Heaphy Track

Two months, four runs, near panic station,
Weather events plague the nation.
Mid-flight turned back, failed location,
New thought hatching, plan gestation.

Forecast watching with trepidation,
Break in the weather brings elation.
Uncle and Auntie sort transportation,
Generously kind; much appreciation.

Swollen moon guides navigation,
Spotted a spotted Kiwi, precious visitation.
Appeared a wild beast - abrupt confrontation,
Pig tusks gleamed with intimidation.

Fawning over fauna, a fascination,
Floored by the flora, a fixation.
Epic sunrise spot for snack and libation,
Forest canopy gives cool insulation.

Shifting landscapes bring transformation,
Well-formed track, peak running foundation.
Easy, gentle inclination,
Muscle-massaging undulation.

Dad made a footing miscalculation,
Then Mum came a cropper, face plantation.
Both bloodied and bruised, refuse cessation,
We eased the pace, an adaptation.

Hard to refute an accusation,
Of elder abuse in this situation.
Their main concern: indignation,
Tough as boots, this generation.

Seventy-eight K: quite the duration,
Longing now for the destination.
Bathed in sunset, red illumination,
Rounding cliffs of dramatic formation.

Ponchos return; rain fortification,
But just a light shower, misty hydration.
Torch summoned midges - cavity invasion,
Feeling the weight of sleep deprivation.

A tale of trail and tribulation,
But ultimately, blunt determination.
Finally finished, pure gratification,
Heaphy Great Run graduation.