A guidebook suggested that Hooker Lake Valley track has the best views in New Zealand. Bold statement, we thought. The qualification given is that on a cloudy day, ‘go somewhere else’. We left Wanaka and stayed in Twizel (Twizel?) overnight before heading for the ‘Big Cook’. It was the first poor weather day we have encountered this trip. As we only had a day planned for Mount Cook because of accommodation issues, we took a chance. Clearly, the views were below expectation but terrific and the hike was reasonable at 11kms but no real test. However, we had time to ponder the issues of life instead of gazing at the partly hidden scenery. Jenni perceptively mentioned that we saw more of Mount Cook from Wanaka (150 miles or so) than adjacent to it. This proved the point that from close-up, we need our glasses but at distance, the eyes are superb. Of course, our editor thought we were off base. What’s new?
Any rugby enthusiast will tell you the middle front-row-forward is the ‘hooker’. New Zealand is such a rugby crazy nation that a special region exists, we read somewhere, in which to train hookers. This player’s function is to hook the ball back to his team, in a manner of speaking. We were not surprised to learn that Hooker Valley is that training ground—obvious when one thinks about it. We would admit that we were a little surprised to read a bit of information from that same source, paraphrased somewhat: "New Zealand, a western egalitarian society, tries its best to treat all people equally and fairly. We understand that a certain class of ‘professional womenfolk’ is also groomed in this gorgeous valley in the art of hooking, tricks and other forms of etiquette."
We notice how ecologically conscious the people are in this part of the world or at least, the messages emanating from the DOC—not medical, the Department of Conservation. We see how pristine the land and lakes are and must give weight to the fact that its ideas are successful. We too, have decided to become more ecologically responsible. The lodging establishments encourage recycling, short showers, half and single toilet flushes and re-use of linen. Not for one minute are we suggesting that they are using ecology as a means of saving money. Nevertheless, we are applying the following steps in our routine:
In our first attempt at shortening showers, we decided to shower together. This could mean we almost halve our usage. In theory, it worked beautifully. However, in practice, it was such fun that we spent more time in the shower than could be considered necessary, hygienically speaking. In fact, we found ourselves showering three or four times a day. We couldn’t get Jenni to go hiking much. We needed another plan. We put our heads together and devised a new strategy. Jen now sits on our shoulders in the shower the one night and we reverse positions for the next. The advantage is not only does the support-person re-use the water but the soap as well. This is an extra saving, which excites us; we are thinking of making DOC aware of the potential.
Once out the shower, we share a towel or at least only a half. On very warm days, we might even get away with less than half a towel. We both agreed not to dry our...ears with the towel in order to maintain some degree of hygiene. Our savings continue...
Each morning, we look out of the window and see these beautiful, very large lakes. We try to gauge whether the levels have receded overnight. For, if they have, we take remedial action. It's important that we do our 'bit' for the country. Instead of drinking water, we partake of Diet Coke and then we spend the day in the wilds maintaining the underground water table. The lakes’ color is extraordinary shades of blue. This presents quite a challenge as we don’t seem to be able to filter our liquid to match. Nevertheless, we continue to persevere. We are thinking of mixing our drinks.
On our recent hike, we learned of the 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' method. Why flush our waste down the toilet each time, we considered. Instead, we use a plastic bag as they suggest on many hikes in America and New Zealand. We carry the 'container' and then periodically empty it, performing just one flush. With a little bit of effort, much deodorant and perfume, the system is working quite well. We do hope DOC will be proud of us.
One big question we have is: 'The South Island is covered in exceptionally large lakes. For whom are they conserving all the water?' Periodically, we become rebellious and ask these stupid questions. What can we do?
Now if the sun would break through the clouds, we wouldn’t bother you with this nonsense. In the meantime, Jenni has called us for our mid-morning shower…yahoo!
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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