
With jumbo chalk, trees and peace symbols were brought into life swiftly while music and face painting and merry-making held away. Dis is where Moema saw us and in amazement checked if she could join us. De peace tree walk, taking pride in it's inclusivity, moments later she went to fetch toothbrush and sleeping bag and she's been smiling ever since.
Between busking and more busking we went to Parklands School which is Motueka's biggest primary school.
Lots of children came out, class after class and we were soon chanting "planting trees, walking in peace" 'til de whole school was gathered around anodda tree planting presentation. Again, a maori song was sung in response. Peace ribbons were happily handed out and gratefully received.
I brought Uisce to theatre practice (Alice in Wonderland) afterwards and went to coach de Pure Gold team having opted to keep my Motueka town commitments going throughout dis walk. We later joined up again around de fire at Rachel and Andrew's. We shared anodda yummi pumpkin dish (we had pumpkins every day), dis one being a deliciously curried one cooked by Lugh accompanied by quinoa. Dis fed de hungry walkers well - we'd barely had a chance to eat lunch dat day, so busy were we.
We were joined by even more enthusiastic people and de next day de 24 bright orange saftey jackets dat de Tasman District Council had provided needed adding to which was accomplished thanks to Vicki from Flurmo.
Nyabingi rhythms resounded around de fire. We were all looking around de cirlce, blissed out by eachodda's presence and de good works being done. Very good vibhz.
Inside, by de open fire, Hone and Jessica were keeping de children happy and warm wid magic tricks and cups of tea.
Rachel and Andrew, who would have loved to have been walking wid us but had - good - work commitments of dier own, made up for dis wid dier warm hospitality and dey stayed in touch throughout de rest of de walk as dey had helped wid de preparation too.
To top off an already splendid day we had a talking circle around de fire wid many proclaiming dis to be de best day of dier lives.
Wednesday 14th May
Dis was anodda such day.9am - Rudolph Steiner School.
We were invited in for 'morning circle', introduced ourselves - a special moment as Uisce was part of de school last time and this time part of de Peace Tree Walkers on a huge homeschooling field trip.
De children sang us a few songs, including anodda maori one and a class played a tune on deir recorder. On de way out peace ribbons were handed out and music was played into anodda 'magic' apple tree plus more native trees.
Our magic carpet on buggy wheels moved to St Peter Chanel School next. Dis being a Catholic school, I did feel like unleashing some oomph.
"Do you love trees?"
"Yes!"
"Do you really love trees?"
"YES!"
"Do you really, really love trees?"
"YES!!!"
The music dat proceeded was jam-like and I stomped around making ancient sounds. We did settle afterwards wid de peace ribbons but de fun was great all de while.
Next on de jahgenda - Oasis Early Education Centre.
When Uisce and I had gone around inviting de tree walk it had took some reassuring dat what de peace tree walk does is compatible wid deir Christian values.
As it was, children and teachers alike much enjoyed de experience. We kept dis visit brief as de Rudolph Steiner kindi around de corner was awaiting us.
We settled on a little hill in de garden, music streaming out. Uisce swung on de swings amongst de trees and Matua came to join us.
Next stop - 8 ball Alternative Education Centre.
Scheduled for 12.30, it was getting challenging as lunch was skipped again.
I was keen to keep de commitments, though, and t'was good to reach dese kids too - de ones dat are slightly too outspoken to attend Motueka High School. If I remember my own schooling it's easy to resonate wid dese kids.
After dis - to de odda end of Pah Street where de marae was welcoming us wid a 'powhiri', a traditional way of becoming part of de tribe.
Some of us had already been welcomed formally the previous year but because our group now included many more people the marae welcomed us again wid open arms.
It goes like dis:
A woman on de marae courtyard calls out
A woman who represents de visitors (Bernie did dis for us, de maori nurse from de community hospital) responds and den de visitors approach de marae, women and childrend first.
Den we entered de wharenui, de marae's main house, a hall full of and surrounded by carvings representing de ancestors, after leaving our shoes outside.
We gave a koha (gift) which has often become an envelope wid dollars in it but in our case was a bunch of native trees. Closer, I reckon, to de spirit of meeting thus.
Den de hosts have a speech widout rushing, in maori.
I was very pleased to recognise some words and to have a bit of a clue to what was being said. Jah and tribe and welcome came into it as well as hikoi (march) and trees.
Den dey sang us a song after which it was our turn to speak.
Paul spoke and we den followed his words wid a rendition of Te Aroha (love), a song dat most of us knew and had shared with de intahnahshanahl crew before reaching.
I den took de opportunity to speak, mainly thanking de marae for having us again and rejoicing in de fact dat we felt like an alternative United Nations on de move.
When I finished anodda song was expected and we hadn't forseen dis. Dese songs are meant to represent one's culture and once I was reassured de use of english was ok I sang an improvised and emotional rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone".
De whole experience was moving for all of us and increasingly so.
After de formal welcome (and once welcomed dis way onto a marae one is entitled to be on de hosting side of de proceedings next time if one so wishes) we went to de Kohanga (nest), de maori language preschool.
Various carvings and paintings were explained to us at length. We were made to feel extremely welcome. Especially de kids on de walk loved de juice and snacks. But for most of us de feelings of awe enhanced by de equally emotional response from de maori people took prevalence.
Culture in culture!
We listened to some more speeches and introduced ourselves individually in our own languages finishing wid "Vrede en Liefde", Peace and Love in our own language. What and experience which will stay wid I'n'I forever. De knowledge dat for some New Zealanders in our group dis was de first time ever on a marae and for de people from four corners - and counting - of de globe likewise makes de aftertaste even sweeter. To witness how touched our marae hosts were affirms what I already had an inkling of; Maori people are very sensitive, earthly spiritual and I love gooving wid dem.
I was on a high still, reaching de next destination - Woodlands Resthome. I sang and sang and sang while de rest of de walkers trickled in, I'd strided ahead quite purposefully as I couldn't stay long, footie duty awaiting. It was Myrtle's birthday, too, making it even more of a special day. Dere are a few Woodland's residents I have an extra spark wid from visiting regularly. Myrtle's one. Her body is old but de twinkle shines and shines.
Going off to coach Uisce and her team, de Buzzy Bees, meant I missed out on our next Peace Tree Walk gig at Motueka Neighbourhood Centre After School Care.
As reluctant as I was to miss any minute of Peace Tree Walking, I'm convinced I did de right t'ing as coach to remain on de ball. After footie, Uisce and I joined camp at Bernie's, cooking up a pot o' red quinoa.
Cool Vibes came to join I'n'I around de fire, roots rastafari reggae rockin'. So did Ras Levi and sister Sarah who'd also been adding to de 'binghi vibe at de source fire and spiced up de walk wid reggaenerosity.
Thursday May 15th
Thursday started wid a decent stretch of walking towards Lower Moutere School. A snack top-up stop was had at Toad Hall.At de school I'n'I gathered wid de children beneath some red, gold and green trees, huge ones. Dere was some overlap wid playtime so de playground called most children, including de Peace Tree Walking ones. A significant amount stayed around to jam on de instruments, play in de leaves and we did form a chanting circle before moving on.
We arrived at Whenua Iti Outdoor Pursuits Centre early so we had a relaxed lunch, a very welcome change from going non stop de previous days.
De sun on our skins, smiles on our faces, yummi foods in our bellies, a very contented crew den formed a half circle to be joined by Whenua Iti staff and students into a huge and happy circle.
We introduced ourselves extensively.
I was extra proud since I've been an Adventure Tourism student at Whenua Iti myself and our current tour of de area was certainly adventurous. Den 'twas John Glasgow's turn to speak - and speak he can.
John is a bush guide in de national park who knows so much about native trees. He's one of those people who can talk and talk and get ever more interesting (Matthew, Mike and Hugh spring to my mind, too). When he asked "What else shall I touch upon?" I answered "Just touch away".
Every aspect of earth life he shed light on was very pleasantly and informatively illuminated. De thread of dis educational 'Little Tree Walk' was to walk from tree to tree on Whenua Iti's grounds. Dis was a huge treat for us all and again I felt extremely chuffed dat de intahnashahnahl crew dat we were could experience dis.
Uisce linked up wid her friends Rosie and Tirama and roamed around. She continued playing at Riverside Community where we'd stay dat night. I went on a coaching mission to town. (I still had my face paint and safety vest on, only just making it in time). I usually get to de grounds well in advance to set up and be ready. It makes for better coaching to be and feel prepared and relaxed.
Back at Riverside we had a feast in de hall followed by a talking circle dat went on and on and on and on. We were all extremely content and our happiness was boundless but we also felt a serious flavour.
De council of Elrond at Rivendell or de United Nations Security Council spring to mind as kindred meetings to dis one. Though Riversiders had lit a big fire and were keen for us to join in de jamming, we took our time as we'd been so busy and just being in eachodda's company was exhilirating. Some of us did join de musical session afterwards while most of us very keenly crashed around de little fire in de tipi.
Emily and I found ourselves next to eachodda and have been getting closer ever since. A lovely blossom on de tree dat is Peace Tree Walking.
Uisce joined up wid her mum de next morning as dey went to Totaranui for a long weekend to celebrate wid deir family.
Friday May 16th
We had a decent stretch of road ahead of us again. A treat, dis, as walking is an irie meditation, again after our chocker blocker schedule a welcome change in it's simplicity of one foot in front of de next. I especially love de physicality of de walking and pushing de buggy.Most of de effort is in looking after de crew, staying close togedda is de safest (so cars can pass in one go rather than meander in and out amongst us vulnerable road users). As has been de case on all of our Aotearoa walks, dis was a very (self) disciplined crew. De beauty of de landscape - from coastal plains to increasingly hilly country - made de whole experience heavenly. I shared a nice buzz wid Emily and also wid each and every one o' de co-walkers. I reckon every relationship amongst us all was smooth and the knock on effect of inner happinessnesses was very irie.
For de horse and cart dis journey was a bit more challenging due to de increasing slopes but well feasible all de way.
Songs were sung, chants chanted, hums hummed, chats chatted, a movement of peaceful people.
A Peace Tree Movement.
Before reaching Ngatimoti School - in good time - we were welcomed to de area by Arohanui and John Glasgow who reside dere abouts. Big Smiles.
Dis school visit was to be de last one for dis walk.
We took our time and sat down under some trees wid de children somewhat less hyped up (at dis stage) and more in depth, our introducing, our music and our expressed admiration for de school's own environmental achievements. As well as ample native planting, orchards planting and such trees as a cherry tree dat commemorates Hiroshima, de school also has a very healthy looking vegetable area which was new to us - having visited dis school t'ree years ago.
De progress we witnessed in dis school reflects (though eclipses) de general impression I've had in Ireland as well as in Aotearoa dat de schools themselves are well aware of de importance of our interconnectedness, wid nature as well as cultural, and my hope for de future grows and grows.
After a fine presentation by de children using a large and colourful map to illustrate deir eden-like schoolgrounds, we planted lots of natives together and den de music, the dancing and de singing, de smiling and de grinning, de clapping and de stomping, de chanting and de planting took on a garment of celebration - reminding me of Irish tree walking days: musical and wild.
When de bell rang "School's out - 3 o'clock Friday afternoon" de children didn't want to stop for dey wanted to keep going, planting more trees enchanted by more peace. De teachers here were extra friendly, reminding us how big a difference good teachers make to children's upbringing and de community.
We walked up to de top of Greenhill Road to stay at Mike's place.
Mike has a mini village on his land of house trucks and caravans which he freely shared wid us. We had a pizza fest at his house. Tara made sure I got some vegan slices. We then proceeded to play music well into de night. We have ample footage of dese sessions, so let us know if you're keen to witness de fireside vibes.
I stayed in a caravan wid Emily for de night.
Saturday May 17th
Det morning I was catching a lift to Nelson as I was on Buzzy Bees coaching duty. We won 2 - 9.Afterwards I played for Motueka Olympic, scoring in de last minute to beat Nelson United 2 - 3. I was exhausted, as I am after a footie game, giving it my all on de pitch, but extremely pleased.
I got a lift back to Ngatimoti to link up wid de buggy. De rest of de walk had set off earlier for de last stretch of de Peace Tree Walk 2008, a six kilometer stroll upriver, over a swing bridge and on to Mountain Valley School.
I got in such a stride - I love walking at my own pace, which I could now do, being extra chuffed about walking being a perfect remedy for after game stiffness - but having set off just before sunset - at 5 o'clock - I realised when it was getting dark that I must have missed de bridge across. I didn't feel like backtracking (preferring loops) and was relieved to reach anodda bridge across. As dis was 7kms past de one I should have used, plus 7kms to walk back on de odda side of de river, plus 6kms (original route) dis was a 20km walk which I'd started already tired.
I did love every bit of it, realising dat I'd wished the walk wasn't over yet, and Jah does make wishes come true so I got to walk an extra bit. Firstly de sunset den de beauty of de Motueka Valley and de Aotearoa skies, de twilight followed by a foggy darkening and stars twinkling t'rough. De feeling of meeting up wid Emily and de rest of de walking tribe at our final destination. It all added up to an amazing walk on cloud 9.
I was aware dat at camp dey might be worried about my whereabouts but I hoped dey remembered de Lion of Judah was leading my pram wheels in red, gold and green and I was therefore safe as can be.
I reached 'home' by 8 (three hours walking, 20kms covered, now I know dat's my own pace) and now it was my turn to worry about de ones who'd gone out on a search party looking for me but we all joined up again, ate some ital, shared some herbs and I had an earlliish night.
Sunday May 18th
De next morning I returned to town earlier dan de rest as I was coaching Motueka High's Pure Gold team, getting a lift in wid one of de girl's mum. De team won t'ree - 1. First win ever for Pure Gold making it a treenity of wins for my teams dat weekend. I take it as a sign dat all was well as it should be.I selected music at Hot Mama's dat afternoon joined 'pon de dancefloor by a steady trickle of peace tree walkers. De selection was all about peace, trees and walking.
We've all been meeting up since, drumming and strumming under de full moon by de river, meeting and eating, busking to fundraise at de Motueka market (our economics are great - plant first, pay later), celebrating eachodda's presence 'pon de dance floor, ...
As a debrief talking circle at my place - after shared ital - made clear de Peace Tree Walking spirit is well alive, humans continue to be inspired by it, dere will be more walks, while we learn from previous ones.
Dere will be walking locally as well as globally.
Walkers will walk eachodda's walks and keep eachodda informed worldwide.
T'anks John Crossan for living up to de dream.
T'anks walkers ever since for friendship and Jah works.
T'anks Jah for guideance.
T'anks trees for every breath, every fruit and for roots and culture.
Rastafari.
One Love,
Alan.