21.14 Queenstown: Moonlight Trail between Arthurs Point and Ben Lomond Saddle: Yikes! Another tough day in paradise.

The tucked away trailhead, when we found it, allowed us to approach Ben Lomond from the opposite
side of Queenstown. We commenced at Arthurs Point and spent six to seven hours on the trail, swamped
by giant mountains above the Shotover River. In New Zealand, this part of the river plays host to
the jets (boats) that race through the canyon and swirl around, apparently thrilling thousands
of visitors.



To wake to a nice view is most soothing; hot tea would be wonderful.




Meantime, back at the ranch, Jen trudges up a stiff climb. Unfortunately, the conditions are dry
and the snow-capped mountains are few. Other than that, no complaints.





Standing above the Shotover River, the early morning light causes the water to sparkle.



Jenni was overcome with an almost spiritual feeling, so she explains, as we walked along the mountain
edges towards Ben Lomond. It was the endpoint of our previous hike. We were able to get a different
perspective by being in the places that we had only viewed from the peak. Nevertheless, whatever the feeling,
and we both experience them in different ways from time-to-time, it energized her to an extent that she
was unstoppable. It was with great relief that we had to halt...because we reached our car finally.





Looking down the canyon and into the valley. We observed this view from Ben Lomond, though a different
elevation and position from previous hike.





On another tough hike, the editor continues to smile as she did all day. What gives?





The views, the atmosphere, the mountains were special.




Along the way, we spotted "Canyon Swing", a bungee jump with a difference. On our return,
we watched a couple of people take the suicidal mission. It's possible to live very dangerously in
New Zealand while paying 'big bucks' for the pleasure. We each have our risk profiles and limits.




Jenni assumes primary role as 'show-off', upstaging the pseudo-showoff while standing
high on a narrow ledge. How's dem slope?





A look reminiscent of the Sierra Nevada of California as we close-in on the trailhead, close to 'home'.





When tired, a man must take a break and rest. We took breakfast above the Shotover River, allowing
the legs to dangle and the mind to absorb the wonder..



We hiked approximately eleven miles, accumulated a lot of feet but cannot quantify the gain. We did
have extremely tired feet, long before completion. If nothing else, our evenings are short and sweet
as the need to 'hit the sack' early is essential, following some of the strenuous days we are experiencing.
We won't mention anything about the locals and land yet as we have an essay on New Zealand for later
publication.





From a different hike but very close by, the extensive Lake Wakatipu.





A tempting snatch from the next day, in cooler weather alone in the vast mountains.





A 'Shotover Jet' returning to the jetty.



Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey

21.13 Queenstown, New Zealand: Ben Lomond Mountain, one of the finest hiking experiences.

We left Hawaii on a nine hour flight and arrived in New Zealand over a day later. We have quite a story
to tell but one not related to time.




Jenni stands on peak of Ben Lomond Mountain.



The challenge of reaching Ben Lomond Mountain summit together with the views and beauty of the
whole area are hard to match. Certainly as regards the effort to reach the peak, 'Charity', one of the
Three Sisters Volcanoes in Oregon, is a close match.

We were tired following the hike as we commenced from the 'real bottom'. Most people, we are told and
witnessed on the day, ride the gondola up to the starting point, some 1,200 feet, which takes an hour
by foot. The elevation gain, depending on who one believes, is anywhere between 4,500 and 4,800 feet
to the peak. Should you trust the judgment of our muscles then it felt more like 5,000 feet. Nevertheless,
it is one of our favorite experiences. Unfortunately, it does not seem to get easier.




Mount Aspiring in the distance with glacier.





"She did it, I knew she could do it and she did, indeed." Some 4,700 feet above starting point.





Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown amazing body of water.



There is a fortune of activity in Queenstown, out and about the lower mountain. The gondola schleps
people up and down, there is parasailing for those wishing to fly off the lower mountains, bungee jumping, a
luge on wheels and suicide BMX cycling down the mountain from the gondola station level. Most people are sensible:
They ride up in the gondola, take in the views, have lunch and travel down again. How boring.

Perhaps it is ironic or apt that with all the dangerous activities taking place on the lower mountain
and hiking and trail running on the upper mountains, outside the lower-gondola station is a cemetery.




A view from Ben Lomond, capturing a crater rim, a particularly attractive grouping of mountains.




Fooling around on the rocks and boulders.




Water and mountains.





An overpowering view of more mountains.




It was a superb day for us: The weather was sunny, (not so good for photography though), we sweated
our way to the upper-gondola station and sipped tea from porcelain cups mind you, served with teapots.
We then headed for the real mountain which is intimidating. When it first comes into view it is scary.
By the time one reaches the saddle, the sight to the top following the spine makes it seem an impossible climb.
Nevertheless, one foot in front of the other with a little 'vasbyt' (determination) and one finally arrives
at the peak. As mentioned, the views are breathtaking along the whole route.





From the peak, viewing part of the trail below.





"We're almost there...we're almost there...how wonderful...".





Trees, mountains and water, somewhat dryer than previous visits (excluding the water, of course.)





Just loving it.




Harsh at rear, soft color in fore ground.



Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey

21.11 Oahu: Kuli'ou'ou Ridge Hike. 21.12 Pillbox Hike in Kailua with Ridge extension for miles.

These are two separate hikes in different parts of the island. It's worth mentioning that the ocean colors
appear artificial to the naked eye, not only through the camera.



Rabbit Island view from 2,000 feet above, Kuli'ou'ou Ridge.




Early stages of 'pillbox' climb in Kailua. We continued hiking up, over and down another 16 hills.





A walk in and above the suburbs giving and indication of the water colors.





The day after, we took an early morning hike before leaving for New Zealand, to capture the sunrise.
The position is similar to that of the picture above. A point we always make: Each day is different,
each part of the day varies.




An Oahu backdrop, always dramatic. The foreground is interesting, too.





As we came over the large hill (little mountain), the vista opened.




Bonny body coming through the rye, up and over and down; repeat 15 times.





Camera catches canoeists slacking.




Similar position from above but early the following morning—canoeists apparently quit but replaced
with a hot-shot team.




The only farmland we spotted from the cliff at Kuli'ou'ou; no wonder the vegetables are so much
more expensive than on the mainland.




The beach at Lanikai and we suppose, beach houses. The reefs are spotted easily.




Jenni commences the down trek after leaving the panoramic views from the ridge.
Camera facing the Honolulu side, behind is Kailua side and neighboring cities.




The ocean, beach and rock scenes are many and all color-filled.




Another aspect of Hawaii.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

21.09 Oahu West, Wai'anae Kai, Monster Mountains and trails. 21.10 Returning 'Koko Heads', an incredible sunrise. Plus Oahu Highlights.

You want brunch? Hands off hips and make your way up the slope, Editor. (Jen about to climb
the steepest part on a treacherous slope.)





Color must have been given to brighten our lives.





Editor becomes our number one photographer; fortunately, number two is still in a 'high' position.






The first part of hike (and last part) on a track; the rest, in a jungle of slopes. Currently, editor
running away from monster mountains...or.




Early Sunday morning on Koko Head. We woke at 5am and reached the summit at 6.33am. The complication
with this hike is that on each occasion, we are pressured into beating the previous time. Today, we achieved
our fastest time but are fearful for the next effort.






Number two trying to emulate editor...losing bet.





Some of the slopes were treacherous although camera 'lies' as it understates the angles.




A spectacular morning on Koko Head.





Trying out a new feature of the camera...interesting, we thought.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey


A few highlights from Oahu of the two weeks on the island.



After returning from Koko Head, Jenni absorbs the amazing 'blues'.





Olomana Peaks from a distance (pyramid shapes).





Olomana, close up...one of our favorite peaks to climb on the island.





Olomana at the rock-face.




Swells in color on the North Shore from part way up Keilia.




Diamond Head (crater) and Honolulu from Koko Head before sunrise.




Jenni returning on the other side of Koko Head crater, a separate hike.




Cooling off (down) after returning from Keilia climb; Rabbit Island is the backdrop.





Facing fear in gusting winds and backing down at natural arch bridge.




Jenni on track, heading down and home.




Editor quits the mountains, takes on the ocean...she'll be back.




Sunrise on a cliff...does life get any better?


There are another seven or eight blogs preceding this close-to-finale from Oahu, Hawaii.

Aloha!