Jen negotiates a small stream in torrid conditions weighed down with a full pack. Tough girl.
We headed out on another of the 'Great Walks' of New Zealand, the famous Routeburn Tramp. We packed gear, food
and all the essentials but for our swimsuits. How could we forget them? Perhaps because of carrying heavy back-
packs, the editor showed mercy and left them behind. However, if ever we needed them, it was for this outing.
In the hut on the first night, we met a young Welsh couple. We ended up spending most of the time in the communal
kitchen, conversing with them. (The kitchen was filled with hikers, boots around a fireplace, clothes hanging on
every hook, nook and cranny.) When we first noticed Naomi, something struck us as odd. What was Natalie doing in
New Zealand? Yes, the young woman, a little younger than our daughter, looked much like her and displayed similar
expressions, too. It's nice to see Nat elsewhere, especially on a hike. Andy, her husband, partner, boyfriend, mate
...we don't know how to define the multi-relationship types these days. Anyway, he had a striking resemblance to
Prince William of Great Britain. That night we looked in the mirror to see who we were in case the rain had changed
our appearance. Suffice to say, the water did not make us any different nor did we melt. Perhaps we are a little
stronger.
The next day, we decided to change plans as the rain was even worse than the day before and the forecast
was terrible. So we turned around earlier than we had planned and completed the fourteen kilometers in good time,
arriving at the car, soaked, cold, without feeling in the hands but surprisingly, in good spirits. I think we
must like this 'hiking business'.
Two days of hiking and there are very few photographs of this memorable experience. Sometimes, it goes that way.
We have included a video of the color from Oahu, Hawaii following the Routeburn display.
The Earland Falls is impressive by any standard.
Prisoner number 28...hiker warm and comfortable after listening to a snorer for eight hours.
Our bunk in Mackenzie Hut.
The spray from the Earland Falls as we cross it exacerbates the soaking we 'enjoyed'.
The water barrels over this more than 1,000 feet fall.
Fellow reaches over for a glass of water hoping for something stronger.
Jen stretches out as she sees a hut come into view while the rain keeps on pounding.
We interrupt the rain for feeding.
The water just keeps on coming and coming...
Caught in the headlamps like a deer, a little less fleet-footed as I negotiate my way out of bed
and into the rain. Are we having fun yet?
To end on a bright note, we walked along Lake Te Anau to absorb warmth and color and in case we
did not get enough...water, too.
Video follows below:
Click on screen icon, right lower corner, for full screen.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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