Farewell & Hello

Farewell to 2016 and Hello to 2017!

We rolled out of Mrs Wooleys Campgrounds and started to make our journey towards Twizel. Along the way we stopped at the top of Coronet Peak Ski Area. Pete wanted to ride the Rude Rock trail, so we dropped him at the top and made our way to the end of the trail to scoop him up. The views from the Peak were stunning. If Katy and I had felt more confident downhill riding, we would have joined, but some of that exposed and narrow track makes me uncomfortable!

Peter in his glory (with the other woman) @ Coronet Peak

Onward to Arrowtown. This little town had so much character! Katy and I have been craving scones for quite some time now, so we were on the hunt for a cafe with something delicious we could consume to fill the scone void. Sadly, zero scones, but we did happen to find a scrumptious Raspberry Coconut Muffin, to which we cannot wait to consume. I'm not sure why the scone kick, but we're on it. Such an odd thing to crave, but such is life on the road.

On the way to Twizel we entered into what I would call "lupine country". These flowers grow wild and are beautiful! Naturally we had to stop and smell the lupines. Katy was able to frolic and rejoice - I did a bit too!

We freedom camped at Pukaki Lake for the night. Another moment that took my breath away. Just yards from the cliff we parked for the night, and were able to take in the evening views of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park while a cool breeze swept through the camper van. Katy and I ventured to the top of a nearby rock to watch sunset. I still cannot grasp the level of beauty here. I truly am in awe of such a fantastic place, and feeling grateful to have the opportunity to explore and experience all that I have in the last 20 days.

The next morning we hit the road and drove to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to hike the Hooker Valley Track. We were blessed with a clear sky and warm weather. It was so so lovely. We leisurely hiked the track with views of Mueller Lake (Kudos to my SF gal Andrea, there is a lake named after you!), nearby waterfalls, and babbling river to the base of Aoraki where Hooker Lake rests. Hooker Lake had several icebergs floating around and Mount Cook was dazzling us ever so with her reflections in the glacial waters. We enjoyed our picnic lunch and naturally took a few pics, and of course got a few strong rays of sun, which I'm starting to feel currently (Yes, Mom I did apply sunscreen twice!).

Aoraki/Mount Cook - Hooker Glacier - Hooker Lake

We freedom camped at Lake Tekapo, and dipped into the glacial waters for an evening swim. The water was brisk but refreshing after a day in the sun. Another beautiful place that makes my heart swell. Such a peaceful and truly calming place to settle down for the night. I will miss our journey on the road dearly, and waking up in remote places of NZ, where the places you dream of come alive. The sense of opportunity and freedom rings strong here. It is a place I will return to again. As our camper van journey comes to and end, my journey is still just beginning. Next stop, Christchurch to return the van, getting a good nights rest at the Commodore Hotel, then hitting the road for Mount Potts for the next two nights, and then back to Chch for the holidays to ring in another trip around the sun. Missing my family, friends, and loved ones dearly. Sending all my love and light.

The Three Hunters - Adventures with Katy & Pete

Today we hiked the Wainui Falls Track in Abel Tasman National Park. It was raining cats and dogs all day, but we got our matching black raincoats and decided to venture into the rain. Lots of adventure in such a short hike. The trail starts out in a cow field, and we said hello to some of the angus cows that were actively talking to us as we walked past. About 200 yards in, we had to cross a mini 'river', where the nearby stream was overflowing and had semi washed out the trail. In order to do so, we took off our socks and shoes and waded through it. If our moms are reading this now, they've probably turned their noses up in disbelief!

Brother Pete Strolling across the bridge

The hike was through the rainforest and was quite majestic. The rainfall was steady, and our surroundings were lush and a vibrant green. After about 25 mins we arrived at the waterfall. The falls are 20 meters tall. Given the rainfall the falls were ROARING! Any attempt we had at keeping semi-dry fell by the wayside when we ventured out for a few pictures and the spray from the falls completely saturated us.

The walk back in soggy shoes was more comfortable then one might suspect. Once again needed to cross the washed out road. Katy and I decided we'd keep our socks on this time, given they were already soaked and we hand in hand walked across. It was a good thing because Katy almost fell in. Peter happened to film the crossing and the video doesn't do the moment much justice, but we can't stop laughing now, even hours later as we watch the recap.

After drying off, we sought refuge in the nearby watering hole, also known as The Mussel Inn. We had some delicious Mussel Inn Hot Dogfish Chilli Cider accompanied with some picked eggs. YUM. This little bar was quite popular, as tonight was 'Quiz' night, or what we would refer to as Trivia night. Let's just say that the amount of mullets in the room really made the people watching highly enjoyable!