Roger and Joy Leslie spoke to us of Roger's walk along the verge of State Highway one from Bluff to Cape Reinga. Rogers walk in support of mental health took place in October-November 2021. Roger grew up and lived in the Catlins. Rogers childhood hero was A H Reed who completed the walk and wrote a book about it. Rodger developed a passion for long distace walking later in life and decided to undertake his desire to walk the length of the country. Roger set off from Stirling Point Bluff on October 17th. He planned to walk 60 kms / day and beat the record of 49 days! Joy was Rogers support crew and drove Daffy, a camper they had purchased. Daffy proved unreliable and eventually died. Undeterred Roger continued his journey with Joy in support and arrived at Cape Reinga in 37 days! Roger has chronicled his journey in a book " On the Verge " It is an insightful and amusing account of places and characters he encountered on the way. He raised $15000 for the mental health agency Able Minds but felt the greatest good was talking about mental health to those he encountered on the way. Stan who thanked Roger stated he was " in awe of what he had achieved ". I think all present agreed with that.
Joy and Roger Leslie
