Koro Low Branch

The last few days in the Tongariro National Park have been quiet, beautiful and peaceful. There is a certain energy around this mountain that is palpable to me. The water runs clear and strong and the snowcapped volcanos loom above. The way down took two days but I arrived today at the last stop along the trail before we head out onto the Whanganui River. This stop is at trail angel farm hosted by Sharon and Roger. They are such kind and welcoming people. For $20 NZD, they provide tent space, a shower, towel and a hot breakfast. Their sweet dog Ruby hung out with us all day as we relaxed in their garage, drank tea and compared hiking stories.

At the hostel where we stayed in Whakapapa, all of the signs and directions were in Māori and English. They also had some framed posters around the common areas with basic grammar and pictures. One of my hiking buddies pointed to the word “Koro” with a picture of an old man and said “Hey Drew – that’s what we’ll call you on the trail. Koro Low Branch.” Koro means grandfather or elderly man and it’s a term of respect. I honestly wasn’t offended but it sort of shocked me a little because I just don’t feel that way about myself. I don’t feel any different from my hiking buddies and I love it. My mind and body feel great and I’m moving as fast as these twenty somethings out here. I even have a What’s App account now.

This stuck with me when I got to National Park and I treated myself to a nice lunch at an expensive cafe. I sat across from a table of tourists in their mid-50s that arrived well-dressed in a posh tour bus. I was looking pretty rough after two days of hiking in the mud and I thought hard about why I wasn’t more like this peer group. Why was I hiking all day and crashing that night in a $10 bunk bed at the hostel when I could be touring around with these folks. I wouldn’t change a thing. I feel at home with these younger people. I love their energy and I share a lot in common with them. We listen to the same music and compare tech tips on our iPhones. So what if my beard is grey and I have a 401(k). I’ve lived a little but I’m not slowing down anytime soon. I’m happy to be the Koro. The respected elder but one that can hike four miles an hour!

I’m getting up early tomorrow to hike to where we meet the canoe operator. It looks like the river levels are going to be good for us to continue. I won’t have any internet or cell coverage for the next six days or so. I’m sure I will have some good memories to share once I get to Whanganui and I’ll be using my Garmin inReach to stay in touch with Bryan via satellite messaging. I wish everyone a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving holiday.