21.27 Wanaka: Grand Overview Mountain hike, an approach from the east. 21.28 Temple Basin, Arthurs Pass

Jenni turns while heading up the mountain to catch the early fall coloring.





From the east, we look towards Aspiring and its neighbors.



Hike-about has always provided opportunities to meet people from all over the world, many so interesting
that one often walks away from a discussion motivated and perhaps, excited. These meetings occur frequently
and we certainly hope for many more. A few weeks ago, after arriving at a motel in Manapouri, we began conversing
with our neighbors, an English couple, Karin and Allan. They each own and live on a boat on the canals of England.
We met another couple in Grindelwald a while back who first told us about the canal system being used
for residences. We remember studying economic history in which the system was discussed. Horse drawn barges allowed
for commerce to flourish with the transportation of merchandise throughout the land. According to Allan, there are
two thousand miles of canals in relatively small England. Anyway, both Karin and Allen are fascinating people and
after a couple of discussions and laughs with them, we walked away feeling uplifted and in good spirits. Thank you.




Bold and quite beautiful, the mountains are beginning to receive a nightly dusting of snow.




We spot a glacier from across the valley as we approach the peak, Arthurs Pass.





We've had some wonderful cloud formations. We began this 2,400 feet climb in dull weather
and basked in sunshine at the peak.



We also mentioned in an earlier blog how many different nationals we've met and some of the conversations
that transpired. The locals are fascinating and we are only now getting to a stage when we can distinguish
between an Australian and New Zealand accent. On the 'Great Walks', these are the famous hikes or tramps
of the country, there are mainly young people. However, a surprising number of elderly including a few older
than ourselves participate, too. The Australians and New Zealanders, or at least those we have met and observed,
are tough.




Jenni crests a steep section on the way to peak at Arthurs Pass.





You put your one foot out, the other over...It's quite fascinating to find ourselves
on our own in the vast open and high spaces in many (few actually) parts of the world.




There's not always fire where there's smoke.




We met a couple who appeared to be a little older than ourselves. He looked like his legs had seen
much better days—they were heavily strapped, wrapped and wobbly. However, at a slow pace, he made it
up and down. Although we did the Kepler hike in a different way from the usual, we undertook the interesting
parts and then turned around before entering the rainforest. Three days later, we decided to head out to walk
part of the hike from the opposite side, the part we had skipped. On the way, we came across the very same
couple we had been with five days earlier. They were not that slow but doubled up on time spent in each hut.
Nevertheless, it was good to see them again. They mentioned that in order to build strength for the hike they
frequented the gym regularly. However, they did it with a difference. They filled their backpacks with
full gear and strapped them to their backs while on the treadmill. Is that enthusiasm or ...?





This was a very shy flock and 'dirty'. They were quick off the mark once they spotted us.





Back to Arthurs Pass. Quite dramatic.



At a backpackers motel we bumped into Emunah (“Faith”), a woman of twenty-one years. This Israeli
is traveling around New Zealand before heading to Australia to visit her brother, one of ten siblings. She is
hitching and hiking on her own, all possessions carried on her back. This young woman, with a wonderful smile
and inner-strength, makes us blush because of her courage and sense of adventure.

We were in a motel office and recognized an American accent. Jack Denson had arrived on South Island
to ride his bike, fully laden, all over the land. Jenni invited him to share supper with us
that evening (I was included.) Technically, we were three Americans meeting in Picton, New Zealand,
two on foot, one on wheels. We guessed his age perhaps a year or two younger than ourselves.
During dinner, while telling a story, he happened to say, "When I was 65..."

"Why, Jack, how old are you?" We both exclaimed. Seventy five years old.




Struggling up to the top of the ski-slope after first reaching a summit. Always looks less steep than it is.
(One of us crossing a stony part.)




Some rough, tough and very bold mountains creating the need for a pass.



We are often in awe of the people we meet and see undertaking some incredible things, reaching unbelievable
figurative heights. The world is filled with many, many people; on the positive side, each has a contribution
to make. Then there are much fewer who are leaders (not in the formal sense), setting standards and reaching
levels of accomplishment that makes one feel humble but filled with admiration. They also provide inspiration and encouragement—something we all need—positive role models in places few of us search. The more we travel
and the more it takes place in the wide-open spaces, the more we expand and test our minds and challenge our bodies.
What a world available out there.

Then there's the guy who needs to hike or run up fifty peaks in fifty days. Thank goodness there are so many
crazy people in the world—it gives one something for which to aspire. Good 'crazy' is an ideal.


Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey