Week One

My first official stop was Nelson Lakes National Park. Went for a day hike, some great views, and met up with some fun Israeli hikers.


This guy (no idea how to pronounce or spell his name) wanted me to take a picture with him and his scarf that had the name of his favorite basketball team - and I have no idea what it is. Apparently, basketball is very popular in Israel.

My next stop was Arthur's Pass National Park in the Southern Alps. Did 3 days of hiking and on the last day promised my feet I would take it easy on them the next couple of days if they got me to the end of the trail. I met some Americans and hiked with them for a while - they were great because I started getting really nervous walking across some of the ridges at the top and they were nice enough to talk me through it - I don't think I've ever done anything like this before or ever been that high up. The scenery was amazing and I'd like to say that I pondered a lot of deep ideas as I was hiking - I did for a little bit - but most of the time I ended up thinking about Frodo and Sam and their trek to Mount Doom. At other times, when I was scrambling up rocks and holding on to roots, I felt more like Gollum - only I think he was a little more graceful.



This is where I spent New Year's Eve. I had a one day hike into the shelter and then a very long hike the next day out, but it was definitely worth it.




I'm spending the day in Christchurch - trying to get my car reorganized, taking care of some chores, resting my feet, and heading to the beach. I head off tomorrow for the southern tip of the south island and then over to Stewart Island for a week. I think the next island after Stewart Island is Antartica. I'll be staying with some friends while they hunt and fish. When I asked them what I needed to bring, they said "all the normal camping gear and a rifle." So, it should be interesting . . .