An inspiring walker
Because I was short of time when driving to Pahiatua recently I was disappointed I would not be able to pull over to read what was written on the rickshaw being pulled along on the side of the road and find out more about the hopes and dreams of the young gentleman (Stephen Brassett) pulling this intriguing piece of equipment (his home).
Therefore, I was delighted when I encountered Stephen the following day walking down the street in Woodville towards his next destination for the night being Ferry Reserve which offers freedom camping situated alongside the Balance Bridge in the Manawatu Gorge.
To be sure I took this opportunity to enquire about his mission. The clock was reading 5.00pm with darkness soon approaching so I persuaded Stephen to set up his home in our grounds which was just a block away rather than walk 4.1k out to the reserve.
He was reluctant to be imposing but I assured him it would be OK. Furthermore, I invited him to join us for a Mother’s Day tea at my daughter’s place in Palmerston North with the aim of sharing some of his adventures.
To cut a long story short, Stephen is walking New Zealand in support of animal welfare collecting donations along the way.
I recommend and encourage readers to click into his blog on the web “Longest Walk NZ” as it makes for such interesting reading. In a sense, it calls to mind the tune with the lyrics composed by Lee Hazlewood and sung by Nancy Sinatra ¯“These boots were made for walking. And that’s just what they’ll do. One of these days those boots are goanna walk all over you (New
Zealand)” ¯. Hence the significantly appropriate motive to contribute a true story for the “Walking New Zealand” magazine about a guy who is actually walking New Zealand.
Stephen commenced his walk at Invercargill on 7 January anticipating it will take him one year to complete the expedition.
At this stage, Stephen told me the greatest obstacle for him to overcome and manage out of all the elements encountered will be the force of the wind.
The biggest fear is wearing out his boots and the consequence of inevitable blisters experienced from wearing new boots he will need to purchase.
I believe Stephen is a role model which surely will set an example to others. Goal setting can be achieved with unlimited possibilities bearing in mind no pain no gain, dedication and determination.
I understood Stephen as a quiet, unassuming guy, totally co-operative and very willing to work in with my arrangements. He left our place as tidy as he found it. The endearing bond between the dogs and their master was a joy to behold. Absolutely great companions for each other.
Stephen told me one of his plans was to spend something in every town he visited so I was impressed when he purchased a bag of mandarins from our local fruit shop which would be a great source of vitamin C to help sustain him and ward off any chance of catching a cold while walking about in the elements. Being a vegetarian he also had a good supply of healthy foods tucked away in his pantry.
A quick peep inside the dwelling revealed it to be tidy, cosy, and compact, complete with air vents and solar panels. It was a privilege to have met up with Stephen. I wish him and his beloved dogs many happy encounters along their way.